Volume 49, Issue 1 Rio Americano High School . Sacramento, CA August 27, 2010MIRADAthe

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THIS ISSUE

New VPs bringe change to schoolPage 3

Band travels to Argentina to perform and explore

Page 6

Link leaders launch new freshmen orientation program

photo by sarah vaira

The end of August brings a new school year for everyone, but even more so for the fresh-men as they begin a new chapter of their lives. Above, freshman Christian McGlade stands at the beginning of his own high school journey. This moment is represented through the Link Leader activty “64 Squares,” where freshmen must navigate their way through an unkown path with the help of their peers and mentors.

NEW FEATURE: Students with unique rooms

Page 11

see coverage of first day of school on back page

Check out all articles and pictures at www.riomirada.com

ONLINE

News August 27, 2010Page 2• The Mirada

Dear Mirada readers,

Sunday SaturdayFriday ThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMonday

Grrr...welcome to the Jungle! Let out your wild side at the back to school dance and rally.7-11 in the small gym

Join your fellow seniors with your friends and family at the Senior Picnic Don’t forget your checkered blanket!

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Freshman of-ficer speeches at lunch

Voice your opinion at the Freshman officer elections

Come support the Fresh-man for their first game against Jesuit3:30 at Rio

Bring your friends and family to enjoy the BBQ and support our boys at the first home game vs. Jesuit

Labor Day

No School!!!

Rosh Hashanah

Football at Woodland

Run for the Rio Stadium at the annual Buffalo chips stampede

Hope you practiced your pose because today’s picture make-up day

Back to School Nightyou know what that means....Minimum Day!

Monterey Jazz Festival

Yon Kippur

Monterey Jazz Festival

Yon Kippur

Monterey Jazz Festival

Take a chance and get involved! Clubs will be ad-vertising there awesome activities at lunch all this week because its RUSH WEEK

RUSH WEEK RUSH WEEK RUSH WEEK RUSH WEEK Today’s the last day to check out those crazy clubs you know you want to join

SAT/ACT Practice TestDon’t miss the oppor-tunity to experience the real thing with no strings attached

Join the band for a rockin’ time at the year’s first Small Ensemble Night

Second Saturday A great opportunity to make new friends and experience the art and culture of our same old city

You made a good choice by picking up the first issue of the 2010-2011 volume of the Mirada! We are confident that this publication will be the first of many successful papers issued throughout the course of this school year. In case you haven’t noticed, the Mirada has undergone a few changes since the last time you may have read it. For starters, one of our main goals for the year is to keep the student population more informed on events that truly pertain to their lives. Our first step in accomplishing this is guaranteeing the appearance of a detailed monthly calendar on the second page of every issue complete with school dances, sporting events, and a few ideas on how to have fun off-campus. However, in additon to keeping everyone updated, we also promise to strive to keep you all entertained. We can only do our best to predict what readers will enjoy the most, but in order to maximize contentment, we will need your help. This is the year to finally tell the Mirada staff what you’ve always wanted to see in the paper, whether it be more student profiles, music reviews, photos, or anything else your heart desires. The Mirada has always been an award-winning publication and we hope to do it the most justice we possibly can!

We look forward to hearing from you! This will be a great year!Mirada Editors-in-Chief

Alex Kleeman, Jessie Shapiro, and Sarah Vaira

Aug. 28

Aug. 29 Aug. 30 Aug. 31

Oct. 1 Oct. 2

News Page 3• The Mirada

Vice principal Whitaker back in action JESSICA OBERT

Locker fees worth the splurge

New to the school? So is this charge.

There is now a $5 fee in order to have a locker.

At first I did not understand the necessity of paying five dollars for something so necessary and in dis-posable as a locker. Up until this point, their price has been taken for granted, and our careless use of them has caught up to us.

But thanks to the budget cuts, a progressing recession, and down-right dirty lockers that are literally falling apart, the school went to what they knew they could count on, the wallets of students and parents.

Because many lockers are broken and therefore out of use, as well as the fact that many schools in the district no longer have lockers available to students, the school has decided to mandate a fee in hope of restoring the lock-ers’ dismal shape.

In the end, the maintenance bills are losing ground to the al-ways quickening pace of the decay of the lockers.

Though the idea of paying money for something that has been given to us for years is not exactly a happy thought, think I will just go ahead and pay the five.

Although the fee might have you questioning how much you actually use a locker, think about the days when you have that huge project, an abundance of birthday treats, a duffel bag full of soccer clothes, or a new set of textbooks that will have you in a back brace if you carry them one step further.

It is times like these that $5 will seem like the most insignificant price.

And let’s be honest, when was the last time you cleaned out your purse or peeked under the couch cushions, you’ll be surprised at how quickly five dollars will mate-rialize.

So instead of going with your probable first instinct, that paying for a locker is ridiculous and noth-ing you would like to be a part of, think again about the true benefits of this age-old device.

Settled and comfortable

in his office, it is clear that returning vice principal Chuck Whitaker is no stranger to Rio Americano High School.

Whitaker is at ease after his two year absence from Rio during which he worked as the principal of Encina High School. Leaning back in his chair, Whitaker casually laughs about his magic eight ball on his desk. “It’s how I make all my important decisions,” Whitaker jokes. Whitaker’s fate to work at Rio seemed to be made by a magic eight ball, as he was transferred unexpectedly. “I was surprised I was placed here, but I’m glad to be back.” Whitaker said. During Whitaker’s previ-ous employment at Rio he worked as VP and supervised athletics and foreign languages. This time around, Whitaker is supervising AVID and social studies. “I will also be doing less dis-cipline,” Whitaker said, “I have a smaller alphabet, G-N.”

Whitaker is not only familiar with Rio but also familiar with the entire field of education. His career began 20 years ago at Mesa Verde High School, where he worked as a social studies teacher. After work-ing as a teacher, he became an

administrator. Despite Whitaker’s success, he had not always imagined himself as a educator. Whitaker attended UCLA with intentions of becoming a TV weatherman. But like the weather, things change.

“In college I just started taking history classes, then all of a sudden I got the teaching bug.”Whitaker graduated with a major in social studies, and the rest is ‘history.”

After a two year absence, vice principal Chuck Whitaker returns to school with some new tricks up his sleeve. He shows off his magic eight ball, his most cutting edge administrative tool.

By Sarah VairaEditor-in-chief

photo by sarah vaira/editor in chief

New vice principal arrives from El CaminoBy Jessie Shapio

Editor-in-chiefWhen it comes to inter-

highschool rivalries, the No. 1 rule of being a Rio Raider is to never trust an El Camino Ea-gle. However, this policy must change as the school welcomes former EC football coach of 15 years, Howard Cadenhead, as one of two new vice principals.

Cadenhead was born and raised in Marysville, Calif., until he attended Sacramento State University to receive his degree in English. From there he went on to teach computers, English and physical education at El Camino.

Even with a busy schedule Cadenhead has always kept time for his family, his wife and three sons--a nine year-old and two seven year-old twins.

Although very happy at El Camino, Cadenhead had al-ways wanted to break into the administrative side of educa-tion.

At the end of last year a position became available at Rio and Cadenhead decided to make the change.

“I didn’t know a lot about Rio coming into the job. I was

familiar with its athletics be-cause of football, I had taught summer school here and I knew there was a CIVITAS program, but that was about it,” Cadenhead said.

Having been the football coach, it is undeniable that Cadenhead’s loyalty with EC was strong, but when asked about with which school his heart will truly lie he is certain in saying that he “will do ev-erything [I] can to be success-ful here and to help make Rio successful as well.”

Cadenhead later jokingly admits that his policy may have an exception: Rio vs. El Camino football games.

“I’ll always want the stu-dents I’ve worked with for so long to succeed, so it will definitely be conflicting.”

Cadenhead certainly hopes to establish close relation-ships such as these with Rio students as well. “I want every student to know that they can be comfortable around me. I hope some students come up and introduce themselves to be. I want to always be very accessible.”

After a two year absence, vice principal Chuck Whitaker returns to school with some new tricks up his sleeve. He shows off his magic eight ball, his most cutting edge administrative tool.

photo by jessie shapiro/editor in chief

August 27, 2010

News

September 26, 201012 p.m.

William B. PondRecreation Area

American River ParkwayGo to http://www.mustardseedspin.org

to register to ride

VOLUNTEER!If you don’t want to ride, the Mustard Seed Spin is also a great community service opportunity. Have fun and help support the homeless children of Sac-ramento by donating your time.

Email us at volunteer@mustardseedspin.org or call us at (916 )342-6437 for more information about this great volunteering opportunity

OR

Mustard Seed Spin

Adjustments made to Capital Athletic LeagueWhat do you think of the changes

in the league?David Deloney 12 Varsity Basketball“It’s nice to have change, but I will miss the old rivalries with Del Campo and Bella Vista.”

Luke Pazdernik 12Varsity Baseball“I think they’re good; its makes the league easier. Now we don’t have to deal with Del Campo and their players.”

Emma Severson 12Varsity Soccer“It will be fun playing with the new teams, and I’m excited for the new competition. And I’m glad to be getting rid of Casa.”

By Alex KleemannEditor-in-chief

Page 4• The Mirada August 27, 2010

Sports are on a whole new playing field. Every four years, the San-Joaquin section reorganizes all the leagues in the region to im-prove competitive balance among high school teams. This year Rio will compete against Antelope, Cordova, El Camino, Mira Loma, and Whitney in the Division III Capital Athletic League.

The new league leaves out old rivals, Del Campo and Bella Vista, but brings in some great new competi-tors. Sport’s players under-stand the need to mix up competition and welcome the changes, but admit they will miss old rivals.

“I like the idea about playing new teams but I will miss the high intensity games against Bella Vista,” senior varsity soccer player Jason Estrella said.

Some fear, the competi-tion simply won’t be the same with the new teams.

“I’m gonna miss the

rivalry with Bella Vista and Del Campo. I don’t think we will build that kind of com-petitiveness with Antelope, Cordova, and Whitney,” senior varsity basketball player Zane Alajou said.

Senior varsity basketball player, Blake Bender is not phased by the new com-petition and still has high expectations for this year’s team.

“It will definitely be a lot different, we're losing rivalries between us and Bella Vista and Del Campo, but I believe we have them scheduled for one non-league game each,” Bender said. “We played Antelope in the summer and they’re a worthy opponent; however, I don’t think we'll have a problem winning the league title for a second year in a row.”

The changes in the league leave out old rivals, but pro-vides opportunity for some fresh competition.

Calif. Exit Exam scores released

By Tate RountreeMirada Staff

The majority of Sac-ramento’s 10th graders managed to pass the 2010 California High School Exit Exam. Students must pass the exam before their four years of high school are up, in order to receive a high school diploma.

Hiram Johnson’s 10th graders scored the worst out of all the high schools in the six-county surrounding re-gions in the English portion. In addition, they were the fifth worst locally in math, having 32 percent of 10th graders not passing.

92 percent of Rio students passed the English portion of the exam, and 77 percent scored proficient and above.

In the math section, 91 percent passed, and 72 per-cent scored proficient and above.

While Bella Vista, a known rival, exceeded our scores. 94 percent of stu-dents passed the English section. 92 percent passed the math portion.

Opinion August 27, 2010 Page 4• The Mirada

We want to hear from you!Any and all suggestions to improve the Mirada, guest articles, and story ideas

are gladly accepted!

Please submit to our email or to room A3

themirada2011@gmail.com

The Mirada Rio Americano High

School4540 American River Drive

Sacramento, CA 95864(916)-971-8921 ext. 80www.riomirada.com

themirada2011@gmail.com

Editors-in-ChiefAlex KleemannJessie ShapiroSarah Vaira

Staff WritersDanielle ArbiosJarett HartmanKyle MoralesJessica ObertTate Rountree

AdviserMichael Mahoney

mmahoney@sanjuan.eduRoom A3

The Mirada is the independent voice of the students and a forum for diverse ideas published by Rio Americano’s newspaper class.

The Mirada welcomes story ideas, comics, letter to the editor, and opinion pieces. Submit articles and letters to the box in room A3 or the main office. Un-signed editorials represent the views of the Mirada editorial board,

Opinion articles and letters to the editor are the views of the individual writer and not necessarily the views of the Mirada or Rio Americano High School.

We welcome advertis-ing, but reserve the right to refuse any ad.

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This Newspaper

Freshmen are here to stay, “Go Home” chant is leaving

Our View

drawing by barbara kalustian/guest artist

The infamous chant “Go Home Freshmen” has been a staple of the first year of high school supposedly meant to initiate the young-est class onto campus.

However, this tradition has come to an abrupt halt. In the past it was always known that the administra-tion disapproved of this “hazing like activity,” but they always seemed to turn their heads. Finally, the problem is being confront-ed head on with a threat from Principal Ginter and the VPs to cancel the next rally if the chant is heard.

Although some freshmen claim that hearing the cheer is excit-ing and marks the start of the next four years of their life, there are some who truly take the words of the up-perclassmen offensively.

Uncomfortable is an understate-ment when describing how intimi-dating the roar of 1200 high school students can make one feel.

Yelling “Go Home Freshmen” may yield a minor confidence boost as it is proof you are moving up the high school food chain. But while the cheer provides a slight lift in the egos of upper-classmen, it crushes those it

is aimed at. In addition to ruining the confi-

dence of younger students, this chant may also cause the rest of the school to loose one or more of the already few rallies we have throughout the year. Now aware of the consequences of this chant, one should weigh the benefits compared to the punishment.

How much do we really gain from the telling the freshmen to go home? Whether we like it or not, the fresh-men are not going anywhere. In fact, they will be spending more time here than the rest of the campus will be.

It really comes down to a simple

pro-con list. The pros being that up until now chanting “Go Home Fresh-men” has been seen as a right of pas-sage…and well, that is about it. The cons, however, include losing one or more rallies, deteriorating self-esteem of those new to our school, and most likely a lengthy lecture from adminis-tration.

You decide, but maybe it is time to celebrate moving up in the high school ranks in a non-hazing man-ner—one that will not cause us to suffer unfortunate consequences.

Travel August 27, 2010Page 6• The Mirada

Oh, the places Rio goes!School trips span the globe as students travel to Belgium, Italy, Argentina and more.

Band program takes students to Argentina to experience the life, culture, and music of South America.

According to its members, the best part about being in band, besides playing great mu-sic, is taking part in other band activities such as the Playathon, Small Ensemble night, and be-ing recognized as one of the best high school bands in the coun-try is getting to travel the world.

On June 14, the school's Honors Concert Band boarded the plane for Argentina.

"It was one of the most amaz-ing trips of my life," senior Chris Choi said.

After a 14 hour plane ride down to South America, 38 ju-niors, seniors and graduates, along with 11 chaperones, ar-rived in Buenos Aires where they began their 12 day adven-

ture.“Buenos Aires is one of the

most beautiful and interesting cities I’ve ever been to,” Choi said.

In addition to sight-seeing, the group experienced Argen-tinian culture. They visited a Gaucho Ranch and tangoed un-til dawn at a discoteca called La Virtua Dance Club. To prepare for the dancing, many band members took beginners’ tango lessons at Tango by the River in Old Sacramento before the trip.

"Dancing does not start in Argentina until midnight, but we took more salsa and tango lessons while we were at the club," senior Veronica Molina said. "The club was simply an amazing experience, especially since I love dancing so much."

Even though the band got to experience so many other cul-tural things in Argentina, the main purpose for the trip was to play music. The band played at two famous concert halls: Teatro de Indepdencia and Sacultad de Derecho.

After staying in Buenos Aires for six days, the students trav-eled to Mendoza, Argentina for two days.

“The best concert was in Mendoza in the Teatro de Inde-pencia,” junior Annie Chernich said. “The energy in the room was so high, and the crowd loved us. That night explained to me why I pursue music.”

The band members also had two homestays with Argentin-ian families in Buenos Aires on days three and four and again

on day nine.“Homestays offer a window

into the lives and culture of strangers,” senior Miles Roberto said. “The two in Argentina were no exception, except that I felt like family.”

Also during the trip, the group ventured to Uruguay on June 24 for the day, arriv-ing in Colonia del Sacramento. There, they explored the town, shopped, ate and looked at his-torical landmarks.

Some students liked Uruguay better than Argentina.

“I enjoyed Argentina, but I more so enjoyed our day trip to Uruguay,” senior Lauren Ko-hatsu said. “The quaint colonial town was a nice escape from the city. Even my homestay family owned a second home in Uru-

guay!”In addition, the students

played at Notorious Jazz Club in Buenos Aires on June 24.

“It was especially meaning-ful to me because it was the last performance I got to play with this specific band, and I got to do it headlining at an awesome jazz club in Argentina,” senior Jarrett Tracy said.

Out of all the places that some of the band members have been, Argentina was the most unforgettable for the students.

“Argentina really opened my eyes to a whole new life and made me appreciate how differ-ent and spectacular it is in other countries,” Molina said.

photo courtesy of chris choiClockwise from left: 1. Senior Lauren Kohatsu meets a Gaucho on an espancia, an Argentinian cattle ranch. 2. Seniors Jarret Tracy and Kristin Kramer tango at La Virtua in Buenos Aires. 3. Students pose as a group in the Andes.

photo courtesy of sean shelton

photo courtesy of sean shelton

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By Danielle ArbiosMirada Staff

More than just the music:

August 27, 2010 Page 7• The Mirada

This summer, seniors Janine Terra and Alex Yankauer and other Rio students spent two weeks as foreign exchange stu-dents in Belgium.They lived in a city called

Aarschot in northern Belgium for two weeks with host families.

The program, which picks its stu-dents through the Damian Institute in Aarschot, allows American students to travel to Beligium after hosting a Bel-gian foreign exchange student in the United States.

“Basically, it was an exchange between the Damian Institute in Aarschot and various kids from local high schools in Sacramento, including Rio, McClatchy, Christian Brothers, St. Francis, and El Camino,” senior Alex Yankauer said.

The program allows American students to host a Belgian exchange student in their homes, and then American students would be hosted by Belgian families.

“[My exchange student Lio and I] could not have been a better match,” Terra said. “I think that if I had gotten any other girl my experience would not have been as wonderful as it was.”

In Belgium, Terra and Yankauer spent time mostly with their hosts and their families’ friends. They spent time exploring the cities of Belgium and even made a trip to neighboring coun-tries. They also spent time with their fellow exchange students during day trips to Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, and Brugge.

“In Brussels we visited NATO and then went to the Royal Palace and Bel-gian Parliament,” Yankauer said. “In Brugge, we took a boat ride around the canals of the city, since it's considered the Venice of the North.”

Though it was their second time traveling to Belgium, Terra and Yankauer still spent much of their stay discovering the small cultural differ-ences between Belgium and the United States.

“They have a much more relaxed and laid-backed mentality compared to America, while also being very respon-sible,” Yankauer said.

“Every single little thing is a little bit different,” Terra said. “You really have to experience it for yourself to under-stand. Everything from light switches to the way they eat is different in some way.”

The most memorable part of the trip for Janine, however, was simply getting to know the people.

“I love the people,” Terra said. “We could have been in the middle of nowhere with zom-bies chasing us and I would have had the time of my life. I have never connected with so many people in such a short amount of time.”

For Terra, the times she spent bonding with the Belgians were the moments which she will re-member for her entire life. Be-coming close with new family and friends on the other side of the globe was a reason to travel in the first place.

“We took these hideous charter buses with no air conditioning ev-

erywhere,” Terra said. “I think that the best bonding times were spent in those muggy buses. Being that close to so many people for hours can really bring you all closer together.”

For Yankauer, however, the impor-tance of the trip came from not only from making friends on an interna-tional level, but with his fellow Ameri-cans as well.

“My favorite part of the trip has always been the people and the con-nections I’ve made with not just the Belgians but also the other Americans I never would’ve met with otherwise.”

After all of her experiences, Terra said that she can’t wait until she can re-unite with her friends in Europe once again.

“I left some of my best friends back in Belgium and I can’t wait until next year when I can go back!” Terra said.

Student’s experience in the land of ‘Pisa’ goes beyond delicious foodCiao Bella

One of the most recogniz-able iconic images and an obligatory tourist photo opt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is an automatic edition to any trav-elers bucket list. However, in-stead of seeing the tower purely for the sake of the mandatory visit, a lucky combination of fate and fearlessness lead to an

experience I will never forget.

On the morn-

ing of our fifth day in Italy, our travels led us to the town of Pisa. A group of friends and I felt especially brave and made the bold decision to climb the spiraling staircase to the top of the leaning tower.

In order to enter the tower, it was required to purchase tick-ets for a certain time slot, as the amount of visitors allowed up was strictly regulated. Due to various traveling factors, there was a mix up with tickets among my friends and sudden-

ly I found myself beginning the hike up the stairs completely alone.

As I began climbing the stairs, I became more nervous and excited with each step I took. The higher I ascended, the narrower the hallways be-came, the lower the ceiling dropped, and more noticeable became the lean. But despite the precarious circumstances, I pressed on.

Anticipation and anxiety built inside as I made my way

up the final passage leading to the top. Although I was nearly bursting with apprehension, nothing could have prepared me for the thrill I was to feel moments later.

The panoramic view of the Italian city and surrounding country side from 183 feet above the ground was abso-lutely breathtaking. However, the real thrill stemmed from the independence of complete solitude.

By Sarah VairaEditor-in- Chief

Waffles anyone? Belgium exchange provides a chance to experience life in a new country

photo courtesy of janine terraSenior Blake Thomas, a student besides Terra and Yankauer on the trip, smiles as he fully embraces the tourist experience by buying an extra-large bagette during the daytrip to Paris.

photo courtesy of janine terraBelgians take their waffles very seriously. This delicious spread displays the variety of waffles they make.

By Jarett HartmannMirada Staff

sarah vaira/ editor-in-chief

Top: Panoramic shot from the top of the Leaning Tower of PIsa. Below: An elaborate horse drawn carriage takes a rest in front of the tower.

photo courtesy of chris choi

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Travel

Travel August 27, 2010Page 8• The Mirada

Honduran adventure becomes more than an ordinary service trip

Heading off for my summer in Honduras, I had no idea what to expect. Disease, poverty, com-municating in a foreign language; there were so many things I was supposed to be prepared for and yet so many fears ingrained in my head. I spent nearly nine months preparing for my trip that flew by in six weeks.

Last October, I became involved with AMIGOS de las Americas, a nonprofit organization that sends students to countries across Latin America to live in communities and participate in leadership and community service projects for six to eight weeks. Volunteers live with host families and work with one to two other AMIGOS volunteers in remote villages where they collabo-rate with local youth and commu-nity leaders on tangible, sustainable community development projects .

Within my first few days in Hon-duras at briefing in La Paz, I was matched with my partner Bridget, a crunchy blond from Boston with questionable Spanish skills, and my remote (my parents couldn’t even locate it on Google Earth) commu-nity Planitos, a tiny mountain town with a total population of 320 peo-ple (less than my senior class).On the last day of briefing, Bridget and I met our youth counterparts Marta and Carmelina, two silent, 17-year-old girls from Planitos in charge of introducing us to the community and helping us with the Commu-nity Based Initiative ,the project decided on and worked on by the community members with the help and support of us, the AMIGOS volunteers.

We took a bus from La Paz and before we knew it we were rushed off the bus and onto the side of the road with our still silent com-panions. From the highway all we could see was a pulperia (grocery store) and miles of coffee and ba-nana farms covering the mountain-ous terrain. From there we lugged our nearly 50 pound bags--one in front, one in back--up a narrow dirt road flanked by seemingly endless fincas (farms) as Marta and Carme-lina walked a good twenty paces be-hind us. Just around the bend was

the center of town, a total of three buildings--the iglesia (church), the casa comunal (community room), and Leslie’s pulperia. Our host houses were just down a narrow dirt path off the main road.

The tension was thick when I reached my house. It seemed that Marta’s 9 family members, the Cas-tillo’s, were just as reserved as she was. My host mother, Lilia, led me through the three-bedroom-house to my room, a small square room with a big bed, an empty bookshelf, and a cement brick wall adorned with a large Jesus Towel. Expect-ing I would have to use my cot in the middle of a crowded room like some of the stories I had heard from past volunteers, I was so humbled to have a real bed and my own private space in such a full house. Privacy is relative though. With no real windows, the wood shutter was always opened out onto the porch during the day, and as I started un-packing I got the first taste of the constant visits from the eight chil-dren living in the house at that time (their ages ranged from 10 to 24). Despite their curiosity, they always respected me.

I did not expect the difficulty of simply living in a foreign place and how far away I would feel with out any communication with home whatsoever. My biggest challenge wasn’t the Dengue epidemic, living in relative poverty, or purifying my water everyday, it was simply get-ting used to living in a completely new place without the support sys-tem of the people I know and love. Soon enough, everything changed.

I miss the mornings the most. The minute I opened my door and window, my 10-year-old brother Moises would come cheerfully in and sit next to me as I did my sum-mer reading and Lilia would bring me cafe y pan ( coffee and sweet bread), as my 12-year-old sister Marixa would pop by the window to ask for a hair tie before rushing off to colegio (middle school) in the next town. It was then that I began to feel part of the family.

As time went on, life got much easier. Francis, the 34 year old PLAN International (a children’s development organization corre-spondent for the town, was like a mother to Bridget and me. She took

us into her heart and introduced us to her culture and community with open arms. Her strength and acceptance motivated and inpsired us. She tirelessly organized the community and solidified the ties between Planitos and us the Ami-gos volunteers. With out a word of English, Francie communicated with us through her passion.

After a few meetings, Bridget and I and the community members were able to decide on a project: a caseta (bus stop), which gave us a purpose in the community. In Pla-

nitos, when it rains, life stops; but the bus stop would allow communi-ty members as well as visitors to get where they need to go (they didn’t have the luxury of personal cars, there was only one car in the entire town) even in the pouring rain or scorching heat.

We were finally getting used to the rhythm of campo (country) life. With only one teacher and 80 pu-pils, we were especially needed to help out at the escuela (school). We taught lessons about the environ-ment and played futbol with the

kids during free time. We ate with a different family every day, and as time went on became closer and closer to the community. And by the second week we were already beginning to understand what was going on in the telenovelas (soap operas that they watch religiously).

By our third week, we were al-ready considering our other two projects, a vegetable garden at the school, which ended up more like a small farm, and cleaning up and painting the Kinder (pre-school). I was particularly excited about the garden. Vegetables were very ex-pensive and hard to get for most of the community members, and their diets suffered as a consequence. The vegetable garden would not only provide an income for the youth group,who was completely responsible for caring for it, but also a richer and more varied diet for the school children, many of whom suffered from malnutrition. All of our projects were a great suc-cess. While none were completely finished in the time we were there, the support, participation, and pas-sion of the community members in each of the projects made for the most successful and sustainable outcome imaginable. The day be-fore we left, the youth group was al-ready preparing pastelitos (yummy Honduran treats) to fundraise for future projects.

However it wasn’t the projects that made this trip so amazing, just as it wasn’t the pressures of a third world country that made it so chal-lenging. It was the people I met, and my new support system that changed my life this summer.

After an amazing six weeks, I left Planitos carrying nothing on my back though I was carrying a hundred new friends in my heart. What a difference from that first frightening, lonely trek up a foreign road, a hundred pounds of trepida-tion and supplies on my back with a unfamiliar Amiga and two timid, ill at ease guides in tow. I was now de-parting down that same path with more than 20 marvelous amigos by my side who were carrying my bags and treating me as if they had known me for years. My six week stay in Honduras was so much more than an ordinary service trip

By Alex KleemannEditor-in- Chief

ALEX KLEEMANN/ mirada staff

Three-year-old Jordan Castillo poses while eating a banana as Kleemann stands behind him carry-ing a bag of beans up the mountain from the finca.

Kleemann poses with family and friends in front of the bus stop for one last photo before leaving for the states.

Ninos from Planitos stand behind the fence around the Kinder.PLAN correspondent Francis makes flour tortillas for baleadas to serve for breakfast to her six kids and Amigos Bridget Dooley and Alex Kleemann.

Features Page 9• The MiradaAugust 27, 2010

What’s going on in Sacramento?

Anything that lasts a decade, will inevitably go through a few changes. The once chart-topping reality series American Idol is no exception. Not only will the show feature an almost entirely new line-up of judges, it has also added a new stop on their road through the preliminary auditions: Sacramento’s own Arden Fair Mall.

On Tuesday August 17, approxi-mately 500 idol hopefuls lined up around the upper level of the mall outside of Nordstrom’s, looking down upon Fox 40’s temporary stage.

Hopefuls were given a stingy al-lotment of 10 seconds upstairs to impress a panel of judges in the first round of screening.

If given the ‘okay’ contestants had made it into the second round, where they would perform on the actual stage for this time thirty seconds.

After a long day of auditions, the top five contestants competed in a fi-nal round where only one, in this case

Arielle White, a 23 year old hair-stylist, received a golden ticket.

However, unlike what we see on TV, this golden ticket did not lead to Hol-lywood. Instead, only to the near-by San Francisco, where she will face more lines, more judging, and more than likely rejection.

The road to glory on American Idol is a long one, and perhaps the process is growing too tedious to hold the attention of viewers or even past judges. During their ninth season, their ratings were the lowest since their first season in 2001.

In addition, the show’s panel lost Paula Abdul in 2008, and 2009 was the last year for not only newer judges Kara Dioguardi and Ellen Degeneres, but also American Idol staple, Simon

Cowell. Although the decision to sud-

denly hold auditions in Sacramento is unknown, it is clear that the show is trying to switch things up in order to stay afloat throughout their 2010 season.

Perhaps the preliminary Arden Fair Mall rounds have played a part in the show’s transformation.

Preliminary American Idol auditions grace Arden Fair Mall

1st place: La Fiesta PPPPPLa Fiesta’s perfectly toasted and seasoned burrito was the clear winner of the four. Lots of guac, the perfect amount of cheesy, and a great sauce, this burrito had the perfect balance of flavors for the true burrito conosuer. Not to mention it was only $5.45 (less than chipotle) for a nice sized burrito. The cool, open atmosphere and midtown location, make this a great spot to hit with your friends before a night of fun or when you just need a good burrito.Located at 1105 Alhambra Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95618 and 7951 Greenback Ln, Citrus Heights, CA 95610

Editors’ pick of the month:

Burritos

photos by sarah vaira/editor-in-chief

Tired of the usual? Go beyond Chipotle with these forgotten favorites!

4th: Rey Azteca PPPRey Azteca is the most under appreciated of the four. Although the building is adorned with orange paint, this Sacramento classic is hidden between a Valero gas station and a mechanic shop on Fair Oaks Blvd. But for such a small place, they serve meals of epic proportions. Rey Azteca’s Mega Veggie Burrito is almost too big for two hands, but in the best way possible. In addition, any of their burritos can be ordered “wet” for only a dollar extra, meaning it comes smothered with enchilada sauce and cheese.

By Alex KleemannJessie ShapiroSarah Vaira

Editors-in-chief

photos by sarah vaira/editor-in-chief

Located at 6140 Fair Oaks Boulevard Carmichael, CA 95608

Top: 1st place pick, the perfect-sized La Fiesta burrito was packed with a flavor unique to the typical burrito found at most Mexican restaurants. Bottom: Looks can be decieving when it comes to the outside of La Fiesta Taqueria. One would not guess that such simple decor would yield such great food. However, La Fiesta’s simplicity blends well with the relaxed feeling of Midtown. Midtown is known for having endless options when it comes to restaurants.

Above left: The south side of the Arden Fair Mall had completely transformed into American Idol central the day of the auditions. Above right: Idol hopefuls packed the mall all the while knowing that only one would recieve a ticket to SF.

3rd: Dos Coyotes PPPPDos Coyotes has a convenient Arden Fair Mall location and provides a nice twist from the traditional chipotle burrito. The Border Burrito is a definite favorite and the menu also features a number of other delicious options. Whether you want take-out or sit-in, Dos provides quick and friendly service and a great atmosphere. The fresh-daily salsa bar adds a lot to the restaurant, and allows diners to add their own twist to the Dos’s classically simple and fresh dishes. Located at 1735 Arden Way Sacramento, CA 95815 and 6450 Folsom Blvd. #110 Sacramento, CA 95819

2nd: Gordito Burrito PPPPSomething of a hole in the wall, Gordito Burrito is a locally owned Mexican restaurant famous for their 1 lb. bur-ritos. While the plain veggie burrito was rather bland, Gordito’s carne asada, carnitas, and garden veggie pretty much rocked our world. Don’t let their name confuse you, Gordito’s deliciousness goes far beyond their burritos. They serve a variety of Mexican specialties and the nachos are awesome.Located at 7810 La Riviera Drive Sacramento, CA 95826

Page 10• The Mirada Features August 23, 2010

What’s the first thing you notice about a guy?

A good sense of humor and good teeth!

What’s the nicest thing a guy has ever done for you?

I called a guy crying at midnight and he rushed to my house to comfort me without me even asking!

What is your favorite pick-up line?

Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk past you again?

Car of the Issue“Eat Pray Love” is bad, bad, bad

Eat Pray Love” reeks of

leftovers, age-old lessons, and leaves you star-ing into the oh-so-cheesy sunset confused about who won that pesky internal battle of loving oneself vs. being in love with oth-

ers.The movie fol-

lows the life of Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts), who, after deciding that her stable marriage and successful, perfect life is no longer what she truly wants, goes through a difficult and painful divorce where she is forced to look within herself and outward for a life-chang-ing transformation.

After a relationship with a young, starv-ing artist (James Franco) she decides that to change her unhappy life, she must do what she has always dreamed of doing, traveling the world in one year.

Leaving her family and friends back home in New York, she eats her way around Italy with a couple of easily made friends, learning to appreciate nourishment.

To pray, she travels to India learning the power of spirituality and prayer with the help of an unexpected, insightful Texan.

Finally Gilbert travels to Bahli, where she finds the meaning of love, thereby complet-ing her three original goals.

Throughout the 133 minute movie, with emphasis on the length, I struggled to pay attention to the slow plot and cheesy acting.

My favorite part of the movie? The cin-ematography.

At times, Roberts seems almost whiny, leaving one not with a sense of self-discov-ery, but with a sense of wanting to get up during the long, dragging middle, and bolt out of the theater.

Her first stop in Italy is probably one of the best parts of the movie, exploring the beautiful and scenic countryside and ancient city of Rome, while India and parts of Bahli, I felt, should have been left out, due to the fact that it took so long to get through.

However, the movie was not all bad and actually had excellent cinematography leaving many, including myself, yearning to travel to Europe and beyond.

“Eat Pray Love,” like any movie trying to bring a book to life, is admirable in effort, but predictably disappoints, tying it up with a cookie-cutter ending leaving you ques-tioning what you just watched.

Overall, this movie is a classic chic flick that has great cinematography, some deep, meaningful and philosophical mo-ments that make you think about the world around you and life itself, but guys, I sug-gest staying at home.

By Jessica ObertMirada Staff

MOVIE REVIEW

-Tate Rountree

Name: Ryan Davis, 12Ride: 1988 Ford Wrangler

photo by tate rountree/staff writer

How long have you had your car?Two and a half years.

Where did you buy it?I found it on Craig’s List.

What is the most unique thing about your car?The headlights are broken. When it’s dark I have to use a flashlight to see where I’m going.

What is the craziest thing that has happened to you while driving?

One night I was off-roading with my friends Spencer Jepma and Michael McAllister and they were sitting in the bed of the truck. I took a jump and they flew out!

Describe your car in three words.Better than yours.

-Tate Rountree

Bachelor and Bachelorette of the Month

Name: Emily HsuGrade: 12

Name: Shelby SedgerGrade: 12

What’s the first thing you no-tice about a girl?

The way she gazes into my eyes.

How could a girl impress you?By being outgoing and having fun with whatever we do.

Which celebrity would you like to date?

Heidi Montag. I fall head over heels for plastic girls.

What is your best pick-up line?Do you have a band-aid? I just scraped my knee falling for you.

-Tate Rountree

FeaturesAugust 23, 2010 Page 11• The Mirada

1: Danielle poses in front of her mirror as she admires all the works she has done on decorating her room. 2: Her bed is covered in a victorian-style black and white comforter matching flawlessly with the rest of her room. 3: Danielle’s workspace is clean and neat but does not leave out her fashion-forward theme. 4: This side of Danielle’s room is her sanctuary encompassing everything from a yoga station complete with a spiritual Buddha, to a collage of her favorite magazines clippings.

RAIDER CRIBZ: Students use their space at home to express their style

1

2

3

4

Date nights and “Daddy Dave’s”

-Tate Rountree

How long have you been together? David: A little over a year. I think. Christy: 15 months on the 22nd of August.

Describe a typical day when you two are together?

Christy: It varies each time, but the day usually ends with a “Daddy Dave’s” from Leatherby’s.

What’s your favorite restaurant to go to together?

David: Leatherby’s for sure. That’s our place.

What’s one of the craziest experiences you two have shared?Christy: I would definitely have to say the time he gave me a piggy-back ride across Arden Park at 5 in the morning!

How did you and Christy meet? David: I saw her at Ancil Hoffman and then I officially met her bout an hour later at Willies.

David Deloney 12and

Christy Grellas 11

What is the best present you have ever recieved from Christy?

David: A giant scrapbook of pictures of us together. It was so unique and so special.

Danielle Koire, 12How did you decide to style your room this way?

I’ve always been obsessed with fashion and loved making collages from magazines and so after I started covering my walls in them, I picked out decor that I thought would match it well.

Has this always been your room?Nope! Up until about a year ago this room has been a playroom, and all of the bedrooms have been downstairs. I finally convinced my parents to let me move up here because it’s more than twice the size of my old room!

What’s your favorite part of your room?I would definitely have to say either my collage wall or my yoga area. It’s complete with even my own buddha statue!

Any advice to other students who want to redecorate their room?

Having grown up in a much smaller room than I have now, I’ve learned how effective rearranging furniture can be! It makes your room feel completely different.

-Jessie Shapiro

photos by sarah vaira/editor-in-chief1

The Mirada August 23, 2010Page 12• The Mirada

Clockwise from top: Senior Makenzie Reed leads her Link Crew on a campus tour. Each Link Crew had a playful theme chosen by their leader. Reed’s choice was to dress herself as Santa and her group as reindeer. Having costumes during the tour broke the ice between the new students. The tour gave the freshmen their first look at the school they will call their own for the next four years. Sophomore Joshua Abernathy takes advantage of the activities on the first day of school. Coach Smith’s Outdoor Adventure rock wall provided a unique way to spend the first day back from summer. Students had the choice to do a solo climb or a race against a peer. Math teacher Ms. Jung smiles as she participates in the staff-only “field ski.” Coach Davis drove a 4-wheeler vehicle across the football field with a teacher trailing behind on waterskis. Sprinklers showered the grass making it easy to slide. English teacher Mr. Mahoney, woodshop teacher Mr. Agostinelli and other adventuresome teachers also joined in the fun. Seniors Damont Nelson, Josh Naftulin, Grant Silvester, Spencer Harris, Tanner Bond, and Chris Grellas sport their Rowdy Raider gear while teaching the crowd the fight song. Competitions between the classes prompted students to sing along and learn their school’s oldest cheer. The boys stayed rowdy throughout the day of fun due to raffle prizes, free food, and a variety of games. Junior Jenna Scoggins has a moment alone as her Link Crew splits up during Link activity “Life Story.” Each person was to illustrate answers to questions asked by her partner senior Kenny Moulton. When all drawings were done and put together, they represented each person’s life story.

First day fun not just for freshmen

photos by sarah vaira and madison zimmerman

Big changes to the first day of school surprise many as student government added day of summer to this year’s schedule. Classes were shortened to thirty minutes each, leaving time for a three-hour field day where students could socialize with friends, climb a rock wall, watch teachers “field ski”, jump onto the velcro wall, enjoy free breakfast, and much more.