The Voice

The Home of Lion Pride

LALA InternationalStudents Study Abroad

Pages 4 and 5

Food for ThoughtConcerns about Fundraising

Page 6

Blast to the PastCatDog Nostalogia

Page 8

Inside this issue...

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”- Buddha

Leadership AcademyL o s A n g e l e s

Newspaper serving the Lincoln Heights community since 2008Volume 6 Edition 2 December 2013

The class of 2014 recently decided on their prom location. Weeks ago a slide show presentation showcasing potential locations was shown. The options were Castaway, Almansors Court, and Luminarias. According to ASB President Oscar Pena, “The final decision was made by seniors who took a prom survey after the presentation.” The prom location choosen by seniors is Castaway. “It is a beauti-ful location,” said Pena, “but the only bad thing is that it’s up on a hill.”

LALA Fly’s Out

Fly outs are an opportunity that colleges provide for students to visit their campus, and live as a col-lege student. Students get to sleep in the dorms and sit in classes, so they can experience living the college life. Lyric Colon flew to Boston to visit colleges. Her favorite colleges were Brown and Harvard University. Colon toured colleges, sat in a few classes, spent the night in freshmen dorms, and hung out with freshmen students. Colon said, “It was fun be-cause the people were like the people I’m friends with now. It was really easy to talk about things, I had fun.” The experience also made her realize that anyone can go to college. This was Colon’s first time on a plane. “It was not bad, the only ex-ception being that a lady kept kicking the back of my chair for seven hours straight.” Her two week experience was paid for by her SAT class.

Aisli Valencia visited Rensse-laer Polytechnic Institute University in New York. This was her most memo-rable visit even though she said it started off horribly. Her first flight was canceled, so she had to wait 5 hours in the airport. “I was tired, hungry and freezing, but the next two days made up for it.”

Valencia said the school was beautiful and the people were nice. When she was at the campus the col-lege students hosted events, parties, and held a screening for “The Conjur-ing” on a Friday night. “It was cool meeting new people from all over the country, they were all crazy smart too, talking about 4.3 GPA’s and 2100 SAT scores.”

Aisli Valencia was able to participate in this fly out because of a link she recieved via email. Her fly out application consisted of basic personal information, and a short essay.

Students Richard Cruz, Anthony Roque, and Selenah Martin have also participated in college fly outs.

By: Rosario MichelStaff Writer

By: Jesus DuarteStaff Writer

Although it is up a hill, it provides a great view, has good ratings, and the room is in good condition. When asked what food will be served during the event, Pena stated, “As the day gets closer, the menu and food tastings will be available.” Prom will take place on May 23, 2014, from 6pm to 12am. Late comers beware; after 7:30 no one will be admitted. Seniors should also know that they must meet the following require-ments to attend prom:

1. A minimum 2.0 GPA.2. Fewer than 3 unexcused tardies/ab-sences one month prior to event.3. Fewer than 2 behavior referrals in one month.4. Clear detention hours with adminis-tration and teachers.5. No suspensions one month prior to event.6. Up-to-date community service hours.7. Students can clear hours with YPI.

Casting Away Towards Prom

Proms Away!! Class of 2014 prom location will be The Castaway Resturant and Banquet Center in Burbank, California.

By the 10-week progress report more than half of the students at Los Angeles Leadership Academy were failing one or more classes. All classes had an astonishingly high rate of failure. Freshman had 63% failing; Sophomores 61%, Juniors 63%, and Seniors had the lowest failing rate with 60%.

With so many students fail-ing, principle Richard Thomas held mandatory meetings with each class. In these meetings the focus was the same; to inform the students of how many of them were failing, and what the consequences were. When asked, what the consequences were for students failing 3 or more classes, Mr.

By: Sandra SanchezStaff Writer

“F” Does Not Stand for Fantastic

Thomas stated: “ For anyone failing Ms. Chaves is holding student-con-ferences to place them on academic contract. Along with that parents have been mailed a detailed letter indicat-ing what classes their child was failing and the hours they needed to attend mandatory tutoring.” It was also in-dicated by Mr. Thomas that the letter mentioned that students must com-plete 3 hours of tutoring per F.

Based on the 15-week mark

there has been a 20% decrease in fails, along with a 20% increase in tutoring. When asked if tutoring does affect and help your grade, Sophomore Henry Holguin stated, “ In a way it helps because it forces you to stay, and if we didn’t have that people would only stay for 30 minutes a week.” For those students who are failing tutoring is be-ing offered everyday after school and on Saturday.

Learning the hard way: Students realizing the importance of studying

2 The VoiceNews & Features

www.laleadership.org

December 2013

The VoiceSTAFF

Editors-In-Chief:

Oscar Isem

Managing Editor:

Sandra Sanchez

Photo Editor:

Esteban Cordova

Copy Editor:

Ashley Lelong

News Editor:

Vanessa Sanchez

Op-Ed Editor:

Carlos Castaneda

Juan Espinoza

Staff Writers:

Jonathan Arreola

Vanesa Arreola

Brian Cabrera

Jesus Duarte

Kevin Ferman

Joaquin Franco

Cecilia Guizar

Sofia Huang

Rosario Michel

Eric Platero

Jac Russell

Aimee Russell

Alanjon Yparraguirre

Faculty Advisor:

Ms. Uchemefuna

Printer:

Gardena Valley News

Publication PoliciesThe Voice is a student news-paper produced by students at L.A. Leadership Academy. This paper is published to in-form, educate and entertain the student body, faculty and members of the community of Lincoln Heights.

Students, faculty and com-munity members with strong opinions are highly encour-aged to write a guest com-mentary or a letter to the edi-tor, which may be published.

Send letters to the editor:

thevoice@laleadership.org

L.A. Leadership Academy High School

Attn: The Voice234 East Avenue 33

Los Angeles, CA 90031

hhhhhhThe Voice Ch-Ch-Ch Challenge hhhhhhDecember's Challenge

Castaways

Name 2 books or films that deal with castawaysThe first student to speak to Ms. U with the correct answer will receive a

Banned Books Week T-Shirt + The Wonderful Wizard of OZ by L. Frank Baum

Next year the state of California will use Common Core Standards. The nation wide change in the education system will result in a change in this year’s testing. Recently the state of California decided that the California State Test (CSTs) is no longer mandatory for students due to the change in standards next year. The federal government disagreed with California’s ruling, based on their belief that all students should be tested to determine a schools growth. Californian Secretary of Education Arne Duncan believes that by not testing students, teachers will be able to use this year as a transition period. Addationally, if California students take the CST the state will not publish the results. This year the state will only test students in science, EOP, and the California High School Exit Exam. In some cases California school teachers agree with the states decision, and are relieved to see the CST finally disappear. Los Angeles Leadership Academy English teacher, Rob Swart, shares his thoughts on the California decision to abolish the CST. He said, “I

Bye-Bye CST!By: Alanjon YparraguirreStaff Writer

am quite thrilled that the CST’s are no longer in use. I feel as though the CST is not an authentic test of learning.” Next year the CST’s will be replaced with a new standardized test called Smarter Balance. It tests the students ability to critically think in math and English. This test will also allow colleges to see where students skill sets are, which will determine which college classes students are placed in.

Bubble tests are not the answer.

News Box ASB Spelling Bee coming soon-Winter formal is coming up -Congratulations to the students who received a certificate for scoring ad-vanced or proficient on their CST’s-Thanks to advisories for bringing cans for the Canned food drive, where there were 870 collected.-Student store is now open, by Sonia’s room-Adopt a family charity has begun.

YPI-January 6-10 there will be tournaments for basketball, soccer, and chess-There will also be a Vans competition with a new afterschool art teacher. The winning school with the best design for the Vans will receive a cash prize.-Possible Mural coming soon-There will be a community jam on February 1 at Hollywood high-Within this same week there will be movies being shown afterschool.

High School-There is a Toy Drive going on. Bring a toy and receive parent hours and be entered to win a pair of movie tickets, that will be raffled on the 18th during the LALA monthly celebration.

Seniors Congratulatios to the seniors who were accepted to the following colleges:Dominguez HillsAngelica Etienne Rosario Michel

East BayAnthony Roque David Rivera Britnee Gonazlez

Stanislaus:Oscar Pena

Humboldt:Kassandra Siera Steven Munoz Lyric ColonCal State Long Beach:Steven Munoz

Chico:Anthony Roque Alajandra Morales

SFS:Steven Munoz

Mount St. Mary’s:Paola Melena Annette DiazCarissa Molina Rebecca GarciaCecilia Guizar Jesmin RodriguezLiliana Garcia Evelyn ThomasBritnee Gonzalez Sophia HuangOyuki Salgado Alejandra ZaragozaRossy Rodriguez

Affordable Healthcare ActBy: Kevin Ferman and Brian CabreraStaff Writers

In the past, not all people were able to go to health facilities in case of emergencies or for normal health check-ups. Many feared the huge bills that would come with the care they were given. Some Americans wanted a law that helped them get the afford-able health coverage they thought they needed or deserved. The Affordable Healthcare Act, known as “Obamacare,” was a bill Presi-dent Obama introduced to Congress in 2009. Congress passed the bill in 2013, in an effort to provide Americans with a version of universal health care like in Canada or England. The system allows people to receive low to reasonably priced health care coverage. American’s can shop for coverage on the “Marketplace” webcite. The cite gives information on plans, coast, and elgibility for government as-sistance. Americans were told that the sign-up process would be easy. How-ever, when the day came for people to sign-up, the majority were unable to due to the overload and eventual crash. The webcite has been unsuccessful, as many Americans are still unable to sign-up. The Affordable Health Care Act states that: you get the chance to choose

the plan that best suits your needs. If you want a better plan, that means more out of your own pocket. Those who qualify can get free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insur-ance Program (CHIP). All health care plans must offer doctor visits, preventive care, hospital-ization, prescriptions, and more. Pre-ex-isting conditions will be covered, and in-surers will not be able to deny coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing health conditions, including pregnancy or disability. If a person does not have health insurance by the beginning of 2014 they will be charged a fee. This penalty will increase as years go by, to encourage people to sign-up.

3The VoiceDecember 2013

The Home of Lion Pride

News & FeaturesHigh School Students

Lead the WayBy: Oscar IsemEditor-in-Chief

LALA POSSE ScholarsBy: Rosario MichelStaff Writer

POSSE is a scholarship organization that brings high acheiv-ing seniors together as a group. They go to a college in a group to support each other. Teachers at participating high schools nominate 13 students at the end of their junior year based on leadership and potential.

Erin states that POSSE started

1. How is POSSE helpful? I think it would be helpful because you are with a group of students, and POSSE trainers are there to support you through your four years in col-lege. You work on your writing , and how you present yourself. The pro-gram also helps you financially by paying for all of your tuition.

2. Why did you decide to participate in the POSSE application process? The idea of receiving a full tuition scholarship to one of the POSSE partner colleges was very appeal-ing. I liked the partner schools very much, and was okay with the idea of one of them being an early decision. I also like that aside from helping you prepare for college, the students dis-cuss current events and social justice topics.

because one student said, “I would never have dropped out of college if I had my POSSE with me.” The purpose of POSSE is to go into college with a group of people that you already know, so that they can support each other through the college experi-

ence. Yareli Jimenez and Anthony Roque were interviewed about their own experience participated in the POSSE selection process for POSSE. To date Yareli Jiminez has been accepted to POSSE, and students Aisli Valenzia,and Diana Toj are finalists.

Mount Up: Posse Foundation Scholarhip Award winner Yareli Jimenez (left) with friend Anthony Roque

Yareli Jimenez3. What work does POSSE require? Although I don’t think POSSE will be a lot of work in the sense of home-work, it will be a lot of commitment. You cannot miss any meetings. In pre-vious POSSE interviews the trainers made it clear that POSSE has to come before any other activity or event.

4. Is it stressful? The interviews are stressful because you really have to make yourself standout from a large pool of students. The POSSE trainers take notes on what you say, how you present your-self, and how you interact with others. So far the application process has been stressful because it was a early deci-sion, meaning you have to have all your essays, documents, and applica-tions a lot sooner.

Anthony Roque

1. How is POSSE helping you? POSSE helped me find out how other leaders, chosen by the other schools, can push me to my potential and provide me the challenge to sur-pass them. POSSE was very helpful in the way they set up the system to find fitting leaders for the scholarship.

2. Why did you decide to participate in the POSSE application process? I decided to be in POSSE be-cause I thought it would help me find out where I am in my skills, college readiness, and decision-making. I also thought that the scholarship offered was something to work for because of its financial help. I also thought it was fun to wear a suit again.

3. Is it stressful? In my opinion, I don’t believe that it was stressful at all. I had fun in my first round because I enjoyed the thought of everyone trying his or her best, so it would motivate me to do my part as well. Although the second round was kind of nerve wracking at first, I ended up feeling proud of myself in the end for making the in-terviewers laugh. Even though I didn’t make it to the semi-finals, I can truly say that this was a fun experience that will contribute to my growth.

Los Angeles Leadership Academy is attempting a Big Brother-esque program between the middle and high school. The Big Brother program is a program in which high school stu-dents mentor middle school students. The logic is that the older students will have more experience and will be able to give the younger students advice. During the initial stages of the program, ASB members Miguel Ahumada, Juan Espinoza, Oscar Isem, Jose Hernandez, Vice President Jesus Martinez, and President Oscar Pena, as well as Seniors Richard Cruz and Anthony Roque, were chosen as mentors. Together, these students are working to gain the middle school students’ trust, provide advice, and provide insight to high school life. The first scheduled meeting between the high school and middle school was on September 13th.The group met with seven middle schoolers and went to a bowling alley, driven by middle school principal Jesicah Rolapp. Students stayed there for three hours, bonding. ASB Member Juan Espinoza

said, “It was a learning experience for both the mentor and mentee. The point is to have fun while learning.” The second meeting did not go as well due to the low attandance. Only Vice President Jesus Martinez, ASB Members: Miguel Aragua, Oscar Isem and three middle schoolers attended. The small group met at the middle school, and was driven by Ms. Rolapp to Andrew Grande’s, the after-school teacher, hockey match. After eating a quick lunch at In N’ Out, they spent the next few hours bonding. Sopho-more Miguel Ahumada said, “I think that it was good because the kids started to look up to us that day.” The next outing will be ice-skating in late December.

Yes Network: Mentoring Middle School

Don’t Hate, Debate

I Wanna Be Debated: Debate Team realizes potential at recent tournament

Lyric Colon and Amorette Colon 4-1 (Win Quarterfinals)Angelica Etienne and Natalie Hernandez 4-1 (Win Quarterfinals)Jose Roblero and Ulysses Montes 3-2 (Loss Quarterfinals)Vanessa Sanchez and Richard Cruz 2-2Jose Guerrero and Brandon Garcia 2-2Anel Torres and Moses Gonzalez 2-2Juan Gomez and Raul Ruelas 2-0Kathy Umana and Melissa Tavico 2-2

Results

www.laleadership.org

4 The Voice December 2013Features

1. What is the study abroad program? The program I am in is called NSLI-Y. It is a program funded by the government, and it is a branch within the AFS program. The thing about this program is that it gives you a full scholarship. I got everything paid for, I even get a monthly stipend (every month the program gives me money to live here). It is a great program and its main focus is to learn a language, and master it.

2. Why did you choose China? I applied to study in China the only good reason I had to choosing this country was that I know that speaking Mandarin might be of great help in my near future. Although I’m not one hundred percent sure what my career will look like a few years from now, I was thinking about doing some type of international business, international affairs or maybe work for the foreign services or something. Mandarin will most definitely help me achieve some-thing like that. Other than it helping me, China has so much culture, and was definitely out of my comfort zone, and I was okay with that.

3. What specific part of China are you in? I’m living in the province of Jiang-su, in the city of Changzhou. About an hour train ride from Shanghai.

4. How has your experience been so far? I have experienced so much! Start-ing out with a variety and of dishes. I have eaten a turtle! Its crazy! China has so much food that I did not know about prior to my coming here. I swear I am getting fatter by the sec-ond. I think I have also seen so much, I go out a lot, especially with my other friends, and we try to discover new things and what not. Most of them are from Europe so I get to see things differently through them. Also, the way Chinese act towards me and my friends, most think I am Indian or from somewhere from the Middle East. They are ignorant to the fact that there is so much more out there than what they are led to believe.5. What language are you learning? I’m learning Chinese, how to write, read, comprehend, and speak.

6. What different ethnicities are at your school? My school has about 2,000 whom are Chinese, with the exception of my-self, four other Americans, a Japanese girl, and an Italian boy.

7. How are people in China com-pared to Americans? American and Chinese people are really different. Starting off with the food and just everything. Students study all the time. They honestly have no life outside of school; they don’t experience much of the world outside. The separation between males and females is huge. The Chinese way of thinking is something Americans would consider to be old fashioned.

8. How have you adapted to the Chi-nese culture? I have adapted. I was surprised at how fast and how easily I adapted, and became used to this life style. I don’t feel out of place, I feel like I’ve been here my entire life, I feel like I know everything and anyone. It’s a peaceful feeling I have.

9. Do you miss being with family and friends? I do miss my family, my mom and brother. I hardly talk to them. I miss my family the most; I mean I love my mom. I do miss my friends because although I have friends here it is not the same. This is a different kind of friendship but I wouldn’t be able to replace the ones back home.

10. How do you contact family and friends? I usually use email or Facebook to contact people. I call my mom once every two weeks.

11. What time does school start and end? School starts at 7am and ends at 8pm, but I get up at 5:45 and leave at 6:15 and get there just on time.

Los Angeles Leadership Academy offers a study abroad program to 11th grade students. This program lets students attend a full school year in the country of their choice. While in the country students learn the language, study the culture, and explore the country. Two of LALA’s juniors, Anna Hernandez and Evelyn Robles are doing study abroad this year. Both left in August, Anna to China and Evelyn to Russia. Anna is expected to return in June while Evelyn is expected back in July.

China

By: Ashley LelongCopy Editor

Russia

By: Kevin FermanStaff Writer

1. How do you feel about Russia? Russia is a very different country with a different philosophy about life, but I am keeping an open mind about everything. So far, it is very interest-ing to experience the Russian culture first hand.

2. How are Russians compared to Americans? Well, they are very much into there physical appearance, and they look like models walking down the street. There is a clear and distinct line be-tween genders, unlike the U.S. where women are able to do “manly” things. Here in Russia I feel as if the men have more pressure to be a gentleman and take on the harder things.

3. Was it easy to make friends? It is not easy to make friends, especially if you cannot speak their language. They see I am not from here and ask where I am from. Right when I say я из Лос-Анджелес (I am from Los Angeles) I am immediatly asked, “How many celebrities to do you know? Give me your number!”

4. What types of things do you do in Russia?Besides going to school, I volunteer with a program where I help teach English who are not able to afford extra help outside of school. I also go on many excursions to some historical places. I also meet many other for-eigners from all over the world from all continents, such as: Brazil, China, Africa, and Sweden.

5. Do you miss the U.S.? I absolutely miss the U.S.! I just feel grateful to live in a country where I have the right to speak my mind and be who I am.

6. How are you adapting to Russia? Having an open mind really helps, because I am trying to understand another person let alone a country’s mentality. It is hard to pick up on some of the custom because back home, it sounds ridiculous. This is where I feel that Russian logic and American logic would start to but heads a little.

7. What has been the most exciting thing that you have experienced so far? Going to a Russian circus was certainly mind blowing! The stunts, which are at times preformed without any nets, are amazing.

8. What is your host family like? My host family is the best. They are an all girl family. Mother, an older sister Alina 18, and a younger sister Sonia, 9. They are just so fun, loving, caring and just the best.

9. What do you still look forward to in Russia? At the end of this month we (my group of other Americans) are having a three-day trip to the countryside of Russia. I look forward to this because, hearing from previous participants, the small village we are visiting are so hospitable. Before the trip our resident director is going to teach us how to reject food politely. Also, they get so crazy about Americans coming that the local news will be following us around, it sounds like “special treat-ment” in a way.

10. What do you do in your free time? I usually got to the cafe, park, mov-ies, bowling, and especially watching Russian novellas with my sister.

11. How is high school going in Rus-sia? Russian schools are very intense. Even though I only have two classes it will take me about 4 hours minimum to do my homework, just because I’m coming from a basic level. It’s very hard to learn a foreign language especially when you have all these ob-stacles you have to face. The teachers are very supportive, but very intense. Compared to the U.S., I say that teachers are more appreciated here. It’s been difficult for me compared to other Americans who come from a higher social status and been exposed to this kind of intensity. I always keep the mentality that after this experience I am going to come out a stronger person than I came in.

Study Abroad

The Home of Lion Pride

5The VoiceDecember 2013 Features

About a year ago around this time, I was curled up in my gigantic scarf and jacket trying to withstand the snowy winter in Northern Italy. Only two months prior, I had left LA to embark on my adventure abroad. I found myself living with an Italian host family in my new home in Como, a little city near Milan and the Swiss border. Upon my arrival to Como the other study abroad studient and I at-tended an orientation camp in Rome. I met students from all over the world: Iceland, Belgium, South Africa, Thai-land, etc. My year was beginning well. In between singing with the Brazilian students and watching the Turkish kids play drums and belly dance, I got the heartwarming feeling of being part of this community. A brew of cultures and languages from countries I never thought I’d get the chance to learn about. From all over the world, we were all ready and anxious to see what our year would look like.

After a few weeks after mov-ing in and meeting my host family I started getting the feel of how the next 10 months would be. My host parents were Lella and Giuseppe, and my two host sisters were Alice and Giulia. Because they were much older they no longer lived with their parents, so for an entire year I was an only child. As awkward as I thought it would be liv-ing with two strangers twice my age, it wasn’t. These pizza loving scien-tologists from Sicily were very loud and fun to be around. They were very welcoming and treated me like family, so it became easier to adjust.

First Hand Account: Last Year’s Study Abroad StudentBy: Yareli JimenezGuest Writer

But while I was slowly becom-ing accustomed to the changes, every-thing else was going by so quickly. Before I knew it I was attending school, learning my way around town, and com-municating through my broken Italian and hand gestures.

My life was pretty “normal”, I suppose. I went to school, hung out with friends, ate, and slept. It was the way things were done that had changed. I’d wake up to the smell of coffee being brewed in an Italian moka, ate breakfast which usually consisted of cookies and milk or coffee, and then I was off to catch the bus. After a 15 minute ride of being packed like a sardine in the tiny bus, I arrived at the city’s center, “la città murata”, the walled city where Como originated. Never had I loved my walk to school like I did in Italy. On my way there I’d see the Duomo (the biggest and most important Cathedral of the city), passed by ghettos built during the Holo-caust, and got a glimpse of the lake.

As expected, school was differ-ent. You stayed in one group of students, or “classe”, every hour, every day, all five years of high school. Basically it’s like elementary school. You sort of just move as a large herd from year to year until graduation (which is not a big event where you have prom and walk the stage with your classmates). The teach-ers switched classrooms instead of the students, and when they walked in we were to stand up and greet them formally. Lastly there was school on Saturday. I traded my Saturday mornings of sleep for lectures on religion and philosophy. I could only give a slight sigh when asked why Americans used the term TGIF.

After school I’d usually hang out with other exchange students and attended Italian lessons to improve our language skills, but before that we’d stop by one my host parent’s pizzeria. Yes, their pizzeria, of the three they owned! I always love walking in and being greeted by the two workers and my host mom who said, “Ciao bella!” I thought it was the coolest thing ever, I got free pizza and saved a little money.

I would come home to do home-work, study, and get ready for dinner. It was usually just the three of us, unless it was Monday. Monday’s meant we went to my host grandma and uncle’s house. She was the typical Italian grandma mak-ing everyone in the family eat 10 times more than the healthy serving of whatev-er was for dinner. “Is there enough food? Are you guys still hungry?” she constant-ly asked. There was always enough food and no one ever objected seconds of her delicious Sicilian delicacies. Dinner was usually pasta, a meat dish, and dessert. Wine accompanied the meal (though I skipped) and a shot of espresso followed. Despite my late dismissal from school and the fact that Monday was Monday, it grew to be one of my favorite days. I looked forward to dinner, not only be-cause of the delicious food, but because I loved sitting down at the table with my new family. They loved discussing and explaining Italian culture, history, and politics with me, and I got the chance to do the same. I have some the best memo-ries of us at the dinner table, and from time to time we would take a passegiata (a walk) in the center.

Towards the end of the year I realized I visited some of the most amaz-

ing cities in Italy. Along with my friends from New Zealand, Argentina, and Canada I visited Milan, Venice, Verona, Florence, Rome, and many other places. I had spent my birthday with my host family on the most south-ern point of the island of Sicily where I saw the division between the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea and the blue emerald Ionian Sea. I went for a swim in Lake Como with my friends, where once inside the water it seemed as if the mountains were a green screen displaying pictures right off the internet because the beauty of them next to the lake was unreal.

But whether it was see-ing the Trevi Fountain in Rome lit up at night or simply going to my Italian lessons, I was happy. And as cliché as it sounds, I wouldn’t change my year abroad for anything. I traveled to beautiful places, ate amazing food, learned a new language, culture, and grew as a person. It has made me more curious, and given me a desire to continue learning and adventuring around the world. I cannot wait until I can return to Como and see my host family and friends.

CAPTION

6 December 2013Features

The Voice

www.laleadership.org

Let the Lion Cubs Be Heard!Students from Los Angeles Leadership Academy Middle School have sent letters addressing how they feel about the high school’s fundraiser at McDonalds. The students who sent in the strong detailed letters are 7th graders; Briseida Melendiez, Maria Vega, Natalie Contreras, Gavin Magallon, and Martin Ortiz. Students in 7th grade English techer Jessica Grande’s class are, “reading an informational text titled, Chew On This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson. The book analyzes the fast food industry in the U.S. from it’s inception to the effects on our obesity and chronic disease rates. Students are reading this along with articles about food access, processed foods, advertising directed to children of color, and the industry in general.” The cubs from LALA are working hard to get their point across, taking the necessary steps to have their voices heard, and understood.

Dear Editors, I was shocked seeing that the LALA high school is fundraising at McDonalds! Aren’t we suppose to be be a healthy school? Well according to the high school we are NOT. Isn’t it already bad that they are giving us processed foods to eat? It’s a horrible feeling that I’m in Middle School, and I know more about the fast food industry that the people at HS. This made LALA look bad. Haven’t you noticed this? I’m embarrassed because we are supposed to be healthy school. Does the H.S principal not know that? Do you think people who are looking for schools to put their kids in will pick LALA? We can’t call our school “healthy” when we are not showing it. You the editors are actually encouraging more funraisers like this to happen again. You guys are making it seem like it’s a good thing to do.

Sincerely, Maria Vega

Natalie ContrerasBriseida Melendez

P.S Do you really want to promote more fast food to our community?

Dear High- School Principal, We are making this letter because the middle and the high school are not on the same page. We are researching what makes fast food restaurants bad, while the high school is supporting it and making fundraisers with McDon-alds. We saw the fundraisers on LALA newspaper and we are not pleased that you did this. We’re supposed to be healthy. You guys are feeding people some nasty stuff like pink slime and other stuff. If you didn’t know pink slime is meat mixed with amonia. We thought it was wrong of you guys to do that. We are looking for a way to end obesity. In conclusion, we are not pleased by your ac-tions on fundraising with McDonalds.

Sincerely,Martin Ortiz

Gavin Magallon

Did you know that your fast food can kill you or give you diseases? I can tell you from an experience back in 2010. I was a fanatic of fast food, but one day the food I used to love changed my whole life. Not to be selfish or greedy, but I will always blame it on the famous restaurant, McDonalds.

It all started of with their plain and well known burger. My taste buds would make me feel like walking on clouds surrounded by unicorns, but in reality, it was killing me. After consuming--like I say, that ball of lies, there was a strange high fever that made my skin color pale and difficulty to breathing. Waiting hours impatiently for the results, I just thought about eating one of those

delicious burgers when suddenly they told me I had a few hours to live. My life flashed through my head hoping for it to be impossible. The only thing I thought about was having that last burger. It was just another miracle of god’s caring. I overheard the doctors talking about McDonald’s killing me.

I opened my mind and tried to be a critical thinker. I grabbed all the thoughts and realized that fast food, also known as the burger was the whole cause of this. I was in need of a lot of help. I took over 16 pills a day and finally ate healthy and recovered from that horrible disease. Ever since day one, I’ve never eaten one of those burgers again. And something I will always say is, “The truth’s within the food.”

Middle School Account: An Experience at McDonalds

By: Maryela MelenaMiddle School Guest Writer

7th grader writes a speech about her experience with Salmonella obtained from a McDonalds burger.

Dining Not Fit For RoyaltyBy: Carlos Castaneda and Juan EspinozaOp-Ed Editors

On Monday December 2nd, the Los Angeles Leadership Academy newspaper staff conducted a lunch survey. The survey was conducted to receive a general opinion about the lunch from the students. It was given to one advisory from each grade level. The four advisories were: Ms. U’s advisory, Sonia’s advisory, Rob’s advisory, and Ms. Phyllis’ advisory. The survey contained five yes or no questions, one question about how often the students actually eat lunch and a space to give the lunch program a one through ten rating. There were 50 ratings received by the newspaper staff and the average rating was to a 2.89 out of 10. One of the questions from the survey was, “Has the school food ever

made you feel ill?” 71% of the students circled yes. Another question about the food quality was, “Have you ever received food that was undercooked?” 88% of the students said that they had. These percentages were much higher than the staff of The Voice had expected.The results of the survey displayed a large amount of resentment towards the food. In the opinion of the students the name “Royal Dining is not an appropriate name for the school’s catering service. This survey should show students that they have a voice and hopefully the results of this survey can create some kind of change in the lunch program.

Lunch has arrived

7The VoiceDecmeber 2013News & Features

The Home of Lion Pride

Viewpoint

By: Vanessa SanchezCopy Editor

Henry Mendez, Los Angeles Leadership Academy’s Youth Policy Institute, has once again brought driv-ers education to LALA, but unlike last year’s club, this year it is free of charge. “I was not aware that driv-ers ed. was held at LALA before. I only heard that they intended to bring it, but never succeeded. I only wish to bring a club that has great interest amongst the students,” said Henry. All that is expected of the students partici-pating is commitment and dedication, but there are requirements as well, “The requirements are in connection to the school’s vision for the students. I wish to promote a positive culture along with increasing grades within

Driving Towards Success

the school. All students are expected to hold a 2.0 G.P.A or higher”, Henry stated. Twelve students showed up to the first drivers ed. meeting, but once word got out, many more students showed up to the next meeting. The meetings are every Wednesday from 2:10pm to 3:10pm, and every Friday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. The club of-ficially started on Wednesday, Novem-ber 13, 2013. “Driving is a privilege, and so are clubs that promote it. I believe that every student can take the class, and all are capable of obtaining passing grades in their classes during the day.” Henry said, “YPI is here to make this possible by providing the afterschool tutoring in all class subjects.”

Student Driver: Use Caution

Maria GalarzaSophomore

Speech & Debate

“Ride or die.” Paul Walker is most known for his role as Brian O’ Connor in the Fast and the Furious movies. As stat-ed by the New York Times, Paul Walker and Roger Rodas died last Saturday in Valencia, Calif., when the car Roger was driving, with Paul as passenger, crashed in a single-car accident and burst into flames. Paul Walker was 40 years of age. Earlier in the day, Mr. Walker had attended a charity event for the nonprofit organization “Reach out Worldwide”. Paul Walker left his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow, and his wife Rebecca Soteros. People take their life for granted, without knowing they can lose it any sec-ond. Everyone has their unique life style; however, most lives are pretty similar. Socially, the things you will do in your life time are predictable: you are born, you go to school, you work, you retire, and you die. Sadly, some people do not have a full life span and cannot live their life to the fullest. People should be aware of how valuable life is, take care of it and spend their time wisely. What in particu-lar should one value? It is quite simple. What people should value the most in life should be their health, personality, and their family. Health should be very important in your life because it plays a major role in determining your life span. There are several substances which, when put into your body, will severely damage your health. One of those substances is tobac-co. Tobacco will most likely be inhaled by smoking or second hand smoke. Accord-ing to Glencoe Health book, smoking is

the number one cause for preventable death. It is preventable because people can choose to stop whenever they want; however, it becomes an addiction. Nicotine is an addictive sub-stance to the body, which will ask for more tobacco because it will have an increase in the smoking urge. Urge which will continue increasing until it is too late. Smoking brings many diseases such as: strokes, lung cancer, coronary heart disease, kidney cancer, and several other severe diseases. Lifespan is important, but there are other reasons to value your life. According to Dr. Chris Grams, owner of the Family Chiropractic Center on Bainbridge Island, hugs release endor-phins and serotonin into the blood stream which will cause pleasure, negate pain and sadness, lower blood pressure, decrease the chances of having heart problems, helps fight excess weight, and prolong life. In other words, hugs will make you healthier, thinner, more relaxed, live longer, fight depression, and make you age slower. Who knew hugs did so much? Hugs, laughs, jokes, and so many other friendly gestures give amazing results. On the other hand, if you have a sad, lonely, angry, annoying, arrogant, or depress-ing personality, it will give you negative results. You will most likely have heart problems, bad habits, quick aging.

a short life span. The personality you express and hold everyday affects your family a part of your life and you should cherish. Any time you spend with your family should be valued, including having dinner with them. As stated by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Co-lumbia University, teens who frequently have dinner with their families are at a lower risk for substance abuse. Those who eat dinner with their family less frequently are 2.5 times as likely to smoke cigarettes, more than 1.5 times as likely to drink alcohol, and 3 times more likely to try marijuana. Simple things like having dinner with your family will affect your life. It is not always possible to spend every single moment with your family because of school, work, plans, etc.. But you should try to arrange to just have a simple to-gether time with your family. It might not seem as much but it is a big difference. There are so many good times in life but there are also the bad times. Life is just full of ups and downs. Yet some people have an ignorant view of life and only acknowledge the flaws that they have and the issues they face. Some assume that there is no solution for their life and fall into depression. Many people choose suicide in order to avoid the negative obstacles that life puts in front of them.

Almost everyone has had bad times and finds a way to overcome them. They should see the positive things in life. There are people who have it tougher and still find a way to keep a smile on their face. You should appreciate everything life gives you. If you receive obstacles it is so you can learn from them. That is just how life is. Health, personality, family, that is what gives meaning to life. You must live life to the fullest because it can easily be taken away from you. In a blink of an eye it can all be gone. Will you leave anything to be remembered by? Will it be good or bad? Will people miss you? Will your friends and family mourn you? Will your death be unbelievable and leave people shocked? Cherish every moment you have and make the best out of it. How you live your life is your choice. Live every day to the fullest. Don’t look back and keep moving forward.

“Don’t Take Life for Granted”

Maria Galarza is a Sophomore at L.A. Leadership Academy High School. This viewpoint is an edited version of an Orginal Oratory.

Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 into the Madiba Clan in Transkei, South Africa. As a child, he protested segregation and injustice in his home country. By the time he was 45 Mandela had become disillusioned with peaceful protest, and received military training. In July of 1962, Nelson Mandela was arrested for attempting to overthrow the govern-ment. His trail lasted for two years, and resulted in a life sentence. As support for Mandela grew, it became more difficult for the regime that had sent him to jail to keep him imprisoned. Under extreme pres-sure from the masses, Mandela was released on February 11, 1990. Four short years later, Mandela became what is widely considered as South Africa’s first democratically elected President. Although his term only

lasted four years, his influence can still be felt today. He is widely seen as a devoted advocate of democracy, racial equality, and justice. On December 5th Nelson Mandala died at the age of 95. Current South Africa President Jacob Zuma ordered all national flags to fly at half-staff from Friday until Mandela’s funeral to honor the man that became the face of South Africa. Mandela’s influence has grown to the point that July 18, his birthday, is Nelson Mandela Interna-tional Day. Mandela is survived by his wife, Graca Machel, divorcee Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, as well as his three daughters: Pumla Makaziwe, Zenani and Zindziswa Mandela. He will be sorely missed.

A Great Leader and Activist

Nelson Mandela

By: Oscar IsemEdito-in-Chief

8

www.laleadership.org

The Voice December 2013Arts and Entertainment

On December 7th, 2013, Los Angeles Leadership Academy attend-ed Six Flags Magic Mountain’s annual toy drive. It was about 42 degrees and raining, which raised concerns if LALA would go or not. YPI Direc-tor, Henry Mendez decided to take the students because Youth Policy Institute had already payed for every-thing.

Everyone had to bring a twenty-dollar toy with its receipt to receive an admission ticket. About twenty students attended the field trip on Saturday.

At Six Flags, rides like X2 were closed for the day due to the weather. Students were really looking forward to that ride. They had a lot of fun this year though. “It was so cold, but so worth it!” said Hicell Lopez. LALA left Six Flags around 5:50 p.m. and arrived back at school by 6:30 p.m. Snapchat

Review

Toys for TotsBy: Aimee RussellStaff Writer

By: Esteban CordovaPhoto Editor

Snapchat is a photo messaging application devel-oped by Stanford University students. Using the app, users can take photos, record videos, add text and drawings, and send them to a controlled list of re-cipients. These sent photographs and videos are known as “snaps.” With nearly 8 million users a day Snapchats popular-ity continues to grow even more. The main users of this app are bored

teenagers who have nothing to do. Its high popularity has landed them a 3 billion dollar offer from another social networking site Facebook, but the kids at Stanford turned them down. I believe that Snapchat is one of the best apps out there. I admire the fact that my friends can only see my photos for a limited amount of time, and how easily I can contact them. I would rate this app a five out of five stars for good quality .

Two heads are better than one.

Now you see me, now you don’t.

Blast From the Past: Cartoon Pets

By: Jac RussellStaff Writer

Students at Los Angeles Leadership Academy were born in the late 90’s. Back in the day there were many characters that encour-aged our minds to be creative, and they taught us some lessons in a humorous way. The most unique pet of them all is CatDog. CatDog, like the name describes, is about two brothers that were complete opposite, but was attached to one another. Cat was the more edu-cated one who tried his best to fit in with society. While Dog was less educated one,vand didn’t care what people thought.

Knowing this about them, one has asked themselves the following questions as teenag-ers, questions that they would not have asked themselves as children. Like, where did CatDog’s waste

go after they ate? And how did they let out this waste? Also, how come they were so different, but had the same up bringing being connected? And what things did we learn from CatDog that influ-ence us today? CatDog not only made our childhood worth remembering but changed our point of view on life itself.It taught us a number of things but it’s biggest lesson was not judging someone that looks different.CatDog was some what of role models and everyone want-ed to own an animal like them.

On December 11th in Phyllis’ sec-ond period Government class, students were shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Cassandra More-no’s Big Gulp.Cassandra brought the soda into class despite school policy. She left it unat-tended and it was stolen by a so-called friend who was in the process of passing it to yet another student when ever eagle-eyed Phyllis spotted the enormous drink. To the amazement of many seniors, Phyllis took the offending soda and dumped it into the trash, top side first. Throughout the period, several students mournfully approached the trashcan to look at the fallen Coke, now a mere puddle at the bottom of the trash can. Brian Cali shook his head in disbelief, stunned by the enor-mity of the loss. Rest in Peace, dear soda – know how beloved you were.

Death of a Coke

1. Do not procrastinate: complete work on time.

2. Ask for help if the material is confusing.

3. Study for 20 minutes for tests and quizzes to get a better grade.

4. Write down important dates and assignments in your planner.

5. Always be prepared with school materials like paper and pencils.

Advice for Second SemesterBy: Carlos Castaneda and Juan EspinozaOp-Ed Editors

6. Read over or skim through notes during free time to refresh your mind.

7. Keep folders and binders organized to find things quickly.

8. Avoid any distractions or diversions during class.

9. Use creative ways to study things, for example: make flashcards or write a song.

10. Check with your advisor to see your grades.

The key to success.

Throughout first semester, many students have struggled with keeping their grades up. As a result of failing their classes, they now have to go to mandatory tutoring, make-up work, and in some cases, can not play sports. These tips are meant to help students succeed in school, and get better grades during second semester.