Moving forward›› Taking advantage of an unexpected situation

page 3

Vinyl revival›› The comeback of vinyl in the digital age

page 8 Unheard voices›› Reaching out against bullying page 4

Tardy policy›› The added tardy policies solve problems on Thursdays page 2

Blehind the stride ›› What it takes to be a competitive cross country runnerpage 6

Volleyball's new league›› Girls program moves up to Santa Teresa divisionpage 7

1

photo by Khang NguyenSaul Hernandez Morales directs The Apes of Wrath, Pioneer’s award-winning robotics team

By Matthew PinkneySenior, Staff Writer

and trying to figure it out.” Tierney continued, “When we finally found that there was a wire unplugged, Mr. Hernandez was extremely overjoyed and was running around, yelling and waving a pool noodle.”

Hernandez believes that STEM education is of particular importance for students here in Silicon Valley. “We’re surrounded by all these innovations,” Hernandez said. “[It’s] important for us to be able to know what’s happening to be part of that.”

In the past two years, Hernandez’s influence on his students has been immense. “Thanks to Mr. Hernandez, I have grown as a leader on the team,” Wilson said. Although his primary focus is in the science department, Garino said: “He’s a great model for any student here.”

excited.” She believes this is key to Hernandez’s success. “If you’re not excited about your content, you’re probably not going to be able to get other people excited about it.”

Hernandez’s students enjoy his down-to-earth approach to teaching, both as a computer science teacher and as a mentor of the robotics team, The Apes of Wrath. “He doesn’t have any sense of being above us just because he’s the teacher and we’re students,” senior Spencer McFadden said. “He’s always willing to listen to our ideas and always willing to talk to us and help us with anything.”

Senior John Tierney recalled one weekend right before a competition. “Two minutes before we were supposed to leave, the robot stopped working. We spent three hours working on it

Future Cardinal and hopeful OlympianSophomore Naomi Girma receives an offer to play soccer at Stanford UniversityBy Semira SheriefSenior, Section Editor

Pioneer High School's Student NewspaperVolume 56, Issue 1

THE PONY EXPRESSOctober 30, 2015

STEM teacher outstanding in his fieldComputer science and robotics teacher wins STEM teaching award

Though only in his second year as a teacher, Saul Hernandez Morales, computer science and robotics teacher, is being recognized for the impact he has already made on campus. Hernandez was awarded the 2015 Texas Instruments STEM Teaching Award by the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

Principal Stefani Garino nominated Hernandez for this award because of his passion and love of science. Garino considers Hernandez to be “one of the most dynamic teachers” with whom she has worked.Junior and Robotics Team captain Brandon Wilson said, “On the weekends when we meet as a robotics team, Mr. Hernandez becomes your friend and no longer a teacher.”

Garino said, “You can tell that he gets pretty

Stanford, Girma has to maintain a 3.5 or above GPA.To many, having the chance to play a sport at a

Division 1 level would be considered the epitome of excellence, but Girma insists she is not quite finished in terms of achieving her goals.

“Making it to the world cup roster,” Girma said. “That’s my goal.”

Girma has been preparing for the World Cup since she was 12 years old. “I grew up watching the World Cup because my Dad was into it and then I found out about national camps.” Girma said. The intensely competitive camps prepare players to take their talent onto the next level. For Girma, the next level is making it to the Olympics.

Girma’s mother, Seble Demissie, recognizes Girma’s Olympic aspirations as a “great dream” for her. “I do whatever it takes to support her and make that dream come true,” Demissie said.

Girma is currently working toward making The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, a tournament for female players under the age of 17, and will know if she made the team in 2016.

before they began giving her offers.”On Sept. 1, Girma verbally committed to play

at Stanford University. “I was really excited and jumping around,” Girma said. “I finally found the right school for me.”

Part of her commitment to the school was

based on one thing: family. “There were some East Coast school [offers], but I didn’t want to go there; I wanted to stay in California so my entire family could come to my games.”

Girma’s commitment to Stanford University comes with pressure. In order to be accepted into

Sophomore Naomi Girma’s verbal commitment to play soccer at Stanford University just may be her ticket in to living her dream: playing in the FIFA World Cup, and eventually becoming an Olympian.

Around the age of five, Girma began playing for fun with her family. Now, she plays center midfield for the highest level team on the third nationally ranked club in Northern California: the Girls Central Valley Crossfire.

“I started in third grade on the lowest team. I kept working hard and would never miss practice,” Girma said. “Then, I moved up.”

At the start of her freshman year, colleges such as UC Berkeley and UC Los Angeles began scouting Girma. To former Pioneer girl’s soccer coach Barbara Shamoon, this was no surprise.

“There’s always a line of coaches from universities waiting to talk to her after matches,” Shamoon said. “It was only a matter of time

Making it to the World Cup roster...

that's my goal.

“ ”

2

Save the Date!November 5

Battle of the Den Night Rally7pm-8pm

November 11Veteran's Day (No School)

November 26-27Thanksgiving Break

December 2-5The Drowsy Chaperone

7pm-10pm

December 7-8Stanford Blood Drive

6am-4pm @ Mini Gym

December 7Choir Concert

7pm-9pm @ PAC

December 8PTSA & Foundation Meeting

6:30pm-7:30 pm

December 8Advanced Drama Night

Campus

Changes to the PSAT and SAT

The 2016 redesign of the PSAT and SAT is intended for students to be more successful, but these adjustments can be overwhelming for those who do not know what to expect.

Last year, junior Elaine Aclan struggled with the fast pace of the old PSAT. “Some of us had to stay 10 minutes to finish,” she said. This year, an additional 35 minutes were added to the test to reduce the pressure to finish.

Some students still felt stressed. “I felt that I needed a lot more time to actually read the questions and answers,” sophomore Vivian Nguyen said.

When California adopted Common Core in 2010, the College Board adjusted the PSAT to meet the standards. Since the new test places more emphasis on the thought process than on the answer itself, students may take more time comprehending the questions.

The biggest transition from PSAT to SAT

By Everett BangSophomore, Staff Writer

Testing new changes is the amount of preparation involved. Some outdated SAT preparation books have instructed students to eliminate answers. However, math teacher Zohreh Moaven strives to teach students to avoid relying on the process of elimination.

She encourages the idea of students, “actually knowing where the right answer is coming from,” which will help students’ success by requiring them to understand their work. Moaven believes the College Board is taking a step in this direction to satisfy colleges’ high standards and prepare students for college.

The cost of the SAT is $43, or $54.50 with the optional essay. The College Board offers fee waivers to those who qualify for free or reduced lunch. However, this year, “the district has negotiated with the College Board in order to give the test to all high school level students across our district,” Assistant Principal John Schilling said. The SAT will give juniors an opportunity to test for free during the school day, March 2, 2016.

Mountain of stressUnderclassmen Pressured for College

“My parents want me to break that chain and at least be the son that has an education and goes to college,” sophomore Miguel Lira said.

Lira is a student who already feels the pressures of college. “My parents never got the opportunity to go to college,” Lira said. “They grew up poor and non educated.”

His parents motivate him to continue his studies to give his family's next generation a solid basis for their future.

“If you don’t know anything about college, you’re just in the dark, but once you learn [about] it, you feel more open to it,” Lira said. Learning is one of Lira’s passions; he aspires to be a teacher. “School is part of your life and I want to teach and I want to help people,” he said.

Academic Counselor Devon Ghani believes getting a head start on college outweighs the stress. Students should realize “that your grades all four years are important for college acceptance,” Ghani said, “so just getting that buzz in their ear about college earlier on is helpful to them.”

By Katie NguyenSophomore, Staff Writer

Underclassmen have four years to be college ready before they decide what they want to pursue.

While some students have their sight set on college, math teacher Nick Hoffman believes students have many options. “We do our students a disservice by making college the main focal point,” he said.

He believes that underclassmen burn themselves out by thinking that not going to college means never obtaining their goals. “I think you have a greater chance of falling behind if you are trying to worry about being a high school student and college [student] at the same time,” Hoffman said.

College counselor Karen Perez agrees that grades are an important part of college acceptance, but students can take other pathways to get there. Assist.org can help students find community colleges since transfer acceptance rates are higher than freshman acceptance rates.

To talk about your future set an appointment with the counselors at the College and Career Center from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm in the library.

Tardy policy problemsAttendance ofice addresses concerns about the tardy policies By Khang NguyenSenior, Staff Writer

Matos introduced the new tardy policy that C- Period. The new rule states that students who are tardy on Thursdays or are missing their ID card at the window will receive an automatic Saturday school, unless it is their first tardy.

“I ran it by the principal first to make sure that I had the correct authority to make that call,” Matos said. She informed the students of the new policy at the attendance window.

Prior to the new policy, Attendance Clerk Sue Wadiak noticed the sharp rise in tardies early this year. She reported that last school year there were 449 tardies from August to October. This school year, 574 students were tardy during that same time period.

Due to the increase in student tardies, the time it takes waiting in line to receive a pink slip is longer. “You miss a third of the class time just to go get that slip,” senior Vu Ho said. He believes

During the first C-Period of the 2015-2016 school year, a line of 140 students stretched from the attendance window to the gym. It took Attendance Clerk Toni Matos an hour to hand out tardy passes.

the time it takes to get the tardy slip causes students to miss instruction in the classroom.

Senior Payam Sharifi missed out on more than instruction.“I was a couple [of ] minutes late, and then plus the time it took to get the slip, I missed the quiz,” senior Payam Sharifi said.

Science teacher Steven Boyd recalled an instance when one of his students arrived late to class. “He went and got a tardy slip, and I didn’t see him until 20 minutes into the period,” Boyd said.

In response to the concerns voiced by students, Matos said, “Kids need to get to school on time.”

Matos keeps record of how many students are tardy on a daily basis, and will continue to monitor the number of tardies throughout the year. “ If I’ve seen the decrease [in the number of tardies],”Matos said,“then I will go and meet with the principal and find out if we can now modify it back to what it was.”

Students prepare for college week

photo by Katie Nguyen

Component Time (min) Number of questions

Critical read-ing

65 52

Writing 35 44

Essay (op-tional)

50 1

Mathematics 80 58

Total 180 (230 with essay)

154 (155 with essay)

Redesigned SAT

Component Time (min) Number of questions

Critical read-ing

70 67

Writing 60 49

Essay (op-tional)

25 1

Mathematics 70 54

Total 225 171

Information provided by the College Board

Highlights

3

Letter from the Editors

Coder Cash JohnsonPursuing a passion while struggling with depression

As a coder, sophomore Cash Johnson finds perfection unattainable. The stress from spending all his time perfecting his craft can often be overwhelming.

After four years, Johnson has built his life around his hobby. “My weekdays are spent coding, my breaks are spent coding,” he said. “Every moment that I’m not hanging out with friends, I’m coding.”

Friend and fellow coder, Sophomore Blake Bull can relate to Johnson’s technical struggles with computer coding. “It’s like learning another language,” he said. “It’s a brand new thing and it’s kind of hard to comprehend how everything works and why.”

Johnson has had his share of setbacks. At the age of 13, he coded a game which was unsuccessful. “I would get a lot of bad reviews and vulgarities were sometimes thrown at me,” he said. “That’s kind of what helped me [fall] into the depression.” Johnson notes that the lack of support in the industry can dissuade beginners from pursuing coding.

By Jasmine Airem and Cassandra Boyle Sophomores

photo by Cassandra Boyle

Despite these obstacles, Johnson views the situation with hope. His experiences with depression and anxiety taught him to receive feedback without taking criticism personally.

In addition to developing thick skin, Johnson has found a way to share his feelings.

“He talks to me sometimes about things that he’s stressing out about,” sophomore and friend Jeffrey Plaza said. “He’s able to get his stress out [by talking].”

Johnson continues to struggle at times with harsh comments, but he still wants coding to be a part of his future. He hopes to go to Cal Poly or MIT and dreams of opening his own company for designing games.

Johnson codes on a computer in the library

Giving back, not giving upSenior Peter King hosts team to fundraise for diabetesBy Kayla HowellSenior, Staff Writer

Moving forward with EnglishTaking advantage of an unexpected situationByAlexis LopezSenior, Staff Writer

staying with her sister in the United States, a visit from Espinoza’s father caused her to improve her

attitude toward academics. “Apart from wanting

my dad to feel proud of me, it was so I could feel good about myself,” Espinoza said, describing the visit as a catalyst for her change in mindset.

Now, Espinoza hopes to inspire others back home. “I know if [my brother] sees I’ve

changed,” Espinoza said, “he could make it so his daughters

study here to improve their futures.”

Through her experiences, Espinoza realized she can accomplish whatever comes her way. Going

forward, she is considering continuing her studies in the country, looking into a career as a flight attendant.

During her sophomore year, Junior Karoll Espinoza trailed behind her niece, nervously anticipating conversations she could not fully participate in. She did

not speak English.“I couldn’t find myself

in this world. I didn’t feel like me,” said Espinoza, who arrived in the United

States over a year ago. Now in her second

year at Pioneer, she is less nervous as an English-learner. According to

English teacher Nadya Peck, when asked to read aloud, Espinoza would

protest, then proceed to read well. “She [was] not a very shy girl once she got over her language problems,” Peck said.

“In Mexico she was a different girl; she didn’t care about school,” sophomore Yareny Herrera, a close family member, said. After three months

Karoll Espinoza working in her ELD class

All day, senior Peter King had been ill. He was dehydrated, yet constantly needed to use the restroom. He thought it was a passing pain, but it turned out to be something much worse.

King’s aunt, a diabetic, recognized his symptoms and tested his blood sugar; it was 649 mg/dL, 509 over the average, according to the American Diabetes Association. She called paramedics, and King drove to the hospital, not realizing just how ill he was. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Senior Kyla Foroutan remembers her visit during King’s hospitalization. “When I saw him he looked so weak, I understood that he didn’t want us to see him like that.”

Because Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, King’s hospital floor was full of kids. “There was a six-year-old girl who had it

since she was born,” King said. “She inspired me to be positive about it.”

Since his diagnosis, King has found support in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Founda-tion (JDRF), a global charitable organization dedicated to ending Type 1 Diabetes. Through JDRF, King met other diabetes patients, where he got the idea to start a team by himself for a fundraising walk hosted by JDRF. “I feel like if I encourage other people to come out and sup-port this cause, then those children won’t feel so down and defeated.”

JDRF is hosting the walk at Almaden Lake Park on October 31st. Everyone is welcome to register at walk.jdrf.org, or see King for details on joining his team. Check-in is at 9:30 am and the event starts at 11:00. Participation is free, but participants are encouraged to donate.

We were there freshman year, when we felt like our voice was drowned out. We were there sophomore and junior year, when we finally could be the voice of our school, but did not know how to speak up. Here we are, senior year, finally upperclassmen. We feel the pres-sure to have it all (relatively) figured out.

We’re learning how to use our voice while bringing out the voices of those around us. That is why we are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the 2015-2016 Pioneer Pony Express.

As the school year progresses, we hope this newspaper becomes a place where you can share your stories. Since our staff has tripled in size over the years, we plan on being able to ensure that more voices are heard.

Our mission is to let all voices be heard. If you have any concerns, complaints, or potential story ideas, please communicate them to the staff, or email them to ponyexpresseditors@gmail.com. We write not for ourselves, but for you. If we can’t accurately represent you, we’re not doing our job.

We will work our hardest to earn your trust. We will go through countless cups of coffee, way too much pizza, and sprints across campus to get your story. Our reward comes every time you pick up the paper and read it. So thank you, community of Pioneer High School. This is for you.

photo by Khang Nguyen

Contact Us!Use social media to stay

updated on school events and get information on things going on around campus. In addition,

access exclusive articles and our archive of previous issues of the newspaper on the Pony Express

website.

INSTAGRAM@PonyExpressPHS

TWITTER@PonyExpressPHS

photo by Khang Nguyen

4

Mental health of a high school student

rehabilitation.“When you need help, you ask for help,”

Bellinger said. “I could’ve pretended everything was fine, but I needed help.” Bellinger found that sharing experiences with the other patients was beneficial. “I felt like people fully understood me,” she said.

Elective Department Chair and Art teacher Laurie Kirk said: “The greatest social problems we face can be attributed to someone who has been bullied in their life and marginalized, and left isolated with that suffering.” Kirk once saw around 25 students in a circle, and suspected something was going on. “I walked over there and they were tormenting this disabled child,” Kirk said. She stepped in and confronted the bullies.

Those who have experienced bullying may find it difficult to search for help. Students who feel uncomfortable going directly to an adult can call the San Jose Unified School District hotline number (408) 535-6000, with the extension number of 65298, to speak with a Pioneer counselor.

By Alex Paredes and Celina SowinskiSophomore, Senior

Does bullying have an effect?

Focus

A threatening situation like bullying can alter someone's mental and emotional stability. According to the National School Safety Center, “American schools harbor approximately 2.1 million bullies and 2.7 million of their victims.”

Janelle Klaas, an Almaden Valley counselor at Pioneer, observes symptoms such as depression, isolation, and loss of academic motivation in victims of bullying. Klaas believes that a student needs someone to talk to in order to resolve the problems they are struggling with.

Signs that bullying is developing vary case to case. Some symptoms like fear or avoidance of social situations can result in debilitating circumstances like social withdrawal, one of the most common telltale signs of depression according to everydayhealth.com.

Senior Sarah Bellinger has experienced depression, a possible outcome of bullying. “I realized that I lost who I was as a person because of my depression, and that I needed to do something,” Bellinger said. After missing months of her sophomore year, she eventually went into

The screens of cyberbullyingCyberbullying has a negative impact for high school students

By Sarah GreeneSophomore, Staff Writer

With the increasing use of social media comes an unfortunate consequence: cyberbullying. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, cyberbullying is defined as creating rumors about others over social media, sending mean or intimidating messages over the internet, and creating fake profiles.

Junior Lauryn Garcia has experienced cyberbullying firsthand. Garcia’s friend found a Facebook page containing pictures of Garcia with inappropriate and rude comments. Upon seeing this, Garcia was shocked. “Your body starts to get hot and your heart starts to beat really fast,” Garcia said. “It’s a situation where you can’t really help yourself.”

She found comfort in her mother’s help and support. “She told me not to believe anything and to still go out throughout my day the way I am,” Garcia said. “I feel if you have someone that’s backing you up, you’re more comfortable with yourself.”

Victims of cyberbullying are 1.9 times more likely to commit suicide than those who were not cyberbullied stated the Cyberbullying Research Center. Garcia emphasizes the importance of telling someone if they have experienced cyberbullying. “When you’re thinking of suicide [it] is because you’re alone,” Garcia said. “When

you tell someone else, you don’t feel that way.”The administration is working toward the

issue of cyberbullying. Assistant Principal Tim Gavello organized assemblies and brought outside speakers to educate students about bullying in order to make Pioneer a safer place. “It’s important to educate students on how to use their technology in a positive way rather than a negative way,” Gavello said. “I think the students need to understand that whatever they put on the computer … goes places where they don’t know and it can’t be easily deleted.”

Pioneer teachers have also become aware of the effects cyberbullying poses. English teacher Lyndsey McKenzie helped a student face cyberbullying before. McKenzie talked personally to this student and directed them toward an administrator. “It’s not just me, the student, and the classroom,” McKenzie said. “[Bullying is] really a reflection of our whole community.”

She hopes to make Pioneer a bully free zone. “The most important thing we can do as a school is maintain a positive culture and attempt being kind to one another,” Mckenzie said. Some resources for students who have experienced cyberbullying are teachers, administrators and counselors from Almaden Valley Counseling which are located in the library.

Back Bullying is a social issue that torments many high-schoolers. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and our mission is to initiate a conversation on campus about this issue. Our articles offer methods to bring awareness, prevent bullying, and aid in decreasing the number of victims. The many factors of bullying include physical bullying, emotional bullying, cyberbullying, and circulating nude photos or intimate messages about a person without their consent. These factors can lead to one permanent issue: suicide. Victims of bullying are two to nine times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University. The Pony Express takes this issue seriously and strives to bring light to the seriousness of the emotional damage that can occur. We hope to create a safer space here on campus by acknowledging the issue and raising awareness.

October 29, 2015, 3:05 PM

Voices for the unheardBy Jasminder Bains and Patricia Ruiz MenaStaff Writers

Reaching out against bullying

Speaking up is the best action against bullying, but it requires the most strength.

Three years ago, senior Alexandra Herrera mentored her cousin, Celina Khaliq, when bullies called her names. “I would tell her, ‘Keep a smile on your face. Don’t let the bullies see you down because they’ll try to hurt you more,’” Herrera said. She advised Khaliq to not believe what bullies said because it was not true.

Last August, Khaliq stood up to a cyberbully on Twitter who was body shaming girls who wear crop tops. She posted four photos of herself in crop tops to empower the girls that the cyberbully was victimizing. "She's come so far over the last three years," Herrera said.

Not all students have the opportunity to talk to someone like Khaliq did. "High school’s a tough time," Assistant Principal Kaden Bahner said. "There [will] be challenges that seem either really big or really small. There are two things that happen: someone either recognizes a big issue and comes forth with it or they bury it."

Bahner makes a point to interact with students so they are more comfortable coming to him. "It's a cycle; if you’re present and visible as a support for students, they’ll feel comfortable coming to you when they need it," he said. "If they never see you and have no idea who you are, it’s going to be really hard for them to open up about personal issues."

Students who require additional support can get in touch with a counselor themselves in the library or in Student Services. Bahner encourages students to reach out to any trusted adult when in need of help.

Whether reaching out for help or accepting it, one person is all it takes. Counselor Jillian Hosler said, “Having the ability to advocate for yourself is extremely important in order for the adults on campus to give students the help that they need and deserve.”

go kill yourself

depression isn't even an illness... stop pretending to get attention you're pathetic

If I was you, I would’ve already killed myself

No one even likes you, why are you still here?

you’re worthless.

you’re probably faking it, aren’t you? You're so stupid why

would you do that, you're such an idiot!

Everyone understands but you. You should just drop out, you're never gonna go anywhere anyways.

no one even notices you're there. no one would care if you disappeared.

BULLYING STATISTICScourtesy of bullyingstatistics.org

1 out of 4 students report being bul-lied during the school year

1 in 10 students drop out of school because of repeated bullying

Over 67% of students believe that schools respond poorly to bullying, with a high percentage of students believing that adult help is infrequent and ineffective.

57% of bullying situations stop when someone intervenes on behalf of the bully victim

Bullying prevention programs that are school-based decrease bullying by up to 25%

The reasons for bullying reported most often by students were looks: 37% body shape and 16% race

5

Upcoming Games!

6

Seniors Alex Liebscher and Nick Garaffo compete at Montgomery Hill.

Photo by Brandom Jimenez

Hill after hill and trail after trail is where Pioneer’s Cross Country athletes find their true passion, mental strength, and competitiveness.

Pioneer’s Cross Country program is divided into five teams. Boys have three teams: varsity, frosh-soph, and reserves. Girls only have two teams, varsity and reserves. There are only 12 girls compared to the 34 boys. Central Coast Section (CCS) regulations state varsity and frosh-soph teams must have seven runners competing. Reserve runners serve as fill-ins for injured athletes and can earn a spot by improving their times.

Coach Kristin Lebherz explains when running up to eight miles, it is just you and the voice inside your head. Sophomore varsity runner Julia Dunker said, “It takes a lot of mental strength to not give up and keep pushing because it’s not like there is someone always at your back telling you to keep going,”

With everyone battling to be in the top seven, varsity runners always have someone right on their heels. Returners are not guaranteed a place on varsity, as the selection process is purely based on times.

Senior varsity runner Nicholas Garaffo understands the competitive nature needed to excel in cross country. “To be on varsity it means not only you’re fast; it means that you love the

Behind the stride Pioneer's Cross Country team reveals what it takes to be a competitive runnerBy Lauryn Luescher Sophomore, Staff Writer

sport because if you don't like to run, you’re not going to be good at it.”

With a win at the upcoming final, boys varsity will be at 8-0. Lace up your shoes and come out to Crystal Springs Cross Country Course in Belmont, to support the Mustangs as they race to the finish line of league finals.

Sports

Pioneer prepares for their next battle with Leland.

Battle of the Den XIBy Delaney MacDowallJunior, Staff Writer

It all started in the Mount Hamilton League: Pioneer and Leland went head-to-head for the first time. Eleven years later, the two teams still battle, with the Mustangs holding onto two more wins.

Leading up to the Battle of the Den, Pioneer does not need incentive to battle it out with their opponent. “It’s already such a big rivalry. I feel I don’t really need to do anything,” coach Eric Perry said regarding the team’s additional preparation for the game. “The guys get excited about playing Leland regardless.”

Some of the players grew up together, but were separated going to rival schools. “It’s fun seeing the student-athletes and their friends from elementary and middle school now playing against each other,” Athletic Director Joe Berticevich explained.

“I know some of the people at Leland and they’re saying how they’re ‘going to get us this year,’” junior wide receiver Jarrod Turner added. “That just makes me want to push harder and beat them.”

In their previous games, they have been down to the wire, including last year’s final minute Mustang victory, 35-28.

“We got a nice win against them last year. It was a really hard fought game, so hopefully we can try to follow that,” coach Perry said.

“It’s going to make our team even more excited to keep pushing forward because I already know the game is going to be close,” Turner said.

Currently, Pioneer is 3-1 and Leland is 0-3. The Battle of the Den will be held at Pioneer on November 6th at 7:00 pm.

New coach, new directionNew varsity girls soccer coach plans for new seasonBy Brandon JimenezSenior, Staff Writer

Chris Sorg, the new varsity girls soccer head coach, is ready to start the season off right. He has been coaching for over 30 years and has had previous experience coaching at San Jose State, as well as playing for them. Sorg is currently the head coach of the MVLA club soccer team, and is a part of the coaching staff for Foothill Community College women’s soccer team.

“I would love to build something special and keep it going, not just for me, but for the legacy of Pioneer girls soccer,” Sorg said.

There are changes coming to the team off the field as well. According to Sorg, a 2.0 GPA will not cut it anymore. He is enhancing girls soccer beyond the drills and tactics. “They need to actually show me what their GPA is,” Sorg said. He does not want the girls to just get by, as “the landscape has changed and academics now rule where you can go.” Colleges are demanding a more well rounded student as well as an outstanding athlete.

Sorg is not just trying to form a winning team. He wants to create a stronger relationship between the players to the point where “everyone’s going to have everyone's back, including me,” Sorg said. He hopes to make a difference in the girls lives both on and off the field. Using his 30 years of coaching experience, he wants to aid players in finding a college. “I know a lot of college coaches,” Sorg said. He is continuously talking to coaches about needed traits and positions collegiately.

Coaches and players have different perspectives of chemistry. Sorg will be the third head coach for the Mustangs in four years. Last year’s captain, senior Regan McCall and senior Saba Mozaffari have seen the program change over the past couple years, however they believe there will not be a change in the team’s chemistry this coming season. “I always like having new coaches. You get a different perspective on the game.” Mozaffari continued, “I don’t think it will put us out of balance.”

Even though it was a last minute coaching change, Coach Sorg stood above the rest. “Nobody came close to him,”Athletic Director Joe Berticevich claimed. When asked about picking Coach Sorg for the varsity head coach job Berticevich said, “He has the most experience. We’re excited to have him.”

With the support of the Berticevich and the team, coach Sorg appears ready to kick off the season.

photo by Khang Nguyen

Pioneer and Leland battle it out on the football field

photo by Khang Nguyen

November 2JV Boys Basketball

8pm November 2

JV & Varsity Girls Basketball3:30 pm @ Mini Gym

November 2Boys Soccer

3:30 pm @ HomeNovember 2 Girls soccer

3:30pm @ Home

November 2Wrestling3:30pm

November Girls Volleyball

6pm @ IndependenceNovember

Girls Volleyball6 pm @ Prospect

November 6Varsity Football7pm @ Home

7

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• Student Service Learning• NHS Banquet/Scholarships• Classroom technology• Academic programs

SportsVolleyball enters new league

returning to varsity, so we’re just working out all the little kinks.”

Returning varsity player junior Joelle Dueck said, “Some of the challenges in the game are sticking together no matter what and not getting ourselves down, but picking each other up.”

This season, the team has a 2-8 record, and while not yet adjusted to their new league, the three captains help through team meetings.

As a leader of the discussions, Lindsley said: “It’s kind of a conversation with the whole team, a chance where we can all talk about how we think the season is going.” These talks are important to the team because the players can speak freely without the coaches present.

The skill in the program grows every year as players develop. Head coach Tony Lien claims “This year is quite dynamic, in that we have a really wide range of both experience and talent in the program... they all work together and it’s not one person; it’s everybody.”

This season, freshman Carrissa Macdonald has shaken up the starting lineup, leading the Mustangs with 164 kills and 51 aces. Her experience on the A2 national development program allowed her elevate the team as an outside hitter at Pioneer.

“One of the skills that I do know, which I practice a lot in club and A2 as an outside hitter, is definitely transitioning,” Macdonald said. “We’re still working on transitioning with Coach Tony and blocking as well.”

Lien emphasized, “You must accomplish all the basics, all the fundamentals. All the little things add up to big things.”

By Andrew KellerJunior, Copy Editor

Girls program moves up to Santa Teresa division

The varsity team comes together to discuss the first set against Independence High Schoolphoto by Andrew Keller

as a record. The coaches in the league vote on teams that should move up or down. Strength of schedule, junior varsity record, and the number of returning players on the team are all taken into account. After the coaches pass the movement, school athletic directors meet to approve the decision.

“I think [the game] is more focused and there is more attention to the little details now that we’re in a higher league and have to be more attentive to defense,” senior Katie Lindsley said. “Half of the team is new to varsity and half of the team is

Girls volleyball excelled last year with their 13-1 league record in the West Valley division. The varsity team’s stellar performance moved the program up to the Santa Teresa division, or B league.

“The competition is tougher throughout the whole league. It’s a learning experience,” Athletic Director Joe Berticevich said.

League movement is not always as simple

Dreaming of the W'sFantasy Football enters full swing

By Jack DaschJunior, Staff Writer

Fantasy football offers football fans a chance to be a General Manager for a season, and to personalize their teams.

Friendly competition is the name of the game for the Fantasy Sports Club, which is new on campus this year with 21 members. “We’re all athletes playing so we all just want to win,” club president, junior Spencer Arburn said, but he also mentioned that “it was just all friendly; it’s not super serious. The competitiveness is furthered by the pressure to do well in the draft.”

Players choose how long a season lasts, ranging from a full NFL season or just a week. Fans become more acquainted with the entire league as opposed to just the local teams. “I learned so much more about football. Before, I watched games, but now I actually pay attention to the players more,” junior Dylan Tao said.

“The best thing about fantasy football is that it’s all up to chance. You’re guessing all the time; all it takes is one injury or one bad game and you’re going to lose,” math teacher Bryan LaCaille, a 24-year fantasy football player, said. Drafting the right players is key to a good season, but even with background research, player performance is unpredictable.

Don’t fumble your chance to intercept the action on Wednesdays in Room 307!

Water polo's bright futureVarsity water polo making waves with junior Jake LandrumBy Caitlyn GreeneSophomore, Staff Writer

from working individually as a swimmer, to play-ing a team sport. “Jake has turned into a real team leader,” varsity coach Dan Peterson said. “He used to be very shy as a freshman, and now he is a vo-cal leader.”

“In the water, he’s really determined to win,” Bandoni said. “A lot of teams are good, but we go out there and Jake’s always ready to win.”

Bandoni and his other teammates consider Landrum as a second coach, and look to him for advice on the concept and fundamentals of the game. Sophomore Conor Prolo goes to Landrum for guidance, especially with shooting skills. “It’s easier to listen to him sometimes than the coach because he’s actually been there during that situa-tion,” Prolo said.

Coach Peterson has also acknowledged Lan-drum’s talent in the water. “This is my 14th year at Pioneer, and in all the years I’ve been coaching, he is in the top two or three players that have ever played here,” Peterson said. “He puts in the effort and it pays off for him. He’s one of those real special athletes.” Landrum plans on playing water polo after he graduates from high school. Con-sidering his talent and ability, Landrum’s future appears promising in the world of water polo.

Since first splashing into the sport three years ago, junior Jake Landrum has dominated in water polo. In addition to serving as varsity team cap-tain, Landrum plays for Stanford Water Polo Club, the highest ranked water polo team in Santa Clara.

Last month, Landrum was named Athlete of the Week by the San Jose Mercury News; only one male and female per week in the Santa Clara County are selected. This award is rare for water polo players, as their season is only three months long.

To top it off, Landrum broke the school record for the most goals scored since 2005 with an incredible 141 goals.

Water polo player junior Dominic Bandoni, has known Landrum since they were three years old. Bandoni introduced him to water polo in 2013, and has watched Landrum develop the competitive mindset needed to play a team sport.

“I like swimming, but I wanted something more,” Landrum said. He wanted to explore a more engaging sport and took note of the aggres-sive nature of water polo.

Landrum has improved his skills as a leader,

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art by Pony Express

Entertainment

8

Deerhunter will not fade

By Cammi KanekoSenior, Section Editor

Deerhunter is known to wear a lot of different hats when it comes to their genre— from shoegazing, indie, and psych rock; their sound makes them one of the most unpredictable bands around. “Monomania,” Deerhunter’s previous album, featured mostly lo-fi, weird songs that fans either praised wholeheartedly or hated passionately. Their latest album,“Fading Frontier” showed progression and maturity throughout it’s entirety, while keeping the flair that makes Deerhunter so unique.

With a lengthy discography to their name, it’s a challenge for Deerhunter fans to hear something new or original from the band. However, Fading Frontier has succeeded in bringing clearer vocals, stronger instrumentals, and deep, thoughtful lyrics; a sound atypical from their earlier lo-fi,

Deerhunter’s newest album, Fading Frontier, exceeds expectations

garage sound.Known for lyrics about death, mortality,

and existential views on life, Dearhunter has reintroduced these themes in their newest studio production. On the opening track, “All the Same,” lead singer, Bradford Cox sings, “Take it anyway I could leave or I could stay / Wouldn't matter much to me,” revealing his feelings of carelessness and unclarity. Pair these obscure, heartfelt lyrics with upbeat guitar chords and a tambourine, and you’ve got yourself this Deerhunter album.

A personal favorite track from the album is “Carrion.” As Cox pleads, “What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with me?” I feel his frustration and exasperation regarding the internal conflict he’s facing. His feeling of insecurity about himself is definitely relatable. As the chorus drones, “I’ll carry on, I’ll carry on,” it shows a play on words between lyrics “carry on” and the song title “Carrion”. Cox conveys his hopefulness saying he’ll carry on despite the title’s meaning, a word for the rotting flesh of a dead animal, which suggests destruction and death. The juxtaposition between the uplifting guitar and the self-deprecating lyrics is unexpectedly complementary.

While I had wanted more than the album’s nine songs, I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it. 4/5.

Building a bridge to excellenceA great film from Spielberg and co. that could have been betterBy Matthew PinkneySenior, Staff Writer

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ latest collaboration, “Bridge of Spies,” is a cleverly executed period drama that just misses perfection.

“Bridge of Spies” tells the story of James Donovan, an insurance lawyer in the late 1950s asked to defend Rudolf Abel, a man accused of being a Soviet spy. During the trial, Donovan is persecuted by the anti-communist public and when the CIA requests his help in negotiating a prisoner exchange, Donovan must make a decision that could bring the Cold War to a fiery end.

Donovan, excellently portrayed by Hanks, is an innocent man caught between forces he doesn’t understand. Struggling to maintain his moral compass and defend Abel, despite verbal and physical threats against him and his family, Hanks brilliantly conveys the internal conflict through his warm, fatherly performance.

Mark Rylance, as Abel, gives another standout performance. Breaking the traditional spy mold, Rylance portrays a wise, yet worn down man in an Oscar-worthy performance that balances wisdom with dry humor. The play between Hanks and Rylance transforms the Cold War into a personal conflict.

Despite the heightened stakes when Donovan travels to East Germany to negotiate an exchange of prisoners with the Soviets, the movie plays out less like a race against time, and more like a series of beautiful errands.

Much of this can be blamed on the

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Vinyl revivalBy Kimiya Nasiri and Mahsan ZareStaff Writers

Despite the popularity of music streaming services, vinyl records are making a huge comeback. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), between the years 2014 to 2015, vinyl sales went from $145.8 million to $221.8 million.

Vinyl records are formed plastic discs on which music is written, and they require a record player or turntable to listen to. Music streaming allows consumers to listen to free music without downloading, using companies like Spotify, Pandora, and iTunes Radio.

In spite of streaming’s accessibility, some consumers continue to buy vinyl, partly because of their recent availability in stores such as Urban Outfitters and Barnes & Noble.

Since vinyl is an older platform, it carries a sentimental value for many. Sophomore Jeffrey Plaza said, "[My record player] was given to me by my grandparents." He remembers using it as a kid at his grandparents’ cabin. “We would play The Jungle Book record on it.”

There is some debate over the royalties streaming services pay artists. According to the RIAA, many streaming services pay artists below market rates, if anything. For example, Pharrell’s “Happy” had 43 million plays on Pandora but only made $2,700 in royalties.

“It puts a really heavy burden on musicians to figure out how they are going to support content creation,” music director Matthew Lane said. “Music should be valued, and it’s definitely something that has become very undervalued in society.”

So what is the music consumer of today to choose: the convenient online streaming or classic vinyl?

The comeback of vinyl in the digital age

underdevelopment of Francis Gary Powers, played by Austin Stowell. Powers, an American spy pilot captured by the Soviets, is given limited screen time, and though Stowell attempts to bring out some personality, it feels rushed and kills any suspense in the final exchange. Powers becomes more of a classic damsel-in-distress than an active participant in the plot.

Those seeking a Cold War spy film, a la James Bond, may feel disappointed, however, it is still worth watching simply for the masterful work by the famous actor and director team. I give “Bridge of Spies” four out of five spies.

The Donovans, played by Tom Hanks and Amy Ryan, leave the courtroom amid reporters

photo by Cammi Kaneko

Photo courtesy of Dreamworks Studio

A Monthly Playlist By Cammi Kaneko, Senior

“Her Morning Elegance” - Oren Lavie“Dinner [terrible]” - Blood Orange

“Our Deal” - Best Coast“Birds Don’t Sing” - TV Girl“Leonie” - Frankie Cosmos

“Swimming Pool” - Front Bottoms“Afternoon” - Youth Lagoon

“Make You Mine” - The Drums“Ivory coast” - Pure Bathing Culture

“Making Breakfast” - Twin Peaks“How Are You??” - soKo“Humming” - Turnover

“The Lord’s Favorite” - Iceage“Falling and Laughing” - Orange Juice

Access on Spotify here athttp://bit.ly/1R6UjsV

The Pony Express Newspaper Staff

Editors-in-ChiefAbby Catolico | Ariana de Souza | Andrea Vasquez

Copy Editors Andrew Keller | Aline Mata Vazquez | Andrea Vasquez

Section EditorsLindsay Cutler | Cammi Kaneko | Semira Sherief |

Anastasia Starmer | Josephine Velazquez | Zara WherungPhoto EditorKhang Nguyen

Staff Writers and PhotographersJasmine Airem | Jasminder Bains | Everett Bang | Cassie

Boyle | Jack Dasch | Caitlyn Greene | Sarah Greene | Kayla Howell | Brandon Jimenez | Maddi Kidder | Alexis Lopez | Beatriz Lopez | Lauryn Luescher | Delaney Macdowall | Kimiya Nasiri | Alex Paredes | Matthew Pinkney | Patricia

Ruiz | Julia Sargis | Celina Sowinski | Mahsan ZareTech Team

Abby Catolico | Colton Donnolley | Candice PhelanAdviser

Mrs. Shannon Giovannoli