TORCH— PDHS Magazine —

FIRSTTHE

ISSUE PDHS TWITTER UPDATES

QUICK & EASYBREAKFAST RECIPES

WHAT’S HOT,WHAT’S NOT:DRESS CODE EDITION

A REAL HERO:EVA KRAUSE

7 WAYS TO IMPROVE

YOUR GRADES

MUSIC PLAYLIST

TORCHEditor-in-Chief Mallory JesserTeacher Adviser Alissa Marshall

Special thanks to Tarah Brackett, Kelley Burke, Brigitte Crisp, Victoria Dubeau, Chloe Durkin, Scout Easley, Addi Halligan, Bailey Hughes, Caroline Lockhart, Jordan Romania, and Michael

Wong for assisting with the photo shoot,Shaindy Friedman and the Sunshine Circle for support

Letter from the Editor p. 4The Aztec Beat p. 6Eva Krause p. 8The Aztec Pledge p. 11Style School Survival Kits p. 12Date Dash p. 14What I Love About Myself p. 16What’s Hot, What’s Not p. 187 Ways to Improve your Grades p. 22PDHS Twitter Updates p. 24Food for Thought p. 26Tribal Trends p. 28Horoscopes p. 31Wild Things p. 32

Letter from the Editor

The journey of life entails searching for one’s purpose. People seem to be constantly looking for the spark that will light up their lives, the flame that will light up their hearts. Fire

represents passion and positive energy. Fire is powerful. Fire generates luminosity and hope, even in the darkest of nights. It is in an Aztec’s nature to lead the way. Aztecs are unstoppable warriors, the epitome of

determination. With the light of their torches, they are prepared to take on any feat the world may present to them. Each student at Palm Desert High School is an Aztec, with his or her own torch just waiting for the spark that will set it alight. The key to reaching your goals and being the best you can be is finding what sparks your interest, and reaching for it. Once you feel good about the person you are becoming and the choices you are making, the light of your torch will lead you to productive changes and new accomplishments. We at Torch want to help you bring out the best you have within you. Fellow Aztecs, join your light with ours so that we may share hope and success with each other and our community. Love,

Mallory JesserTorch Editor-in-Chief

Photo: Matthew Priestley

4

If you are in the moment,you are in the infinite.

-Svami Prajnanpad

5

Sometimes good tunes can real ly help boost your energy and mood when you’re feel ing low. Get ready to pour these jams out of your speakers!

Rock on, Aztecs!

6

Playlist: Created by Lincoln Jesser (PDHS alumni!)Lincoln attended USC’s Thornton School of Music and is under contract with the record label Indie-Pop. Check out his newest release, In My Dreams EP, on iTunes and his music videos on Vevo!

MENU

The “Aztec Beat” Playlist

1. Thinkin Bout You - by Frank Ocean

2. What’s Going On - by Marvin Gaye

3. Live Your Life- by Yuna

4. Bittersweet Poetry - by Kanye West

ft. John Mayer

5. Moment I Walked Away - by Lincoln

Jesser6. My Love - by Justin Timerlake ft T.I.

7. In My Place - by Coldplay

8. West Coast - by Coconut Records

9. Pop Culture - by Madeon

10. Bonafied Lovin’ - by Chromeo

11. Flashback - by Calvin Harris

12. Baby I’m Yours -by Breakbot

13. Cry (Just a Little) - by Bingo Players

14. What You Know - by Two Door

Cinema Club15. Under Control - by The Strokes

16. Sleeping Lessons - by The Shins

7

Why Me>?Eva Krause lives to tell her heartbreaking story of surviving the Ho-locaust. Having experienced the epitome of bullying, Eva gives her take on treating everyone with respect and kindness.

Eva Krause was only fifteen years old when the Nazis barged into her house and told her family to grab their belongings. The Nazis rounded up the neighborhood in a market place. It was dark, and the place was in complete chaos. Eva’s mother was holding her daughter’s hand and that of Eva’s younger sister. In what seemed like a second, Eva’s mother let go of Eva to help her younger sister with something, and Eva was pushed into the crowd. Though she didn’t know it, that would be the last time Eva would ever see her family.

8

Eva screamed: “Matka!” (“mother” in Polish). The angry crowd, fearing she would draw the attention of the Nazis who might shoot them, pushed her, telling her to be quiet. The crowd was now split into two halves, and the side that contained Eva’s mother and sister was forced into cattle cars that went to Treblinka, a death camp (Eva later found out her family was sent directly to the gas chamber and killed). Now, Eva, separated from her family, was alone in the ghetto.

Every morning, Eva was put to work by the Germans. One evening, a friend of Eva’s told her that the German police told him that the next morning they were going to come to the ghetto and take Jews to death camps. Eva’s friend said four or five of his friends were going to go into hiding and that Eva could come too if she wanted. He told Eva to be ready at 4 AM and that he would pick her up. Eva said yes and early the next morning they went into hiding in an attic. The attic had a side compartment (similar to a crawl space) in which they hid. They watched through a little opening in the attic as the Nazis rounded up the Jewish people in the ghetto. Suddenly, they heard footsteps of high boots and an officer saying he was going to see what was in the upper attic. Luckily, the other officer said there was nothing to see up there so they never ended up looking. If the officers found Eva and her friends hiding, Eva and her friends would have been shot.

Eventually, Eva ended up in a death camp that was even worse than Auschwitz. Eva, along with others, was taken into the barracks where she was forced to sleep on wooden floors. To make matters worse, lice was spreading rapidly. Lice crawled all over Eva, even in her eyelashes, and unfortunately she also caught the gruesome Typhoid fever. According to Eva, everyone had the mentality of “survival of the fittest.” There were mountains of dead bodies surrounding the camp. The daily rations of food consisted of soup (made of water and radishes) and small pieces of bread. Between hunger and starvation, the Jews, Gypsies, and other victims in the concentration camps were stripped of their dignity and dehumanized. Even in the hardest of times, there was still a sort of caste system. The Polish, Hungarians, and Germans all stayed separate and people were still judgmental of each other.

Eva was always faced with the terror that the current day was her last. The barbarity and viciousness encountered in the concentration camps was unimaginable, yet the world was quiet. Nobody seemed to come to the victims’ rescue. Countless innocent people died as a result.

9

InterviewwithEva Krause

on bullying

Torch: When you were a kid, were you told how to deal with being bullied?Eva: No, this was not something I was told. It is in the moment that one chooses how to react.

Torch: Was it ever dangerous for Jewish people before the war?Eva: I didn’t experience it before the war.

Torch: What were your feelings when you saw someone being harassed either by a Polish person or a Nazi guard? Eva: We had one main concern and that was to live to the next day. Sure we felt about others. I did feel empathetic about others and therefore I helped others, but not everybody did. I begged for a little bit of soup and finally someone gave me some. I ran inside of the barrack and everybody was waiting for me. In the meantime, two Russian girls saw me running with the bread and they grabbed it from me, then knocked me down. I came in crying because everyone was waiting for me and I had nothing to give.

Torch: What do you say now when you see there are still people being treated similarly to how they were treated before the Holocaust?Eva: It’s hurtful, and it’s scary. I’m frightened. I’m thinking, “Please God, don’t let them experience what I did.” That’s all…. especially for the young children.

Torch: Sometimes bullied teens want to give up on life and feel like they don’t want to try anymore. In the concentration camps, did you ever feel like you just wanted to die and give up?Eva: When it happened, when we were there, we always thought that we wouldn’t see the next day. But nevertheless, we tried. That’s why I said survival of the fittest. You had to have the will to do something; the ones who didn’t, died.

Torch: Do you have any advice for bullied teens?Eva: That’s terrible! In a way, I blame the parents for not teaching their children the right values and to have respect for others. I can’t picture my children bullying others, because I didn’t bring up my children like that. My children were brought up to

help others and to feel for others. If kids bully and they call other children names, it is the parents’ fault for not teaching them the right life values and to have respect for other human beings. I would tell the bullied teens that they have to get through it. They have to report it to teachers in school, and the teachers should take action.

Torch: What if the bullying is outside of school or inadvertent (non-physical bullying)?Eva: I would tell the bullied teens to remain strong and to walk away from bullies because if the bullies did not learn to be kind at home, and to treat others the way they want to be treated, the victims will not accomplish anything by fighting back.

“God creates us all equal. We are all human beings and we should treat one another like that. Respect is essential, regardless of nationality or religion; we are all human, and this is the way we should teach our children.”

10

The Aztec Pledge should be spoken aloud. By making this pledge to yourself, you are promising to strive for a higher level of being.

Z

E

S

Altruistically and open-heartedly, I will treat others as I want to be treated. I will not be judgemental, and my heart will always be full of compassion. I will be tolerant and understanding.

Zealous about learning and experiencing new happenings is how I will live my life. I am open to meeting different people and willing to go out of my comfort zone.

Trustworthy and loyal, I am a good friend and peer. I want to bring out the best in others, just as I want others to help bring out the best in me. I am honest and make ethical decisions.

Energetically and enthusiastically, I will live each day. I will look at the positive side of things, and aim always to do my best.

Cheerful and radiant, I will envision a beautiful life. I will contribute positivity to the world. My smile and acts of kindness will help bring light into the days of others’.

Simple and pure, I will not allow negativity to invade my thoughts. I whole-heartedly believe that kindness given will receive kindness in return. “I am intelligent, graceful, considerate, happy, faithful, and honorable.”

11

style schoolAlthough maybe cliché, the most essential style accessory is confidence. With it, you have the world of fashion at your fingertips. These Style School Survival Kits are full of go-to items that will help pull together a trendy look.

Men:

H&

M light beige corduroy pants. $29.95.

Topman black pixel tank. $32.00.

Xhilaration metal aviator

sunglasses. $12.99.

Keep R

amos “S

neaker inD

esert Snake E

ye”. $49.95.

Forever 21 men’s “R

etro R

ubber Watch”. $10.90.

12

survival kits

Women:

H&

M blue cable-knit sw

eater. $29.95.

Princess Vera W

ang fox earrings. S

ALE

$8.80. Xhilaration “R

ubber Double

Wrap W

atch”. $9.99.

DailyLook “G

o-Get-E

m

Glitter O

xfords”. $30.99.

Wet S

eal “Pull on C

olor Jegging”. $24.50.

13

datedashLooking for a fun date idea for you and your crush? These cute ideas guarantee an awesome time!

Picnics make perfect dates because you

can spend time with your special

someone in a relaxing environment. We suggest cooking

your meal together beforehand. It is enjoyable,

inexpensive, and super yummy!

Who doesn’t love frozen yogurt?

Fro-Yo group dates are a great way to get to know

your crush without dealing with the

sometimes awkward one-on-one silent moments. Grab a group of your

friends and meet at Beachhouse or

Yogurt Island!

Movie dates are foolproof. But

what’s even better than going to the movie theater?

Going to a drive-in theater! Drive-ins

are the classic alternative to the standard cinema

experience. Check out Smith’s

Ranch Drive-In in Twenty-Nine

Palms!

14

Ice skating dates are cool because they can be as

lighthearted or romantic as you

choose! Plus, trying not to fall on the ice gives you an excuse to hold you crush’s hand. Desert Ice

Castle in Cathedral City is a nice rink

and they play catchy tunes.

Try going on a bike ride with your special someone!

Active dates come along with carefree vibes and can help you

keep things casual to start. It is even better to make a mission out of it, and end up at a

casual restaurant!

Who said bowling was old school?

Sometimes a little competition with

your crush is good, and what better

way to experience the flirty rivalry

than with a game of bowling? If you

want to spice things up even

more, make a deal: winner buys dinner!

15

about myselfwhat I loveWe asked these Aztecs what they love about themselves! What do YOU love about YOURSELF?

Jenna Yeasley“I love my weirdness because it

makes people smile.”

Olivia Wehrle“I love my eyes and smile because

they light up a room.”

Tate Oligney“I love that I am a crier and that I

am not afraid to show my emotional side.”

Roy Park“I love that I have the greatest,

prettiest eyes at the school.”

Hayden Clark“I love that I wear a hat every day

because it makes me unique.”

16

Kevin Jervis“I love my blue eyes because blue is

my favorite color.”

Aaron Rogers“I love my willingness to fall in love.”

Ali Baker“I love my skin because it is

manageable and easy to work with in the morning.”

Chandace Sylvester“I love my hair because it completes

every outfit.”

Hunter Lee“I love my jump shot because I’ve

never missed a three-pointer in my life.”

17

what’s-HOT what’s-NOT

dress code edition

Instead of SHORT SHORTS.... try FLOWY MAXI SKIRTS.

Instead of AVOIDING your LANYARD.... try a LANYARD with SPARKLES or a KEYCHAIN.

Instead of INAPPROPRIATE STATEMENT TEES....try DESIGN TEES that make statements.

Try substituting these inappropriate, dress-code worthy items for more school-ready pieces!

18

Instead of BACKLESS SHIRTS.... try SHIRTS WITH COOL BACK DESIGNS.

Instead of RIPPED JEANS.... try JEANS WITH PATTERNS OR BRIGHT HUES.

Instead of SAGGING PANTS.... try CLASSY and TRENDY BELTS.

Instead of SWEATS.... try COMFORTABLE yet SUITABLE workout attire.

19

20

21

top 7waysto improve your grades

1don’t miss class

2 sit in front

3 manage your time

The school year is coming to an end, and that means your grades are about to become a permanent part of your record. It is never too late to start trying, but it is always too late to give up. Keep these simple yet effective tips in mind to give your grades that last minute

As tempting as it may be to ditch your classes at the end of the year, ditching can have a negative effect on your grades very quickly. Did you know that teachers don’t have to give you make-up work if your absence is unexcused? Even though you’re a little worn out from trying, you will reap the benefits later. You can do it!!!

By sitting in the front of the class, you increase your focus and limit distractions. Chances are your teacher is passing on useful knowledge, and it is up to you use it to your own advantage.

The summer sun taunts, “Come outside and soak up my beautiful rays,” while your homework threatens, “If you do not finish me, I will make your grades suffer!” So here’s what YOU say, “I’ll manage my time so that I can do both!” School is not supposed to draw all the fun out of your life. Time management is key to success and enjoyment!

22

4study in a good environment

5 ask for help

6 use your textbook

7 turn in all homework

Everyone has different studying techniques. It is essential to find what works best for you, whether it be flashcards, mnemonics, or auditory learning. Studies show that studying in quiet places or in concentrated study groups are very beneficial.

Sometimes new learning material just doesn’t click right way... and that’s okay! If you ask for help, your teacher can explain the information in an alternative way that might be clearer to you.

It may seem obvious to use your textbook, but often times the textbook you took home becomes dusty in students’ closet shelves. Even if it means just skimming the text, your textbook is there to help and it contains most (if not all) the material on exams.

It is really difficult to come home and do homework after being at school for seven hours. Try taking an hour-or-so break before starting homework so that you study and work efficiently. Also, students who turn in homework are more likely to do well on tests and have better grades. 23

Digital Art of Christine Pham12th Grade

#InspiredAztec

24

Tweets

Daniel Tran @AsianDanTran“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” #InspiredAztec

Joe Pickering @JoePickering615My inspiration is my passion, my passion is my ambition, my ambition makes me dream, and my dreams are of music and girls. #InspiredAztec

Patrick Nguyen @AdorkablePandahYou don’t get passion from spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on fire first. #InspiredAztec

Alhia Isbael @AlhiaIsbael61I sing my heart out every day because it’s what I love doing. #InspiredAztec

13m

27m

1 h

1 h

1 h

2 h

2 h

3 h

3 h

3 h

3 h

3 h

4 h

Compose new Tweet...

TWEETS FOLLOWING FOLLOWERS

torchmagazineView my profile page

2,064 492 6,000,883

Who to follow • Refresh • View all

Browse categories • Find friends

Follow

Follow

Follow

PDHS BaseballFollowed by Hayden Clark and others

Campus NewsFollowed by Andrew Mehta and others

PD FashionFollowed by Tarah Brackett and others

X

X

Trends • Change

#AztecPride

#RedAndGold

#DressCode

#HighSchoolProbz

#Relationships

#GoWaterPoloBoys

© 2012 Twitter About Help Terms Privacy

Blog Status Apps Resources Jobs

Advertisers Businesses Media Developers

Jonny Renker @JonnyRenkerMy weightlifting coaches inspire me to work to my full potential and become the best I can be. #InspiredAztec

Amelia Baxter @AmeliaB123I love horseback riding because it’s all sweat, whips, and spurs until you win the blue ribbon and that’s what makes it worth it. #InspiredAztec

John Stockman @JohnJohn4I love to learn and I am always searching for truth. I know there’s something out there that can change the world for the better, I just have to find it. #InspiredAztec

X

Sabrina Shelton @Sabreeze“Dance is my inspiration. I’m not sure where I would be without it; the music keeps me grounded and the steps keep me sane.” #InspiredAztec

Ashley Villalobos @AshleyV53Family is everything because you cannot go a day without their love and support #InspiredAztec

Benjamin Hwang @BenjaminHwangI work hard in what I do because I want to get the most out of my life. #InspiredAztec

Vanessa Gonzalez Flor @Vgonzalezflor“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” #InspiredAztec

Travis Moniot @TMoniot“Baseball inspires me to do well because I need to do well in school if I want to go somewhere in life with baseball.” #InspiredAztec

Andrew Mehta @AndrewMehta“I’m interested in learning about technology because I enjoy it and it will help me in my career later on in life.” #InspiredAztec

food forthoughtAs the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast is imperative in performing well in school and staying energized throughout the day. The following delicious, easy recipes take five to ten minutes and are almost too good to be true.

Cereal Parfaitingredients: your favorite cereal, your favorite

fruit, your favorite yogurt, honey, and peanut

butter

5 minutes

Layer yogurt, cereal, fruit, honey, and peanut butter in a plastic cup

The cereal parfait is a nutritious on-the-go breakfast that will guarantee to get you through at least third period!

26

No-Bake Peanut Butter Breakfast Bites

recipe by howsweeteats.comingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup ground flaxseed

1/4 cup sliced almonds, chopped

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

a pinch of salt

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, melted

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup ground peanuts or ground almonds, to roll the balls in

Combine oats, almonds, flaxseed, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl and stir.

Melt peanut butter and allow it to cool slightly (I melted mine in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then stirred), then stir in honey and vanilla extract until it’s combined. Once peanut butter has cooled a bit, pour it over the oat mixture and mix well with a spoon then bring together with your hands. Once mixture is sticking together, fold in chocolate chips.

Roll dough into golf-ball sized (or slightly smaller) balls, then roll in ground peanuts or ground almonds. These can be eaten at room temp but we really like them stored in the fridge!

10 minutes

27

Stay comfortable and cool with light cardigans. They never go out of style and look great paired over tees or dress shirts!

Waxy-finished jeans are ultra durable, yet still chic. The glossy shine of the jeans keeps any outfit looking perfect from dusk ‘til dawn.

Bad hair day? Slouchy knit beanies can be worn with practically anything! Beanies give off an effortlessly suave laid-back vibe...

Trendsmen:

David Beckham sporting a Burton “All Day Long” slouch beanie ($15).

28

Remember ladies, be classy and sassy (never trashy). Blazers are polished and sophisticated, without being over the top.

Take a break from the usual classic jean cut offs. Colorful and embellished pieces add an adorable twist to your look!

Strong collars are powerful statement accessories. Detachable collars instantly create a sense of confidence and poise.

women:

We pulled together the best of the best, the trends of the season.

Etsy seller lonjefarris

29

Hey Aztecs, It’s OK...

...to go to dances without dates. Sometimes just going with friends is even more fun!

...to watch reality TV shows every once in a while. GTL anyone?

NOT OK...

...not to be in a relationship. High school is the perfect opportunity to grow and focus on your interests.

...to cheat on tests... EVER. Cheating quickly becomes a slippery slope that will lead to serious consequences!

30

aquarius gemini libra

pisces cancer scorpio

aries leo sagittarius

taurus virgo capricorn

May

Jan 20-Feb 18 May 21-Jun 20 Sep 23-Oct 22

Feb 19-Mar 20Jun 21- Jul 22 Oct 23-Nov 21

Mar 21-Apr 19 Jul 23-Aug 22 Nov 22-Dec 21

Apr 20-May 20 Aug 23-Sep 22 Dec 22-Jan 19

Follow your heart and natural instincts. Do not let others sway you into making choices that you would otherwise never even consider. Your wisdom will be beneficial to you and will make you alluring to potential love interests.

Your heartbreaking past has been creeping up in your mind lately. Do not let the past hinder your plans for an awesome future. Open up with a trusting heart in order to avoid isolating yourself and to have positive new experiences.

It is important to be serious, but don’t let your seriousness take away from celebrating life. Your work ethic and focus will help in all aspects of your relationships. Continue to concentrate in school and you’ll get great results.

Never forget the beauty of special friendships. You have been searching for changes in your life, and they are now possible, thanks to your positivity and a few lucky occurrences. Avoid burning bridges and/or taking old friendships for granted.

Envy has been nibbling at you lately. Instead of longing for what others have, remember that you can achieve wonderful things with dedication and hard work. If you want something, go and get it. Nothing is stopping you except your self-doubt.

You have an alluring charm and aura about you. Use your gifts to be happy and to help others. By respecting others, you will gain friends and admirers who will enhance your life significantly.

Keep your friends close this month. Also, keep in mind that patience and modesty will provide you an open path to progress. If you are in a relationship, you may find your partner is holding you back. If you are single, you may find admirers glancing your way.

Take a look at yourself to make sure you like who you are becoming. The choices you consistently make will start to define who you are. In order to be confident, you have to be comfortable with your choices. Romantic sparks and stomach butterflies are headed your way.

Sometimes the unknown may seem scary. At times like these, it is important to have faith that everything will turn out the way it is supposed to. Major changes can have spectacular effects. Remain flexible and put your mind at ease.

You are usually wary of spontaneity, but all you need is a little bit of courage and you will be well on your way to meeting talented people who will give you new perspectives on life events.

It will be extremely beneficial for you to express some pent up feelings you’ve been holding in for a while. The future holds exciting new love and relationships, but beware of becoming clingy or even obsessive.

It may be necessary to sacrifice a little of your normally extraordinary work ethic for the sake of family or friends. Never let yourself lose sight of what is truly important while remembering that family comes first.

31

wild

32

things

Photos: Mallory Jesser

Makeup: Scout Easley

Hair: Bailey Hughes

Models: Jordan Romania, Caroline Lockhart, Tarah Brackett, Michael Wong

33

aztec spiritred and GOld...

34

...hearts full of compassionwe are strong

and

bold...

35

...dream catching minds...36

-

37

...integrity in

38

...our souls...

39

...we soar to dizzying heights...

40

...grasping majestic goals...

41

together

we

stand

as

one

42

43