April 4, 2008

Battle of the Classes: Let the Sin Begin...

Juniors unleash some ‘wrath’
The sophomores showcased the sin of envy

By Helen Hong
Special to the Times

Students of Evergreen Valley once again thrilled an audience of more than 800 in this year’s Battle of the Classes. The theme chosen was the “Seven Deadly Sins,” and preparation for this milestone event began in January as each class worked countless hours at after-school practices. During two long months of intense training, each class created an original 20-minute skit along with choreography and decorations to adorn every inch of the school gym. Their hard work was put on display Friday, Mar. 21 as an exciting competition between the classes pervaded the atmosphere.

The freshmen class presented their rendition of the sin Pride. The story revolved around two inseparable childhood friends: Lucky, played by Marisa Huang, and Greg, played by Timothy Le. However, as Lucky is swept into the glamour and perks of Hollywood, she begins to engross herself in the pride that accompanies celebrity life. In the end, she is left with a decision - leave her genuine friendship with Greg or to leave her pride in Hollywood.

Sophomores showcased the sin Envy through the epic adventures of Captain Cosmic and Galactic Boy, played by Chris Le and Marc Torcuato, respectively. Sidekick Galactic Boy is consumed by a green heart of envy as the humble and respected Captain Cosmic sweeps up all the fame, the romance and the superpowers. A final fight between the once-close friends ends in a confession of the unjustified jealousy that has brought Galactic Boy to his downfall.

The seniors show some greed.

The junior class unleashed the Wrath with a thrilling and heart-racing skit filled with action, vengeance and passionate anger. Agent 09, played by Valerie Nguyen, becomes the object of wrath as result of the murder of her beloved sister. However, her lifelong mission for revenge against the mafia who has killed her sister brings her into interaction with naïve and innocent Emily, played by Theresa Ta, who is ultimately revealed as the daughter of the man who has killed Agent 09’s sister.

Freshmen show some pride

As their last Battle before graduation, seniors of 2008 displayed Greed through a tale of pirates. Seniors also constructed a phenomenal rolling wooden pirate ship on which the three pirate lords, Daisy Nguyen, Niko Delarosa and Travis Hernandez rode to embark on a twisted journey in search of the treasure of Avarice, a supposed chest that would provide immortality and gold to satiate any pirate’s greed. After multiple scenes of betrayal, deception, and connivance, only one pirate remained to hoard the treasure.

Five judges oversaw the competition from decorations to class spirit, and after games such as the Human Pyramid, Tug-O-War and Balloon Stomp were also taken into account, scores were tallied. After anxious anticipation, seniors took home the first place trophy while juniors trailed just eight points behind in second place; sophomores took third, leaving the freshmen class in fourth place. The dedication and class unity shown through Battle of the Classes demonstrated the high level of rigor and commitment that Evergreen students portray each year.