The AVC Examiner Vol. 42 Issue 4 by Antelope Examiner

Construction & Class cuts Where is all the money going? Find out the truth on Page 2

Spotlight on a cause: Community Cann see Features, page 6

Consumed by iCulture see Opinion, page 8

Looking back: Sports review see Sports, pages 17-18

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a v c e x a m i n e r

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News

Page 2 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com

The money for all this is already in the project. “The designs are all done, and the contractors have bidded,” Jensen said. The south exterior renovation got final approval from the Board of Trustees on May 14, and is slated for completion by September 2012. “When we do all these kinds of By Kat Wilson Staff Writer projects, the majority of them is fixing the roofs,” Jensen said. For It’s no secret that the students at acquired until 2008, howexample, the gymnasium roof was Antelope Valley College are fuming over ever, when $5,070,000 in replaced and the roof to the lecture Courtesy Photo the raised tuition costs and fewer classes Measure R bonds was used hall has been repaired. available while new buildings are going up to purchase 60 acres on Doug Jensen provided an early rendering of what SSV will look like in the fall. A couple of the capital outlay on campus. 25th Street East, according to projects are still pending, such as a It doesn’t seem to make sense. AVC just the Citizens’ Oversight Committee Winter Campus Development. $400,000 elevator renovation since Facility renovated the Marauder Stadium a couple 2010 newsletter. This particular renovation is just one Services still needs to determine how many of years ago, finished a new theater last By that time, however, the economy had of 18 capital outlay projects that were ap- elevators can be attended to. semester and now tBP/Architecture is worsened and construction costs skyrock- proved by the Board of Trustees in 2010— Other than general upkeep, however, Jenconstructing a new Health and Sciences eted so high that there was not enough Mea- most of which are either already completed sen said, “One thing we try to do is make it building that almost looks like it belongs in sure R funding left to start construction on or soon will be. look like a college.” a Star Trek episode. Why does AVC have the Palmdale campus. The renovation on the exterior of SSV 12 years ago, Jensen said, AVC had no millions of dollars to construct new buildWith the way Measure R bonds work, and the surrounding area has an approved sidewalks around the campus and there was ings and renovate existing ones on the Lan- the money has to be spent within a certain cost estimate of $638,000, according to no landscaping. “There was a curb, there caster campus while there is still no Palm- time period. So, facility services have been the 2010 capital outlay project review from was dirt, and then there were parking lots,” dale campus and the classes are being cut in able to follow through with a number of Facilities Planning and Campus Develop- he said. every department? smaller projects on the Lancaster campus as ment. This will cover much more than a “We have little projects like this where we The answer is: Measure R funds. well as completing construction on the new single fountain. try to add a little bit to the aesthetics of the Way back in Nov. 2004, voters in the Performing Arts Theatre and the Health Currently, just outside SSV on the south college, the campus, and make people feel Antelope Valley Community College Dis- and Sciences building. Most of the above side is a gray block building. This block like it’s a good place to be at,” Jensen said. trict passed a ballot measure to sell $139 information is explained in more detail on used to be a central plant to supply hot and He referred to the “broken windows phimillion in bonds for campus cold water as well as air conditioning for losophy,” a theory introduced in 1982 by construction projects. Basithe administration, library, and other build- two social scientists named James Wilson cally, this money can only be ings. “When we moved the central plant and George Kelling at Harvard University. used for construction, safety over here [the north end of campus] we vaThe theory essentially states that, “If improvements, equipment in cated that building,” Jensen said, and now the broken windows and graffiti doesn’t get the new buildings (hence that it’s just “an eyesore.” taken care of, the crime increases,” Jensen controversial Steinway piano), The renovation includes tearing out the said. “So there’s a real psychological facand repairs. empty building, adding ramps and walk- tor about not keeping things fixed up, and Measure R funds cannot inways to SSV in compliance with the Ameri- maintained and looking nice … It’s become crease the number of classes, can with Disabilities Act (ADA), widening a nationwide philosophy for policing and although it has been used to the main walkway between SSV and the taking care of communities.” make room for more classes bookstore, landscaping in those areas and Jensen said he holds a similar philosophy and program expansion. getting rid of the glass enclosure by the at AVC. “Keep it looking like a college, and Will Lofgren / Examiner AVC cannot take this The new theater was one of AVC’s Measure R projects. board room “because everybody complains people will treat it like a college,” he said, money from one pocket and about how ugly that is,” Jensen said. “and the majority of people will take some put it in another, because that The walkway will have walls at the en- pride in it.” is what voters voted for in 2004, before the AVC website under “Frequently Asked trance, Jensen said, with little fountains on Thus, the truth is AVC is not wallowing the state started making drastic cuts to Questions” in the Facilities section under both sides, “kind of like a gateway entrance in extravagant decadence by building such college funding. the Administration tab. to the campus.” things with Measure R bonds as some stuAs the Examiner reported in the April One project that has started to kick When asked if AVC has the money to run dents may believe, but rather—from what 2012 print edition (Volume 42, Issue 2), up some fresh controversy on campus is the fountains, Jensen said the fountain water Jensen says—the campus is following a the state has delayed an estimated total of the plan to renovate the south exterior will recycle, and won’t need a constant flow. predetermined plan to maintain efficiency $14,165,447 in funding to AVC since 2007. of the Student Services & Information “There will be a little bit of maintenance,” and a general well-being on campus. That is why classes are being cut. building (SSV). he said, “but it should be relatively minor.” It is undeniably hard for students to see Long story short: several projects were “I had a student in here … who had There will also be eight-foot AVC signs of apparent improvement on one hand finished and begun on the Lancaster run into some contractor who said they’re letters that will be lit “so at night they’ll and the decreasing number of classes and campus while college officials tried to going to build a half million dollar wa- show up and you can see them from the street,” services offered on the other. But the reacomplete a land deal for the Palmdale ter fountain, which is not true,” said Doug Jensen said, something similar to the Bex soning behind the construction and class campus. The land was not successfully Jensen, Director of Facilities Planning and letters on Lancaster Boulevard. cuts is not as simple as black and white.

Is AVC splurging class funds on new buildings?

A S O

E l e c t i o n

221 students

voted, and the winners are:

For a few words from your ASO President, visit www. avcexaminer.com under the May 4 news blog post

Terrance Myers

Edward Oquendo

Rieana Paul

Sareena Haff

Iqra Yusufzai

Sandra Govin

President

Vice President of Club Affairs

Vice President for Public Relations

Secretary

Senator of Health Sciences

Student Trustee

*Photos by Robert Villapudua

he new Health and Sciences building is about 90 percent done and will be ready right on time for the fall semester, Doug Jensen, Director of Facilities Planning and Campus Development, said. “Everything is going to come down to the last day,” Jensen said. “July 16 … [is] the fixed date for the college to get the keys and start moving professors into their offices.” AVC’s existing science buildings are too small, have 52-year-old labs and “seismically, they are not the best engineered buildings,” Jensen said, since building codes have changed over the years. “They’re good enough to still have classes in, but if there was a real bad earthquake I’m not sure if they would stay up.” Buildings are rated on a 1-10 scale, Jensen said, and “if they’re 1-6 then they won’t tear them down, but if they’re 7-10 the state will tear them down and pay for new buildings. “Our science buildings are at about 6,” he said. The new 105,085-square-foot building will have space for state-of-the-art labs, classrooms, various simulation rooms for medical students, a new outdoor greenhouse, faculty offices, a Subway, and a planetarium.

Robert Villapudua /Courtesy Photo

The aesthetically pleasing hallways follow the curvature of the building.

Robert Villapudua / Courtesy Photo

In the cadaver room, special cameras can project dissections being performed into the classroom next door. This way everyone will be able to see what’s going on in detail without crowding the table. The cadavers will be stored a couple doors down from the Subway restaurant with the nutrition class kitchen space in between. Cadaver sandwich line?

Robert Villapudua / Courtesy Photo

With rubber tiles on the floor, students will have a little more cushion for their feet during long lab hours.

Robert Villapudua / Courtesy Photo

AVC still needs grants to get a projector for the planetarium.

Careful detail has gone into this building and there will be tons of special equipment to facilitate learning, but unfortunately the planetarium will not be fully equipped. “The projector is not part of the budget,” Jensen said. “Initially they’ll be able to do normal lectures with a screen on one side, but they won’t be able to use the full dome.” The AVC Foundation is working on getting science grants for it and donations are welcome, Jensen said, but a planetarium projector would cost about $1 million. “That is the only thing lacking in this building,” he said. The total cost for the Health and Sciences building was $73,987,000, according to a letter addressed to the Antelope Valley community from the Measure R Citizens’ Oversight Committee. “The new science building will take AVC a giant leap forward,” Committee Chairman Darren Parker, wrote in the same letter. “These science labs provide students the foundation for study in the health professions, including respiratory therapy, radiologic technology and, one of the most popular programs on campus, registered nursing.”

Richard Balogh / Examiner

When construction began in 2010, Richard Balogh started snapping shots every couple of months to track its progress from a pile of dirt to the modernized structure it will be.

News

Page 4 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com Furthermore, sports events are set and planned with the cooperation of other teams, and the teams only play so many games a season. Three students (Yvette Anadur, Alex Hughes and Kaitlyn Sherman) put their heads together and submitted similar “zeroscaping” or xeriscaping ideas.

A Student Survey By Kat Wilson Staff Writer

The state has been draining community colleges dry with funding cuts in the millions, year after year. Antelope Valley College board members asked for help from the students to find any way to save. The AVC Examiner asked members of the student body for their ideas and shared those ideas with faculty members to get a response.

Barbara Dunlap: “Have your current employees do jobs around campus instead of hiring outside vendors; this is way too expensive and the resources are right there if you use them. Do more online classes ... reaches more students and increases income. Not to mention the ‘green’ benefits. Have more public entertainment in the new stage building and on the new athletic fields.” “AVC employees are already stretched thin,” Steven Standerfer, Director of Public and Governmental Relations, said. Several administrators have had to double their workload to make up for more than 50 positions vacated by retired or departing administrators, Standerfer said. “I’m not sure what ‘vendors’ she’s referring to,” Standerfer said in response to Dunlap’s suggestions. “We have outside contractors constructing buildings; there are specialty needs for which we do bring in vendors.” Dunlap did not respond to the Examiner’s attempts to clarify what she meant concerning outside vendors. As for more shows in the theater, Standerfer pointed out that shows require a lot of staffing, “and that adds to the cost.” There have already been a number of productions in the new theater, but student shows take a lot of time for preparation and money for stage sets, costumes and props. “With only 400 seats, it’s not as if we’re going to be able to book ‘name’ acts at a reasonable price,” Standerfer said, and that the Steinway company paid for Jeffrey Siegel to play AVC’s new piano (which was purchased with Measure R funds). “If we’d had to pay all the costs for the artist and the show, we would have had to charge an average ticket price of approximately $33 just to cover basic costs,” Standerfer said, “not counting any advertising, ticketing, wear/ tear on the theater, etc.” “It’s not as easy to make money with a theater as some people might think,” he said.

Yvette Anadur: “Get rid of all the grass! We waste $$ on watering grass when all that money could be used for adding classes. AVC should Zeroscape and stop wasting money on watering the grass with timed sprinklers.”

Shows,” Padilla said. The Financial Aid Office then pulls the money that would have gone to those people. “AVC does have to pay if financial aid is misused,” Padilla said. “We could wait longer, but students need the money to get their books.” The number of students that drop out in this way, however, is small compared to those who don’t. “Less than half of one percent get financial aid and drop,” Padilla said. According to a presentation Padilla gave to the Board of Trustees on May 14, “Per federal regulations, students that receive financial aid and then completely withdraw are required to pay back a portion of the aid they received.” If those students don’t pay it back, they are “reported to the Department of Education’s Collections Division and cannot receive any additional federal aid at any college until their debt is repaid,” Padilla said. Concerning the parking lot, “In recent years … someone had a proposal to sell used cars out of the college parking lot on weekends,” Standerfer said. “There’s actually a business person who does this elsewhere and he wanted to do the same at AVC.” There was concern, however, that it would have too much of a negative impact on local car dealers, so “it didn’t go further,” Standerfer said. But renting out the parking lot is still a viable idea. Bridget Razo, Executive Director of the AVC Foundation and Institutional Advancement, recently led a delegation to investigate the weekend marketplace held at Ventura College’s parking lot. “Over the years,” Standerfer said, this marketplace “has created a pretty steady source of income for its [Ventura College’s] Foundation.”

Doug Jensen, Director of Facilities Planning and Campus Development, said that most people don’t realize it would cost more to convert to xeriscaping than it would to maintain what AVC already has. Recently, Jensen said, his team tore the grass out of a median by a north entrance at Ave J-8, and it cost $8,500 just to remove 3,000 square feet of sod. “Even if we tear out all the grass, we still have trees and shrubs to water, and you have to buy all the other materials, the DG [decomposed granite] and all that,” he said. “I think the total cost for that project was $20,000 to save how much on water? $20,000 could probably buy water for 50 years for that little space.” “The other thing is lawns are the easiest thing to maintain … When you have planters like this,” Jensen said as he pointed to the xeriscaping around the facilities building, “the maintenance is ten times higher to get in and weed these things … and we only have seven guys on the grounds staff for the whole campus, 135 acres.” For new landscaping By Ben Fassett projects, Jensen said they are Staff Writer “trying to be more careful.” Behind the new Performing The final word seems to have come in Arts Theatre, there is no grass and Antelope Valley College’s financial and each plant has an individ- woes continue to be a focal point for the ual emitter to conserve water. looming fall semester. In our second issue, the Examiner re“It’s a constant balancing act,” Jensen said, as Facility ported a total reduction in campus fundServices tries to keep the land- ing to the tune of $5,793,305 in the 2011scaping aesthetically pleasing 2012 academic year. While a forlorn hope and to save money at the same was held for a state backfill, the following months proved disappointing. time. In a memorandum sent on May 3, Susan Lowry, President of AVC’s Faculty Union, Cynthia Baker: “The welfare people helped to define the numbers presented by who take classes and Thomas Brundage (Vice President of Adthen drop to get the ministrative Services) and Diana Keelen cash, make the money (Director of Business Services) in a Town go back to the state or Hall meeting held on April 17, calling stay with the school, not them “substantially correct.” Keelen’s presentation indicated that to the people when they drop … Maybe rent the AVC would be faced with an estimated parking lot out on week- $2,563,053 deficit, bringing the campus to ends to have swap meets, an 11.31 percent reserve. Brundage projected that an $842,500 or a farmer’s market.” cut would be required in the next year to Sherrie Padilla, Financial maintain an eight percent reserve to prevent Aid Director, said that the fi- putting AVC on the Chancellor’s Watch nancial aid office does not give List. If this is unsuccessful, the community out any money until the Mon- college chancellor’s office could enact a wide range of policies requiring day after classes start. If students don’t show for the college to renegotiate contracts, their first classes, it is up to the adhere to closer state scrutiny, or in instructors to “flag them as No severe cases, take charge of the college’s

Teachers feel the budget blues operations altogether. A small silver lining has appeared thanks to the reworking of redevelopment funds that had gone unused thus far, reducing the required cut to $147,409. One cut is insufficient, however. According to Brundage, two more equal cuts would be required, cutting a total of $1,685,000 dollars for 2013, and $2,527,000 for 2014. So where does it start? So far, all signs indicate a 3 percent pay cut each year for the next three years for faculty. While there are no hard numbers as of yet, the number of courses offered next semester are predicted to decrease as required by the state. This also carries the inevitable possibility of a faculty downsizing. Now here’s the rub: whatever cuts do come, the college is required to spend a minimum of 50 percent of its funds on instruction, lest they fall victim to heavy fines—again by the state. Lowry summed up her concerns by saying that the issue “keeps me awake at night ... It would make great newspaper headlines if we could say that we shared the pain equally and made it happen without people losing work, and without harming the core mission of our school—to serve the students. But it is more complicated than that.” So take a deep breath, friends, because we are about to take the plunge. Then we’ll apparently be coming up for air and repeating the process at least twice.

Features

AVCExaminer.com | Graduation 2012 | Page 5

By Natasha Castro Staff Writer

No time for food

AVC’s Examiner staff would like to thank everyone for their participation in our Readership Survey.

“[The stress from finals] affects my eating habits. I’m constantly working on projects or whatever is due and I forget to eat. And because I’m not eating when I should be, I get tired and then crash when I’m in class.”

Here are the results:

Cristal Garza Clothing & Textile Major

1. Are you aware of the monthly student newspaper, the AVC Examiner? Yes: 85.6% No: 14.4% 2. Are you aware of the school paper website, www.avcexaminer.com? Yes: 50.5% No: 49.5%

More toke, less smoke

“I smoke more [marijuana] around finals. It improves my confidence in how well I do on tests. But I smoke less cigarettes because I gotta be healthy.”

Michael Piazza English Major

*Piazza claims to be a registered patient

4. How often do you visit the website during the semester? 1-5 times: 15% 6-10 times: 8% 11-20 times: 9.9% 25-plus times: 11.7% I don’t read it: 55.5%

Andrew Stafford Business Administration Major 5. Which section(s) do you feel is most enjoyable to read?

Speedracer

“Last semester I had five classes and finals, like, every other day. It was stressful. I was driving a lot faster … The little money I had saved went by a lot faster.”

Andrew Stafford Business Administration Major

Relationships = Distractions

“For a lot of people that completely put their lives in school, relationships—be it relationship-wise or friend-wise—can be big a distraction from what you’re doing.”

Joann Steffen Nursing Major

News: 75.2% Features: 51.7% Opinion: 50.9% Sports: 29.1% Fashion: 19.1%

6. Where do you pick up your AVC Examiner? One of the five kiosks on campus: 53.1% APL building: 15.5% LH1: 1.9% Mailroom 16.9% Administration: 7.5% Library: 16.9% SOAR: 0% Performing Arts 2.3% Online blog: 12.7% Facebook: 11.7% 7. In light of the current economic conditions facing Antelope Valley College and the real possibility of cutting classes, do you support continued funding of the AVC Examiner? Print: 5.2% Electronic: 28.0% Both: 53.5% Neither: 13.3%

No point to the pressure

“I don’t see the point in finals. If I fail a final it doesn’t mean that I am not capable of understanding the class. It’s too much pressure.”

Keyouna Hines Political Science Major Photography by Will Lofgren

3. How often do you read the newspaper during the semester? Once: 9.9% Twice: 18.2% Thrice: 15% Four times: 34.3% I don’t read it: 22.6%

8. Which demographic category best describes you? Student: 63.4% Staff: 10.9% Faculty: 15.6% Administrator: 0.7% Community member: 9.4%

Features

The return of dreaded finals Examiner Readership Students weigh in on our concluding semester Survey Results

Features

Page 6 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com

Spotlight on a cause: ‘Change grows from the ground up’ By Natasha Castro Staff Writer

CommunityCann, an advocacy group for the legalization of marijuana, is on a mission to reach and inform local communities about their cause. “It’s not about getting high. It’s about our civil rights as humans and being able to function as a society in the long-term,” Forrest Rosenbach, Co-founder and Director of CommunityCann, said. Rosenbach, also an AVC student, has worked on several campaigns, and was Assistant Field Director for Los Angeles for the Yes on 19 campaign to legalize marijuana in 2010.

“This idea [for CommunityCann] came about right after Prop 19 failed in November 2010 … and recently we’ve finally hit the ground running with an actual implementation of our strategy. We have a decent amount of volunteers all throughout LA County and a handful of others outside the county and state,” Rosenbach said. The group is still fairly small in its operation, but is expanding and gaining support through Facebook and is comprised of about 30 volunteers in the Antelope Valley. Its slogan “Change grows from the ground up,” CommunityCann aims to open up discussion about drug policy and attitudes through

community involvement. “We kept coming back to communities,” he said of group discussions to review Prop 19’s failure, adding that approaching communities is much different than gaining national and state support. He said that in dealing with a variety of cultures and perspectives, it was important to understand what drives certain ideologies. After reading James Madison’s Federalist 10 papers, he realized the relevance of factions—or interest groups—within society and that advocates for legalization must be a recognized constituent. However, Rosenbach said that the “stoner” stigmatization is especially difficult

to overcome. “Not everybody is a hippie,” he laughed. “We need to get into the communities and change that perception by giving back.” Since its kick-start, the group has put together several efforts to become involved in the community, Courtesy Photo including a cleanCommunityCann host’s meetings at Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe. up project at Rawley Duntley Park. “There are church groups together a food drive and tive efforts, they have reand Boy Scouts that go to working at several homeless ceived what Rosenbach dethe park and pick up trash, shelters with a drug counsel- scribed as “outstanding supbut there aren’t any ‘pothead’ or who can offer drug coun- port from local enterprise groups that do anything like seling services to anybody that is not industry related.” that. And it’s something that that would like it,” he said. For example, local busiwe need,” he said. “That way we’re not saying ness All American PomThe group has several that we advocate for drug padours & Pin-Ups is in aims, all of them involving use; we’re saying that we’re the works with Communithe community. serious about community tyCann to create a Reefer Rosenbach said that the issues and we want to take it Madness-themed model de-criminalization of drug head-on.” calendar, pieces provided possession is important in Setting up informational by Sherman Oaks Smokers avoiding what he called a campaigns is also a priority Gallery, and distributed by “slippery slope of issues.” of CommunityCann. Rosen- Chronic Candy. The group “Yes, ideally you want to bach said he would like to also meets monthly at Caget rid of drugs, but do the have speakers like former mille’s Sidewalk Cafe. people that use drugs need to policemen and judges from Eventually, Rosenbach be treated as criminals? Do Law Enforcement Against hopes his focused efforts they need to be disenfran- Prohibition, an organization will spread as local politichised?” of former law enforcement cians are elected to state ofWith drug arrests, he officers and people that have fices, helping to expand his said, users lose job oppor- worked within the judicial cause. tunities, often can’t go to system that speak for chang“We want to be in the school, ultimately can’t ing drug policy. line of sight for politiprovide for their families. “[We want to do things cians so that when they “If they can’t get money like] inviting our mayor go to vote or are looking to provide for their families, and councilmen, and bring- at legislation, they will then where are they going to ing them out to a workshop keep us in mind,” he said. get it from? Welfare. Well, where they can learn about “By vocalizing this within who’s paying for welfare? what we do and why they the communities, we can Everybody else that’s work- need to change their current spread it like a wildfire, ing. So, you end up creating perspective,” he said. hopefully.” this vicious cycle… What is Even beyond information Ultimately, Rosenbach the cost benefit to this?” campaigns, he said the group reasoned that there is a bigTo help mediate this prob- will go into local lobbying. ger majority of legalization lem, the group hopes to work “That’s where we’re going supporters than is recogwith local officials to divert to attack local government nized by policy. He offers arrests and change arresting head-on to start implement- this solution: procedures for local authori- ing a medical cannabis poliGet involved. We live in ties, stressing that rehabilita- cy in the AV and the County a representative democracy. tion should come before any of Kern,” he said. We have to talk to the people charges or arrests. Although the group has that represent us to get what “We’re working on putting yet to organize any legisla- we want.” For more information, or to get involved, visit www. facebook.com/communitycann/

Opinion Cal state enrollment freeze devastates students AVCExaminer.com | Graduation 2012 | Page 7

The AVC Examiner editorials are the unsigned views of the editorial board As the semester comes to a close, there is no doubt many a student prepared to transfer to a four-year university, a step that will hopefully lead to success and prosperity. Likewise, there are no doubt a number of students who are transferring to one of the 23 schools that comprise the California State University system. The latter group of individuals can count themselves fortunate. Back in March of this year, it was announced that all but eight of the CSU campuses have plans to freeze admissions next spring. Furthermore, the schools will waitlist all applicants the following fall, a decision that will be contingent on the outcome of a tax initiative that will be voted on in November. Obviously, this is meant to be incentive for the normally complacent masses to pay a visit to the polls. How one ultimately decides to vote on this tax increase is something that should stem from thoughtful consideration, but that isn’t the paramount issue. What’s nigh deplorable is the fact that such a haphazard gambit is being employed. Playing roulette with the academic futures of tens of thousands should never have been an option. The consequences of such a gam-

ble can be severe. It isn’t entirely unrealistic to imagine a generation of Californians less educated than the one that came before. The travesties of such a scenario are innumerable. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be taken to mean that the CSU system is entirely at fault (though recent salary increases don’t help its cause). Should the tax proposal fail to pass, the colleges will face a loss of $200 million, placing further strain on a system that has already suffered close to $1 billion in cuts in the previous four years alone. In the event that this occurs, the CSUs can look to increase tuition costs (a tactic that has earned them harsh criticism in the past), decrease enrollment and employment, or implement some combination of these. It is unlikely that tuition costs will increase again (a 9 percent increase is set to take effect in fall, however), leaving a reduction in enrollment and faculty as the only viable option. The fact that thousands of capable and willing students may be turned away is the very portrait of absurdity.

Unemployment rates remain valid concern By Melissa Britz

Contributing Writer

The national unemployment rate as of March is at 8.2 percent for those on unemployment 16 years of age and older. The unemployment rate has decreased from the rate last year at this time. The national unemployment rate for March of 2011 was at 8.9 percent. Although 8.2 percent is an improvement compared to 8.9 percent, both unemployment rates for March place much higher than unemployment rate 5 years ago. In March 2007, unemployment rates were at a 5.1 percent. Unemployment rates have decreased but are still high. According to an EDD representative at the AVC campus, the unemployment rates are higher than the numbers show. There is a whole group

of individuals who have been dropped from unemployment benefits but are still unemployed. There are jobs with employers seeking employees on a daily basis. There are plenty of opportunities but many still remain unemployed for different reasons. Some question whether or not a college degree will give them a stable job in this time when so many seem to be struggling to attain a job at all. According to Anthony P. Carnevale, Ban Cheah, and Jeff Strohl, authors of Not All College Degrees are Created Equal, “A Bachelor’s degree is one of the best weapons a job seeker can wield in the fight for employment and earnings. And staying on campus to earn a graduate degree provides safe shelter from the immediate economic storm, and will

pay off with greater employability and earnings once the graduate enters the labor market.” Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree on unemployment are at an 8.9 percent. This is considerably lower compared to 22.9 percent of those with a high school diploma and a 31.5 percent of high school dropouts. The problem is not the degree, it is the person who chooses it! If California is laying off teachers, it would probably not be the best time to attain a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in hopes of becoming a teacher. If there is a shortage in the medical field, one might attain a nursing degree. Respiratory therapy is a great job as well to go into within the medical field. Look, I’m not saying, “Don’t become a teacher!”

see Rates, page 9

Granted, given the economy’s current state, especially in California, it would be naïve to think that higher education would somehow be immune to harm. However, what is transpiring goes well beyond harm; the system is bleeding. In times of financial hardship, compromises are expected, but the colleges’ latest actions are more fitting of desperation, rather than resolve. Legislative decisions to cut funding for higher education will do no good for economic recovery, at least not in the long term. Despite the ever increasing number of college graduates, individuals who hold a Bachelor’s degree still earn more than those without. They have a greater capacity to enjoy luxuries and have a larger pool of ex-

pendable income. In other words, they pump more money into the economy. What this situation ultimately represents is a collective failure on the part of everyone. At some point in time, in a tragic display of myopia, it was determined that education would no longer be a priority. The oft cited disparity between prison costs and the amount given to higher education is a testament to this. According to an evaluation report from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the recidivism rate sits at 65 percent for those who have been incarcerated for three years or more. That the number of return prisoners remains so high is just another indication of poor resource management. Access to public universities is absolutely crucial to the health of a society. The prospect of an educated and mobile populace remains salvageable, but systematic paradigm shifts will be necessary. It will require of everyone, private citizen and politician alike, to weigh their priorities with a sense of foresight. It will require that everyone look beyond whatever problems exist today to consider the future.

Opinion

Page 8 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com

iCulture: trend or impending doom? By Geena Barret Staff Writer

iPhones have been consuming our nation since June 29, 2007. 74 days after the first release, Apple had sold its one millionth iPhone. One million iPhones in a little over two months is just insane! According to TechCrunch.com, Apple has sold over 316 million in iOS (Apple’s operating system) products, such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. 316 million is a pretty large number in just a few years. What makes Apple products so popular? “The iPhone is one of the best handheld devices that has been created,” Jamale Clark, an iPhone user since 2008 and an Apple product user since 2002, said. “There are a lot of companies that try to get close to what Apple is already doing. But when companies think they’ve caught up, Apple comes out with a new device from their arsenals of intelligence. When the Galaxy S II came out, they [Samsung] assumed it had gone above par of the iPhone devices. Then the 4S came out. So of course the Apple Company will set the standards.” I’ll agree that the 4S from Apple sounded pretty cool at first. Then my mom bought into the hype and got one herself. Listening to her attempt to talk to Siri is just ridiculous. She has to make sure she’s phrasing what she wants in just the right way or Siri has no idea how to interpret the message. If only it was as easy as the commercials made it seem. Asking for which local gas station has the lowest gas prices should not bring up a list of the nearest gas stations, alphabetized with no other options for the order. I’d rather Google it myself than deal with that. Yet for Kalen Bankhead, an iPhone user since 2009, the iPhone makes life simpler.

“An iPhone was a way better investment in a phone than a Sidekick,” Bankhead said. “I had more to work with and more I could do on an iPhone. I enjoy the phone because of its capabilities and apps for anything. “Apple products,” he continued, “such as Macs, are the top computers for artsy people … they are made in mind of the users who are interested in things such as video editing and photography.” I do understand that the App Store on the iPhone does have more of a selection than Google Play for Androids. But I can live with that. Google Play does just fine with creating apps that are similar, if not better, to apps that are in the App Store. I had to use a Mac in a photography class I took in high school; it drove me nuts! I love working with Photoshop, but to me, using a Mac just made everything more difficult. The teacher had to give out worksheets that specified exactly what keys to push to do what. Way too much work. I think artsy people will be artsy wherever they are and with whatever they use. They don’t necessarily need a Mac to get the job done. “I have everything I need in one device,” Christina Cash, an iPhone user of almost a year, said. “It happens to be the brand of this generation.” This probably is the most reasonable explanation as to why everyone is crazy for Apple products. Apple certainly is the brand of this generation. And their products are capable of doing many things. Watching TV, listening to music, surfing the web, texting and calling can all be done at the same time. I like to keep my devices separate. I don’t find it necessary to watch TV or movies on my phone. All the hype surrounding being able to watch shows and

whatnot on phones now does nothing for me. Really, I’m good with my television set. Despite all of the media’s claims that Apple products are popular because they’re easy to use, Brian Johnson, an iPhone user since 2008, has a very different idea. “Siri spelt backwards is iris,” Johnson said. “Iris is pretty much an eye, the color of your eye, and supposedly Apple is run by the Illuminati [a conspiratorial organization that allegedly masterminds events and controls world affairs through governments and corporations]. “Ever wonder,” he continued, “why Apple products are so popular? Iris meaning eye, you see with your eyes, so Siri is an eye for the government to monitor what people do and their lifestyles.” I love it. It makes so much sense. The government is always trying to find new ways to screen what we’re doing. I saw The Avengers movie and when SHIELD was going through every mobile device and camera available to find Loki, I was paying attention. It’s an idea to consider. The federal government could totally do that and get away with it under the ruse that we just have awesome devices on us, and some of them can talk back. With Apple being the company that everybody wants a product from, the government would do well to use their products to view what people do daily. Ultimately, though, people who grew up with Windows are going to want to stick with Windows. People who have iPhones, or have had a Mac, love the products. To each his own. I, however, will not be buying into the fad. When I get the opportunity to get a new phone, I will be spending my time checking out the other quite capable phones on the market.

Andrew Valle / Examiner

Some conspiracy theorists say that Apple products are linked to the Illuminati. “Siri is an eye for the government to monitor what people do and their lifestyles,” said one such theorist.

Opinion

AVCExaminer.com | Graduation 2012 | Page 9

Rates Continued from 7

Dear Editors,

Hi Examiner Staff,

Hi, I am Sophia. I read the Examiner quite often. Although there was a lack of interest, I continued to read in case of improvement. In the latest issues, I have seen a lot of changes. It has improved with more interesting articles, and the way the pages are designed. I wish I was able to be on the. P.S. Congratulations to all of the staff members who help put together these issues. Good luck in future issues.

You guys have been doing a good job with the paper. But I think you guys should add an advice column, maybe in the opinion section. I think the opinion section could use some more interesting ideas. And an advice column might be able to help. Something similar to Letters to the Editors, but instead of the advice being for the editors it will be for the students. I hope you like my idea.

- Sophia Mendez

- Benjamin Robins

Dear Examiner, Hi, I am Jasmine. I took the survey so you guys won’t be in the budget cuts. I enjoy reading the paper. It really keeps me up to date with things I am interested in. Keep up the work and please don’t fail me. Good luck to all of the staff members. Always, Jasmine McChristian

Dear Sophia, Hi Sophia, we appreciate your feedback. We are all also glad you enjoy our improvement. If you are really interested in being a part of the Examiner, maybe you should join Journalism 121 and work your way to Journalism 123. Again, thank you.

Dear Benjamin, Thank you for taking the time to tell us how we are doing. As a group, we will discuss your idea. Sincerely, Ellessea Owens

Dear Jasmine, Thank you for taking the survey. We will try our best not to fail you, just continue to read. We appreciate your feedback. And, finally, thanks for the luck. Sincerely, Ellessea Owens

Sincerely, Ellessea Owens

Examiner Staff Editor in Chief Natasha Castro

Online Editor Omar Castellon

Managing Editor Ben Fassett News Editor Kat Wilson

Copy Editors Jordan Lofgren Geena Barret Omar Castellon

Opinion Editor Ellessea Owens

Advertising Manager Nguyen Douglas

Features Editor Maria Medina Fashion Editor Maria Cortes Sports Editor Benjamin Min Photo/Layout Editor William Lofgren

Writers Ravi Surampudi Joshua Sanchez

if that is what you want to do, if that is your dream, by all means pursue it! I’m just saying, the medical field is not the only field low on employees. According to the counseling office at AVC, there are many jobs within multiple fields that are hiring due to a shortage or demand. For instance, electronics is a great field to go into right now and the jobs related to that field are limitless. Another problem for those who are on unemployment is the lack of skills necessary to attain a job at all. Not the skills to attain a career, but a job. It has been in my experience that many who “want” a job do not understand how to create a resume, how to fill out an application properly, or how to show persistence in pursuing a job. There are skills that will work that can separate you from the rest of the stack of applications. Learn the necessary skills that employers are looking for in prospective employees. There are many resources available at AVC for college students through the EDD office for anyone. They can help in developing successful job hunting skills and job placement. They have about 15 groups based on the demographics of the individuals relating to their unemployment. They help veterans, homeless, those who have a criminal record, and many more. Don’t say, “I’m trying to get a job…” when you turned in an application for the night shift manager

Letters to the Editor Guidelines

Letters to the Editor should include a clearly printed name, address, telephone number and major and/ or occupation. Letters should be 300 words or less. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Libel will not be printed. Letters received become property of the Examiner and may be published or reproduced at its discretion. Address all correspondence to: Email: avcexaminer00@gmail.com Editor, Examiner 3041 West Ave. K, APL104 Lancaster, CA 93536 Telephone (661) 722-6300 x6496

at the 7-11 in Mojave two weeks ago and haven’t checked on the status on your application once yet Seek the resources to develop the skills for successful job-hunting. One more thing, Obama, Congress, please present and pass a budget plan. There are businesses around the nation whose dependence of existence is on government contracting. Quadrus Corp. is a company contracted by the government for various projects, but because Obama and Congress have not presented a budget plan for the past three years, Quadrus Corp. has had to lay off over 20 people last year alone. “If things don’t change, I’ll be losing mine soon, too,” said Martin Ripper, a Senior Consulting Partner at Quadrus. Quadrus Corp. is one of numerous business affected by the lack of a budget plan. Hundreds of business and jobs around the country depend on government contracting and if there is no budget plan, there is no prospective business and eventually no business at all. Although numerous companies around the nation are creating countless jobs, most of those jobs come with low salaries. These salaries will not support the house mortgages, car payments and children’s college tuition this demographic of unemployed or future unemployed pay. More debt and foreclosures are not what this country needs to face. Hopefully, Congress and Obama can come to a compromise in creating a budget plan so jobs can be kept, money can be spent and the economy can boost.

Antelope Valley College’s Examiner is published by AVC Language Arts classes, typeset on campus and distributed throughout the school year. Examiner editorials and editorial cartoons are the opinion of the editorial board. All other opinion and editorial page material is the opinion of the individual writer/artist, not of the Examiner. Views expressed in the Examiner do not necessarily reflect those of the advisers, faculty members, administration or the Associated Student Organization, although they are reviewed for publication by the advisers. Requests for news or feature coverage or concerns about editorial or advertising content should be ad-

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AVC Performing Arts Theatre hosts

The Emperor â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

New Clothes

oncerned only with his appearance and elegant clothing, a proud Emperor hires two tailors to weave him the finest suit of clothing in the kingdom. The two tailors, who are actually swindlers and conjoined twins, promise the Emperor the best suit of clothes woven from a cloth so light and fine that it looks invisible. That is, invisible to anyone who is foolish, false or worse... different! Out of fear for being seen as unfit for his position, the Emperor pretends to see the clothes, as do his ministers. After putting on the imaginary clothes and showcasing them to his kingdom, someone cries out that the Emperor isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wearing anything at all. Soon after, the people begin to cry with a loud voice that he is without coverage. After coming to the realization of his situation, the Emperor vows to take his position more seriously and to never be so egotistical. by Will Lofgren Staff Photographer

photos by Will Lofgren and Robert Villapudua

Diego, age 20

Dustin, age 21

Kevin, age 22

Brad, age 19

A Hodgepodge of talents bring music to Life T

he music that can come out of unrehearsed jam sessions is entirely dependent upon the relationship between its participants and one group of musicians from Lake Elizabeth has discovered just the right combination of talent. Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Diego Hodge, guitarist Kevin Pershin, drummer Brad Christian, and bassist Dustin Petty, the group said they have been collaborating and jamming together for quite some time. “Unity-in-variety,” said guitarist Pershin, quoting Plato to explain what he likes about the group’s dynamic. “It’s basically that you can’t have too much unity and you can’t have too much variety. But when you have the right amount of both, it equals something perfect.” Though they met at Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union Elementary School, they didn’t start hanging out until about four years ago, brought together by Hodge. “Every time we start playing together again it’s easy,” Hodge said. “So it’s just fun; it’s not like there’s any thought to it or like we’re trying to figure out how to play the song best. It’s just playing.” Although they are not a formal band and have not recorded together, the guys meet regularly at Pershin’s house to write songs and perform each other’s original music. “Sometimes we just kind of freak out, start out with something, and we’ll just make something up and go with it,” said Petty.

The guys agreed that the group’s only aim is to have a good time. “For me, when I’m at home, I’m doing my own thing and working; but here, you transcend something,” said Christian. Most of what the group performs could be called indie rock, but is more specifically blues and funk, with some folk. “Everything we do is pretty simple. There’s definitely just a solid, simple rhythm behind most of it, but we put a lot more on top of it later,” said Hodge. Though they have no plans to record or officially dub themselves a band, the group will continue to jam and perform locally. “We’re all about our dynamic changes right now,” Hodge said. “Like all the parts that get quiet or down to just guitars and vocals, and then the loud intense parts. That’s really what brings life to the music.” The group performs semi-regularly at the Rock Inn in Lake Hughes, where Alas! The Revolution, a local promotional and booking company, hosts its bi-weekly performance night. These shows are free to attend and start at 9 p.m. More recently, the guys have been performing songs from Hodge’s solo album, “Six Five Bear Claw.” “As a different musician—like a drummer, guitarist or bassist—you can throw a different groove into it,” Pershin said. To hear Hodge’s solo album, and to learn more about his first release, visit http://tinyurl.com/7b6tejw.

photos by James May and Will Lofgren Layout by Will Lofgren

MOAH

Museum Of Art & History Opens Its Doors by Will Lofgren Staff Photographer

New Central Location. The Museum Of Art & History is centrally located on the corner of Lancaster BLVD and Ehrlich Avenue. The newly constructed building provides additional space for the museum to host exhibitions and offer expanded programs. It is home to an assortment of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and fine art. Aircraft and space travel resources are also displayed.

Local Events. Residents

will have the opportunity to rent the new facility to host meetings or special events. With a third floor Lantern room and rooftop terrace, it is sure to attract a variety of people.

More Information. For further information about the Lancaster Museum Of Art & History, go to lancastermoah.org. To view additional photos, please visit the Examiner blog avcexaminer.com.

Fashion

Page 14 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com

Eye on Fashion

TheSummerIssue

Jose Gonzalez: Stepping out of the Norm By Maria Medina | Staff Writer At 6-feet tall, it is difficult to miss second-year AVC student Jose Gonzalez. Aside from his height, it is obvious to note his devotion to the style he described as simply, himself. “I’d describe the style as me,” he said, “I don’t believe in labels. I like this style, so I dress it,” he said. Gonzalez admits that the idea to begin dressing that way began four years ago and was triggered by curiosity. Not completely giving credit to always wanting to try it (the vintage look) out, he mentions his father as an inspiration for his style, “He got me into it,” he said. This style, which was started in the 50s, is a simple, yet stereotypically (and often assumed) intimidating combination of clothes, accessories, and the go-to hairstyle, the pompadour. “It’s funny, but I guess people think it’s weird to step out of the ‘norm,’” Gonzalez said. Plain colored T-shirts and plaid or plain colored button-up shirts (rolled up sleeves optional for both), Levi’s (rolled up pants cuffs optional), Converse, and the gravity defying hair. To make the outfit your own, you can add a touch of jewelry such as a watch. Having such a steady and successful relationship with the style, Gonzalez mentioned what it takes to pull off the look, which he just states as commitment. “It depends on the person. ‘Cause it’s a style that you need to be committed to,” he said. As for what has made the style for Gonzalez these past years? He enjoys standing out and not blending with what the modern fashion is around the Antelope Valley.

Summer time is the perfect time to experiment with your hair. Here are some fun summer hairstyles! By Ellessea Owens | Staff Writer

The wild fishtail braid

The Bohemian hairband

The antiquity of the look also attracts many, including Gonzalez. “I like that it’s something you hardly see out here, you know? Even after 50 years, the style is very popular [elsewhere],” he said. Sure the fashion was worn by the T-birds in “Grease,” but times have changed and dressing one way does not necessarily mean acting as once portrayed in films, which is one of the negatives Gonzalez mentioned about the style. “Since I have a leather jacket people automatically assume that I’m a greaser and a badass,” he said. In reality, he is friendly and as genuine as his black and white Chuck Taylor’s. While Gonzalez admits to receiving a lot of stares while walking around pretty much anywhere in the AV, he knows it’s because of the blast from the past his Converse and pompadour people feel and notice. But in no way does he see it as negative attention; he walks proudly in the style his father directly influenced.

Animal Cruelty-Free Beauty Products By Maria Medina Staff Writer

Here’s a list of beauty products that don’t test on animals and are good for your skin! Hard Candy: This brand supplies women with nail care products, vegan makeup brushes, body care products and many more cosmetics. The prices are just as low as, if not less than, Maybelline products.

Urban Decay: As a company joined with PETA to stop animal cruelty, Urban Decay provides a variety of beauty products such as vegan makeup brushes, body care products, and theatrical makeup, along with the basic cosmetics.

The California Beach Waves

Elixery: This vegan company offers every type of product from lip care to aromatherapy and skin care to, of course, makeup.

The Bun hairstyle

A Different Daisy: With a long list including sun care, fragrance, body and hair care, cosmetics and personal care (condoms, feminine hygiene, etc) goods, you wouldn’t believe A Different Daisy was such an active vegan company.

Wet ’n Wild: A regularly seen and used product, this company sells their products at department stores like Walmart and Target. Wet ’n Wild is a company not commonly known for their animal free cruelty facade, but for their heavenly combination of inexpensive prices and high quality cosmetics.

Fashion

AVCExaminer.com | Graduation 2012 | Page 15

Get the Look: ! s s e n d a M e m i t r e Summ

Apply primer, then apply a white base and blend out.

Use a pencil eyeliner to outline the crease.

Use a matte white color as the brow highlight and blend.

Apply liquid eyeliner to top lashline and eyeliner to waterline.

Geena Barret

Apply a dark teal color on the line and blend.

Apply a yellow-based gold color on the lid.

Apply the dark teal and light blue colors to the lower lashline.

Apply black mascara and FINISHED!

For more fun makeup ideas from Geena Barret visit within-my-eyes. blogspot.com

Photography by Robert Villapudua

Use a light blue color, blend up from the teal to the brow.

Page 16 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com

Summer Fashion Forecast

Fashion

Clothes that are great to wear this summer! Girls just want to have fun! “The delicateness of the sheer material looks beautiful in the sun and feel great in the heat.”

“This is a vintage piece of clothing that does a great job accenting and flattering your hips.”

“Red is the ultimate color to look fiery during the summer time.” “The overall cut of the maxi dress elongates your body and shapes it perfectly.” “The size of these hats add a sense of drama to any outfit.”

Let’s hear it for the Boys!

“Horizontal stripes highlight the chest and adds quirkiness to an outfit.”

“Neckties are sophisticated and extremely diverse.”

“These are a staple for summer that perfectly shows off toned arms and shoulders.”

Photography by Robert Villapudua, Travis Allen, and Maria Cortes

“Slacks are perfect, mainly because they set you apart from the sea of jeans out there.”

“A great shade of gray is always attractive on a guy.”

Sports

AVCExaminer.com | Graduation 2012 | Page 17

Semester In Sports Basketball By Benjamin Min Staff Writer

The Antelope Valley College Marauders fought through a late-season losing streak and internal turmoil to conclude the season on a high note. The last time the Marauders experienced such success, making a trip to the Final Four, was during the 2007-2008 season. The team shot out of the gates with a seven-game winning streak, but lost steam towards the end of the season when they were faced with three consecutive losses. “The guys were pretty down on themselves,” said Coach John Taylor. “But we kicked it into high gear after that and then we won five straight games.” With the team playing better than ever, the Marauders steamrolled through the first three rounds of the playoffs against the Ir-

vine Valley College Lasers, the El Camino College Warriors, and the Riverside College Tigers, with an average win margin of 9.7 points. However, the Marauders’ season came to an end in the Final Four against the Yuba College 49ers, losing 79-69. The Marauders had a three-point lead going into the half but couldn’t hold on to have a shot at the state title. Although the Marauders came just two games short of winning the title, the season was a success in the eyes of starting guard Da’Shawn Gomez. “We made it to the Final Four when nobody expected us to, so it was a successful season,” said Gomez. With the returning players and the addition of young talent, the Marauders will try to build on their success next season.

Will Lofgren / Examiner

The AVC men’s basketball team poses for a team photo after a win against Riverside.

Baseball By Ravi Surampudi Staff Writer

James May / Courtesy Photo

Steven Tremlin of the Marauders pitches against the Rio Hondo College Roadrunners.

Softball By Ravi Surampudi Staff Writer

The Antelope Valley College softball team failed to make the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons. The team has had a long run of success, but due to injuries and inconsistent pitching, the team fell short of expectations. The pitching staff was basically a patch work situation. Nicole Peters pitched almost every game and even though Breanne Farinas came in to pitch in relief, it was not enough to help win games because the staff was down to two primary pitchers: Farinas and Peters. Farrell did pitch in the last two games of the season, though. Peters led the

team in wins with 12 total and had a 4.34 earned run average. The rest of the staff combined was seven wins. The team ERA was 4.16. “Pitching is the name of the game, starting in the fall with five pitchers, losing Saldana and losing Farrell, it became a domino effect, with these players healthy we would have had a better chance,” Coach Cindy Vargas said. The 2012 Antelope Valley College Softball team finished the season with an overall record of 19-16 and finished third in conference with a 10-4 record. Their goal is to win the conference championship and go to the playoffs next season.

The Antelope Valley College baseball team had a very young squad this year. Their record was 14-20 overall and an 1113 record in conference. The team failed to make the playoffs. “We had more wins than last year that is a positive. My goal is to have 20 wins this season,” Coach John Livermont said. “College baseball is tough, our conference is underrated. Some players can play at a high level for two years. Steven Tremlin is 6-foot-7-inch; he is that rare player. He did a great job at first base, defensively. He did a good job picking the ball out of the dirt

and pitched well for the team.” “We could have played better as a team. I need to work on hitting. I can always improve my catching and work my hardest. I am hoping for more at bats next year,” catcher, Dylan Livingston, said. “My season went fairly well. I need to work on my power numbers and speed. The team’s highlight was playing against Cerro Coso, coming back from the bottom of the ninth inning scoring ten runs and sweeping that series,” outfielder, Kyle Taisacan, said. The Marauders will have to practice and mature as a team in order to improve and make the playoffs in the upcoming season.

Robert Villapudua / Courtesy Photo

AVC softball’s sophmores and coaches pose after the final game of the season.

Sports

Page 18 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com

Semester In Sports Track By Ravi Surampudi Staff Writer

The women’s track and field team has performed well all season, They were led by sophomores Christen Rivers and Ashley Le Grand in the 400 meter run and the relay teams, 4x100 meter and the 4x400 meter. The women’s team finished third in the Foothill Conference. “[The] Southern California meet is coming up, which is the biggest event this season. It is important to keep the runners healthy leading [up] to the state meet. We have the potential for points and we will do well to score high for different events and to get to the finals,” track and field Coach Mark Covert said. In the Southern California Champion-

ships meet, Rivers had a first place finish in the 200 meter with a time of 24.36 seconds. Rivers also placed first in the 400 meter with the time of 54.22 seconds. The 4x100 meter relay team came in third place with a time of 47.83 seconds. The 4x400 meter relay team also finished in third place with a time of 3:50.04. Rivers has performed at a very high level in her events with the Marauders and has been accepted to Texas Tech University on a full scholarship. “I plan on placing first on our relay, in the 4x400 hopefully. I will be participating in the 400 meter, 200 meter, 4x100 meter and the 4x400 meter relay,” Rivers said. The rest of the competitors will be competing in the state meet which will take place as the paper goes to print.

Will Lofgren / Examiner

Ashley Le Grand (left) and Christen Rivers (right) practice for the upcoming state meet.

Tennis By Benjamin Min Staff Writer

Will Lofgren / Examiner

The little known AVC women’s tennis team had yet another disappointing season.

Golf

By Benjamin Min Staff Writer

The Marauders golf team finished the season with a third place finish despite having an all-freshman squad. “I was very pleased with our third place finish in league,” said Coach Brad Hazard of the Antelope Valley College Marauders. “For a team consisted of only freshmen, that was quite an accomplishment.” Coach Hazard was also pleased with the play of Michael Moseley. “Having a player [Michael Moseley] make it to Southern California Regionals was also a great achievment,” said Coach Hazard of Moseley’s contribution. The team’s stellar play allowed them to

defeat the College of the Desert Roadrunners at a tournament held at Canyon Crest Country Club. “It was a total team effort, getting solid rounds from all players,” said Coach Hazard of the win. The Roadrunners eventually went on to win the state championship. Despite the lack of support they recieved throughout the year, the team still managed to close out the season on a high note. “I would like to continue to build our program by bringing in some of the areas top golfers,” said Coach Hazard. “Our expectations for next year is to finish as one of the top teams in league.” The team plans on building on their success next season.

The Antelope Valley College Marauders women’s tennis team gets little recognition, even with the absence of a men’s team. The fact that many of the players on the team have little or no experience as tennis players doesn’t help either. The team as a whole performed poorly at best throughout the season and did not do much to add to its credibility. Despite the teams lack of talent, Coach Joe Watts of the Marauders still was able to send two doubles teams from the squad to the State Regionals. “I didn’t know if we would have anybody qualify,” said Coach Watts.

Although the two teams that qualified did not fair too well, Coach Watts was pleased with their efforts. “We lost right away in the first round,” said Coach Watts. “But the accomplishment was getting there in the first place.” With a first year coach leading the team, people did not expect much out of the Marauders tennis team. Still, the Marauders will look to regroup and come back stronger next season with the help of first year player Maggie Coleman-Levy, a notable athlete during her time at Quartz Hill High School. Coach Watts will also look to build on his experience from his first year and lead the team to more success.

Will Lofgren / Examiner

The AVC men’s golf team closed the season on a high note with a third place finish.

Graduation List Associate in Arts Degrees 2012 A Miguel Abad Alexis M. Abarca Victor Aburto Jillian Amanda Ackerman Karla Beverly Alabi Ashley K. Albrent* Verenice A. Alecio Adrian Miguel Alexandrino Jr. Berenice Alfaro Maria C. Alfaro* Chloe Shay Alim Rosario Alonso Rebecca Lynne Alvarado Alexis Alyssa Alvarez Krystal Lynda Alvarez Lauren Alvord Jessica Louise Anderson** Shawn D. Anderson Sr. Tiana Marcela Anderson Laura Miranda Aragon Linda J. Araya Breana M. Arhelger Bryan Anthony Arita Stephanie N. Armstrong Laura Arnold Katrina Denise Auguste David E. Augustine*** Kevin Robert Avery Diana Ayala Yesenia A. Ayon

Lori A. Bagley Danielle M. Bain** Nicole Ann Bandy Messiah Bane*** Nancy Stephanie Bardales Nicole Shiree Barker Grecia Jazmin Barvoza Mary F. Bassett* Natalie Marie Batton** Jessica D. Bautista** Ma Fe Veronica M. Bautista** Dustin Thomas Beard*** Karla Yeena Beck* Lauren Michelle Bednar Judith Arabel Benitez Yecenia M. Benitez Jillian Marie Bentley** Brooks Berlanga* Andrew A. Bernard*** Heather Lynn Bernhardt* Marita Bersamira Ashley Lorraine Bishop* Moises Richard Blankenship** Louann A. Blocker Sean C. Boston Daniel E. Botte* Ashley C. Bowers Sherell Janice Braddock Robert Lewis Branch Chris Ty Bridges II Phillip Ryan Britton Julien Rene Brock* Kristina Marie Brown Tamico Dianne Brown Randy W. Browning Jr. * Ajha Michele Brown-Simmons James Daniel Buell Donald Burke

Michelle Wimberly Burnside* Erin M. Burreson Allison Marie Burwell Brandon S. Buteyn

Tina L. Caldwell Ryan Wilson Callaghan* Paul D. Callahan Carlos Manuel Camacho* Karen Supremo Camago Vanessa Cancino Jason E. Capps Govardan Das Carbonell* Seahbain Brigette Cardenas Alonso Noe Cardiel II Rebecca Ann Carlson* Katherine Michelle Carlton William Alexander Carranza Guadalupe Carrillo Zachariah Edward Carrubba* Nicholas A. Carter* Dominique Martell Cartermitchell Adraine E. Carwile Alejandra Castaneda** Yesenia Castaneda Anthony Castellanos Dominick Salvadore Castro II Aaryn Rey Celis Maria Cervantes Ginger Teresa Chaney Issac P. Chavez Josie Chavez Roxana Stephanie Chavez Ling M. Chhin* Kailey Nicole Christensen Halona D. Christopher* Alexander Paul Clark Charles Dwayne Cole Jr. Valerie L. Compton Zachary M. Connor Jose ContrerasJr. Yoana Contreras* Cameron Roy Coon*** Brittany Lynn Cooper Nakia Marie Cornelius William M. Cornell Joaquin Ivan Cortez Yvonne Coulson Nathan Michael Cousins Leslie Ann Craft Cole Harrison Craton** Austin Scott Crawford* Theresa Louise Baas Crawford Karla M. Cruz David Everett Curtis* Katherine Jean Marie Cushman Kayla Marie Cussimonio*

Dominic Angelo Dahlia Abdll Rahman Sami Dajani Sharonda K. Davidson Clarin D. Davis** Ebony Davis Kendra Mercedes Davis Rebecca Shea Davis Amanda V. Day Lori Ann Day* Kimberly De La Rosa Lizeth Delatorre Kayleigh Ann Denton Michael Ray Devin**

AVCExaminer.com | Graduation 2012 | Page 21 Amy Denise Diaz* Jocelyn Patricia Diaz* Teresa M. Dickey Krystle Sheree Dixon Valerie Elizabeth Dluzak* Melissa Lynn Donaldson** Nathan Drakes Lorrie A. Duffy Kristina Ashlee Duncan

Brandon J. Goodale** Hannah Lane Goodreau** Sandra Lea Govin*** Nicholas Gozzarelli Sabrina Graham Melissa Kaye Grubb* Catherine Yesenia Gutierrez Sueme Vanessa Gutierrez Victor Manuel Guzman Contreras**

Jeremin L. Easter Joshua G. Easterwood John H. Edwards* Dalia A. Elizarraraz* Catherine Marie Ellison** Matthew Thomas Ellison*** Michael Thomas Ellison** Tanesha Faith Enyard* Matthew James Erjavac Heidi J. Ernst Victoria Elizabeth Escobar Karlia Giset Espinoza* Jorge Luis Estevez* Ricardo Estrada Jr. Vilma Estrada* Pamela A. Evola Majesta L. Ewing*** Shanna K. Ezzell**

Carlene Anysse Hadden Satoka Hanaoka Chelsea Marie Harrigan Mary L. Hart* Amanda Lynn Hauber Carissa Danielle Hayes*** Cindy M. Hegenbart* Janette Maire Heller* Jessica Linn Helo Darren David Hendrix Jeanmitchell Henriquez** Britney J. Hernandez Carlos Hernandez Hermen Mendoza Hernandez Jaime Hernandez Kayla Nicole Hernandez Orlhy Felisha Hernandez Sammy Hernandez* Stephanie Hernandez Sylvia Elena Hernandez** Kenneth Robert Herrera Jr. Jazmine Demi Hill*** Nicollette Taylor Hill** Christine Joy Hipolito** Alexis Charles Hithe** Elizabeth Ann Holden Shekeda T. Holland Christina L. Hollis April A. Holzer Fabiulla Hormozi Jessica Kelly Houseal** Daniel Raymond Hubler Samantha Jacqueline Huizar Lauren Chelsea Hulgan Deidre L. Humphrey Julien Christopher Hunter Tuesday Rochelle Hunter

Ralph Falcon Toshie Marlene Famularo Sawsan A. Farrukh*** Autumn B. Fava Yessenia Marie Favela Moira T. Feeley*** Christian Figueroa Matthew Douglas Fishler* Laura N. Flores Monica Alexandra Flores** Sonia Guadalupe Flores Kathie L. Fohrenkam Domonique Dawna Ford Tecola Erica Foster Nati C. Franco Ryan J. Freedman Daniel James Freeman* Tammra Rose Freistadt Crystal L. French Trevor Benjamin Frey Angelina Giovanna Frisan

Cesar Antonio Galindo Andrew Kimo Quirino Galloway Johanna Gamez Kevin Marcus Gann Alicia Jessica Garcia Ana Garcia Mike David Garcia Debbie Sincerbox Garrett Candice Lee Garvin Michael Anthony Gastelum Jr.** Christina Marie Getshall** Alexis Leeanne Giba Michelina L. Gibbs Melanie Sue Gimbel Guisela A. Giron** Courtney Jenna Goniwicha*** Randi Elizabeth Gonzales** Alyssa Renee Gonzalez Joycella Gonzalez* Paola Gonzalez

Adrian David Iglesias Sean C. Izquierdo

Dache Eva Jackson Brittney Dawn James Brittni Nicole Jeffrey Jaiesha Lamesha Jenkins Cynthia Jenks Christine Michelle Jensen* Erick Jimenez Audrea J. Johnson Chelsea Lynn Johnson* Danielle M. Johnson*** Jason J. Johnson Jr. Jeremy T. Johnson Jo Anne Johnson Lavi R. L. Johnson Paul R. Johnson* Cassidy Lynn Johnston*

Anait Kechedzhyan Kenneth W. Kehoe* Jeffrey M. Kelley**

Graduation List

Page 22 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com Tanya Lynn Kelley* Dale D. Kemp Terrell Keys Sr.* Zahir Nizam Khan Natasha L. Kimbro Iamee Renae Kling*** Garrid Cassidy Klippness** Sarajane Katherine Kolt Jessica Frances Kraft Haley Elizabeth Krause** Sara Nicole Kredo Lisa Ann Kreml

Aisha A. Lane Abigayle Leane Lawrence Joseph C. Lawrence Roxanne Joy Lawrence*** Charles Edward Lemley IV** Robin R. Liggins Debbie L. Lindsey*** Davin S. Link Victoria Anne Livingstone Anthony Lomeli Faviola Lomeli Robin Long Carolyn Madgerjorie Lopez Jaqueline P. Loza** Ralph W. Lucky Travis Cole Lynch

James Raymond Maloney Jose Enrique Mancilla Gioia Mandaro-Mayes Kacey Marie Manjarrez** Addy Colette Markley Lillian A. Martinez Melissa N. Martinez Mireya Martinez*** Casey James Martinson Tony Y. Mashhour* Brittannie Marie Massey Deondra Renee Massey Nicole Rene Matchett* Sean Robert Mathys Max Graham Matta Richard A. Matthews*** Racquel M. May Crista Jan McCabe Cole J. McCandless*** Shyla Danielle McCloud*** Kelly Elizabeth Mcintyre Britney A. McKay Julie Y. Mckeehan* Lisa J. McMillan* Chelsea Alexandra McPherson*** Matthew Christopher Medve* Laura N. Mejia Spenser Nicole Melendez*** Lourdes S. Mendez Karla Arely Menjivar Chavez*** Mirna J. Mercado** Catherine Codi Mergliano*** Lynisha Dominique Merriweather Jennie Meza Kayla Kathryn Miller** Melissia Marie Miller Dottie R. Milligan* Amanda Mills Jasmine C. Mims Lucia L. Miranda Michael Louis Mondok**

Nicole Jeanne Montgomery Tiana C. Montgomery Beverly Moody Courtney S. Moore Michael A. Moore Wesley Jean Moore Jazemen Mechelle Moreno Jennifer Margarette-Ann Morgan Tonya R. Moss Anttanisha Mynette Moton Trisha L. Moya** Shyla M. Mueller Reggie Tyrone Murphy

Joseph Stanley Neher Allie Kay Nelson* Katie Lynn Neukircher Christie Princess Ninah Christie Lynne Nowell** Armando Nunez

Alejandra Estefania Orantes Stephanie Elizabeth Orellana David Alan Ortiz Sheena D. Owens** Eddie Owiti***

Rafael Pacheco** Lucy P. Padilla Melissa Jennifer Anne Painter Ana Magdalina Palos Lynette Lannon Patmor*** Davitta Nacole Patterson Thomas John Pattison Nicole Veronica Pavlovic Blake D. Paxton Jennifer Jo Pedigo Brandie Monique Pelayo** Danielle Gene Peralta*** Karen Jacqlyn Peralta*** Elsa Marina Perez Erendida I. Perez Brian Perez-Blanco John Perez-Blanco Jessica Jeannette Plascencia** Harry Pleer III Aaron Christopher Plummer* Celina Isabel Poma Olayinka Abiodun Popoola Shay L. Porowski Leslie Diana Portugal Michelle Ann Pounds Jennifer Pratt* Melissa C. Prough Angelica Pulido Shaunna Nicole Purkey Markie R. Pyron

Andrea Ramirez Brenda L. Ramirez Kelly A. Ramirez Patricia Randolph Gerardo Giovany Rangel** Melony Ann Rape* Monica R. Reese David H. Reily Carlee I. Renner Rosina Flores Reveles Jennifer Reyes Yesenia Reyes* Angel S. Richard

Matthew D. Riggs* Gabriela Cherokee Rios Elaine B. Robinson Marcus V. Robinson Erika Rodriguez Guadalupe Rodriguez Laura Rodriguez Priscilla Alexis Rodriguez* Stefanie Rodriguez Debra Romero Joshua Patrick Ronge*** Jeremiah Thomas Rose* Pierce Michael Rothwell** Jaime Rubio

Karina Estefany Sanchez Michael Angelo Sanchez Shawn Philip Sandman* Briana Marie Sandoval Jessenia J. Sandoval Stacie L. Santiago Kiara Belen Santos Nikayla Joann Schafer Nicole Kathryn Schirmeister Kelsey L. Schott*** Sarah Rose Gila Schrier Grace Danielle Scott Iris Scott* Jessica N. Sedano** Justin Christopher Sermon Emma Shahinian** Adam Richard Shambley Janalyn Ann Sharp** Vanessa Lynn Silva Rishe Sivagnanam** Danielle Cristine Smallwood* Hannah Marie Smith Jamie Juanita Smith Jasamine Celeste Smith Joel Benton Sobaski Theresa Lynn Soos** Claudia M. Sosa Enny Abigail Sosa Elizabeth Soto Lucretia Priscilla Soto** Aturina Spear*** Emani Chiahn Stanford*** Samantha R. Stawinski Jessica Lynn Sterk Brittany C. Stewart Karen M. Stocking** Patricia Ann Stoliker***

Ryan Thomas Tague Donnita Marie Talavera** Caricia Shaunetta Tate Larry L. Taylor Chevy Charrie Tennison Danny Teremzawi Karen Danielle Terrazone* Valerie M. Terrell Kayla Marie Terry Chris G. Theobald** Chelsea L. Thomas*** Kameko Chandra Tisdale Rayssa Edh Tobar Melissa Catherine Toftee Sarah Alyse Topel** Francesca Lynette Torres Nicole Renae Torrez Krista Thi Tran***

Sonia Elizabeth Tran* Daniel Joseph Tuft Donna Marie Turner***

Cindy Valadez Erika Valdez Jeannie Griselda Valdivia Mara Jene Valerio Veronica Valle Courtney Elizabeth Verla Van Heyningen Erin M. Van Quekelberg BlasĂŠ Gregory Van Splinter Risa M. Van Splinter Jennifer R. Vancamp** Elyse Marie Vargas Diana Stephanie Vasquez Valerie Yvette Vazquez Jessica R. Vega Ikea Dayshell Vernon Gretchen G. Vidal Gloria Villagomez Julie Anna Villarreal Glenn R. Vincent Breanna von Muegge

Rebecca A. Wallace Codie Danielle Walsh** Jonathan B. Warren* Jaime L. Watts Crystal L. Welliver Crystal Lawanda Wells Lauren Chenele Wells Jeremiah Steven West Jacob Daniel Whitaker* Jason Kirkman White** Jeremey J. White Kenneth Mark Williams* Lindsey Faith Williams* Lionel Shavon Williams Perrie Dee Saul Williams Andrelle Celeste Williamson Xavier Michael Wilson Krista Marie Wolfsen Steven Wonser Marcy L. Woolley Hayley Joy Worthington* Matthew Edward Wyrick***

Bennett Nicholas Yates Cora Lee Yearwood

Jessica Darlene Zamora Joshua Zavaleta* Adrian Ricardo Zelada Ana E. Zepeda*** Katryana Chantal Zide*** John Paul Zweckbronner* *** = Summa Cum Laude, with highest distinction, cumulative GPA of 3.75-4.0 ** Magna Cum Laude, with great distinction, 3.5-3.74 * Cum Laude, with distinction, 3.25-3.49 Bold type indicates those who have qualified for permanent membership in Alpha Gamma Sigma, the California Community College Honor Scholarship Society.

Graduation List Associate in Science Degrees 2012 A

Jamie Monica Acquilano* Danielle Ahn Benny Julius Alavez Carlo Aldaya** Bernabe Magalad Aligo Krystal Lynda Alvarez William Alvarez Cerisse L. Amrhein* Andrea Camille Anderson Jessica Louise Anderson** Johnny M. Anderson Ashley Nicole Anton* Senia Lorena Aparicio Angelyn Lacangan Apolinario* Steven Gabriel Arhelger Janessa Kendra Arnold* Faith Resendez Assunto Erik Christian Augustine*** Anna Avanesyan

Anna Barnes Valerie J. Bates* Johnny H. Batton** Ma Fe Veronica M. Bautista** Stefan Jose Bautista** Dustin Thomas Beard*** Lacey J. Beaston Joanna Marie Beaverson Robert Becerra** Eric C. Beck Krystina Adrianna Beltran Michaela A. Benanti*** Christine Bascos Bengson Rolando Raul Benitez Ikwinder Kaur Bhurjee Matthew Alexander Bickel* Gwendolyn Esther Bickle** Alan Omar Benjamin Bond* Amy A. Booth Jannette Ann Brandon Julien Rene Brock* Sidney Broussard III Randy W. Browning Jr. Ashley Lynn Bryan Daniel A. Burgin Carrie Joy Burkman Jennifer Lee Byrd

Elaine Nicole Calaba Carlos Manuel Camacho* Vanessa Cancino Sandra Cardenas Alonso Noe Cardiel II Kristopher Delvon Carr Celiatrinidad C. Carrillo Jessica M. Carrillo Cary L. Castellanos Norton Rafael Castillo Rebecca Anne Chilles* Angela M. Chilton Jamila Patrice Clark Brian E. Conway* Jessica Cordova**

Marc Jason Corpus Diiymilea Shanta Crafton Tawanna Tonick Crawford William M. Cresham Jesus M. Cruz Jr.

Nicole F. Griffin William Dickinson Gudmestad Catherine Yesenia Gutierrez Yvette Marie Gutierrez

Justin A. Dalton* Brandi Renee Davis Gerice Faye Davis Christine L. Day** Alisia A. Dean* Maygan Irene Delanater Michael D. Delgado Jamie Lee DeMars* Elizabeth A. Dennis Jocelyn Patricia Diaz* John E. Dimacali Stephanie M. Dinson* Melissaann Florence Dotter Nathan Drakes Adrian Louis Duran***

Stacey F. Earley Charles Jesse Elliott* Antonio Gabrial Ellis Matthew Thomas Ellison*** Michael Thomas Ellison** Svetlana Enyinnaya* Jessica Laine Estrada Chidinma L. Ezechukwu***

Patrick James Facey Michael John Fahnestock*** Mary C. Fandrey Alfred Fernandez* Sheila Obispo Field Ajitpal S. Flora Angelica Nicole Flores Jessica M. Flores Jacob Anthony Leichtw Fortier* James Ryan Fourr Ryan J. Freedman Monet R. Fregozo Jenna Frei Benjamin W. Frost* Lloyd Andre Furnace II

Daniel Galvez Patricia Galvez Brenda Garcia Luis E. Garcia** Christina E. Garretson Debbie Sincerbox Garrett Moses Leeijha Gay Shervin Ghamghamy Melissa Marie Ginn Courtney Kathleen Glantz Mary L. Glisar* Katrina A. Gloudeman Randi Elizabeth Gonzales** Jorge Antonio Gonzalez Haidy Gouda Gloria Gowan Nicholas Gozzarelli Julia E. Granese Khadijah R. Greenwood

Christopher A. Hall Mileny Antonia Halter Kristina R. Hardy Jennay N. Harrison Boyce B. Harvey Janell Louise Hatland*** Alexis Brooke Hawk* Darren W. Haylock Darryl Jeffery Haynes Brenda A. Hellwig* Lyndsey Mae Herd* Andrea C. Hernandez** Juanita D. Heyerman** Thuy Trang Thi Hicks Elisa G. Hidalgo Teon Darryl Higgs Shane Ryan Hoeft Annette Kay Holland Tenesha Dee Holland Marlene M. Horn Heather Marie Horner Kristen Joy Howard Melissa Michelle Huebner Marzel S. Hughes* Sharon Renee Hunter

Avimael Ithier Sean C. Izquierdo

Shaun Dinnell Jackson Melissa R. Jamison Hana Immanuel Jao Diane Karen Javier** Ryan Lee Jefferson Lenora E. Jenkins* Tina L. Jenkins Cynthia Jenks Bilkeyshia M. Jester Christina Elizabeth Jimenez Jeffrey D. Johnecheck* Jeremiah Johns* Amos Johnson III Candy Lynn Johnson* Sara Terice Johnson Mollie Rebecca Johnstone*

Denise Inger Keef*** Jeffrey M. Kelley** Richard Scott Kemnitz Alison R. Kennedy* Ashley Marie Kennedy Jason W. King Ashley Marie Klumpp Kahley Ann Kopp Matthew William Kredo Lheztee Pascual Kruse Mallika Kumaraswamy Robert L. Kurtz Varduhi Kyurklyan

Andrew W. Labib Mariella C. Landaverde David Charles Larsen* Kenny Alvester

AVCExaminer.com | Graduation 2012 | Page 23 Lawrence** Devaughn M. Lee Nathan C. Lehmann Sean P. Lenahan Jenifer Gaye Ligon Elaine Reyes Lim*** Alexander Merrill Link Abby L. Livingston Angela N. Lofgren William E. Lofgren** Gerald Dwayne Lofton Esther E. Lopez Marco Tulio Lopez* Robert A. Lucio

Lynette S. Madela Javier Madera Sarah Emelie Malloy** Don Garrido Manglona** Roselle B. Marinas Gregg R. Markussen** Jennifer K. Marsala Daisy Martinez Franco J. Martinez Monica A. Martinez Casey James Martinson Tony Y. Mashhour* Kendra Ann Mason Fernando Rivas McGregor*** Megan K. McGuire Patricia Barbra Ann McLane Andrew Ryan McNicoll* Brittany Tiara Mcwright Spenser Nicole Melendez*** Veronica M. Melendez Karla Arely Menjivar Chavez*** Kyle T. Mies Crystal Marie Miles** Courtney Anne Miller* Lucia L. Miranda Kristin M. Mitchell** Maryann Montenegro Angela Marie Moore Jamie Tyler Moore** Stephen Frederick Moore Michael E. Morawski Alexis Brian Moreno*** Ruth J. Moreno Tiyana Lanae Morris Maria G. Murillo De Andalon Michelle N. Murphy Kelly Rene Musil

Ronnie Nash** Manbir S. Natt Allie Kay Nelson* Ailinh L. Nguyen* Quang Nguyen*** Christofer D. Nickerson** Amanda B. Nix Joseph Michael Noah Bonwah K. Nyann

Carina Lynn Oakland* Dustin Louis Oblonsky* Alan T. Ocampo

Stephanie A. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hearn Erin Michele Oneal* Isaac Nnamdi Onwuegbusi Joshua Alexander Orozco Rojas Kelly Ann Ortega Joel Ortiz Jr. Tasha M. Ortiz

Bianca Jane Pascascio Dinna Ampaya Paulin Marissa N. Pearman Bryan Patrick Peck Galina Perez Samantha Lynn Phillips* Jose Pierre** Rachelle Dineau Pina Wendy Alejandra Pineda Tasha Marie Popejoy Diane Rene Procyk

Josette M. Ramirez Maria Luisa Ramirez* Melissa Viridiana Ramirez Miguel Angel Ramos* Evonika Nicole Razevich* Amy Leone Richins Ivan Rivera Lauren Paige Robinett** Marcus V. Robinson Elizabeth Marie Robles Sandra Elena Rosales* Jeremiah Thomas Rose* Faith E. Ross Joshua Andrew Rothe Cory Rust*

Carissa Denise Sabio Dave M. Salisbury* Karla Sanchez Santoyo* Blanca Angelica Sandoval Vicky V. Santourian** Mazi Sarahang Eric G. Sarkissian Charmaine Huguette Satterfield Karie M. Saunders Laura Ann Scott** Amanda R. Seevers Teresa Lucille Seiler*** Alexandra Violeta Shion Donna E. Shutt Brock C. Simon Dana Charles Singleton** Kim D. Slaughter* Jason W. Smith** Jia Shanel Smith Kenneth Smith Lucas Burrette Smith Matthew R. Smith Alanna Danielle Sowers* Sarah E. Spencer Sandra Lizeth Spezzia Rujireg Srisiltananon IV Erik J. Steely Angela D. Stephen Andrew William Stewart Eugenia Stock Justin D. Stocking Karen M. Stocking** Jaylene May Stolting

Michelle Ann Summers Gladys Y. Szilagyi

Richard R. Taylor Rick Lynn Taylor Farrah Juliet Tehrani Koshalie S. Thenabadu** Jeffrey Joseph Thompson Justin Ryan Thompson Ashley Elizabeth Tilt Caroline Tobar Jesus Torres* Roberto Joseph Torres Tiana J. Townsend* Ping-Hua Tsai* Alan Recie Tyson

Cynda Lee Urbina Timothy J. Ustares

Ruben Vallejo** Michael W. Van Dyne Roxanne Rochelle Vanderwielen Moises Vanzokoto Rodolfo Vargas Patricia Velasquez* Rajeshni R. Velu Paulo Cesar Vilcapoma* Christopher Scott Villalobos* Erica Mahealani Villanueva Jessica Megan Violette Fernando E. Viorato Jr.*

Regina Wagner** Sharla D. Walker** Teresa Danielle Walters* Alexander C. Wang Marian S. Wannes Richard A. Warren Jaime L. Watts Carly Rose Wellrich Michelle Marie Wheeler Gloria De Guzman White* Lakesha A. Wiley Deana Marie Williams** Herminia Yawnee Williams Marcus Anthonio Williams Tkesha Michell Williams Kellie Elizabeth Wilson Katherine Winger Mathew J. Wolter* Gloria A. Wright

Alec Zubaru** John Paul Zweckbronner* *** = Summa Cum Laude, with highest distinction, cumulative GPA of 3.75-4.0 ** Magna Cum Laude, with great distinction, 3.5-3.74 * Cum Laude, with distinction, 3.25-3.49 Bold type indicates those who have qualified for permanent membership in Alpha Gamma Sigma, the California Community College Honor Scholarship Society.

Graduation List

Page 24 | Graduation 2012 | AVCExaminer.com Certificates 2012 A

Jamie Monica Acquilano Cameron Harrison Adams Karla Beverly Alabi Candido T. Albornoz Rosario Alonso Enrique Alvarado Jr. Randall James Amenta Alexandra Arciniega Stephanie N. Armstrong Cody J. Averill Juan M. Avila Ofelia Avina Leiva

Messiah Bane Richard E. Banks Nicole Shiree Barker Grecia Jazmin Barvoza Ivete Basso Johnny H. Batton Natalie Marie Batton Steven Scott Bayer Jo A. Bebber-Smith Jaime Becerra Jr. Robert Becerra Michaela A. Benanti Ziad Belgacem Benhoucine Rolando Raul Benitez Jillian Marie Bentley Matthew Alexander Bickel Mickie Lee Blunk Jennifer Lynn Boyman Itsvan M. Bozikovic Sanchell Brady Robert Lewis Branch Jerry P. Brandvig Christopher L. Bremmer Sidney Broussard III Joseph Kuykendall Brown Ryan Michael Browning Bradley Robert Bruckner Ashley Lynn Bryan Mihee Kim Burke Devin Lee Burkhart Kimberly Dawn Burton Roberto Carlos Canales

James Kelly Cantrell Lianne Areli Capetillo Mario Cardenas Vasquez William R. Cardona Jr. Kristopher Delvon Carr Arturo Carrion Nicholas Cameron Carter Adraine E. Carwile Dexter Vidal Castillo Robert B. Castro Albert A. Chacon Michael Chaney Issac P. Chavez Ezekiel Huber Chielli David L. Choate Barbara A. Ciaravino Kim S. Clark Michael W. Collins

Brian E. Conway Jessica Cordova Yvonne Coulson Steven Russell Croad Jesus M. Cruz Jr. David Richard Cueto

Scott Charles Davidson Giovanni De La Torre Alisia A. Dean Roberto Carlos Delatorre Godfrey Steven DeLeon Michael D. Delgado Francis C. Demoor Aaron Deperio Sunil Mahanama Dharmarathne Jr. Teresa M. Dickey Anthony Wayne Dowden Norris L. Duckett III Adrian Louis Duran David D. Durost

Jeremin L. Easter Jason Christopher Echols Nicholas Tavoy Edwards Michael Thomas Ellison Tanesha Faith Enyard Kevin Jay Epema James Edward Epps III Emily Marie Esposito Polina Estrella Pamela A. Evola

Michael John Fahnestock Ian Edouard Faten Moira T. Feeley Alfred Fernandez Marcille E. Forsythe Nati C. Franco Benjamin W. Frost Lloyd Andre Furnace II

Christian Alexander Galindo Daniel Galvez Ernesto Medina Garcia Julio Cesar Garcia Luis E. Garcia Christina E. Garretson Moses Leeijha Gay Randi Elizabeth Gonzales Jorge Antonio Gonzalez Sean C. Graefe Stephanie Marie Gutierrez

John Martyn Haggett Wesley Ry Halpin Satoka Hanaoka Everett Harmon Michelle Lynn Harmon Justin Miles Haven

Jason Thomas Helble Janette Maire Heller Jeanmitchell Henriquez Hermen Mendoza Hernandez Sammy Hernandez Sergio J. Hernandez Teon Darryl Higgs Chad Ryan Hoffman Miki Yamao Hunter

Samuel A. Igreda Mike Brandon Irby Sean C. Izquierdo

Cartier Samone Jackson Shaun Dinnell Jackson Devon James Jeffrey Lenora E. Jenkins Erick Jimenez Amos Johnson III Cassidy Lynn Johnston Keith Joice Diann Jones Henry E. Jones II Zachary Levi Jordan Shane Jung

Arthur J. Kearin Denise Inger Keef Jeffrey M. Kelley Angelique Y. Kincey Ivy L. King Jason W. King John I. Knapp Matthew William Kredo Terry Mas Kuriyama

David Charles Larsen Daniel A. Lemus Sr. Sean P. Lenahan Sean P. Lenahan Davin S. Link Gerald Dwayne Lofton Delmis L. Lorenzo Justin Michael Lovato Jaqueline P. Loza

Alex Giles Macbeth Javier Madera Elaina Monique Maldonado Kacey Marie Manjarrez Jeff A. Marlow Jennifer K. Marsala Richard A. Matthews Joshua Anthony Mawhorter Cole J. McCandless Lequawn John Mccovery Marius Meerwarth Spenser Nicole Melendez Lourdes S. Mendez Karla Arely Menjivar Chavez

Kyle T. Mies Crystal Marie Miles Lucia L. Miranda Juan Jose Moncada Ramon Moncayo Angela Marie Moore Jamie Tyler Moore Wesley Jean Moore Larry Mora Kylie Nicole Morales-Tomlinson Alexis Brian Moreno Tiyana Lanae Morris Trisha L. Moya Kelly Rene Musil

Christopher Najarro Ronnie Nash Bryan Lane Nicholoy Amanda B. Nix

Alan T. Ocampo

Carl Albert Panameno Steven Kyle Payne Elsa Marina Perez Jose Pierre Harry Pleer III Jennifer A. Poles Olayinka Abiodun Popoola Andrew Scott Poulter Michelle Ann Pounds Lisa Dianne Presley Melissa C. Prough

Brenda L. Ramirez Kelly A. Ramirez Ismael Ramos Miguel Angel Ramos Alfonso Enrique Razo Monica R. Reese Tomas Alexander Reyes Yesenia Reyes Jonathan Bryce Rivera Elaine B. Robinson Marcus V. Robinson Laura Rodriguez Saul Rodriguez Ornelas Dane G. Rogers Joshua Patrick Ronge Cory Rust

Caleb Jordan Souders Woodrow R. Stalter Eugenia Stock Jaylene May Stolting Jason Wayne Stout Michelle Ann Summers Markia Joette Swafford Maribel Swenson Gladys Y. Szilagyi

Steven Chung Tang Richard R. Taylor Kevin Guadalupe Tea Edward Tejeda Valerie M. Terrell Chris G. Theobald Valerie D. Thomas-Andrews Jeffrey Joseph Thompson Robert G. Thompson Crystal S. Thrasher Kris E. Tivis Roberto Joseph Torres Krista Thi Tran Ping-Hua Tsai Jefrin Omar Turcios Alan Recie Tyson

Jeannie Griselda Valdivia Veronica Valle Rodolfo Vargas Julio Vazquez Efrain Vega Jr. Michael Jason Vigil Joseph Derek Villagran Sandy C. Villanueva

David J. Wagemaker Sharla D. Walker Robert P. Waller Matthew David Warren Jovan Assante Webb Crystal L. Welliver Tricia M. Werdmuller Von Elgg Corey Major Whitney Debbie Wilhelm Burlen R. Wright Gloria A. Wright

Jessica Darlene Zamora

Daniel M. Saccareccia Eric G. Sarkissian Elizabeth Cecilia Sepulveda Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Quiesha Renae Session Janalyn Ann Sharp Donna E. Shutt Victor James Sierra Brock C. Simon Kenneth Smith Lucretia Priscilla Soto

Congratulations, graduates!