Wildcat the official newsmagazine of brea olinda high school
issue vol. 84
06
june 2015
I INDEX Class of 2015 Graduation is just around the corner. The graduating year of the Class of 2015 coincided with the 60th anniversary of Disneyland. Pictured on the cover is the 60th Diamond Celebration castle, which was given a makeover for the special occasion. photo by APRIL SANTONIL
New superintendent
What drought?
After Superintendent A.J. “Skip” Roland’s retirement, Dr. Brad Mason will take over on July 1. Mason’s career in education is extensive, ranging from teaching world history to serving as an Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.
While most Californians are aware that the state is in a drought, its severity is still belittled due to the flagrant waste of water we see or commit daily. The new water regulations in California act as a wake up call for drought disbelievers. But do they care?
PG 3
PG 7
Wildcat fashion
Boliver journeys abroad
Princes of BOHS
Senior sports captains
Check out the latest styles seen on the green and gold carpet of BOHS. Senior “Best Dressed” winners Colton Fuller and Bryanna Wallace flaunt their outfits, along with other Wildcat fashionistas. Find out where they nabbed this season’s hottest looks.
Maddie Boliver, senior, is taking the road less traveled. After graduation she will embark on a gap year trip around the world. In ten months she will visit nine countries, from Fiji to Australia to England, where she will fulfill her lifelong dream to explore the world.
Senior ASB officers, cross country captains, and track and field captains will be stepping down from their thrones at graduation. Read on to hear about their favorites moments in high school and the fictional kingdoms that they dream of.
Before leaving their teams, the senior sports captains impart their final words of advice and encouragement for the underclassmen. Flip forward to see their silly snapshots and last thoughts before leaving high school forever.
PGS 10-11
PG 13
PG 18
PGS 28-30
B BRIEFLY
2
COLLIER NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR
MATTERN AWARDED COACH OF THE YEAR
TEACHERS RECEIVE NEW MACBOOKS
by JEAN PARK // Staff Writer
by CHOHA KIM // Staff Writer
by JACOB NAM // Staff Writer
Every year, teachers from Brea Olinda Unified School District (BOUSD) are recognized for their excellence in the classroom. This year, math teacher Jennifer Collier was named 2015 Teacher of the Year. Collier originally majored in Electrical Engineering. However, the collapse of many startup internet companies in the 1990s led Collier to a career in teaching, and a home in Orange County. “I decided to move back in with my parents and do a job that was more enjoyable. I went to Cal State Fullerton and got my math credential,” Collier said. Collier started teaching at Katella High School in 2003, and later continued her career at BOHS as a summer school teacher in 2004. Then, after teaching at BOHS for three years, Collier reached her first goal of becoming department chair. “[Teaching] has kept me happy and always striving to do better. It has taught me to be a better parent, co-worker, and role model,” Collier said. Collier believes that it is important for teachers to strive to teach their best every day, and be willing to adapt to new standards and people. “Collier is a fantastic math teacher on our campus. She is also a great mentor to math teachers and to the teachers in other departments. She is a quality educator,” Jerry Halpin, principal, said.
The California Coaches Association recently awarded boys’ cross country coach, Jeremy Mattern, the state Coach of the Year for his--and his team’s--excellence this season. This year, boys’ varsity cross country won another league title and capped their season with their first state championship. According to coachingmasters.net, over Mattern’s 14 years as a coach, the boys’ varsity team has won six league titles. Although receiving the award was “a special honor for him,” Mattern feels extremely humbled and thankful. “The award belongs largely to my fellow coaches and athletes. When one’s team is as successful as ours, it is easy to credit the head coach. When you win a state championship, people pay attention. It’s wonderful to be recognized, but it’s an honor truly earned by the entire team,” Mattern said. In preparation for the upcoming fall season, Mattern hopes to refocus on character development and team bonding. “We have an amazing group of athletes coming back who have the ability to win another CIF title and another state title. I’d love to help them improve as leaders, I want to help them mature while still having fun, and I want them to respect others,” Mattern said.
With the arrival of updated technology, brand new MacBook Air laptops, funded by the Board of Education, were distributed to teachers on May 20. The laptops allow teachers to utilize improved software and network in the classroom, according to Terrence Loftus, Director of IT Services and Facility. “As our curriculum moves to a mix of textbooks and digital and online resources, teachers need tools, particularly laptops, that run really well and have good connectivity to the network and internet, and these new laptops are going to allow them to do just that as we try new multimedia based curriculum and new tools,” Loftus said. Although teachers will most likely use these laptops for four to five years, they are durable, and teachers can receive free updates from Apple. MacBook Air laptops are not only beneficial to teachers, but also for students in the classroom environment. “All teachers in the district are using the same interface and software now. I imagine this will make it much easier for IT to troubleshoot any issues a teacher has. Also, with the use of Google apps, teachers can collaborate more and integrate this into the classroom,” Amy Welch, science teacher, said.
2 THE WILDCAT June 2015
NEWS N
JUNIORS PARTICIPATE IN COMMON CORE TESTING After adopting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in 2010, the full implementation took place this school year. Juniors are required to take these tests, which will prepare them for college or the workforce. by CHOHA KIM // Staff Writer
Unlike students from the past who were tested only on their academics, students, starting this year, will now be tested on not only their academics but also their technological skills. In order to assist them in finding out their core subjects’ skills, career paths, technological abilities, and preparation for University of California (UC), juniors took the standardized Common Core tests, which evaluated core subject matter mastery, from May 18 to 29. Students are tested so that they meet the requirements of not only graduating high school, but also entering college and the work force. According to Jerry Halpin, principal, the Common Core tests are based upon California state standards. In order to successfully meet the state criteria, teachers have covered these rigorous standards in class. “Great teachers already ‘teach to the test’ which are teacher-designed that are given to students in the forms of quizzes and other exams. Thus, the Common Core testing reflects how well students have mastered those standards,” Halpin said. Since students have learned the basic lessons from their classes, they are expected to demonstrate their comprehension level on the exams. “I think this test will show how students are regularly trying their best in their studies. If students do well on these standardized Common Core tests, I think it shows that students are consistently making efforts in their classes,” Amber Kim, junior, said. According to Halpin, the purpose of Common Core testing is to measure students against other schools in the country, state and other regions of the country and what students have learned and how well they think. “This testing gives students the opportunity to see where they stand in comparison to other juniors across the country. In addition, students will be able to find out where they stand in terms of being UC ready,” Halpin said. Not only will Common Core testing assist students to figure out their preparation for college, but it will also be beneficial for juniors when choosing their career paths. According to Joy Cordia, Assistant Principal of curriculum and
Interesting Facts about CCSS
Students are required to read literature and texts that contain background facts in areas such as science and history. They need to know the basic concepts of each level ranging from Algebra to higher math standards. A majority of states have adopted the same standards for English and math. corestandards.org instruction the results of these standardized tests help students decide on which courses to take in college. “When the score reports arrive, [the results] may help juniors in some of the decisions about courses they take next year and additional preparation they might need to be ready for college coursework or for joining the workforce,” Cordia said. With the Common Core State Standards, according to Hengameh Moshirr, math teacher, it also helps the school system for the students preparation for the real world. The Common Core tests also measure not only the students’ skills in academics, but also their technological abilities. Unlike previous standardized tests, the Common Core test are taken on computers, specifically the Chromebooks. “It is also a measure of students’ abilities to use technology. Also, it is a great opportunity for our school to incorporate challenging standards and increase the use of technology in classroom instruction,” Halpin said.
BOUSD BOARD SELECTS DR. BRAD MASON AS NEW SUPERINTENDENT by CHOHA KIM // Staff Writer
Following A .J. “Skip” Roland’s retirement, Dr. Brad Mason will serve as the new superintendent beginning July 1. Mason was selected to become the next superintendent of the Brea Olinda Unified School District (BOUSD) during a BOUSD Board of Education meeting last month. “The district had many applicants for the position and the Board narrowed the field to interview a handful of outstanding candidates,” Jerry Halpin, principal, said. According to the school district’s news release, a comprehensive state-wide search and a thorough interview process was conducted while selecting the new superintendent. “All members of the Board of Education agree that Dr. Mason would be a great fit for Brea. His skill set, communication skills, experience and personal character matched up very well to the input the district received from all of the stakeholders,” Bill Hall, Board President, said. According to the BOUSD website, Mason began his career in education 25 years ago as a World History and U.S. History teacher in the Fontana Unified School District. He was also a Dean of Discipline and Assistant Principal in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District as well as being a Director of Human Resources, a middle school principal, and a high school assistant principal for 18 years in the Redlands Unified School District. Recently, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for the Redlands Unified School District for the past three and a half years. According to the news release, as the new superintendent, Mason hopes to ensure that students in BOUSD receive the best education possible with all the resources available. He also reflects on the privilege of being part of the educational tradition of BOUSD. “I look forward to working with any superintendent the Board hires. I have been fortunate to have worked for many outstanding superintendents during my career,” Halpin said. In all, Mason is excited to work with a new group of individuals at BOHS. “BOUSD’s reputation as a high performing district filled with dedicated staff, wonderful students and supportive families makes my decision to accept the position as the next superintendent very easy,” Mason said. June 2015 THE WILDCAT 3
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL FRESHMEN OLYMPICS ORGANIZED BY LINK CREW by CHOHA KIM // Staff Writer
Highlights of from high school can be prom, graduation, but the most significant is creating friendships and memories with others. Encouraging freshmen to build more friendships and memories, the annual Freshmen Olympics was hosted by Link Crew on May 20. At the event, there were six stations consisting of tug of war, a puzzle game, water balloon toss, rock paper scissors, a relay race, and push ups. Freshmen who attended formed four groups that represented Vatican City, Bulgaria, Israel, and India. “[The activities at Freshmen Olympics] taught freshmen how to work as a team. It also allowed freshmen to get closer with each other,” Vincent Messina, senior and Link Crew Cabinet member, said. According to Camille Tyree, freshman, teamwork created from competing enabled them to get to know new people. “[Freshmen Olympics] helped me make friends which will last a lifetime. Meeting new people will help me build my character and friendships with others,” Tyree said. According to Matthew Yang, freshman, the games were fun and students were encouraged to cooperate with each other. “The most fun game I enjoyed was tug of war and everyone threw water balloons. I would remember [Freshmen Olympics] if I think back my high school years, even after my graduation,” Yang said. According to Kara Dietz, Link Crew Advisor, all freshmen seemed to enjoy the games provided at the event. “It was fun to see the different countries compete against each other and to see students outside of 4 THE WILDCAT June 2015
the classroom in a fun environment. I especially liked how serious the competitions were on all the events, from yelling to go faster at the puzzle station, or encouraging their push up athlete,” Dietz said. As the school year comes to an end, freshmen will become sophomores. Link Crew is currently preparing for next year’s events for the upcoming freshmen.
HANNAH ROARK // the wildcat TUG-OF-WAR: Freshmen cooperate with each other in a game of Tug-a-war. Participating in Freshmen Olympics helped freshmen create new friendships and memories.
AMERICAN RED CROSS HOSTS BIANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE by NICOLE NAM // News Editor
HANNAH ROARK // the wildcat SAVE A LIFE: Melody Kim, senior, and Jonathan Paek, junior, lay on stretchers while donating a pint of their blood. During this blood drive, only 60 pints of blood were donated, which is fewer than the usual amount collected.
Conducted by certified professionals from the American Red Cross, the biannual blood drive was held in the Auxiliary Gym on May 21. According to Pam Valenti, Assistant Principal and ASB advisor, around 130 students signed up to donate, yet only 60 students actually donated. She states that compared to the previous blood drive, which occurred last November, less pints of blood were collected.
“We got only 60 pints of blood, which is relatively low for us in a blood drive. Usually we get right around 100 pints of blood in each drive,” Valenti said. Though many students were willing to donate blood, many were unable to do so because they did not meet the requirements. According to redcrossblood.org, in order to donate blood, donors must be at least 16 years old with a parental consent, weigh a certain amount based on
their height, and must be in good general health. However, although less amounts of blood were collected than before, all donors were still able to help those in need. Donating just one pint of blood can save three lives, according to redcrossblood.org. So with the blood donated, students had the potential to affect around 180 lives of those who need blood. “At first, I just wanted to donate for the experience. But after I found out that I had saved three lives through donating, it really opened my eyes and changed my perspective from curiosity to a genuine desire to help people,” Jonathan Paek, junior, said. After students donated their pint of blood, various refreshments were offered so that students could recover from the blood loss and feel accomplished for saving people’s lives. “Donating blood isn’t as scary as it seems. When you know that your donation can possibly save someone’s life, there’s not really a reason to not donate.,” Paek said. With the last blood drive of the school year completed, students are encouraged to donate in the next one, which will occur sometime next fall.
OPINION O
THE WILDCAT since 1930 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jessica Yim and Betty Lee MANAGING EDITOR Emiko Kaneoka NEWS CO-EDITORS Nicole Nam and Jacob Nam OPINION and HEALTH EDITOR Anabel King FEATURE CO-EDITORS Stacy Uhm, Samantha Magpantay, Astyr Ko ARTS CO-EDITORS Joy Hsieh and Charlotte Kim SPORTS EDITOR Matthew Moon illustration by JESSICA YIM
staff ed
New beginnings
Class of 2015, say goodbye to zero period bells, standardized testing, rallies, and school dances. In just a few days, our seniors will leave high school forever. When you first stepped onto this campus four years ago, could you even begin to imagine all that you would experience? Did you have any idea that you would meet a group of entirely new friends, step out of your comfort zone by trying new activities, and challenge yourself academically? Could you have predicted the explosive popularity of Frozen or Kylie and Kendall Jenner or Flappy Bird? Or the chaos that would arise over the black and blue (or white and gold) dress? High school is funny in that way, and so is life in general—you never know what will happen next. The next chapters of our lives, wherever they may take us, will present new experiences, relationships, and challenges (whether we feel ready for them or not). Some of us have been counting down the days until we leave high school, while others have been dreading it. That’s okay. Those that are scared for the future now will find comfort in time. And those that are excited to leave high school now will surely find themselves missing it when they are buried under heaps of research papers or endless hours at work. So, in these last days at BOHS, take a moment to reflect on the experiences that you created for yourself these last four years. Appreciate the teachers, mentors, and friends who have impacted on your life. Smile as you remember the memories that you made, whether it was during nights of sleepless studying, supporting our Wildcat athletes, or volunteering in the community. Because no matter our level of preparedness, the next step in our lives is one into adulthood. As we move on to college, the workforce, or the military, we will need to make adult choices. We will learn to be independent, whether that means learning to do our own laundry, waking up without our parents’ help, commuting to school or work daily, or even surviving Basic Training. And in a world where new college graduates struggle to find employment, it will not be easy. Our endurance, skill, and determination will be put to the test daily. We will fight for financial stability, while simultaneously learning to find ourselves as men and women. So, cherish the last “easy” days of high school. It’s not too late to make new memories. Go visit your favorite teachers one last time and thank them for their guidance. Make plans with friends for the summer (and actually go through with those plans). End the year with a bang, academically and socially. Because no matter where we go from here, high school will always be our final years of childhood. And after we throw our graduation caps into the air next week, step into the world with confidence. Remember all that you learned in high school, and how the last four years changed you for the better.
PHOTO CO-EDITORS Michael Cho, Rachel Lin, April Santonil PHOTOGRAPHERS Ethan Ahn, Harry Cho, Monica Hiemer, Halie Nam, Hannah Roark, Deval Patel, Brandon Yun STAFF WRITERS Angelica Doan, Khurrum Elahl, Choha Kim, Jean Park, Celeste Roh, Elizabeth Wheat ADVISER Alexander Koers MISSION STATEMENT We, the Wildcat, are the voice for the student body of Brea Olinda High School. The purpose of our publication is to inform and educate the Brea community, as well as to highlight campus life and student achievemet. Our energy is dedicated to the research of facts and opinions, and focusing on issues that concern the high school experience. EDITORIAL POLICY The Wildcat encourages expression of reader opinion in the form of letters to the editor. We believe our purpose in pursuing the truth requires an open forum among students. Letters must be signed with a name and title and submitted online at www.bohswildcat.com or emailed to bohs.wildcat.newspaper@gmail. com. Any opinions stated in the Wildcat do not necessarily belong to Brea Olinda High School administration, faculty, and students. Unsigned editorials reflect views of the majority of the staff while bylind columns and stories reflect views of the writer.
the Wildcat
Brea Olinda High School 789 Wildcat Way Brea, CA 92821 www.bohswildcatnewspaper.com
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June 2015 THE WILDCAT 5
Calling the Shots
California passed a vaccination bill for public and private schools to require certain vaccines despite personal objections. Is this a violation of religious and personal freedom? by JEAN PARK // Staff Writer illustration by ANABEL KING
A
“Vaccines protect us all—it is not a choice that has ramifications that live in isolation.” summer teal
English teacher
6 THE WILDCAT June 2015
prick of a needle at the doctor’s office may be all that one needs to ward off a potentially life-threatening disease. However, for the anti-vaccine movement activists, the freedom to decide whether or not to get vaccinated overrides the responsibility of getting vaccinated. The freedom of choice should not dismiss the safety of the masses in favor of personal choice. Although vaccines increase the chances of not getting a certain disease, they are not foolproof. According to shotofprevention.com, having an unvaccinated individual near another person, vaccinated or not, increases their chances of getting the disease. Thus the anti-vaccine movement fails to consider the health of the overall community. The surge of unvaccinated individuals are detrimental in environments such as schools, where students are rightfully due to a safe education without fears of infection. The anti-vaccine movement has gained momentum after state Sens. Richard Pan and Ben Allen introduced Senate Bill 277 in February to repeal the personal belief exemption that allows parents to opt out of vaccines. The bill would force unvaccinated public and private school children in California to meet vaccination requirements or be denied education. According to vaccines.gov, vaccination requirements are crucial to maintaining “herd immunity,” allowing even the unvaccinated to remain safe, because there is little opportunity for an outbreak when the majority of the population are vaccinated. As the anti-vaccine movement grows, the herd immunity is compromised, putting many in avoidable danger. The vaccination bill faced opposition due to the removal of a parent’s right to informed consent, as the choice of vaccinating a child remains between a family and their doctor. As vaccinations have caused more than 30,000 adverse reactions, according to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, opponents of the SB 277 bill believe no matter how small the risk, parents must reserve the right to make the decisions for their child’s health. However, choosing to not vaccinate children puts others in danger. The rights of parents to opt out of vaccinations should not come before the health of other children and their rights of being safe in their community. Amy Welch, biology teacher, “fully support[s] this bill. There [is] no valid data that show[s] that vaccinations are harmful, and not vaccinating children puts others in danger.” Personal objections due to fears of adverse reactions are unfounded. Unless the child has a proven allergy to a vaccine, the fears that surround vaccines have no medical basis. One common misconception is that vaccines cause autism. This may be due to a 1997 study by Andrew Wakefield, British surgeon, who suggested that the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine was linked to autism in children. However, his study was discredited by several other major studies that were unable to find a link between any vaccine and the likelihood of developing autism. There is no cure for autism. But there is a cure for measles, mumps, polio, rubella, and smallpox. Yet anti-vaccine advocates rage when a bill forces children to receive these cures, because it interferes with their “personal rights.” Religion also comes into play, as some residents of California believe that by being vaccinated, they will violate the will of God. Despite the beliefs of some religious denominations that protest against vaccinations, religious beliefs should not compromise the health of others. “I am all about religious freedom, but I am not down for people making sacrifices of others in the name of religion. Vaccines protect us all—it is not a choice that has ramifications that live in isolation,” Summer Teal, English teacher, said. A religious objection to paying taxes does not allow for tax exemption because paying taxes is a responsibility due as a member of any community. Being vaccinated is also an expectation a responsible community member must fulfill, as choosing to be unvaccinated may endanger the overall health of the community. June 2015 THE WILDCAT 11
Dry spell
Why teens don’t care about
the drought
d ANABEL KING // Opinion Editor | illustration by HALIE NAM
A nice, relaxing shower may be hot, but a twohour long shower is not. On April 1, Gov. Jerry Brown ordered a mandatory water restriction for Californians to cut water use by 25 percent, according to the LA Times. Just three months earlier, Brown declared California in a state of emergency after the state faced “the driest year in recorded state history,” according to NPR. On May 5, the city of Brea mandated that residents must cut water use by 24 percent, according to the OC Register. But despite these actions, a 2014 poll from the LA Times found that although 89 percent of Californians characterize the drought as a crisis, only 16 percent said it has personally affected them. Similarly, in a survey of 208 students conducted by the Wildcat, although 96 percent of students want to see the drought end, only 39 percent regularly perform water-conserving tasks like turning off the water faucet when brushing your teeth. This demonstrates that students don’t care enough about the drought to do anything about it. And this is perhaps why our lack of caring results in a lack of water. It’s easy to forget that water isn’t a luxury anymore. The football field is always green, the school gardens always appear watered. It’s like we acknowledge that every part of California is suffering from the drought except us. Our city parks are well-maintained, the public fountains and statues are always running water, and our showers are always ready when we need them--all opposite symptoms of a drought. So it makes sense that teenagers don’t care about the drought because we don’t see one happening before our eyes. And this bubble of ignorance is perhaps why we only have one year’s worth of water left in California, according to the LA Times. According to Brea Public Works Director Eric Nicoll, the city of Brea is not at a “high level” of drought, just “right in the middle.” According to Nicoll, Brea has a successful history of water
reduction, like in 2009 when Brea had a 10 percent reduction goal and it surpassed it with 13 percent. So a 24 percent reduction seems manageable, because if we’ve done it before, we can do it again. But after six years of facing the same drought, are we still willing to “do it” at all? Another reason why the drought doesn’t seem like a threat: it’s a thing of the past. Since the 1970s, California has had a history of water shortage, and over 40 years later, it doesn’t seem to be going away. Especially when parents and mayors and governors and Save-the-Earth advocates are urging us to practice water-conserving behavior, the drought doesn’t seem like a real enough problem for us to listen. Even though the drought has clearly become worse over the years, it feels more like a lifestyle rather than a crisis. California dry spells are becoming longer and more severe, according to a study by the United States Drought Monitor. The study also found that two-thirds of California’s land are facing “extreme” or “exceptional” drought conditions. The first to become affected by this? Agricultural farmers--not suburban high schoolers. “For the foreseeable future, until the rest of the state catches up with what we have done in Southern California, the drought should be considered serious and we should remain vigilant in our efforts to be as efficient as possible in our use of water,” Brett Barbre, Director of the Municipal Water District of Orange County, said, referring to the successful water conservation attempts made in Southern California compared to the rest of the state. In addition to the lack of drought exposure and a long-standing history of drought, slacktivism, the act of showing support for a cause without demonstrating concrete participation, is another reason why teens don’t care enough about the state’s water shortage. During phenomenons like the ALS ice bucket challenge over the summer and the Ebola outbreak last fall, it’s clear that teens turn to social media to get their news and stay informed. Any proof
of us supporting these serious topics is demonstrated through “likes,” “comments,” and “hashtags,” yet the drought scarcely makes “Snapchat-worthy” headlines. But there is a way to pop the bubble of ignorance. Although we may not see dry, barren crop fields or empty water faucets, we understand that there are other areas in California that are not as lucky as we are, especially central California. According to the Wildcat’s survey, 93 percent of students consider the drought to be a major crisis, so a great majority of us already recognize that there is a problem. Second, there must be a direct outlet between the worlds of teens and the world of, well, the world. Teens in Southern California today have faced a drought their whole lives, and the reminders to recycle water from third grade teachers suddenly don’t feel as important anymore. Taking care of our environment is a duty that we must all share. There are plenty of ways to conserve water, whether it’s on a large scale--installing a greywater system at home-or on a small scale--turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth. Lastly, we must stay updated. It’s a common belief that teenagers don’t like to get involved with the news, but with social media giants like Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat providing breaking news stories just a click away, and YouTube channels dedicated to delivering news comprehensively, staying in the loop with current events is now easier than ever for the youth of today. Teens may not care now, but they will. Things are changing for better and for worse. And things will continue to change unless we interfere and do something about it. And we can. We who popularized the ALS ice bucket challenge, raising money and awareness for the deadly disease is also the “we” who went crazy over whether The Dress was white and gold or black and blue. So let’s be the “we” who cares about how much water is left in California and strives to see a better tomorrow. June 2015 THE WILDCAT 7
F
F EATU R E
A HARD DAY’S WORK
JUGGLING SCHOOL AND WORK MAY BE HARD. BUT THESE THREE WILDCATS MANAGE TO GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY // Feature Co-Editor
THE PROGRAMMER Only some people can say that they have a job that they love, and not many people can say that they program video games for a living But Alec Jacques, junior, can say both because he has a paid internship at arcade game entertainment company Specular Interactive, located in Foothill Ranch. Like many of his childhood peers, Jacques played video games, like Bioshock, often while he was growing up. However, it was not until the 8th grade that Jacques wanted to learn more about the roots of video gaming--the programming and coding. So with his newfound interest, he joined GITA in high school. Then, during his sophomore year, Jacques was offered an internship from Steve Ranck, CEO of Specular Interactive, and he seized the opportunity. While working, he was exposed to different skills in the IT field, such as hardware and software. He shares that coming into the job, he didn’t know how to build a computer, “but now [he] can.” Even though his job shows him a new side of the tech industry, his favorite part about his job isn’t the knowledge he gained or his new skill set, but rather his experience with his coworkers. “The best part about [the internship] is every Friday after work we have a ton of Nerf guns in the office and have Nerf wars,” Jacques said. This summer, Jacques plans to continue his internship while also completing his Eagle Scout project. And in spite of him being busy, he loves his job because “programming video games is what [he] wants to do [for a living],” and to have that kind of valuable experience now is “awesome.”
“[Art] is a gateway for me to relieve stress and feel free. Art makes me think in a different way that isn’t methodical or systematic like regular school curriculum,” Tallase said. Young Tallase sought to explore her interest in art, which led her to become a student of The Art House in La Habra in third grade. Since then, she has won two art medals from the PTA Art Contest (District Section) and the Black Book Session. In the summer of her junior year, Tallase asked her art teacher, Cherene Raphael, if she could work at The Art House for volunteer hours. As a student of nine years, she was granted the opportunity. Soon after, Tallase was promoted to assistant art teacher for pre-K through 6th grade students. “I hired [Tallase] because of her dedication and effort she puts in her work everyday. She is also wonderful to have in class and the kids love her,” Raphael said. A regular day’s work for Tallase ranges from setting up paints to cleaning up projects. Although her focus is on working with the children, she also helps set up the gallery. Tallase recalls her favorite memory to be when she taught Hangman to the first to sixth graders during a lunch break because the kids were so excited that they played the game until the class ended. The kids were so “hyped up” that they insisted to play the game the day after at lunch. Tallase’s favorite parts about her job are her interactions with the kids and “the acceptance the kids have in [Tallase] to teach and create awesome art with them.” Through her job, Tallase is discovering whether or not teaching art is a potential career.
THE ART ASSISTANT TEACHER THE DRINK BLENDER Each stroke of the paintbrush flew against the canvas, running colors on the blank expanse. Pressing the wet brush against the hues of blue and purple, the colors started mixing to create a start of a masterpiece. From an early age, Kalinah Tallase, senior, began her interest in art while watching cartoon characters and drawing on the walls. 8 THE WILDCAT June 2015
Signaling a customer’s arrival, the bell tinkled. Tired from a day’s work, a man approached the
counter sluggishly and told the cashier his order in monotone. The cashier smiled at him before Jenny Shin, senior, yelled “a taro slush with boba” to the back kitchen. Shin has been employed at Boba Time in Buena Park since February. Although she had to learn how to make over 140 drinks, five shaved ice, and yogurt recipes in a short amount of time, she quickly found her way in the kitchen. “Once [Jenny] learned everything [on the menu], she turned out to be a very fast and helpful worker,” Jose Ramirez, Shin’s assistant manager, said. She especially proved herself to be of value by “handling pressure well during rush hours.” And with her job’s constant frenzy, Shin not only learned to think and work fast on her feet, but also how to balance her time well. “Balancing school work while having a job is definitely not easy. You always have to plan and calculate the hours you have to study and do homework ahead of time based on your schedule,” Shin said. Though it may have been difficult to juggle school and her job, she enjoys working because of her coworkers and her overall experiences with people outside of the “Brea Bubble.”
Jenny Shin, senior, prepares a drink for a customer at Boba Time. Kalinah Tallase, senior, helps a student of the Art House spray paint. Alec Jacques, junior, updates the Specular Interactive social media page.
presse avant
Nadia Fox, French teacher, earned a language degree and aided the French department despite family issues and post partum depression.
S
tudents see Nadia Fox, French teacher, lecturing passionately in front of her class with a smile on her face. While students recognize her everyday cheerfulness as she recites words in French, Fox overcame struggles to become the strong woman that she is today. Her diverse background that isolated her from her peers now gives her an optimistic outlook on life. As the daughter of French and Jordanian parents, Fox grew up in impoverished neighborhoods of California. Despite economic struggles, Fox’s parents emphasized the importance of education and paid for her tuition at Nazarene Christian School in Norwalk. While Fox “enjoyed her time there and met incredible people,” unconventional religious differences--her father is Muslim and her mother is Catholic--made her feel isolated. However, Fox believes that her experience there helped her to “understand another belief system.” “I made friends from different sexual orientations, religions, and ethnicities. It was an eye-opening experience,” Fox said. Fox graduated from La Mirada High School in 2002 with a 4.7 GPA. She attended UCLA as a Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental (MCD) Biology major. During college, Fox’s family life was troubled by her parents’ messy divorce. Taking additional units and working as a part-time copy center clerk and martial arts instructor, Fox coped by keeping herself busy. “I commuted from Orange County to UCLA and was on the freeway by 5 a.m., rushing to pick up my sisters and go to work. I remember quizzing myself on the 10 freeway,” Fox said. In her third and final year, Fox changed her major to Linguistics and French Literature, so she could learn something she “was passionate” about. Despite her hectic college years, Fox believes her greatest inspiration are the hard-working people of
A LONG ROAD: (clockwise from top left) from top left to bottom right are
her children Elise, Eugene, Anika, Fox holding Juliette, Matthew Fox holding Camille; Fox at her junior prom with her husband Matthew Fox; at UCLA graduation; Fox teaching a student in French class the world. “I look up to people who make the most out of dire situations. They inspire me to move forward,” Fox said. While Fox managed her busy life, her high school sweetheart and now husband, Matthew Fox, served as her “emotional support system.” Six days after graduating from UCLA in 2005, Fox married Matthew. Fox soon gave birth to triplets, a “rambunctious” group of two daughters and a son. She later had identical twin girls, adding to the hectic nature of her life with triplets. “I was nervous, but imagining five crazy kids in the house was also exciting,” Fox said. Although Fox’s first pregnancy had minimal complications, her second pregnancy led to antepartum depression which later became severe postpartum depression. “The depression caused triggers, and I’d lose control. It hurt my relationships, because I pushed people away. At its worst, I felt completely lost and obsessive,” Fox said. by CELESTE ROH // Staff Writer photos courtesy of NADIA FOX bottom right photo by APRIL SANTONIL
Despite her diagnosis, Fox did her best to “put a smile on for the kids and work.” “It’s a constant battle, but I’ve made improvements through treatment and being more vocal about it with friends and students. I’m slowly beginning to love who I’ve become,” Fox said. Fox states that her responsibilities at BOHS have helped “put her mind to work” and given her “stronger ambitions.” “The school planned on eliminating the French program because of the drop in enrollment. Once we hired Mrs. Fox, that changed,” Jerry Halpin, principal, said. As department chair of the World Language Department, Fox has expanded the French department to provide three periods of classes and improved the French department, incorporating cultural trips to the French film festival and France. In addition to her many responsibilities, Fox was a home medical study teacher and has been a Self-Study Coordinator for Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for two years now. “I’m a workaholic but I enjoy productivity. I’m realizing what I thought was confusion is just clarity misunderstood. I’m getting through my depression, and I hope God grants me many more blessings in life,” Fox said. June 2015 THE WILDCAT 9
SUMMER OUTFIT INSPIRATION
Summer is around the corner, but don’t fret! Use these outfits as an inspiration to dress nicely during the hot summer weather. Explore different clothing stores as stated below to find fashionable yet affordable clothes. photos by RACHEL LIN
Justine Barcelona sophomore
ROMPER: foreign exchange $25 BELT: goodwill $2 HAT: cotton on $10
$37
10 THE WILDCAT June 2015
Autumn Roh senior
TOP: forever 21 $12 UNDERSHIRT: H&M $7 SHORTS: GOODWILL $5
Caitlyn Gutierrez senior
SHIRT: tilly’s $24 SHORTS: pacsun $35 HAT: tilly’s $24
Bryanna Wallace
senior Senior Most “Best Dressed” SHIRT: target $5 SHORTS: forever 21 $15
HEADBAND: charlotte russe $4
$24
$84
$24
Summer Must-Haves “Hats are very versatile and cover messy hair, which is important in summer with last minute hangouts.” Colton Fuller, senior
Elias Ortiz sophomore
JERSEY: H&M $30 SHIRT: walmart $5 SHORTS: h&m $20
$55
“Shorts! Always. You can always pick a different style of shirt, but when it’s hot they’re easy to throw on.” Bryanna Wallace, senior
“High waisted shorts because they are fashionable and perfect for hot weather. It can easily be paired with a crop top.” Caitlyn Guitrrez, senior
Gavin Armstrong
Jordan Paragas
junior
JERSEY: Buffalo Exchange $10 SHIRT: Buffalo Exchange $10 SHORTS: Buffalo Exchange $10
$30
junior
SHIRT: dulllifeclothing. com $15 SHORTS: target $30 HAT: lids $30
$75
“Tank tops because you can wear them as an undershirt under various shirts and by itself when it’s really hot.” Elias Ortiz, sophomore
Colton Fuller
senior Senior Most “Best Dressed” SHIRT: walmart $3 BUTTON UP: H&M $15 SHORTS: H&M $20
$38
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 11
V
vegan
[vee-guh n, vēɡən] in which a love for animals, environment, and food come together to form a lifestyle.
by BREANNE CAREY // Guest Contributor
Health-wise I am the healthiest I have ever been. Last year I had severe asthma and passed out several times throughout swim season. This year my asthma hasn’t bothered me, and I have not passed out. I am not the only one who has benefited from being vegan—several others have rid themselves of previous health problems. The health benefits are endless—my sleeping improved, I gained over 10 pounds of muscle weight since November, I am less vulnerable to several diseases and cancers, and
Life as a vegan is not what most people I have more energy. think. The stereotype of a vegan is weak, I am also preventing hundreds of animals lacking nutrients, and a hippie. But in reality it from living in horrid conditions, having their lives is the complete opposite. I first became vegan on brutally taken from them simply for being born, November 28, 2014, in an attempt to eat healthier. I and separating mothers from their babies just to get had no plans of staying vegan for the rest of my life, their milk. I first thought how hard it would be to but once I looked deeper vegan, but I stopped focusing into it, I realized that on myself. I noticed how hard I never wanted to go it was for them, that I wasn’t back. I learned about vegan. the environmental Not only am I saving benefits, such as water animals, but people too. preservation, pollution While factory animals, reduction, animal safety, according to People for the and the eradication of Ethical Treatment of Animals, hunger. are consuming 760 million After a couple tons of grain, over a billion weeks of being vegan, I people are starving and many realized how much food die of starvation. The amount was out there that I could of food being used to feed the eat—not just veggies animals is “enough to feed and fruits! I have always 4 billion additional people,” loved food, and by according to gentleworld.org. eating healthier, I can One Green Planet also shares eat more and appreciate that consuming no animal taste more. My favorite products is equivalent to photo by MICHAEL CHO places to eat are Blaze preventing forests being torn and Chipotle, and my guilty pleasures are raspberry down to grow the food for the animals. This will and apple pastries from Sprouts. Blaze Pizza’s also help create a cutback on the water they drink dough is safe for vegans, and I select the vegan and the water used for their food. Every vegan saves cheese along with some vegetables and spices. As on average 1.3 million gallons of water a year and for Chipotle I order a bowl and add veggies or reduces carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, which is sofritas, guacamole, black beans, both types of rice, increasing while oxygen is decreasing, according to corn, and onions. People will come up to me and ask theguardian.com. The meat, dairy, and egg industries questions, and I’m completely fine with answering are striping our earth of its resources. them. However, some look for a fight or attempt to I am vegan because a flavor is not more taunt me. important to me than our earth, lives, and health. 12 THE WILDCAT June 2015
Breanne Carey’s
VEGAN PICKS photos courtesy of JENNIFER HAUGEN
1
2
3
1. ENCHILADA
INGREDIENTS: Corn tortillas, spices, cilantro, avocados,
vegan cheese, green sauce, and medium firm tofu.
STEPS:
1. Mix half a tofu block, avocados, cilantro, green sauce, and spices in a bowl. 2. Put this mixture unto the tortilla. Fold it up. 3. Sprinkle vegan cheese on top 4. Bake for around 25 to 30 minutes for 350 degrees.
2. TAMALES INGREDIENTS:
Corn husks, corn flour, rice flour, onion broth, vegetable oil, sea salt, black beans, onions, jalapeño peppers, and garlic.
STEPS:
1. Mix the corn flour, rice flour, onion broth, vegetable oil, and set salt well for the masa. 2. Sauté the onions and garlic together, and cook the beans for the filling. 4. Spread the masa onto the corn husks, and add the filling along with jalapeño peppers. Season with sea salt. 5. Steam over boiling water for about 40
minutes.
3. SUSHI ROLL INGREDIENTS:
Rice, carrots, peppers, tofurky (turkey replacement), avocado, and seaweed.
STEPS:
1. Cook rice 2. Slice the carrots and peppers. (Place the tofurky and avocado aside)
3. Place the rice on the seaweed. 4. Put in the rest of the ingredients. 5. Roll up the seaweed
SENIORS
S
Once Upon A Time . . . There was a land called BOHS. From this land, a great annual exodus occurred, called “graduation.” When it was time for graduation, the princes and princesses of the land went on a new journey to college, the work force, and the military. Read on to see the path of each senior on their grand voyage to the future. art by KALINAH TALLASE interior art by BETTY LEE & JESSICA YIM
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 13
Sarah Rosner Fullerton College Acosta, Nathaniel undecided Adams, Michaela University of La Verne Aguilera, Geneva Santa Ana College Ahn, Hannah CSUF Ahn, Sunny Maryland Institute College of Art Ainley, Julia CSUF Alives, David CSUF Allemand, Emily Mt. SAC Allgeier, William Whittier College Alvarez, Brenda Fullerton College Alvarez, Tatiana Coastline Community College Anderson, Grant SDSU Andrade, Alondra Fullerton College Andrews, Melissa Mt. SAC Arcade, Adam Fullerton College Arellano, Jacob American International College Arellano Andrade, Andres Fullerton College Arias, Jessica Colorado Mountain College Armienta, Gabrielle St. Edward’s University Arroyo, Liliana undecided Arthur, Brianna Bellarmine University Avila, Frances Bianca Fullerton College Avila, Gissel Avila, Kristen Cerritos College Baker, Logan Butte College Barker, Nikki Cal Poly Pomona Barton, Randi CSU Monterey Bay Bartosiewicz, Kacie Fullerton Cosmetology Basaker, Curtis Mt. SAC Bermudez, Melody Fullerton College Bertoloni, Kristen University of Idaho Besse, Trevor Cerritos College Blackney, David Cypress College Blake, Lindsey CSUF Bloxham, Dylan UC Irvine Bobella, Alexandra Utah State University Boden, Dylan Santa Ana College Bogosian, Dayne Mt. SAC Boliver, Madeline undecided Bononi, Sierra Boston College Bordy, Brett Golden West College Borklund, Dustin Fullerton College Bourgeois, Aaron Biola University Brannon, Steven Fullerton College Broadstreet, Abby High Point University Brockway, McKenna Chapman University Brodeur, Kyle Golden West College Brown, Jorden United States Air Force Brown, Triston United States Navy Bruner, Daniel BOHS Brunier, Ashley UC Santa Barbara Bryan, Matthew Cal Poly Pomona Bumanlag, Justin Orange Coast College Burdick, Benjamin undecided Calvillo, Natalia Northern Arizona University Camacho, Diana Chapman University Cambuston, Ana Luisa Fullerton College Cardenas, Johnny Fullerton College
14 THE WILDCAT June 2015
Carman, Emily Loyola Marymount University Carrera, Mercedes Fullerton College Casas, Lorenzo Lemuel Mt. SAC Casillas, Julissa Mt. SAC Castaneda, Monique La Sierra University Castreje, Matea Mt. SAC Castro, Crystal Cypress College Castro Jr., Jorge Mt. SAC Ceballos, Justine Cypress College Cha, Mathew UC Berkeley Chase, Jessica BYU Idaho Chavarria, Cassandra University of La Verne Chavarria, Eliana Fullerton College Chen, Ashley UC Irvine Cho, David Calvin College Cho, David United States Army Cho, Jeong Hee Mt. SAC Cho, Linette Azusa Pacific University Cho, Yongmin UC Riverside Cho, Yoonhan Orange Coast College Choi, Caroline Wesleyan University
David Alives CSUF Choi, Caroline Univ. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Choi, Ji Sung UC Berkeley Choi, Moung Sung Fullerton College Christ, Matthew Utah State University Chung, Katie UC San Diego Congelliere, Cody Fullerton College Contreras, Sergio Fullerton College Contreras Campos, Luis Fullerton College Cook, Amanda George Mason University Cook, Kenneth Grand Canyon University Coonradt, Dylan Fullerton College Corbett, Daniel Colorado State University Cornejo, Greg Fullerton College Couturier, Payten University of La Verne Crawford, Andrew Orange Coast College Crosby, Alexander Golden West College Cruz, Stephanie Fullerton College Cruze, Nathan Fullerton College Cummins, Austin undecided Dang, Adam Fullerton College Datangel, Kianna CSUF De La Fuente, Jeffrey undecided De Perez, Brandon Santa Ana College DeDio, Christopher not attending Del Rio, Nathan Mt. SAC DeLeon, Mark Cypress College Delgado-Diaz, Taylor Ball State University
DeLong, Zachary CSUF DeMarco, Conner Seattle University Dennison, Stone Fullerton College Diaz, Alexis undecided Dibavar, Arin BOHS Dickson, Kennedy University of Mississippi Doan, Angelica Northern Arizona University Dotan, Hannah CSU San Marcos Drake, Jacob Fullerton College Draper, Noah Mt. SAC Drinnenberg, Tatum Arcadia University Driscoll, James United States Marine Corps Dumitrache, Mircea CSUF Eichinger, Kyra UC Irvine Elahi, Danyal High Hopes Elias, Chelsea undecided Elrayes, Julian Irvine Valley College Escobar III, Angel Azusa Pacific University Espinosa, Vincent Cypress College Esqueda, Edgar Fullerton College Esqueda, Eduardo CSUF Evans, Jake San Francisco Art Institute Evans, Nina Orange Coast College Fairchild, Jaclyn Santa Monica College Falco, Dylan UC Santa Barbara Fields, Chantel Whitworth University Figueroa, Selena undecided Flanders, Tayler Cal Poly SLO Flores, Stephen CSU Chico Francis, Chandre Fullerton College Fritz, Leena Hope International University Fuller, Colton BYU Utah Gackstetter, Brent UC Berkeley Gammell, Lacie Mt. SAC Garcia, Alejandro Bible College Garcia, Anthony Fullerton College Garcia, Christian Cal Poly Pomona Garcia, Kyle Cal Poly Pomona Garcia, Skyler Mt. SAC Garza, Jesse Santiago Canyon College Giannini, Anthony Fullerton College Girgis, Monica Fullerton College Giurbino, Rachel Fullerton College Glenn, Alyssa SDSU Glomboske, Taylor Boise State University Goellrich, Noah Golden West College Gomez, Alex Fullerton College Gonzalez, Stephen Vanguard University
Austin Shellito UC Davis Tayler Flanders Cal Poly SLO
Gracia, Noelle Fullerton College Graves, Gavin Fullerton College Green, Paul Wheaton University Greenwood, Collin Fullerton College Gresto, Holly Mt. SAC Groharing, Eve Concordia University Guerrero, Cristian San Jose State University Gutierrez, Caitlyn Fullerton College Guzman, Jacob Rio Hondo College Hagan, Jordan University of Missouri Hagen, Nicholas Fullerton College Halili, Andrea Nicole Azusa Pacific University Hanley, William Santa Ana College Hanna, Lauren Villanova University Harton, Marisa SFSU Havard, Tatum Coastline Community College Hawkns, Courtland Mt. SAC Hayes, Jesse Saddleback College Helms, Abby Fullerton College Henderson, Erynn Fullerton College Henrikson, Melissa Cal Poly Pomona Hernandez, Noe Fullerton College Herrera, Karolina Mt. SAC Hershey, Nicholas Fullerton College Hightower, Alexis Orange Coast College Hinnant, Cody undecided Hirose, Ethan Cal Poly SLO Hohbein, Jameson Fullerton College Huisken, Bryce Mt. SAC Hunt, Boston undecided Huynh, Andrew Santiago Canyon College Huynh, Justice CSUF Hwang, Hee Cypress College Ibarra, Oscar Fullerton College Iligan, Brandon CSUF Irby, Nicholas Fullerton College Itatani, Brandon CSUF Jaime, Andrew Mt. SAC Janneck, Katherine CSUF Jarrett, Shailissa undecided Joh, Susan Washington University St. Louis Johnson, Hailey University of Nevada, Las Vegas Jones, Brittany Cal Poly Pomona Jones Chase, Mitchell undecided Jota, Jaime Vicente Fullerton College Jovellanos, Michael University of Pennsylvania Ju, Stacy Pepperdine University Jung, Jennifer University of the Pacific
Sophie Zambri SFSU
Kadletz, Zak Fullerton College Kaneoka, Emiko Chapman University Kang, Joyce UC Santa Barbara Kang, Victoria UC Berkeley Kassis, George Fullerton College Kemps, Andre Fullerton College Khatri, Payal Fullerton College Kim, Bryan Cypress College Kim, Daniel UC San Diego Kim, Hae Jeong SFSU Kim, Joo Young Mt. SAC Kim, Melody University of Pennsylvania Kim, Nam Hyung UC Irvine Kimball, Julie Mt. SAC Kinmond, Brandon undecided Kiser, Zachary Arizona State University Kleiser, Curtis Fullerton College Ko, Christopher United States Military Ko, Samantha UC Berkeley Koo, Jae CSUF Koseff, Christopher Santiago Canyon College
Brandon Yang New York University Kovar, Marissa Fullerton College Krizo, Michelle San Jose State University Kwon, Ji Won SFSU Kwon, Rachel CSU Long Beach La Certe, Matthew United States Coast Guard Lagunas, Nathan Ismael undecided Lapin, Joshua University of Northern Colorado Lara, Emilio Fullerton College Larrea, Antonio Fullerton College Laubie, Kalie undecided Laverde, Jonathan CSUF Layco, Martin University of San Diego Ledbetter, Kaitlynn Fullerton College Lee, Alex Loyola Marymount University Lee, Elaina Orange Coast College Lee, Jeong Bin CSUF Lee, Ji Min Orange Coast College Lee, Jiyoon Pasadena Art Center College of Design Lee, Jonathon Fullerton College Lee, Michael UC Santa Barbara Lee, Min New York University Lee, Paul CSU Long Beach Lee, Rachel Chapman University Lee, Sung Soo New York University Lee, Tiffany Chapman University Lee, Betty UC San Diego Lindstrom, James Mount Mercy University
Nathaniel Acosta undecided Long, Quinn Fullerton College Lopez, Dayanna Orange Coast College Lopez, Samantha Fullerton College Lowe, Emily BOHS Lozano, Jasmine Fullerton College Lunt, Jared Mt. SAC Lynch, Christian undecided Lyng, Preston Cuesta College Lystad, Colleen Mt. SAC MacDougall, Stuart Mt. SAC Macedo, Alexis Fullerton College Macias-Reza, Teresa CSUF Madamba, Jonathan UC Irvine Maggy, Brooke Plymouth State University Maldonado, Valerie Fullerton College Mardahl, Stephanie CSUF Marin, Javier Fullerton College Martin, Amber Fullerton College Martinez, Alexander CSU Channel Islands Martinez, Julian CSUF Martinez, Kurt University of Oregon Martino, Alexandra CSUF Martinson, Madeline Boise State University Mauriss, Cassidy Savannah College of Art and Design Mazeika, Hayley Nashville State Community College McCann, Katelyn Fullerton College McCoy, Sierra Biola University McEntee, Jacob Whittier College McKinley, Dillon USC McNeese, Lauren CSUF Medley II, Eric Mt. SAC Meisch, Presley Santiago Canyon College Mendoza, Jayden Fullerton College Mendoza, Mariah Mt. SAC Mendoza, Venessa Chapman University Messina, Vincent CSUF Meyer, Sammantha Fullerton College Miles, Jake CSUF Miller, Madison Fullerton College Miralaie, Matteo Cal Poly Pomona Moon, Audrey Boston University Moon, Austin UC San Diego Moon, Derek United States Marine Corps Morales, Claudia Northern Arizona University Moreno, Alexis Fullerton College Morrill, Nathaniel CSUF Morris Almanza, David Fullerton College Murillo, Melissa Orange Coast College Murray, James Mt. SAC Myers, Tobijah Fullerton College Nabbout, Brianna undecided Nanez, Sydney Fullerton College Narey, Julia SDSU Negrete, Nicholas Cypress College Nguyen, Justin CSUF Nguyen, Vincent Tuong Vinh UC San Diego Nino, Danielle Mt. SAC Nua, Taulima UC Riverside
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 15
Nunez, Michelle Biola University Nunley, Alexander University of Northern Colorado O’Boyle, Brittany CSUF Oh, Se Won Fullerton College Ojeda, Andrew Fullerton College Olmedo, Sofia CSUF Organo, Timothy Raniel Santiago Canyon College Oropeza, Adalberto Fullerton College Orozco Jr, Hector Fullerton College Orozco Valencia, Esmeralda CSUF Pabalan, Diego Simon undecided Padfield, Hannah Fullerton College Park, Matthew Otis College of Art and Design Park, Sang Jun University of Notre Dame Park, Ye Ji Mt. SAC Patel, Kripa UC Riverside Pawson, Caitlyn Fullerton College Payne Jr, Daniel undecided Pemberton, Dylan Fullerton College Perez, Mason Mt. SAC Perez, Paula Fullerton College Perry, Austin Utah State University Peterson, Randy University of Oregon Petri, Kaitlyn Azusa Pacific University Piceno, Sabrina Fullerton College Pinsky, Jennifer Fullerton College Poore, Dana Fullerton College Potts, Madison Concord Career College Price, Matthew Fullerton College Privratsky, Jude United States Army Quijado, John Patrick Leon Fullerton College Ramirez, Steve Fullerton College Ramirez, Emmanuel University of Kansas Raskin, Nataly Boise State University Rausch, Andrew Fullerton College Raz, Ino Irvine Valley College Redekosky, Alan Fullerton College Rias, Wyatt Santiago Canyon College Richey, Kara San Jose State University Richey, Rebecca Biola University Rico, Jorge Fullerton College Rifilato, Alyssa Point Loma Nazarene University Rios, Brianna Cal Poly Pomona Rivas, Victoria Mt. SAC Rivera, Cheyenne undecided Robbins, David Fullerton College Robles, Jacob CSUF Rodarte, Victoria Fullerton College Rodriguez, Corina Fullerton College Rodriguez, Drake Santa Ana College Rodriguez, Isaac Fullerton College Rodriguez, Tristin University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Roh, Autumn CSUF Romero, Melissa Fullerton College Rosner, Sarah Fullerton College
Noah Strobele Fullerton College Andrew Huynh Santiago Canyon College 16 THE WILDCAT June 2015
Ruiz, Allison Fullerton College Russ, John Chaffey College Russell, Brittany Mt. SAC Ryan, Jessica Fullerton College Sadro, Garrett CSU Dominguez Hills Sajonas, Caleah Fullerton College Salas, Jocelyn Fullerton College Sandoval, Elizabeth Mt. SAC Santonil, April Anne Fullerton College Santos, Kathleen Fullerton College Santuci, Jacob CSUF Sauceda, Daeja Golden West College Saucedo, Gavin UCLA Savela Gomez, Jacob Orange Coast College Schade, Alyson CSU Monterey Bay Schlachter, Ashley Make-Up Designory Schofield, Lynnzy Orange Coast College Sellitto, Eliana Laguna College of Art and Design Serna, Raquel Fullerton College Serna, Sabrina Fullerton College Sexton, Julianne Fullerton College Shaer, Joseph Cypress College Shellito, Austin UC Davis Shin, Ashley Parsons The New School For Design Shin, Min SFSU
Cheyenne Rivera undecided Shin, SunYung CSUF Siazon, Monica CSUF Siliceo, Danielle United States Air Force Sims, Shane Mt. SAC Sipple, Jeffrey UC Santa Barbara Slife, Richard Fullerton College Small, Andrew Fullerton College Smith, Ashley Cypress College Smith, Brooklynn Pacific University Smith, Gabriella Fullerton College Sohn, Fred UC Irvine Soloway, Grant Fullerton College Soria, Francisco Fullerton College Southard, Kramer Fullerton College Spadt, Emily Fullerton College Spink, Mitchell Santiago Canyon College Stackhouse, Kimberly Fullerton College Stewart, Noelle Fullerton College Stoddard, Branson Fullerton College Streitz, Christina CSU Monterey Bay Stricker, Joshua Cal Poly Pomona Strobele, Noah Fullerton College Sugawara, Tomio UC Santa Barbara Suk, Christine CSUF Sullivan, Alexis Midland College Sun, Lisa CSU Los Angeles Suryawala, Neal Arizona State University Tagaloa, Danae Rio Hondo College Tallase, Kalinah CSU Los Angeles Tango, Nicholas UC Berkeley Tasselli, Dominic Missouri Valley University
Thillman, Ryan Fullerton College Tirheimer, Deanna Cal Poly Pomona Tittle, Lirissa Santa Barbara City College Torres, Vincent Fullerton College Tortarolo, Amanda Santiago Canyon College Tortarolo, Jared Santiago Canyon College Trinidad, Jonathan not attending Tripp, Elaina Sonoma State University Truesdale, Angela Azusa Pacific University Trujillo, Marissa SDSU Uribe, Dominique Fullerton College Vaca IV, Michael Illinois College Valdez, Kandace Claudel CSUF Valdez, Ramon Mt. SAC Valentine, Harlie Holy Names University Van Beek, Tyler undecided Van Daalen Wetters, Victoria CSUF Van Wilgen, Hanna CSUF Vega, Fotini Fullerton College Vega, Jocyln Pasadena City College Venkatramkumar, Sanjith Fullerton College Ventura, Jordan SDSU Villavicencio, Josie CSUF Villegas, Gerardo Chaffey College Vivo, Steven Fullerton College Vu, Todd Cal Poly Pomona Wallace, Bryanna USC Wasson, Jaylen Cal Poly Pomona Webster, Rebekah BYU Hawaii Wellen, Madison SDSU West, Samantha Fullerton College Wheat, Elizabeth CSUF Wheaton, Sarah Fullerton College Wild, Dylan Texas State University Williams, Zachary Orange Coast College Winner, Cory Fullerton College Witt, Anastasia Fullerton College Wood, Trevor United States Marine Corps Worrall, Nicholas Fullerton College Yan, Mingkun Fullerton College Yang, Bokun Fullerton College Yang, Brandon New York University Yang, Hyunwoo Fullerton College Yeager, Taylor United States Military Yi, Timothy CSU Long Beach Yim, Jessica CSU Long Beach Yoon, Bonnie Cal Poly Pomona Yoon, Hye Ji CSUF Yoon, Tae Sik Pensacola Christian College Yoon, William Cornell University Zambri, Sophia SFSU Zhao, Kellie Columbia University
Maddie Boliver’s ADVENTURE
by EMIKO KANEOKA / / Mangaging Editor photo by DEVAL PATEL
I
magine traveling to Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Germany, Switzerland, France, England, and Italy all within ten months. Sounds daunting, doesn’t it? But not for Maddie Boliver, senior, who will be taking a long-planned gap year before college to travel the world. A self-described “adventurer” and “tomboy” as a child, Boliver always knew she loved adventure, whether it was on camping trips with her family or climbing trees in her backyard. Her parents also inspired her to travel, as her father spent a year in Scotland in college and her mother has previously visited several of the locations that Boliver will be exploring. “My dad did study abroad in college, and he was always talking about how fun it was, and how I had to have that experience. I always kind of knew that I wanted to travel,” Boliver said. According to Dolly Boliver, Maddie’s mother, Boliver may have only thought it was a “pipe dream” to travel the world before they spoke about it more seriously. When Boliver first asked for her mother’s permission to go on a worldwide gap year trip, she replied with an enthusiastic, “absolutely.” “I was really excited for her. Of course, as her mama bear, my first instinct is to protect. But it is the perfect time in her life for such an amazing opportunity. I am so proud of Maddie and the incredible woman that she has become. She is smart, kind, empathetic, dedicated, strong-willed, responsible and adventurous. How could I say no?” Dolly said. “She will be smart about her choices when she is abroad. I trust her implicitly and I know that she will make memories that will last a lifetime.” During her sophomore year of high school, Boliver began to look into study abroad programs. When she noticed the high financial expense, she began looking into options that would allow her to work while traveling. She eventually decided to plan her trip through First Abroad, a travel organization that specializes in volunteer, work, and leisure gap years for young adults. Dolly admits that Boliver has been extremely responsible throughout the entire planning process, which she has done mostly by
herself. Boliver’s mother is not surprised that she chose to do “the youth hostel route rather than the 4-star hotel route.” “That’s Maddie,” Dolly said. “She wants to experience the culture and learn from the local people of the countries that she will be living in.” Boliver will spend two weeks to one month in hostiles in all locations except Australia, where she will spend six months working. Upon her arrival in Australia, she will be set up with an apartment and job interviews. However, she is most excited to see New Zealand, after hearing of her mother’s love for the country. She also notes that the most adventurous excursion on her trip will most likely be in Thailand, where she will travel with and care for elephants for two weeks. In addition to the Australian work experience and elephant treks, Boliver will also be applying to college while away, as she hopes to attend in the fall. Her dream schools are San Diego State University or Oregon State University, but she is “glad that [she] still has a year to think” about what her college pathway will entail. In the meantime, Boliver is preparing
“I’m looking forward to being on my own and being independent, learning new things and meeting people from around the world. I’ve always wanted to travel. So I’m really getting my wish, because it’s a lot of traveling.” Maddie Boliver Senior
for her trip by getting together her passport, travel insurance, and working visa. Even while planning, she feels that it is “surreal that [she is] actually doing it.” “I’m looking forward to being on my
ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE: Boliver will leave for Fiji, her first destination, in August. She will visit a total of nine countries in ten months.
own and being independent,” Boliver said. “Learning new things and meeting people from around the world. I’ve always wanted to travel. So I’m really getting my wish, because it’s a lot of traveling.” Since Boliver has never been away from home for this long, she knows that she will be homesick. However, her mother hopes to visit her during some point in her trip so that they can see new places and “discover it together.” Although she is excited for Boliver’s trip and the experiences that it will bring, Dolly admits that she will feel “sad, proud, nervous, and excited. All within every minute of every day.” A native of Brea for most of her childhood, Boliver is excited to reach outside of the realm of the “Brea Bubble.” Her mother also looks forward to the independence that Boliver’s gap year will bring. “It will definitely be a culture shock to leave Brea. I’ve lived outside of Brea, but it’s basically where I grew up,” Boliver said. “It will be weird moving around a lot, but it’s something I have to do. It’s an adventure.” June 2015 THE WILDCAT 17
Princes of BOHS illustration by JESSICA YIM photo by BRANDON YUN & HARRY CHO
These charming princes of BOHS are stepping down from their ASB and athletic thrones, ready to reign in the realm of college.
Jeff Sipple
Alex Martinez
boys’ cross country captain
boys’ track & field captain
What would the name of your kingdom be? Sipplandia
What would the name of your kingdom be? Benihanaland
If you could make any food holiday, what would it be? Korean BBQ Day
If you could make any food holiday, what would it be? Benihana Birthdays
Quick! A damsel in distress! Which damsel would you like to save? Rapunzel
Quick! A damsel in distress! Which damsel would you like to save? The beautiful Hannah Dotan
Favorite high school memory? Going to the Nike Cross Nationals with my team.
Favorite high school memory? Falling in my chair at the CAHSEE.
Paul Green
Gavin Saucedo
Nick Tango
Todd Vu
BOHS President
BOHS Vice President
Senior Class President
Senior Class Vice President
What would the name of your kingdom be? Greenland
What would the name of your kingdom be? Waka Flockaville
What would the name of your kingdom be? Tangoria
What would the name of your kingdom be? Fam Land
If you could make any food holiday, what would it be? Arby’s Day
If you could make any food holiday, what would it be? Munchie Day
If you could make any food holiday, what would it be? Burrito Day
If you could make any food holiday, what would it be? Blueberry Muffin Day
Quick! A damsel in distress! Which damsel would you like to save? I would save my dog Jasmine because she is bae.
Quick! A damsel in distress! Which damsel would you like to save? My mom, because she is the best person I know.
Quick! A damsel in distress! Which damsel would you like to save? My girlfriend Gabriella Smith.
Quick! A damsel in distress! Which damsel would you like to save? Mrs. Baughman, because I need to pass her class.
Favorite high school memory? Spending a week this past summer with my ASB for camp.
Favorite high school memory? Balling out with my boys everyday. Shout out to the Goon Squad.
Favorite high school memory? Playing under the lights on Friday nights.
Favorite high school memory? Senior prom with the best.
18 THE WILDCAT June 2015
Abby Broadstreet
girls’ volleyball co-captain
What is your favorite post-game food? Tacos at Cabo Grill
Road trip! Where would you go?
BEE THE BEST YOU CAN BE
Alyssa Rifilato
girls’ volleyball co-captain
What is your favorite post-game food? Chipotle
Road trip! Where would you go?
San Francisco with my friends
I would take a trip up the California coast.
Who is your Disney crush?
Who is your Disney crush?
Aladdin
Hercules
Favorite Disney villain?
Favorite Disney villain?
Maleficent
Ursula
Which Disney character would be your BFF?
Which Disney character would be your BFF?
Jasmine
Lizzie Mcguire or Rapunzel
If you could star in any Disney movie what would it be?
If you could star in any Disney movie what would it be?
Tangled
Mulan
If you could change something about your high school life what would it be?
If you could change something about your high school life what would it be?
That we would win the semi-final game of senior year and make it to the finals to become CIF champions.
I would not change anything about my high school life.
Hop in the log and plummet down the mountain with these senior volleyball and Ladycat captains. Throughout the season, they made a splash in the history of BOHS athletics. illustration by Jessica Yim photos by April Santonil
Sierra Bononi
Ladycats co-captain
What is your favorite post-game food? Pasta with butter and cheese
Road trip! Where would you go?
Yellowstone National Park to take pictures.
Who is your Disney crush?
Beast from Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Disney villain? Scar
Which Disney character would be your BFF? Mulan
If you could star in any Disney movie what would it be? Lion King
If you could change something about your high school life what would it be?
Shaylissa Jarrett Ladycats co-captain
What is your favorite post-game food? Chipotle
Road trip! Where would you go? I would go to San Francisco
Who is your Disney crush? Tarzan
Favorite Disney villain? Shadow man
Which Disney character would be your BFF? Peter Pan
If you could star in any Disney movie what would it be? Princess and the Frog
If you could change something about your high school life what would it be? I would have joined more school clubs.
I would have been more involved in school activities.
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 19
Princesses of the Ball
Like Disney princesses, these senior captains sing and dance through life. Get to know these seniors before the clock strikes twelve, and graduation begins. illustration by JESSICA YIM
Brittany O’Boyle
Dance Production co-captain Which Disney movie would you like to star in? Tangled because Rapunzel is clumsy like me. Which Disney world would you live in? The world of Rapunzel Favorite dance moment? Becoming co-captain this year and choreograhing the rallies. Tips for upcoming years? Always give 110 percent in everything that you do. Never give up and “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you like it”.
Julianne Sexton
Masquerade co-captain Which Disney movie would you like to star in? Cinderella Which Disney world would you live in? I would like to live in a castle. Favorite show choir moment? I loved being able to sing “Never Walk Alone”. That was our ballad last year. Tips for upcoming years? Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Always strive to be the best “YOU” can be. Be a number one! 20 THE WILDCAT June 2015
Brittany Jones
Dance Production co-captain Which Disney movie would you like to star in? Mulan Which Disney world would you live in? Mulan’s world, so China Favorite dance moment? Finding out that I was captain this year and choreographing for Dance 1 this year. Tips for upcoming years? Remember to always work hard; just because you made the team doesn’t mean you can start to slack off. Always perform and do the best you can do.
Tatiana Alvarez
Masquerade co-captain Which Disney movie would you like to star in? Tangled because Rapunzel is my favorite person. Which Disney world would you live in? I would want to live under the sea like Ariel, that way I would be a mermaid. Favorite show choir moment? Having the opportunity to choreograph all of this year’s show choir competition sets. Tips for upcoming years? Never take a moment for granted and always give 100 percent.
Kara Richey
Dance Production co-captain Which Disney movie would you like to star in? Robin Hood because is one of my favorite Disney movies ever since I was little. Also because he is the coolest. Which Disney world would you live in? Neverland, hands down. I want to be a Lost Boy. Favorite dance moment? To be able to see the progress that was made throughout my team and myself on Dance Production looking back at my last four years here at Brea. Tips for upcoming years? Dance for yourself! Dance because you love it, because it’s a way to express yourself, and because it’s a beautiful, remarkable art form. Dance because you couldn’t imagine your life without it! Make a difference and be happy with who you are!
Presenting the Wildcat seniors illustrations by BETTY LEE & JESSICA YIM
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Jessica Yim
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Co Editor-in-Chief
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Michael Cho photo editor
UC Riverside Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering “Spending about half of my high school years in newspaper as a photographer and a photo editor allowed me to experience unique things that not everyone experiences.”
Betty Lee
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UC San Diego Intended Major: Humanities “Despite the stressful hours of laying out pages, newspaper has made my senior year memorable and worthwhile with the amazing staff.”
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Khurrum Elahi
staff writer
High Hopes Goal: Work on walking “Newspaper was a great time. It made me learn a lot even with my disability. I couldn’t write well and it was difficult for me to communicate with others, but it was an amazing experience.”
Emiko Kaneoka
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Managing editor
Co Editor-in-Chief
CSU Long Beach Intended Major: Business Accounting “Don’t feel like you’re restricted to opportunity because of your age or your problems. Say ‘yes’ to chance and something great will come out of it.”
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Chapman University Intended Major: Public Relations & Advertising “I think I’m the only one who read every story from beginning to end. The highlight of my year was working with the underclassmen and watching them grow.”
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Angelica Doan
staff writer
Northern Arizona University Intended Major: Strategic Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations “Newspaper helped me become a better writer due to reading other articles, working on an article with other people, and seeing edits on my writing.”
April Santonil photo editor
Fullerton College Intended Major: Undecided “I’m glad I was able to carry out my true passion through newspaper and grateful for being able to work with amazingly talented people who I can call family.”
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Elizabeth Wheat staff writer
CSU Fullerton
Intended Major: Business Marketing “Being in newspaper has definitely opened my eyes to how a news room runs and operates and has made me think of writing in a whole new perspective.”
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 21
One Life Granted, Second Chance Given Joyce Kang, senior, reflects on her personal growth throughout high school. She strives to live fearlessly while seeking happiness, disregarding the need to live a “perfect” life.
“W
by JOYCE KANG // Guest Contributor | photo by MONICA HIEMER
henever I turn on my phone, the screen blinks at me, saying: ‘You’re always haunted by the idea that you’re wasting your life.’ I don’t know what prompted me to put this image as my lock screen at the time, but the saying began to stick to me and became my mantra. It sounds negative, really. The sentence gives the idea that I will always be living my life out of urgency and never out of enjoyment. It truly does relate to me though. I am just a teenager who cannot decide on joining the Armed Forces, going into the entertainment industry, or picking up a career as a freelance journalist. Sometimes I want to backpack through Europe, while some days I wish to go on medical missions in developing countries for Operation Smile, a non-profit for children with cleft lips/palates that I have been heavily involved in since I was 13 years old. Every other week, my view on life changes dramatically, and every other week, I step away from my goals in fear that I’m making the wrong choices. The reason why I began to live in fear was because I came to understand that a person only lives once. It’s very obvious, yes, but once you come to actually grasp that idea, you begin to grab
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at life in a panicked manner. This moment you are living right now will never be experienced again. Every second you spend reading this article is fleeting and each minute is falling from between your fingertips like grains of sand. Because there is only one life and it should be celebrated, treasured, and cherished. But to me, it began to represent apprehension, anxiety, and dismay. Since I only had one life, I would have to ensure that I lived it correctly. I would have to make it flawless. It would have to be perfect, right? ‘Right,’ I would say with (un)wavering confidence. ‘And by perfect, I mean that I need to become the individual my parents raised me to be. I need to attend a prestigious university and obtain a degree in a difficult major that will make my neighbors ‘ooh’ and ‘ah.’ I need to find a wellrespected position at a well-paying job at a wellknown company. There is only one life, and I have to ensure that it is perfect, even if I am not happy.’ What I failed to realize was that life is not all about making family proud and finding a nice job. Life does not have to be centered on stability. Life is about doing what brings happiness. For me, life is about adventure, smiles, and doing what makes me look back and laugh. It took me too long to realize this, however—after many years and a suicide attempt, I finally began to understand.
I understand that you only live once. But I was given a second chance.”
22 THE WILDCAT June 2015
I understand that you only live once. But I was given a second chance. I have taken advantage of that second chance. I will be attending a school that I feel comfortable at next fall, I have started my own YouTube channel as a way to express my inner thoughts, and I have spoken at a TEDxYouth Conference in Fullerton about my experiences. I am slowly adapting to the fact that my future may be uncertain and that my life will be filled with gaping flaws, but those gaps leave a lot of space for happiness. And, in case you were wondering, my lock screen is still the same. The statement may consist of the same, daunting words, but the meaning is different. I now understand that I am not wasting life, because I am thoroughly enjoying it. I would only be wasting my time if I were living out of panic and fear while endlessly searching for the ‘perfect’ life that does not exist. Maybe I will join the entertainment industry as a freelance journalist and write articles about the Armed Forces. Maybe someday I will go backpacking through Europe and during my journey, help out a child with a cleft palate or facial deformity. Every other week, my view on life changes dramatically, and every other week, I take another step toward my dreams even if it is the wrong choice—at least it’ll be an adventure.”
Meet Your Valedictorians and Salutatorians Compiled by BETTY LEE
VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
Ashley Chen
Jun Park
Rachel Lee
William Yoon
UC Irvine
Nortre Dame University
Chapman University
Cornell University
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Schaadt and Mr. Sink Favorite Class: Visual Communication Favorite Disney Character: Mushu Dream Job: Food Critic Your Experience in BOHS: “I got my toes in the water, [bum] in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold [bottle of water] in my hand, life is good today. Life is good today.”
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Mattern and Mr. Finnerty Favorite Class: Skills 4 Success Favorite Disney Character: Hyena Trio in Lion King Dream Job: Iron Man Your Experience in BOHS: “The letter B does not exist in my dictionary. Nor does C, D, or F. I need a new dictionary.”
VALEDICTORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
Dillon McKinley
Emiko Kaneoka
Paul Green
Samantha Ko
USC
Chapman University
Wheaton College
UC Berkeley
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Collier, Ms. Welch, Mr. Rotblum and Mrs. Teal Favorite Class: AP Biology Favorite Disney Character: Marvel is part of Disney, right? Dream Job: Netflix marathoner Your Experience in BOHS: “‘What time did you go to bed last night?’ ‘I didn’t.’”
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Finnerty and Mr. Koers Favorite Class: AP Lang. Favorite Disney Character: Pocahontas Dream Job: Any job with Disney Your Experience in BOHS: “A piece of advice for underclassmen--try new things and challenge yourself, but remember to always seek happiness!”
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gunther, Mr. Rotblum, Ms. Luce, Mr. Mattern and Mrs. Collier Favorite Class: ASB Favorite Disney Character: Frozone’s Wife Dream Job: Comedy Central Roastmaster Your Experience in BOHS:
Favorite Teacher: Ms. Welch and Mr. Sink Favorite Class: AP Euro. Favorite Disney Character: Pascal in Tangled Dream Job: Lawyer Your Experience in BOHS: “Don’t be afraid to take detours on your journey. That’s where you’ll find the things more important than what you want.”
Favorite Teacher: Ms. Welch and Mr. Rotblum Favorite Class: AP Biology Favorite Disney Character: Flynn Rider aka Eugene Fitzherbert Dream Job: Pharmacist Your Experience in BOHS: “Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.“
“You’re literally never in class. Do you even go here?”
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Camey, Mrs. Barcenas, Mr. Mattern, and Mr. Rotblum Favorite Class: APUSH Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse Dream Job: Federal Judge Your Experience in BOHS: “Balance your time effectively between academic demands and personal needs.“
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 23
Fight On, Trojans! Dillon McKinley, senior, fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a part of the Trojan family. Upon his acceptance to the University of Southern California, McKinley was awarded a full scholarship for his academic success at BOHS.
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by KHURRUM ELAHI // Staff Writer & ASTYR KO // Feature Co-Editor
SB. President of the National Honors Society. Valedictorian. Treasurer of Best Buddies. Varsity water polo captain. Vice President of Club Sandwich. Link Crew. Treasurer of Model United Nations. National Merit Scholar. AP Scholar with Distinction. After four years of high school filled with notable achievements, Dillon McKinley, senior, received a full scholarship to attend the University of Southern California (USC). McKinley received the Mork Scholarship, which was donated by a family to USC years ago. “I got the news during swim practice when my dad came over and pulled me out of the pool. I got really excited and started screaming so much that the other swimmers were wondering what was going on,” McKinley said. “Once I told them, they were really supportive. When I got back into the pool, I felt like I could swim anything Rotblum threw at me. It was the best feeling ever.” According to McKinley, waiting to receive the scholarship was the “most anxiety-inducing experience of his life.” He chose to attend USC not only because of the scholarship, but also because of their biomedical engineering program and internationally-recognized research centers. After accepting the scholarship, McKinley was
USC Facts USC was founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney In 2014, the acceptance rate was 17.8% USC’s actual mascot is not the commonly known Tommy Trojan, but Traveler the Horse The motto, palmam qui meruit ferat, means “achievement should be rewarded” Popular majors include Business and Marketing, Social Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Communications colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, about.usc.edu, admitsee.com
As a USC fan, Rick McKinley, father, is pleased with his son’s decision to go to USC. It was always a part of McKinley’s life, as he wore USC sweaters as a baby, visited the campus in the sixth grade, and attended several USC games with his father. It was only natural that the college was at the top of McKinley’s list of option.
“I got the news during swim practice when my dad came over and pulled me out of the pool . . . When I got back into the pool, I felt like I could swim anything [Coach] Rotblum threw at me. ” invited to stay at USC for a weekend in February. The most exciting part of his weekend was hearing the band perform songs in the auditorium that he grew up listening to with his father. “We are very proud of him because it is the culmination of a lot of hard work and discipline to get in and get a scholarship on top of it all. We could not be prouder actually. We all told him hard work pays off and now he gets to experience that first hand,” Colleen McKinley, mother, said.
24 THE WILDCAT June 2015
-Dillon McKinley, senior
“The family joke is that when he goes to college, I’m going with him. I’m as excited as he is for him to start. It feels almost too good to be true sometimes and we talk about how we’re afraid someone is going to call and say they made a mistake,” Rick said. Despite his success, his educational career was not mapped out from the beginning. McKinley entered high school unaware of what he wanted to do in the future. But after taking AP Biology with
Amy Welch, science teacher, he realized that he wanted to study engineering. To expand his knowledge, he requested to shadow a doctor at the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Research center at USC during his junior year. Here, he was able to aid research of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, a difference in one’s DNA. This experience inspired him to major in engineering at USC. Overall, high school was a memorable experience that McKinley will miss. He fondly recalls his victory against El Dorado in double overtime during water polo league finals as his favorite memory. The fact that it was senior day and a win against their biggest rivals made it “that much better.” He was able to enjoy activities that relieved his stress, such as water polo and playing video games, all while prioritizing his academics. “I think that high school is a precipice for the rest of your life: what you do now determines what you can do in the future,” McKinley said. “I wanted to provide myself with every opportunity I could have in that future.”
DIY DO RM PAINTED CANVAS
S N O I T DECORA
complied by STACY UHM // Feature Co-Editor
Supplies: Wooden canvas
or plaque, alphabet stencil stickers, two or more colors of paint. Step 1: Paint the canvas. This will be the color of the letters. Step 2: Let the paint dry, and place the stencil stickers. Make sure the stickers are not too adhesive. Step 3: Paint over the stickers with a desired background color. Step 4: After the canvas is fully dried, peel off the stickers.
Constellation jar
Supplies: Mason jar, printed constellation
designmom.com
map, aluminum sheet, a drill (or any tool to poke holes with), and a small flashlight (or any other light source). Step 1: Place the constellation map on top of the aluminum sheet. Step 2 : Poke holes according to the map. Step 3: Use the aluminum sheet to wrap the inside of the jar. Step 4: Turn on the light source, and place the small light source in the jar.
LAUNDRY BAG
Supplies: Embroidery hoop and
a large pillowcase or laundry bag Step 1: Loosen the outer hoop of the embroidery hoop. Step 2: Stick the opening of the pillowcase or laundry bag outside the inner hoop, but inside the outer hoop Step 3: Tighten the outer screw
Wooden crate shoe organization
Supplies: Wooden crate(s), paint (optional), tape (optional) Step 1 (optional): Paint the wooden crates and let it dry. Step 2: Place or stack the wooden crates in a desired place in the room. One may also stick the crate onto the wall with strong double-sided tape. June 2015 THE WILDCAT 25
word on the tweet
Does it ever seem like teachers just can’t seem to understand students? To test this, we’ve asked English teachers to analyze tweets to find their perspective on everyday student struggles. compiled by CELESTE ROH // Staff Writer
analyzed by Summer Teal
The “struggle” referenced here is of a man vs. himself conflict: one that is generated by the tragic hero’s desire in opposition with his paraparesis. The conflict itself is not without a sense of irony and a bit of dark comedy. Our hero is incapacitated apparently due to a lack of circulation in the pelvic limbs: attributable perhaps due to sustained immobility (at the table too long, friend?) or due to an over-consumption of food which has caused a disabling corpulence; disallowing him to acquire more of what has disabled him -- a simple case of a “gluteus” that has grown too “maximus”.
analyzed by Jonathan Quiming
From a health perspective, how can one be “pretty sure” (not for sure) for this brief yet all “consuming” act? It’s quite ironic—situationally and verbally—how devouring “chicken nuggets” in “one minute” is a “personal best.” Nevertheless, whatever the situation, to each his or her own. However, on second thought, are those “nuggets” even made with real “chicken”? You best be more than just “pretty sure” about that – you probably need more than “one minute” to contemplate that notion. Don’t “chicken” out.
analyzed by Susan Luce
There is a deep-seated need to break free of the societal rules that have been set forth for women. The idea that legs should be shaved is an antiquated one; the author clearly explains that the hair on her legs is there for a practical purpose. She just wants to be warm.
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 26
Roman Belaire @romannumeral
The real struggle is when your legs fall asleep while eating dinner and you can’t get up for more food. analyzed by Jeremy Mattern
Elisa Trujillo @TruKoriardy
You know what would be sick if guys actually asked girls out on cute dates instead of hitting us up with the “lets hang” txt
21st century vernacular reveals an immense yearning for love, one that embraces illness as the cost for meaningful, romantic communication. The speaker’s reluctance to use basic grammar skills (apostrophes, vowels) illuminates a frustration shared by such lonely hearts. Seriously, though, she’s right. Texting to ask for a date is the equivalent of your mom asking someone out for you.
Taulima Nua @taulinua
pretty sure I just set my personal best for number of chicken nuggets consumed in one minute
Ashley Schlacter @aschlac
I need windshield wipers for my glasses.
Chihiro Takebayashi @myheroischihiro
Dont wanna shave my legs for prom anymore its too cold
analyzed by Summer Teal
Our protagonist battles with a continuation of lost sight, lost vision, disorientation that she argues is attributable to “rain”. But with the presence of the glasses, it is clear that this presumed vision was never there to begin with, hence the need for said spectacles. “Sight” had always been for the protagonist a figure of imagination on an “ocular” scale. So what has blinded our hero from the onset? Perhaps megalomania and egocentricity: a hero with a god complex, secluded behind glasses of windshield proportions, who has always lacked the ability to perceive with accuracy and discernment. The resulting effect is the unholy offspring of Dr. TJ Eckleburg and Narcissus. Forever magnifying her self identify, forever desiring to see more, forever flailing face down, tushie-up, in a pool of water that does not clarify and unify as a baptismal font does (see the collective works of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), but drowns our hero in a desert of confusion and isolation. My dear Gatsby, you have company for your autumnal swim at last.
H
HEALTH
How to find the perfect sunblock
As #summer2015 approaches, it’s easy to forget that spending time under the sun can be damaging. Without proper sun protection, you increase risks of sunburns, peeling skin, and a skin cancer known as melanoma. Sunblock is a great way to fight these risks, but choosing the right sunblock can be difficult. Here are facts and tips to finding the right sunblock for your skin. compiled by ANABEL KING
Who should wear it?
SPF guide 8
8 SPF blocks 89 percent of UVB rays. It’s great for sensitive skin, or cool, cloudy weather to prevent any serious sun damage.
15
15 SPF blocks 93 percent of UVB rays. Typically meant for everyday use, 15 SPF protects from sunburns on a normal, sunny day.
30
30 SPF blocks 97 percent of UVB rays. It is the most recommended SPF by dermatologists because it offers UVA and UVB protection.
50
50 SPF block 98 percent of UVB rays. Although it offers roughly the same protection as 30 SPF, it often comes with waterproof options.
100
100 SPF blocks 99 percent of UVB rays. It’s protection is roughly the same as 30 SPF, it’s often waterproof and sweatproof.
Athlete favorites “I use sunblock regularly because my uncle died from skin cancer so I want to stay protected by using Coppertone sunblock.” Breanne Carrey sophomore
varsity swim
sources: skincancer.org, dermatology.com
Anyone over six months old should practice sun-protective measures like sunblock, sunglasses, and sunhats to reduce the risks of sun burns, skin damage, or melanoma.
SPF
When should you wear it? Ultraviolet (UV) rays still exist whether it’s cloudy or sunny, so there is still a risk of sun damage. Make sure to apply sunblock before spending time outside.
SPF
Why should you wear it? Sunblock protects against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Practicing sun-protective measures like sunblock, sunglasses, and sunhats reduce the risks of skin cancer.
SPF
“I like Coppertone Sport because it doesn’t stick, it doesn’t come off when I sweat, and it has a very high SPF.” Dylan Perlson sophomore
frosh/soph track
“I like Banana Boat because it’s less oily and it lasts longer in warm temperatures during a long match.” Patrick Seo sophomore
junior varsity golf
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 27
S
SPORTS
ONE FINAL WORD by MATTHEW MOON // Sports Co-Editor & JACOB NAM // News Co-Editor photos by MICHAEL CHO and BRANDON YUN
Senior captains from various BOHS sports share one last word of advice for their teammates.
DILLON MCKINLEY boys’ water polo co-captain
“Keep putting in the work at practice and El Dorado will never be able to touch you.”
BEN BURDICK
boys’ volleyball co-captain
“Play so the program doesn’t get cancelled.”
ETHAN HIROSE
boys’ water polo co-captain
“Trust in your coaches and believe in your teammates.”
BRIANNA RIOS
ELAINA TRIPP
“In order to be a good runner and accomplish your goals, you need to be persistent and train hard.”
“Running is about pushing yourself to the best of your ability. The rest will take care of itself.”
MIGUEL VACA
DANIEL CORBETT
“Go for the net and don’t get lobbed.”
“Hard work means nothing if your heart is in the wrong place. Put passion in what you do and you will succeed.”
girls’ cross country co-captain
JACOB SANTUCI
JUSTICE HUYNH
“Wrestling is fighting at its purest. Keep fighting the good.”
“Never think 100 percent is enough. There will always be someone working twice as hard as you.”
wrestling co-captain
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girls’ cross country co-captain
wrestling co-captain
boys’ tennis captain
boys’ golf captain
TIFFANY LEE
DEREK MOON
WILLIAM ALLGEIER
girls’ tennis co-captain
girls’ tennis co-captain
boys’ soccer co-captain
boys’ soccer co-captain
“Keep up the pace that we gained this year and love every second of it.”
“Do what you want to do, no matter what others. Be weird and crazy and just have fun.”
“Play as a team, work your hardest, and give it your all every game. Never give up.”
“Keep the standard high and the quality of play higher.”
MASON PEREZ
BILLY HANLEY
football co-captain
football co-captain
“A team full of brothers is better than a team of individuals.”
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
KAYLIE LAUBIE
JESSE HAYES
ZACH WILLIAMS
ASHLEY CHEN girls’ swimming captain
“Don’t smell the scratch ‘n sniff sticker at the bottom of the pool.”
PAUL GREEN
EMILY CARMAN
boys’ baseball co-captain
boys’ baseball co-captain
boys’ swimming co-captain
girls’ soccer co-captain
“Play every game like it’s your last and make sure people remember your name.”
“When you want to be successful as badly as you want to breathe is when you’ll succeed.”
“Work hard to improve yourself in every practice and cherish the road to success.”
“Just block out the haters and do what you love.”
June 2015 THE WILDCAT 29
ALYSSA RIFFILATO girls’ track and field captain
ALEX MARTINEZ boys’ track and field captain
“Be in the moment at all times.”
“Success isn’t given. It’s earned.”
MARK DELEON boys’ volleyball captain
“Try to kick the ball over the net when you have a chance; they’ll never expect it.”
COLLIN GREENWOOD
girls’ tennis captain
“Don’t take anything for granted and have no regrets. Take everything seriously.”
“The key to golf is to keep your head in the game. You are your own enemy.”
ELIANA CHAVARRIA
CASSANDRA CHAVARRIA
girls’ water polo co-captain
girls’ water polo co-captain
“It doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you don’t stop.”
“The only shots you miss are the ones you don’t take.”
NOTEWORTHY ATHLETES compiled by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY // Feature Co-Editor & ANGELICA DOAN // Staff Writer
AUSTIN TAMAGNO junior, cross country
California State Runner of the Year Gatorade State Runner of the Year
AUSTIN SHELLITO senior, cross country
OC Register First Team All League Crestview League Runner Up 30 THE WILDCAT June 2015
REILI RICHARDSON junior, basketball
First Team All CIF Co-MVP All League
RYAN GUTIERREZ junior, wrestling
CIF Champion Placed third at Masters
TEA CASTREJE
boys’ basketball co-captain
ALEXIS DIAZ senior, soccer
Dallas Cup Champion Team National Tournament Champion Team
ZACH ARNOLD junior, football
CIF First Team for Defense
Introducing the seven athletes who excelled in their sports to achieve records and awards.
DIEGO PABLAN senior, swimming
Broke seven-year record in the fly North Hills Swimmer of the Meet
JALANI AMBROSE junior, soccer
CIF Second Team
2014 - 2015 YEAR IN REVIEW compiled by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY // Feature Co-Editor & ANGELICA DOAN // Staff Writer
October 25, 2014 Austin Tamagno, junior and varsity cross country runner, breaks Mt. SAC Invitationals’ three mile record with a time of 14:23.
September 2, 2014 First day of school and start of the fall season.
November 18, 2014 Girls’ volleyball reaches CIF-SS Division 2AA semifinals, but loses to Village Christian.
November 29, 2014 Boys’ cross country wins their first CIF State title in school history. Austin Tamagno, junior, earns the individual state title.
October 23, 2014 Girls’ varsity tennis comes in second in league with a record of 4-2.
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER November 12, 2014 Boys’ water polo makes it to the first round of CIF, but loses to Montebello.
November 4, 2014 Girls’ varsity cross country achieves the North Hills League title, their first in eight years. Boys’ varsity cross country becomes the Crestview League Champions. Girls’ varsity volleyball is named the North Hills League Champions and are undefeated with a record of 10-0. Boys’ varsity water polo comes in second in league.
December 3, 2014 Boys’ varsity cross country places 20th at their first Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Ore.
November 21, 2014 Varsity football reaches the second round of CIF-SS Playoffs, but loses to Garden Grove.
November 5, 2014 Girls’ varsity tennis reaches the first round of CIF, but loses to Cypress. February 12, 2015 Boys’ varsity soccer comes in second in league with an overall record of 13-10-1.
JANUARY
DECEMBER
February 12, 2015 Ladycats become the Crestview League Champions. Boys’ varsity basketball end their season with a record of 4-22.
March 21, 2015 Ladycats win against El Dorado and achieves the Southern Section Regional Title.
March 27, 2015 Ladycats compete against Bishop O’Dowd in the State Championship game, losing 40-55.
May 8, 2015 Boys’ varsity swimming becomes the North Hills League Champions.
APRIL
MARCH March 3, 2015 Girls’ varsity soccer reaches CIF-SS Division 3 semifinals, but loses against West Torrance.
FEBRUARY
May 14, 2015 Varsity baseball ends their season with a record of 7-21.
MAY
April 30, 2015 Boys’ varsity tennis ends their season with a record of 7-7. Miguel Vaca and Alex Huang, seniors, move on to CIF competitions for doubles.
photos courtesy of SOUTH COAST PHOTOGRAPHY, MICHAEL CHO, MONICA HEIMER, dyestatecal.com, and JILL MATYUCH
February 25, 2015 Boys’ varsity soccer reaches the second round of CIF, but loses against El Segundo.
May 5, 2015 Boys’ varsity volleyball ends their season with a record of 0-12.
May 13, 2015 Girls’ varsity softball ends their season with a record of 13-15. May 8, 2015 Diego Pablan, senior and varsity swimmer, breaks the 17 year record in the fly. June 2015 THE WILDCAT 31
Graduating the Wildcat Seniors (Left to Right): Elizabeth Wheat, Emiko Kaneoka, Betty Lee, Khurrum Elahi, Michael Cho, Jessica Yim, Angelica Doan, and April Santonil
...and they lived happily ever after