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June 2022 · Volume 27, Issue 2 · La Quinta High School · 79255 Blackhawk Way, La Quinta, CA 92253 · contact the editors at lqhs.journalism@myds.us
Turning tassels
Miranda Muir Editor-in-Chief
MIRANDA MUIR
LQHS to honor Class of 2022 graduates on Wed., June 1
On Wed., June 1, La Quinta High School will be honoring the Class of 2022 at their senior graduation. This year’s senior class will be the first since 2019 to have a full graduation at the high
school, and the ceremony will consist of speeches from selected senior class students and ASB board members who are graduating. KyLee Borgen ‘22 is the ASB executive president for the 2021-2022 school year and will be presenting a speech and guiding the senior class
in the ceremonial turning of their graduation cap tassels.
Other expected speakers include Cindy Zamora ‘22 and Enri Lala ‘22. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. Though, graduating seniors are expected to arrive early at 6:30 p.m. in the main
gym.
Guests attending graduation are expected to sit in the stadium in the area designated for the first letter of their last name. Last names beginning with letters A-G will be sitting on the visitor side, and those be-
ginning with H-Z will be seated on the home side. Students will be expected to wear formal attire, and are not allowed to decorate their caps. Seven tickets will be given to each graduating senior for guests to attend the ceremony as well.
The heart of the Hawkview: photos from the 2021-2022 school year
PHOTOS BY TAYLOR GRAHAM, EDWARD MACHADO, RAISA GUERRERO CARDENAS, LEXI NOGUERA, LEONARDO FLORES, DESTINY PENALBER
2 SCHOOL NEWS New ASB cabinet elected for 2022-2023 school year Sophia Sohn Asst Features Editor
ASB elections for the 20222023 school year were held in late May. The executive board consists of Mia Burr ‘23 as executive president and Rebecca Battles ‘23 as executive vice president. The two promoted their campaign by hanging up posters during the campaign week. “As executive president, I hope to create new traditions and bring back old ones that make La Quinta High School
special,” Burr said. “I intend to raise school spirit, [...] change the attitude towards schoolheld events and make the school a more positive place. My goal is to uplift and motivate students in every grade.” As for the rest of the executive board, Malia Christensen ‘23 will fill the position as treasurer and Ashley Arce ‘23 as secretary. The senior class officers named Jessica Ramirez ‘23 as president and Carolee Barbee ‘23 as vice president.
The junior class officers will be Logan Jewett ‘24 as president, Jordan Werner ‘24 as vice president, Bianca Ulloa as treasurer and Marlena Cazares as secretary.
The sophomores elected Keymora Salter as president, Itzel Vasquez as vice president, Alexis Domingo as treasurer, and Jacqueline Acosta as secretary.
dents attending summer school than last year.
Many students at La Quinta High will be attending summer school this year, hoping to raise their grade for a certain class they failed during the school year.
Aguirre explained that ever since the pandemic happened, some students have fallen behind in their courses.
While teachers and students should be enjoying their summer break relaxing, spending time with their family and getting to enjoy themselves without worries or responsibilities, thanks to teachers who are volunteering their time to re-teach the students who fell behind, these Blackhawks have a second chance. Summer school starts on Tues., June 7 and ends on Thurs., July 14 from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. It consists of two blocks, meaning the students don’t need to take just one class but may take another. Each block period is 2 hours and 40 minutes. The first block is from 8:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. and the second block period is from 11:35 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be available to all students who attend summer school. Over one thousand students plan to attend summer school this year. There will also be a three-week Summer Bridge program that will be welcoming about 180 incoming ninth graders. This program gives the incoming baby Blackhawks a chance to get to know what they will be learning at La Quinta High. Summer Bridge, as Assistant Principal Nicole Aguirre, said, is just a participation and reassurance program. There will be more stu-
There will be 32 teachers teaching during summer school, teaching all the subjects that students failed during the school year. “The most common subject for sure is Math
PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA BATTLES
Rebecca Battles ‘23 elected exec. VP.
SOPHIA SOHN Malia Christensen ‘23 voted as exec. treasurer.
SOPHIA SOHN Ashley Arce ‘23 named exec. secretary.
The freshman class board will be elected at the beginning of the next school year.
Summer school at LQHS to resume Joy Bridges Raisa Guerrero Cardenas Reporters
SOPHIA SOHN
Mia Burr ‘23 will serve as exec. president.
principals; each will take on a semester of three weeks. Students will also be able to take online courses through Apex, which is an online credit recovery curriculum that allows students to work independently through the course with guidance from the teacher. “Most students that take Apex online courses will be finishing three to four classes in the summer,’’ Aguirre said.
Enri Lala selected as the Class of 2022 senior speaker Kayleigh Carstairs Asst Multimedia Editor
Question: What is a synopsis of your time as a student at La Quinta High? Enri Lala: I think it has been the most rewarding time in my life. One thing that I’m really proud of was that I always tried to try to do something new, some-
high school?
EL: From high school, probably going to CIF with my swim teammates was a really memorable moment, just the work of a couple of years paying off for all of us. Coming back from COVID this entire senior year, just being in one community with my classmates, and having the most honest conver-
There will be some observed holidays during summer school on June 17, June 20, July 1 and July 4. Students will be required to wear their school ID and lanyard to be able to attend summer school. All regular school rules will also apply.
1 because it is an area of need,” Aguirre said. Other common classes that students need to remediate are English and science. Many of the students taking classes this summer will be 11th graders. “They have some catching up to do,” Aguirre said. “It’s their last opportunity to do that before their senior year.”
It is not likely that tutoring will be offered over the summer, as teachers will be able to assist their students during class time. “Being in school for six hours and not at a fast pace, you will have a lot of time to get done what you need” Dr. Jackson said. “there will be plenty of opportunities for one-on one-assistance.”
The library will only be open three days at the Last summer was the beginning of the first sefirst time that all high mester and three days at schools at Desert Sands the beginning of second Unified offered their own semester. Students can summer school programs only check out necessary due to the pandemic. books. This will be the second year that all high schools There won’t be any offer summer school at sports activities unless their own sites. students are retaking a physical education class. During summer school, students will take first In the end, the main semester courses for goal of summer school three weeks and second is for students to relearn semester will also last previous skills that are three weeks. Aguirre and not fully developed to Dr. Oron Jackson will act prepare them for the as the summer school following school year.
HAWKVIEW STAFF
Enri Lala is one of the seniors to speak at the Class of 2022 graduation.
thing higher. It was just an innate drive to do something more. Sports, swimming and water polo have been one of the biggest parts of my life. Being part of and starting the Red Cross Club was really, really important for me. And this is a complete privilege, this speech just kind of encapsulates it all and is the perfect ending, I think. Q: What are some of your best moments from
sations of our lives. Q: Could give us a short clip of what you’re going to say in the speech for graduation? EL: I can tell you that it’s about us as a community. It’s about the senior class as a unit. I chose all 600 of us as one to be more important than each of us as individuals. That’s the synopsis of my speech, really; we are the meaning.
3
FEATURES
LQHS bids adieu to its favorite comedian: Steve Ussery Layla Freiberg Editor-in-Chief
Inside and outside of the classroom, Steve Ussery is an entertainer. Whether he’s performing his favorite Led Zeppelin song with his band or telling a joke to his students, he never fails to make people smile. A self-proclaimed “comedian with a captive audience,” Ussery has been teaching and providing comedic relief at La Quinta High since the day it opened in 1994. Not only is he considered a Blackhawk Legend (staff that have been at the school for over 20 years), but he is also a part of the “Original 15,” which are the first 15 staff members to have ever been hired at LQHS. “It was really exciting when the school first opened. Everything was new, everything was for the first time,” Ussery said. After teaching for 32 years, and being La Quinta High’s resident teaser for 28 years, Ussery is hanging up the mic, looking forward to a new adventure full of surfing every day, drumming with new bands and fishing—a new adventure called retirement. Throughout his time at the high school, Ussery has made many jokes and taught many subjects, including geography, U.S. history, world history, history from the 1960s, government and economics, as well as psychology. As the subjects changed, there is one thing that has remained consistent throughout his time at La Quinta High: his school spirit. Former coach of the varsity boy’s soccer team, yearly participant in the school’s student versus staff football games and an occasional drummer in the pep rallies, Ussery’s involvement in school events has not gone unnoticed.
In the recent 2022 student versus staff football game, which was the first one held in over two years, Ussery was front and center in his San Diego Chargers jersey, scoring touchdowns. For Ussery, the best part about being at La Quinta High is all of the fun times he’s had with other staff members, including the football games and dressing up for Halloween in outrageous and coordinated costumes with his partners in crime: E n -
glish teacher Ronald Dohrman and the late Michael Gates, who formerly taught history. “A lot of those ideas came from Mr. Ussery. He’s quick-witted; he’s funny. We would just dress up and people would get a kick out of it,” Dohrman said. The three musketeers had lots of costumes and jokes up their sleeves. As Cheryl Schuler, who was classroom neighbors with Ussery for roughly 26 years, describes, “Mr. Gates was [Ussery’s] comrade in humor.” “God help you if you were sitting at the table [with them] because you were bound to be targeted as a source of humor,” she said. The table Schuler is referencing is the famous used-tobe-rectangle table in the 500 building pod, equipped with assigned seating and napkins and condiments in the middle. Since the beginning, the teachers of the social studies department (and Dohrman) have had lunch together in that spot every day.
Dull moments do not really exist during lunchtime with Ussery.
prepare students for the real world and inspiring countless pupils.
“My favorite memories of him are definitely of us meeting for lunch and him cracking us up with his jokes and laughter,” said Kelly Becker, who also taught next door to Ussery for years.
“Teaching is a great job for making a difference in peoples’ lives,” he said.
As Ussery’s right-hand man, Dohrman said, “He’s going to be missed at the lunch table quite a bit.” Not enough emphasis can truly be placed on just how humorous Ussery is. The first adjective that comes to mind when colleagues describe him is always some variation of the word funny. “Mr. Ussery has got a wiley sense of humor. He’s quick-witted, he’s fun to be around. He can take a comment and turn it into a joke within fractions of a second,” Schuler said. Of all of the traits that make Ussery so star-studded, his humor is the one that all of his colleagues will miss the most. “I will miss those lunches where we had our stomachs hurt from laughing. I wish [him] the best,” Becker said. Ussery’s other neighbor (Schuler) from his time in room 515 feels the same way. “Having lunch with Mr. Ussery and his endless joke-telling [is what I’ll miss most]” she said.
Although Ussery is a worldclass jokester, he still shows immense dedication in his career, making his own study guides and projects for his classes, doing his best to
“I wanted to be a rockstar. I was going to be a professional drummer,” he said. Although things didn’t quite pan out the way he thought, Ussery has been in roughly 10 bands throughout the years, including one with his guitar playing brother. They’re k n o w n as Lizard Soup. In addition to music, Ussery is also very passionate about the environment.
“A lot of students have expressed interest in
majoring in psychology after I taught it.” Ussery’s favorite part of teaching, aside from the memories and “being the center of attention,” is being able to travel. Over the years, he’s been to Africa, Europe, Mexico, the Galapagos Islands, and has seen the United States from coast to coast. Of all these places, however, his favorite has always been Baja California, where he’s been fishing and camping since childhood. He’s even taken Dohrman down to his beloved Baja California. “When
For his colleagues, the laughs and good memories attributed to Ussery and his wit have made work that much more enjoyable. “He’s taught me that, yeah, you can work hard and do your job, but you can also have fun at the same time,” Dohrman said.
was to become the next John Bonham.
This passion sparked in college, when he got his degree in geography and people were starting to talk about global warming. “I found it fascinating how humans and the environment affect each other,” he said. After graduating from UC Riverside, he got into land use planning, but quickly realized it wasn’t the career path for him. “It was all about the money. I didn’t feel like I was helping to protect the environment,” Ussery said. The biggest lesson he’s taken from teaching at La Quinta High is that “you can do anything you set your mind to.” “I’ve seen students succeed throughout the years and it was all because of internal motivation,” he said. Ussery is most proud of “leaving a good memory in people’s minds and making a difference in their lives.”
they would come back, we would hear all about something Mr. Ussery did. Something crazy,” Becker said.
“I’m going to miss my friend here. You don’t know what you have until it’s gone, [but] I’m happy for him,” Dohrman said.
Despite his successful career, Ussery didn’t always want to be a teacher. His initial plan
As La Quinta High bids adieu to its favorite comedian, we wish him the best of luck in his new adventure.
Hawkview crossword puzzle Seniors who made Kayleigh Carstairs Asst Multimedia Editor
Fill out the graduation-themed crossword puzzle with the correct terms using the given clues. If you find them all, visit room 705 for stickers after school while supplies last.
ACROSS
4. The ones graduating 7. What to fill out to get into a college 10. What you earn during a graduation ceremony 11. What are seniors going to watch at the end of the year?
DOWN
1. What did seniors watch at the beginning of the year? 2. Cap and _______ 3. What are seniors going to do at the end of the year? 5. LQHS’ school mascot 6. Where most seniors go after graduation 8. You must earn the minimum amount of ______ to graduate. 9. The tests everyone takes at the end of the year
an impact at LQHS Hawkview Staff
The Hawkview sought out to spotlight seniors who made a significant impact on the Blackhawk community during their high school career through nominations from students and staff. While not everyone could be reached for comment during the seniors’ last week of school, these seniors stood out and made a difference to those around them. Christina Morcus ‘22 was nominated by two of her peers. “Whenever she’s around, laughter follows suit,” wrote Bianca Ulloa ‘24. Juliana Guerrero ‘24 added that Morcus always brought her school spirit. Morcus believes one of her biggest accomplishments was improvising a whole rally by herself. “Growing up, I was relatively severely bullied and I never thought that I would be liked, [so] winning homecoming queen was a dream come true,” she said. That, and getting into UCLA: her dream school. Logan Jewett ‘24 nominated Geronimo Castro, who is a senior tuba player in the band. “He made an impact on everyone in the band,” Jewett wrote, “not
just musically, but emotionally. He encouraged everyone to improve themselves and is a great role model for the students in band and many of us look up to him.” Like Castro, Ethan Yockey was also nominated for his kind disposition. “Ethan brightens up everyone’s day around him,” wrote Avery Hull ‘23. “He lights up the mood with a smile and always knows how to cheer his friends up.” Hailey Ramirez was spotlighted by Michele Morales, one of the counselors. Morales noted that Ramirez helped to reinstate the Red Cross Club. “Being able to provide emergency preparedness kits for a class at Amelia Earhart has to be my proudest [accomplishment],” she said via email. While a challenging project, she credits Alicia Juarez and Max Mota for their help, as well as the generous donations from nearby grocery stores. “The safety of children has to be a school’s top priority,” she said. “It is essential that children are aware of what they need to do and have in case of an unforeseen emergency.” Additional reporting by Willow Mcmaster.
4 FEATURES
Teachers say goodbye give advice to graduating seniors Alexa Galvez A&E Editor
Kelly Becker “The number one piece of advice is you’ve got to stay organized and have good time management skills. Life happens, so I would just say that my number one piece of advice is that time management is 80% of success in senior year. If you have good time management, then that’s part of organization.”
Casey Ealey “I think the most important thing that I want them to know from their time here is that they are worthy of love no matter who they are. Whether they fit in with a certain group or not, they deserve to be 100% unapologetically themselves, their true selves.”
Dr. Bettyrae Easley “Life can be very hard. Do all the things you really want to do. Anything from playing a sport, to any kind of art, do a lot of the fun things you really want to, because life is too short.”
Daniel Leon
Justin Klockenteger
“My biggest advice to the seniors leaving is to enjoy the journey. Even when you’re trying to get to the destination, the journey is usually the most fun part of life. I always tell [seniors] that whatever you decide to do in life you always have to ask yourself, ‘Does it make you money? Does it make you happy?’ If the answer is no to both, then find a new career or job.”
“It’s okay to not know what you want to do, it’s okay to be undecided. But you should take every opportunity that presents itself and try new things Figure out what it is that you enjoy doing, what you love doing.”
Seniors moving on Senior summer bucket list Christina Montes Managing Editor
On June 1, approximately 500 seniors will be graduating from La Quinta High. Fabbian Flores ‘22 said, “I want to become a psychologist. As a kid, I would go to therapy and it ended up helping me a lot. I would like to help kids in tough situations as well and let them know they are not alone.”
choose between his family or his education. If he chooses the better school, which is the farthest away, his family said they will not help him pay for expenses. If he stays, he is going to be throwing away an opportunity to get a better education and new experiences away from his family.
Hannah Tovar Managing Editor
Seize the day, Blackhawks! We’ve compiled a post-high school bucket list for inspiration.
Jonathan Garza ‘22 plans to be a psychology major.
Flores has been wanting “My plan after highto be a psychologist since childhood. He has been acMONTES cept- From left to right: Emily Sanchez and JonathanCHRISTINA Garza ed school is to go to Cal to three colleges and is State San Bernardino figuring out which one to study psychology,” to go to. Garza said. “I’m going to try doing everything Emily Sanchez ‘22 got that I did in high school accepted into San Francisco State. She has been that was wrong and do it right in college, such as wanting to pursue a career in either psychology getting more organized, and focusing on what’s or to become a lawyer. good for me.” “I have been wanting to be a lawyer since my sister became one when I was 12,” she said. “Coming into high school, I changed my mind and started to like counseling.” Neither Sanchez or Flores know what their next move will be after graduation, both know somewhat about their profession, but not necessarily the next step. “It’s hard choosing a college to go to,” Flores said. “If I go to the one near me, I will have to live with my parents until I am out of college. I am truly blessed but I don’t want to spend the next 12 years in their house. If I choose the ones far away, I have no way to pay for rent.” Flores basically has to
Garza has been in the medical program at La Quinta High for three years. Because of this, he is pursuing becoming a psychology major. “I took a program called behavioral health and we learned how to help people if you were a counselor and if someone came to you for help,” Garza said. Garza learned techniques on how to talk to people properly and not force their issues out of them. This led him to get another view of the profession that he wanted to do. Some seniors know their plan, some don’t know their plan, and many are taking a leap year after graduation. Regardless, the world is their oyster.
“Desert Sands Unified School District is committed to providing comprehensive supports and services to help students and families thrive. Whatever challenges you may be facing, we are here to help. If you or a loved one need assistance, we encourage
you to take advantage of the resources [available].” *** Scan the QR code for a list of mental health supports and resources available over the summer.
AUTOGRAPHS 5
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2021-2022 HAWKVIEW STAFF Editors-in-Chief Layla Freiberg Miranda Muir Managing Editors Lexi Noguera Hannah Tovar Avery Webb News Editors Busy Bojórquéz Emi Taylor Assistant News Editor Alyssa Zepeda Assistant Features Editors Eden Gorges Sophia Sohn A&E Editors Leonardo Flores Alexa Galvez Assistant A&E Editor Kat Carrera Sports Editor Jaselle Diaz Assistant Sports Editors Betsy Patlan Destiny Penalber Multimedia Editors Thomas Brellis Taylor Graham
Assistant Multimedia Editors Kayleigh Carstairs Emily Vargas Engagement Editor Taylor Graham Reporters Judah Aispuro, Madd Ayala, Tiffany Bailey, Andrea Barrera, Laly Bautista, Jun Bazua, Enrique Beltran, Kaelly Beltran, Joy Bridges, Chris Carrera, Haylee Cruz, Leilani Cruz, Amaya De Lara, Janisa Esquibel, Violet Felix, Mildred Flores, William Franklin, Travis Gerald, Raisa Guerrero Cardenas, Alexus Hernandez, Blaze Hinojosa, Keeley Jibben, Lilli Koch, Daesha Lizama, Dominick Lopez, Frankie Lopez, Giovanni Lugo, Steven Machado, Carter McKee, Noah McKee, Willow Mcmaster, Calvin Miller, Christina Montes, Emily Nuñez, Gabriel Pacibe, Mariah Perez, Averie Ramos, Alex Rodriguez, Christian Romero, Eli Salazar, Rebecca Salinas, Leila Terrazas, Angelina Valdez, Bryanna Valenzuela, Isaa Villicana, Miguel Zepeda Teacher and Adviser Jennifer Cortez Contact Us Send letters to the editor, story ideas, corrections and inquiries to: Hawkview La Quinta High School 79255 Blackhawk Way La Quinta, CA 92253 or email us at lqhs.journalism@myds.us Editorial Policy Since its founding in 1994, the Hawkview has seen many transformations; however, our goal has always remained the same: to provide a designated public forum that informs, challenges, and encourages thoughtful perspectives in our increasingly diverse educational community. We strive for accuracy and fairness and to meet high standards of journalistic ethics. The Hawkview is a student-run publication whose content is chosen and whose production is facilitated by students. The student editorial board makes final decisions on all content of the newspaper and website. Signed letters to the editor are welcomed and will be published as standalone pieces as space allows. All submissions from readers are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy, and disruption of the school process. Opinion pieces, including columns, reflect the opinions of individual writers, while unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the editorial board, not the school, the school district, or any other employees.
FEATURES
The legacy of LQHS’ Laura Bickford Carter McKee Reporter
In the year 1989, Laura Bickford found herself living in San Francisco working for Time Warner Ink, now Time magazine, doing advertising sales. “It was a horribly hollow, meaningless and empty existence,” Bickford recalled. Bickford’s time at Time Warner Ink would soon be interrupted due to the San Francisco earthquake in 1989. “The statues on the top of buildings were falling but I needed to find my way home. None of the trains or underground transportation were working. It was chaos,” she said. As she was walking back home, the local news was saying, “If you are not doing essential work, do not come downtown. It’s too dangerous.” After a conversation with her husband, she came to a bold conclusion that she wasn’t doing work that had any meaning or purpose. “Well, what do you want to do then?” a friend of Bickford said. “I don’t want to put on panty hose and work for a corporation anymore,” Bickford replied. “What do you want to wear?” Bickford’s friend asked. Bickford said, “Well, I want to dress like a teacher!” After this very moment, she knew her answer. She soon earned her teaching credential and began teaching in Ojai, Calif. Although Bickford seems like a natural born teacher, she experienced a few hardships at the beginning of her career.
“What was challenging was the commitment to all of the aspects of teaching that are not creative. There’s a whole lot of excess work that imposes itself on teaching,” she said. “The sheer numbers of students, the grading loads. By this time in my life, I’ve probably looked at hundreds of thousands of documents. The actual in-theclass teaching wasn’t difficult, it’s all t h e other d e -
mands t h a t made it challenging.” After 12 years of teaching in Ojai, Bickford decided to relocate herself to La Quinta to further educate the students of LQHS in 2004. As Bickford began this new chapter in her teaching career, she quickly met who many call her “partner-in-crime,” Dr. Bettyrae Easley. At the very beginning of instruction in the fall of 2005, Dr. Easley took on IB English HL1, the highest level English class at LQHS. Since Bickford was also teaching English HL1, their friendship began as close collaborators. Bickford recalls the first time they had interacted. “I remember the first faculty meeting. I just went up, introduced myself, shook her hand, and at that moment I just knew this would be good,” Bickford said. Dr. Easley also recalls the first moment they had crossed paths. “My first day teaching here, I sat with Ms. B. I still remember she had shorts on and a cute top. We sat together and it was just like magic,” Dr. Easley said.
It was almost love at first sight.
Dr. Easley and Bickford had created such a strong bond over the years that they are always on the same page and always in sync. They often finish each other’s sentences, read each other’s minds, and share common joy together. “It was just a matter of luck,” Bickford said. As co-chairs of the English department at LQHS, Bickford and Dr. Easley have conquered almost everything together. Although they have helped each other immensely as co-workers, it was extremely important for them to have this relationship as people that share the same job. “Nobody just wants to show up and work in isolation. It’s not productive, it’s not creative, it’s just lonely and depressing,” Bickford said. It is safe to say that Bickford and Dr. Easley’s relationship has resulted in a passion for what they do. They almost work as conjoined twins. “I don’t k n o w what I ’ m going to do witho u t her,” Dr. Easley said. With Bickford’s last academic school year coming to a close, her retirement plans are still being formed. “The people we are closest to in the world live very far from here,” she said. “A daughter, a granddaughter, my daughter’s husband live in Oregon and we can only go to Oregon in the summertime.” Bickford made it clear that it wasn’t due to a burnt out effect most teachers get towards the end of their career or the pandemic.
“I wanted to leave before I’m burned out. I’m not burned out. A lot of people inside of education or even outside are presuming that teachers are retiring because of COVID. That’s not why I’m retiring,” she said. Three years ago, before the COVID-19 pandemic began, she promised herself she would retire—and it’s three years later. “I can understand why people might say at this point ‘I wish I could retire,, but if I were not my age, I would just keep teaching. I’m 65 and I just want as many good years as I can to enjoy the rest of my life,” Bickford said. “I have a lot of books to read and a lot to write.” With all of those years of teaching under her belt, Bickford expresses her readiness for this new chapter in her life. “I just need time to think,” she said. “Teaching leaves no time to think, ironically. You’re thinking about what you’re teaching, you’re thinking about learning how to manage the people who aren’t learning, how to manage the paperwork, how to manage the time, how to manage the material. My brain is packed with teaching and I need to unpack it.” As a veteran educator, she advises people to follow their passion. “You don’t want to wake up at 65 and realize your work had no purpose,” she said. “It’s a waste of a lifetime.” It’s now the year 2022. She leaves behind a legacy—one of purpose, passion and tremendous impact to the hundreds of students she has educated to think deeply, to listen carefully and to question courageously.
LQHS says goodbye to 7 exceptional teachers Lilli Koch Reporter
Each year, the Hawkview features retiring staff from La Quinta High to commemorate their time at the high school and the mark they made on their students. This year’s retiring staff includes Laura Johnson-Bickford, Lorrie Coonrad, Susan Lemus, Master Sergeant Greg Murray, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Taylor, Dolores Uribe and Steve Ussery. The Hawkview bids farewell to all staff leaving the Blackhawk nest this year.
MSgt Greg Murray “Continue to push these kids to be the best they can be.”
Laura Johnson-Bickford
Lorrie Coonrad
Susan Lemus
“My favorite part of working at LQHS is a synthesis of a trio of parts: students, literature and colleagues. It’s been a privilege and a joy to teach and to learn at La Quinta High School! Soar, Blackhawks!”
“I care a lot! I care that you know everyone can learn... even math! I have loved being a teacher and will also love my time retiring because being enthusiastic, forward thinking and choosing life at every turn is a choice!”
“There is never enough time in the day to do everything I want to accomplish. There is never time to be bored. I will finally have time to complete so many projects I have planned and start a small business.”
Lt Col Joseph Taylor
Dolores Uribe
Steve Ussery
“After 38 years of wearing a military uniform, I’m finally hanging it up. It’s been a great journey starting with the times I was Active Duty in the United States Air Force to my time here at La Quinta High School teaching AFJROTC. Farewell to all and I will definitely visit LQHS in the future.”
“My favorite part of working at LQHS was the students. What really gets you is when they have those ‘aha’ moments, when the light bulb goes on, and you know you did your job because they got it.”
“[I am] going out into the world with no real plans or expectations.. just ready to reinvent myself for my third act!”
SENIORS The Hawkview would like to congratulate seniors who went above and beyond during their high school career—from the senior scholars to the seniors graduating from the CTE programs.
SENIOR SCHOLARS: Cindy Aguilar-Zamora
Isabella Meza
Erick Yepiz
Cindy Zamora
Katie Armenteros
Marley Aguilar
Jason Bustamante
Braeden Bailitz
Odette Cabrera-Hernandez
Isaac Bennett
Melanie Cajica
Zachary Coleman
Joel Cardenas-Soto
Adrian Cortez-Gonzalez
Lindsay Castellon
David Cota
Mariana Castillo
Derek Davila
Valarie Castillo
Nayeli Davila
Viviana Castillo
Aaron Delara
Bella Cazares
Max Flores
Ruben Chavez
Damian Gallegos
Erick Cortez Corral
Adrian Garcia Juarez
Angel De La Fuente
Cody Garlington
Ileena De Leon
Mariah Gonzalez
Alexa Diaz-Perez
Minh Hy Ho
Genavieve Galvan
Justin Housedon
Analexa Duran
Felipe Garcia-Andrade
Jeremy Lepe-Roman
Charlotte Edge
Abigail Garza
Dion Lizama
Mirka Esparza-Sandoval
Kaitlyn Gaspard
Kieran McKenrick
Aalyah Fuentes-Rocha
Dallas Gerber
Anthony Mufich-Arana
Albert Galvan
Diana Guardado
Sevastian Palacio
Joseline Gamboa
Lynn Henderson
Jacqueline Pouliot
Jessica Garcia Juarez
Hector Hernandez-Henriquez
Dylan Rettig
Jonathan Garza
Benjamin Hernandez
Ashton Reyes
Bianca Gamez Robles
Marco Heberto Hernandez
Lianna Reyes
Mailyn Garibay
Anthony Jaime
Oscar Rivas-Gutierrez Jr.
Bailey Garrison
Christopher Jimenez
Devin Robles
Demian Gerardo
Keiko Kardos
Kevin Vela-Cardoso
Makena Harding
Sofia Lazo
Brandon Venegas
Alicia Juarez
Marcie Licea
Jessie Zamora
Bibiana Jacobo
Wendy Lopez-Diaz
Alondra Juarez-Peralta
Ismael Lopez-Romero
CULINARY ARTS:
Thomas Knox
Deziree Mikayla Lopez
Liam Alagos
Mikayla Knyvett
Trinity Lopez
Gabrijele Antipovaite
Alivia Lamere
Emmanuel Lule
Justin Conradi
Dana Martinez
Cruz Martin
Ella Duncan
Grace Merchant
Jessica Martinez
Daniel Duron
Bridget Michel
Aylina Medina-Edlund
Courtney Fray
Zoe Millsap
Diego Mora
Lilyana Garcia
Isabella Moreno
Nariel Munoz
David Garnica
Maximiliano Mota
Joana Murrieta-Alvarez
Julianna Gould
Ashton Perez
Dat Nguyen
Leah Hernandez
Joseph Placentia-Ruiz
Samuel Olmos Gutierrez
Rod Perez
Jose Puentes
Valeria Ortega-Rodriguez
Grace Ralph
AFJROTC:
Hailey Ramirez
Lucero Pelayo
Steve Rodrieguez
Ashley Armenta
Cristian Roberts
Rianah Ramirez
Alyssa Sanchez
William Anderson
Isabella Roccisano
Isabella Robledo
Juan Santiago
Stefany Contreras
Emiliano Rodriguez
Rodolfo Rocha
Liliana Villapando-Lua
Nayeli Davila
Arianna Valadez
Daniel Salazar
Enrique Vizacarro-Blanco
Michael Erick Hernandez
Serena Valentine
Nicolas Sanchez
Kendrik Ashton Wheeler
Gerardo Flores
Karla Varela
David Sandoval
Aisaiah White
Luis Fonseca
Priscilla Vasquez
Sailor Scott
Dedric Wilson
Archie Gurrola
Jeremy Vega
Logan Shepard
Araceli Hernandez
Carolina Villagomez
Vanessa Soria
Bridget Michel Connor Mingus
Stephanie Amador
Nathanya Aldinez
Maximiliano Mota
Isabella Barboza
Maranda Alvarez-Ayon
Miranda Muir
Diego Becerra
Stephanie Amador
JohnPaul Nguyen
Jocelyn Arcos
Vy Ninh
Michelle Brambila-Hernandez
Laura Arellano-Pineda
Aliyah Ortega
Fiona Katrina Cabigting Tapnio
Katie Armenteros
Diego Osborn
Sydney Carlson
Braeden Bailitz
Vanessa Parra
Dalanie Castanon
Kekoa Balmilero
Adamaris Perez
Audriana Castro
KyLee Borgen
Hailey Printz
Melissa Camarena
Daniel Ramirez
Alexia Ceballos-Rocha Rosanna Clark
Valerie Castillo
Hailey Ramirez
Briana Ceja Myers
Ethan Ramos
Hannah Cerros
Ashton Reyes
Lesslie Cuevas
Giselle Reynoso
Bella Delgado
Cristian Roberts
Nicholas Delgado
Isabella Roccisano
Anh Do
Danielle Rocha-Felix
Ronald Dumlao
Miranda Rodriguez
Ella Duncan
Samara Rodriguez
Mirka Esparza-Sandoval
Nicolas Sanchez
Caesar Felix
Ryan Sarver
Jacob Felix
Logan Shepard
Tyler Fieux
Stella Sinlao
Monica Flores
Alaysia Smoot
Alyssa Kaitlyn Gabrintina
Jaxon Sprogis
Jhonas Galvez
Vivian Szolcsanyi
Joseline Gamboa
Jaquelyn Tafolla
Bianca Gamez Robles
Derick Talay
Kaitlin Gannaway
Bonnie Tan
Jessica Garcia Juarez
Taylor Tucker
Abigail Garza
Christian Valdez
Jordan Gomez
Natalie Vasquez
Julianna Gould
Crystal Vega
Dante Grasseschi
Monique Verduzco
Makena Harding
Liliana Villalpando-Lua
Sara Harrell
Emmi Von Scherr
Ali Hassouneh
Alaura Wiant
Hailey Hauser
Tyson Wilhelm
Darcelle Hernandez
Savana Zamorez
Steven Humpherys
Noah Zamudio
Alicia Juarez Keiko Kardos Malia Kua Enri Lala Samantha Laquihon Alyssa Lara Antanina Larchey Michelle Lee Brandon Leon Marcie Licea Dion Shane Lizama Anthony Luu Jose Maduena Kristen Masters Kameron McQueary Ty Mello
Jackson Arballo
Gabriel Bonnell
Christina Morcus
Daniel Jenkins
Aileen Bolanos-Ruvalcaba
ITCA:
MHA:
Sabrina Alatorre
Dallas Ingle
Christopher Blandon
7
Ashley Martinez Kelsey Pozuelos Tarah Qureshi Roman Maciel Ramos Devin Robles Aiden Silvey Tyson Wilhelm
Stefany Contreras-Campos Teresa De La Torre Halean Diaz
PSA: Eliza Adame-Valenzuela Julian Aldaz Aidan Amaro Andrea Barrera Noah Bazalar Jillian Berry
Genecis Tirado-Arciniega Jose Torres-Marquez Jesus Varela Isabela Villa Karly Vizcarra Regan Wheeler Noah Zamudio
Illustrations by Travis Gerald.
8
HAWKVIEW
Hawkview editors-in-chief reflect on their four years in journalism Miranda Muir Editor-in-Chief
Well, here we are guys. There is so much I wish I could fit into this goodbye because this program has been the absolute best and most influential part of my high school career, and I so wish I could fit every single word. I promise I’ll do my best because I owe it to the Hawkview. Coming into this program, I was a much different person than I am now. Okay, maybe not that much different, but you get it. So, before I go any further I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the 2018-2019 staff and Ms. Clifford. You all were the most chaotic and fun group I have ever been a part of, and that class truly felt like a family with all of you. I can’t thank them enough for being patient with me and welcoming me with open arms when I was finally ready to open up. I will forever be grateful for your kindness. This year has been an absolute whirlwind, but I am so proud of all of us. This is the second year we had two periods of journalism, and one was all CTE freshmen. First, I want to say that all of the freshmen and the stories they produced were incredibly impressive. I am so proud of and happy with the stories we put out this year, and it’s all thanks to the massive newsroom we got to have. You may have noticed my thank you’s have left out two very important people, and that’s because I saved the best for last. First, Layla Freiberg.
Layla, you have been by my side in journalism since the literal day one. You are my rock and the only person I could have done this year with. From every late night editing session and banner exporting sessions to all of the random ideas, we have managed to figure out how to do this whole editor-in-chief thing together. You bring so much to the table and I don’t ever recognize you enough for it. Your ideas and writing are everything I could never do and that’s why being here with y o u h a s been so refreshing and e x c i ti n g . Thank you so much for doing this w i t h m e and for e v e r ything I can’t think of right now, you have been the absolute best. Now, no Hawkview goodbye could ever be complete without recognizing Ms. Cortez. Ms. Cortez, from the moment I met you as a little eighth grader coming to the high school for an interview, I could clearly see how much you love this program, and the past two years have only cemented that idea. The amount of effort and love that pours from you and into the Hawkview, and the editors, is abso-
lutely insane and you never failed to impress me with your dedication. You taught me the beauty and power of student-journalism and amplifying voices, and that is a duty I hold most dear. Ms. Cortez, thank you so much for every opportunity you have given me, I wish I could do you justice but even this doesn’t capture how amazing you are. Thank you. This year’s staff has been so incredible. We were able to
tackle such important, unconventional and exciting stories and you all did so beautifully. Thank you all for letting me be your coeditor-in-chief, I hope you show the upcoming editors the same respect and grace you’ve shown us. (And I guess I should thank Tommy and Daniel Leon, but don’t tell them I said that.) Bye y’all!
Layla Freiberg Editor-in-Chief
Hiiii, I don’t really know what to write as I’m not sure there are enough words to truly sum up my time with the Hawkview and as co-editor-in-chief, but I am nothing if not a writer, so here we go. This has been my first “normal” school year since my sophomore year. Even though we were still able to accomplish so much over Zoom last year, I was thrilled to be able to do more with the journalism program now that we could be back in the physical classroom. We finalized and even added onto the Humans of LQHS project, which was… definitely a process, but we got to hang our banners all around the school and city, and we even got invited to the City of La Quinta’s 40th anniversary picnic, where we were able to distribute postcards made by this year’s staff and inform people about the Hawkview and all its glory. We revamped our social media and our website, and got to create and distribute the first physical newspaper since 2019.
the things we have accomplished. None of the things we did would even be in the realm of possibility if it wasn’t for the lovely Ms. Cortez and the amazing Miranda Muir (and, of course, meeee). I will forever cherish the late nights spent editing and laughing with my two queens, all of the times Miranda and I have bothered Mr. Leon for no reason, and all of the help, jokes and kind words that we have all shared. I can not stress enough how kind, intelligent, and absolutely incredible these women are. Thank you both for everything. As my high school career and my time as editor-in-chief of the Hawkview comes to an end, I am feeling as bittersweet as a Sour Patch Kid. Thank you to Ms. Cortez for all of the opportunities and advice I’ve been given this year. Thank you to Miranda for being my partner in crime and the best co-editor I could ever ask for, and finally, thank you to the Hawkview staff for trusting me and allowing me to be your “leader.” I’ll be local for the next two years, and I can’t wait to witness first-hand where this program goes and all of the amazing things it’s going to accomplish. Goodbye!!!
Overall, I am so proud of this year’s staff and all of
Congratulations to the Hawkview’s Class of 2022 The Hawkview would like to acknowledge the 2021-2022 seniors who have contributed to the journalism program with their news coverage for the Hawkview. We hope you continue to bear witness to it all—and write about it. Congratulations! Photos by Leonardo Flores.
Madd Ayala
Andrea Barrera
Thomas Brellis
Violet Felix
Layla Freiberg
First-year reporter and illustrator. Ayala will be attending College of the Desert and plans to transfer to a four-year university to study art, graphic design or business.
First-year reporter. Barrera will be attending Cal State Fullerton, where she will be majoring in English to fulfill her goal of becoming an English teacher.
First-year reporter and co-multimedia editor. Brellis will be attending College of the Desert to study electronic media. He doesn’t plan on being famous, but it’s bound to happen.
Second-year reporter. Felix will be attending College of the Desert and plans to check off her general education requirements during that time.
Fourth-year reporter. Freiberg will be attending College of the Desert for two years and then hopefully transfer to a UC. She hopes to continue her journalism career in the future.
Dominick Lopez
Giovanni Lugo
Carter McKee
Christina Montes
First-year reporter. Lopez will be attending College of the Desert and plans to pursue his dream career: acting.
First-year reporter. Lugo aspires becoming a well-known rapper and will be devoting his free time to improve his craft.
First-year reporter. McKee will be attending College of the Desert and plans to transfer to Cal State Fullerton, where he hopes to study history and ultimately become a teacher.
First-year reporter. Montes will be attending College of the Desert and plans to study business.
Miranda Muir
Fourth-year reporter. Muir will be attending UC Irvine where she will be majoring in English in hopes of pursuing a career that doesn’t feel like a chore, and makes her happy.