June 2018 • Volume XXIII • Issue 6

ISSUE 6 2018.qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 10:48 AM Page 1

JUNE 2018 VOLUME XXIII • ISSUE 6 lqhawkview.com

Cover photo by Steven Poole Logo designed by Kristen Hernandez

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SCHOOL NEWS

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Vals and sal to give speeches at graduation

Kevin Ayala Reporter Brysenia Miranda Assistant Editor As this school year comes to an end, LQHS recognizes the achievements of the class of 2018’s top scholars: Valedictorians Adria Burton and Sienna Sutton, as well as Salutatorian Mlen Azurin.

Burton is graduating with a 5.14 GPA and will be attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She will study architectural engineering, focusing on biomimicry to create environmentally friendly designs. Burton is grateful for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, as it encouraged her to fulfill all her dreams.

Burton was involved in girls’ basketball, environmental club, and the California Scholarship Federation, and served as the ASB executive vice president. Some of her greatest memories were with her basketball team, who became her “second family.”

She is thankful to Mr. Wallace for being her mentor: through Algebra II and Calculus, and as her adviser for her extended essay. His support will continue to matter to her for the rest of her life.

Her advice to the senior class would be, “If you work hard, the rest will follow.”

Sutton is also graduating with a GPA of 5.14 and will be attending UCLA. She will major in biology, as her plan is to become a pediatrician.

Sutton’s advice to the underclassmen is to “just keep going.” She added, “It gets really rough around junior year; but if you push through, then you will get the college decisions that you want.”

Azurin is graduating with a final GPA of 5.09 and will be attending Cal State Fullerton in order to become a nurse anesthetist.

She attributes much of her college preparation to the rigor of IB. Azurin was involved in the girls’ tennis team, Key Club, Botball Robotics, and the Hawkview school

newspaper. She also volunteered at JFK Memorial Hospital throughout the year.

Mlen’s advice to underclassmen is to “find the balance between fun and responsibilities.”

For those enrolled in the IB program, she encourages students to really put their minds into it, and they will realize that it is not that hard.

These girls are a shining example of academic success and they will be great role models in years to come.

A

Adria Burton, Sienna Sutton, & Mlen Azruin

Photo by Kevin Ayala

Listen up, graduating class!

Kevin Ayala Reporter Bailey Franklin Co-Editor-in-Chief The 2018 graduation ceremony will take place on Fri., June 8. Seniors are not expected to be in class that day; however, students are required to attend a mandatory graduation rehearsal, which will begin at 7:30 a.m.

After rehearsals, caps and

gowns and tickets can be picked up in the main gym immediately following graduation practice.

Jostens will also be selling caps and gowns for $55 cash.

Each student will be provided seven tickets and no further tickets will be sold. If students need additional tickets, it is recommended to find a peer who does not need all of their t i c k - ets. Take note that e v e n children need their own ticke t s , including infants, so plan accordi n g l y .

The week of graduation will also serve as finals week for seniors, specifically the last block days of the school year, June 6-7.

For a chance to relax after finals, make sure to attend Senior Sunset on Thurs., June 7.

Incidentally, at the Senior Sunset, students will be able to participate in a raffle to win an additional graduation ticket, as well as a separate raffle on Mon., June 4 in the counseling office.

If your loved ones are unable to attend, the commencement ceremony will be live streamed this year.

The livestream will be available to watch on the Blackhawk website (lqblackhawks.com) in real time and people can also watch the video afterward.

The last day for seniors to return textbooks to the Media Center is Thurs.

June 7, as students will not be able to participate in graduation until their textbooks have been checked in to the library or they have paid the fines due to athletics, ASB, and the cafeteria. The senior survey must also be completed in order to be

eligible for graduation.

Finally, the graduation ceremony on Fri. June 8 will begin at 7:30 p.m., but graduating seniors need to be in the gym by 6:30 p.m.

There will be a 30-minute window after the ceremony in which students can pick up their diplomas.

They will also be available for pick up the following week.

After the ceremony, students can get some rest at home before returning to La Quinta High at 8:30 a.m. for the Grad Nite trip to Disneyland on Sat. June 9. Students will return to campus at 5 a.m. on Sun. June 10.

Let’s finish strong, Class of 2018!

Illustration by Keeshia Kamura.

SCHOOL NEWS

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Interim Changes in the class rankings AP

Brysenia Miranda Assistant Editor

Ms. Ann Reinhagen, an interim administrator, has been “subbing” for Dr. Woods, one of the assistant principals at La Quinta High, while she is out on leave.

While at LQHS, Reinhagen spends her time assisting students who need help in any classes, as well as mentoring and supporting new teachers.

Prior to retiring in 2015, Reinhagen was a teacher, a mentor, a principal, and an assistant superintendent at two different schools: one here in the Coachella Valley and one in the Bay Area.

Home to Reinhagen is Burlington, Mass., where she taught remedial reading for elementary-aged students for 15 years. “My mom and dad were teachers,” Reinhagen said. “I think this field of work chose me.”

Upon Dr. Woods’ return to LQHS, Reinhagen will begin her fourth retirement.

Photo by Brysenia Miranda

Jessica Porrelli News Editor Mlen Azurin Art Editor

—_ Each school year, following the end of the first semester, the senior class excitedly awaits the announcement of class rankings. This is especially true for those included in the “top ten,” the group of students who have earned the highest cumulative district weighted grade point averages of their entire class. This year was no exception to the excitement.

However, beginning with the Class of 2020, class rankings will no longer be calculated, meaning that the excitement associated with the top ten students, as well as the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian, will no longer be part of a student’s senior year.

Instead, the concept of rank will be replaced by the Latin honors system. Students with GPAs of 3.5 to 3.74 will be cum laude and students with GPAs of 3.75 to 3.99 will be magna cum laude. The highest honors, summa cum laude, will go to the students with GPAs of 4.0 or higher.

The method of calculating grade point averages is also being altered as only one course will be weighted each semester; so, the maximum GPA would be a 4.2. Addi-

tionally, the Latin system and new method of calculating GPAs would better align with how CSU and UC campuses currently award honors.

The new system will break the tradition of having speeches from the valedictorian and salutatorian at graduation. Instead, the senior who best represents the values of the graduating class will be chosen to speak.

This change may reduce competitiveness and rivalries between the highest academic achievers in each class. Desert Sands Unified School District believes that this will improve students’ livelihoods by reducing pressure and stress. This system would hopefully provide a wider opportunity for students to take the classes they believe will prepare them the most, rather than classes that grant them the highest GPAs. “In the sports field, you compete against others; but in the educational field, you should be competing against yourself,” said DSUSD Board President Gary Tomak, comparing education to a sports field. “As students, you should go beyond what you have to do [in terms of core classes] and pursue your interests.”

Meanwhile, DSUSD

Board Member Donald Griffith was at first hesitant at the idea of doing away with the ranking system; however, he thinks that the new system might be better for the way school is currently taught.

Unfortunately for the students with high academic achievements under the current system, the Latin system may not change much with regard to the classes they take or the honors they receive. For example, students trying to attain the IB Diploma may not be able to change many of their courses since so much of their schedule is full of required courses.

While many opponents say that changing the current system provides no reward for students who challenge themselves academically, the Latin system does reward more students for their achievements. In a simulation using the statistics for this year’s graduating class, the district discovered that, according to the Latin system, a total of 125 students would have been awarded one of the three orders of Cum Laude.

Compared with our current system, which allows 103 Senior Scholars to graduate in white robes this June, more students would be honored with the Latin system.

Illustration by Mlen Azurin.

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Teachers leaving the Blackhawk nest

Brysenia Miranda Assistant Editor Mikah Strong Reporter

Dr. Jeri Phillips is retiring after five years of teaching English. Phillips used to work at the Morongo Unified School District for 30 years as an elementary school teacher. In her free time, she plans on traveling with her husband. She said, “I hope I motivated students and helped them to build a good work ethic because I believe [it] helps you succeed in life.”

After completing his first year at LQHS, Mr. Bret Raven, who taught U.S. history and government/ economics, will be relocating from the Coachella Valley for a teaching position closer to where he resides. “I've made great bonds with my students as far as getting them interested in history and seeing them grow as writers and as people,” he said. “The bonds I had with my students is what I will miss the most.”

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SCHOOL NEWS

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Teachers’ advice to the Class of 2018

Dr. Easley “I would say to follow your dreams and always pursue what you really want to do, not being afraid to go the second mile to ensure your success. One of my greatest goals was to get my PhD and one year I just decided, ‘You’re not getting any younger, Betty Rae, better get going!’ It was the greatest time of my life and I loved it; you don't want to have any regrets in your life.”

Mrs. Van Dorn “Find something that makes you truly happy and pursue it. Don't worry about trying to get a job that makes the most money or getting the best grades. If it makes you happy, go for it.”

Mr. Paul Collins “Always do what you think deep down is the right thing. If you stick with that idea, you will always come out ahead. If you have questions about what you are doing, whether it is the right thing to do or not, then you probably should not be doing it. If you use that as a guide for your entire life, you will be successful.”

Mr. Daniel Kim “‘Toughness is being able to physically and emotionally perform your task through any condition.’ Students should understand that they have to be tough and not soft in life; that means you should be consistent and willing to perform a task no matter the circumstances, without making excuses.”

Mr. Jon Adler “Assume a virtue if you have it not.”

Interviews compiled by Bailey Franklin, Thea Spisz, Katelyn Pagela, & Mlen Azurin.

Teachers leaving the Blackhawk nest

After 36 years of working at DSUSD as a teacher and BTSA mentor, Mrs. Debra Rios will be retiring. Rios plans to travel and explore the world with her husband, Mr. Rios, and her family.

She plans to volunteer at hospitals and elderly homes as a way to give back to the community. Rios hopes she taught her kids “to be lifelong learners and to respect everyone.”

Mr. Jose Rios first worked as a counselor at juvenile hall, inspiring him to help kids realize how beautiful everyone truly is. He then started his 31-year-long teaching career. Rios hopes that he has taught his students compassion. He said, “Besides being a Spanish teacher, I hope I have taught my kids how to love one another.” Rios will be retiring with his wife, Mrs. Rios.

After 17 years at LQHS, Ms. Deborah Myll, who teaches APEX and Freshman Seminar, is retiring. Myll intends to spend her retirement with her husband and her grandson. She hopes that every student understands what the word “integrity” truly means. Myll added, “I’ll miss watching the students get excited about passing the class or just learning about technology.”

Mr. Rob Bowman, who spent three years at LQHS, is transferring to Indio High as their AP English Lit teacher. “I’ve loved my time here at LQ,” he said. “In life, when you are presented with an opportunity that is exciting to you, you should take it.” Bowman hopes to leave behind students who are empathetic, curious, and who find the world interesting and magical.

In her two years at LQHS, Ms. Jennifer Cortez served as an English teacher and journalism adviser. She will attend UC Berkeley this fall to her pursue master's degree in journalism. She plans on broadening her horizons, as one of her aspirations is to create a CTE journalism program. She hopes that by doing this, her students will see it’s okay to be hungry for more: more questions and exploration.

SCHOOL NEWS

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Blackhawks elect 2018-2019 ASB board

Emily Martinez Ad/ Copy Editor ASB elections were held in late April; however, this year’s executive board hopefuls all ran unopposed. Therefore, the coexecutive presidents for next school year are Laila Khan ‘19 and Emily Maize ‘19.

“We’re working on development days. We have a lot of new ideas for ASB, as well as the school. [We want] clubs and different parts of the school to be included in rallies. We want to emphasize that a lot,” Maize expressed.

Viannet Villegas ‘19 will serve as executive vice president, Joshua RomToribio ‘19 as executive treasurer, and Jackie Perez ‘19 as executive secretary.

The senior class board for next year consists of Dominick Jahnig as president, Johanne Mendoza as vice president, Brenda Casillas and Alexxa Caudillo as treasurers, and Litzy Lopez as secretary.

The junior class officers will be Joyce Henein as president, Ramiah Lucas as vice president, Halle Carter as treasurer, and Valerie Cruz as secretary.

Sophomores will be represented by Lupita Jimenez as president, Michelle Salas as vice president, Nina Martin as treasurer, and Itzani Aceves as secretary. The freshman class board will be selected at the beginning of the next school year.

Laila Khan and Emily Maize Co-Executive Presidents

Viannet Villegas Exec. Vice President

Joshua Rom-Toribio Exec. Treasurer

Jackie Perez Exec. Secretary

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Magaña passes the torch

Santiago Magaña ASB Exec. President As this year comes to a close, it has been inevitable to reflect back on my time here. It has been an incredible year full of achievements.

The best part would have to have been seeing students getting involved in the various activities offered at La Quinta High School.

Since the beginning of the school year, I have been proud to see students from all classes getting involved in our activities, especially some new events created this year such as Buffball, Hawk Madness, and the talent show.

It has been a great year and although my term is coming to an end, I know that next year will be even better. The executive board for next year has been working hard on finding new ways to increase student involvement, improving our rallies, and, overall, including more of our student body in ac-

tivities.

With that in mind, my advice for all the students next year is to get involved by trying out for sports, joining clubs, as well as attending sporting events, dances, and other activities. Don’t take this opportunity for granted because it does not last forever!

Things may get tough and stressful in high school and sometimes you may feel like you can’t overcome the obstacles; but you can, and you will be able to make it through!

Finish this year strong, and start next year refreshed.

Photo by Bailey Franklin

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SCHOOL NEWS

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Banding together for the end of the year

Singing ‘til the end

Thea Spisz Reporter/ Illustrator

Attiana Villalobos Reporter As the weather changes, so does the tune of the music. LQHS’ band performed their end of the year concert in the Indian Wells Theatre at the CSUSB Palm Desert campus on Wed., May 16.

The Blackhawk musicians played alongside the College of the Desert concert band and chamber singers. Before the show began, Mr. Fleischmann, LQHS’ band director, thanked his students for a great semester.

“They worked really hard the last couple months on the music, so it’s all hard work,” said Fleischmann. “I think it

went pretty [well].”

LQHS’ choir sang their The students began by playing lightly and joy- final show of the year on fully. The music gently Thurs., May 31. Their perdrew the audience into a formances consisted of songs summer feeling of long and relaxing days. Together, the band and singers performed the songs, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, “At the End of the Day,” “Who Am I,” “Master of the House,” and “On My Own” from the “Les Miserables” soundtrack.

“It was just really nice performing [at the Indian Wells Theatre] because it was in a much higher quality theatre,” said Nick Schwilk ‘19.

Thea Spisz Reporter/ Illustrator La Quinta High School’s theatre class held their end-of-the-year awards night on Wed., May 23. They performed short skits and monologues and presented awards to each class period of theatre, which ensued in a sentimental and emotional evening for the students.

The techies even got on stage as actors themselves, rather than sticking behind the curtains.

They performed a parody of “The Wizard of Oz.” The skit evoked laughter from the audience with its

witty humor and jokes.

“My favorite part was looking out into the audience and seeing my family and friends cheer me on. I got out of my comfort zone while perform-

from different musicals and Broadway shows.

Throughout the show, the old risers began to break under the pressure of the singers on it, causing the students and the audience to

Photo by Thea Spisz

Encore Night happens again ing,” said Rocio Santiago ‘18.

In between the skits, Ms. Merita Hojhalli, who is the new theatre substitute teacher, bestowed the awards to each class

Photo by Thea Spisz

period. The last award of the night, Student of the Year, was given to Julia Castro ‘18. “I have been a part of this theatre since freshman year,” said Castro. “I have been in every single production as an actor, so it was a really exciting achievement to have my name – my legacy, you can say – on a physical plaque.”

Castro advised future actors or anyone who has big dreams to just go for it. “It can be hard at times, but you can always learn in theatre,” she shared. “There is never one way to do something.”

gasp. At one point, Ms. Krista Scharf, the choir teacher, stopped introducing the song they were about to sing to ask if everyone was okay. As luck would have it, no one was hurt and the show went on.

The seniors in the show wore white to differentiate themselves from the underclassmen, who wore all black.

One of the final songs the students sang together was “Seasons of Love” from “Rent,” a Broadway musical.

It is a tradition to sing it every year that continues on even after Ms. Theresa Ridilla’s retirement, the former choir teacher.

The last song performed was “We’re All in this Together” from “High School Musical.” Scharf explained to the crowd that the students had begged to sing a tune from “HSM” all school year until she finally caved.

The seniors encourage anyone and everyone to join the choir. “Give it all you got.

You might not be the most talented, you might not be something or other, but you can be dedicated to it. You can have a place to come for a family,” said Emily Cassel ‘18.

Geovana Borgetti ‘18 added, “If you are not a confident singer, join. It does not matter because this class brings out the best of you; it shows you a side of you that you did not know you had.

Just do it, seriously. It is fun and you will not regret it.”

SCHOOL NEWS

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L i t e r a t u r e L i v e ’s b e s t s h o w y e t

John Doyle Copy Editor Drew Patterson kReporter k

About 150 IB English seniors students showcased Literature Live at Old Town w Artisan Studios on May 23.

Literature Live is an event in which the students perform small scenes from novels, plays, or short stories they have read throughout their high school career.

The scenes varied in length from 30 seconds to about two minutes, consisting of groups of one to three

people. Throughout the night, these students remained in character, standing or sitting still, until their scene was activated by the audience members.

The triggers for the scenes could be discovered by reading the signs that were located next to the students, which also included a short synopsis of the book they chose, as well as context clues relevant to the scene performed.

The triggers varied from picking up an item, giving one of the “characters” an item, saying a line, or even spraying them with a spray

LQHS’ Key to Fashion and Charity

Mlen Azurin Art Editor

Key Club members worked together to host the eighth annual Key Club Fashion Show and Silent Auction. The club collaborated with local stores to promote the Eliminate Project, which works for the eradication of maternal tetanus, as well as the Pediatric Trauma Program, which aims to reduce accident trauma in children.

The fashion show was emceed by Mr. Leon. The

stage was open to performers to showcase their talents, featuring impressive vocal and dance performances, and a unique dramatic monologue.

This year offered something special: a “Blackhawk Section,” in which students created their own outfits to express their unique style down the runway.

“Everyone came together in the end and the whole night was a success,” said President Thao Nguyen ‘18.

Photo by Katie Arias.

bottle, as was the case for Spencer Lowell ‘18, who performed a scene from “The Old Man and the Sea”

by Ernest Hemingway. The students performed scenes from more than 23 separate literary works in all, with scenes from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” being the most popular choice among the performers.

IB English Teacher Mrs. Bickford said, “I think it was perhaps the best Literature Live we have ever had because of the opportunity we had to stage the event outside off campus. We’ve

never had that kind of space before and the beautiful scenery was good for mak-

Mia Gonzalez Reporter/ Illustrator Attiana Villalobos Reporter

semester group commander, has been in the JROTC program for four years. ”I plan on joining the AirForce as soon as I [enlist],” he said. “I go in as an E3, so that is a promotion and basic knowledge on the AirForce.”

Zamora, the second semester group commander, has been in the program for four years. “JROTC has helped me think of what I

ing the settings of many of the performances.”

Photo by John Doyle

ROTC dances the night away

AFJROTC ended the year with a military ball at Agua Caliente Casino on Fri., May 11. This ball is an annual tradition to say goodbye to seniors and to reflect on the memories that they’ve accumulated over the years.

At the ball, the former group commander, Crystal Zamora ‘18 passed the torch to the next-in-command, Skyler Mann ‘19, and wished him luck. Once all the awards were received by the cadets, attendees spent the rest of the evening dancing away with their friends and family.

Luis Diaz ‘18, the first

want to do with my future and helped me receive a scholarship that is going to pay for my college,” she said.

Mann has been in the program for three years; he is next year’s group commander. “I really want to take the core [to] more places, whether its airshows or marches. I want to bring the core to be able to do more,” he shared.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Wilson’s Twitter: @lqprincipal

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OPINION

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A preview of E3 2018

John Doyle Copy Editor The most anticipated technology and video game event of the year, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, takes place from June 12-14 at the LA Convention Center. The show floor is open to those who managed to buy advance tickets and features numerous stations for upcoming games and technologies, including certain virtual and/ or augmented experiences.

Before the showroom opens, the top publishers in the industry hold conferences to reveal new gaming titles and hardware. Those who look forward to E3 – mostly those who aren’t going to the event, like myself – get excited about the press conferences, as this is where all the announcements and hype are.

Some anticipated games have been confirmed and/ or revealed. A list of unannounced games from Walmart Canada leaked, bringing into question whether or not the list is real. Other big games, like “Battlefield 5” or “Call of Duty Black Ops 4,” are being revealed prior to E3.

However, these games will surely have a presence at E3 and will likely be available to play for the attendees.

For any video game or technology enthusiasts, E3 is not an event to miss.

Whether or not you are attending the event, there will be complete coverage of the conferences and the show on livestreaming services like Twitch and YouTube.

The desert isn’t that boring!

Katie-Rose Arias Reporter

1) Let’s paint!

This is more on the pricier end, but at $30, you can participate in a teen paint class happening on Friday, June 15 at Old Town La Quinta Artisan Studios from 6 to 9 p.m. You can sign up at oldtownartstudios.org. There’s limited seating; so hurry, grab your friends, and paint!

why not venture out at night? The Astronomical Society of the Desert holds stargazing events for all ages so you, your family, and friends can enjoy.

Each event is held a t a different locations in the far desert where it is likely to get cold. It sounds odd, but I’m not lying, their website even suggests to dress warm. For more information and directions, go to astrorx.org.

Art Studio. It’s a hole-inthe-wall that hosts game nights, spoken word, open mics, film screenings. They also provide open library, typewriter, and a record player for anyone to use. It’s basically a hipster’s dream!

They display local artists’ work as well. For more information, visit their website at grecoffeehouse.com.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe, folks! I hope you check these cool places out and find interest in them. Let us know how your experiences went by leaving your comments at lqhawkview.com!

- If you’re like most teens who live in the desert during the summer holiday, you know that it can get a tad boring, and you can’t forget, blazing hot. The weather causes most to stay indoors, which means an eventful summer can feel far out of reach.

StarGazing in the However, I’m about 2) Desert! to share with you some things you can do in our It’s not always beautiful valley that has ideal to go little to no cost, and will and do some- 3) Go to Gré! Go! hopefully get you off If you love thing during the your phone and out of d a y r e a l l y when temperabed binge-watching good coftures soar to Netflix so that you can fee, take a 110 degrees have a memorable sumvisit to Gré Illustrations by Fahrenheit or mer! [ C o f f e e Mlen Azurin & higher; so, House

and

Mia Gonzalez

What’s Up With?!?!?!?!?!

Mariana Escatell Editor-in-Chief • What’s up with Kim Kardashian meeting with Donald Trump to talk about prison reform and sentencing and people hating on her for it?!!

How are you going to be saying celebrities need to be using their platform for good, but when she does it it’s not okay? Go off, though.

• What’s up with LQ being the last high school to graduate in the valley?!

Pleaaaase keep me in school for two more

weeks doing nothing; but I mean anything for the school to get its money, right…?

• What’s up with “Coco” being added to Netflix??

If you really think I’m going to watch it everyday from now on, then you’re 100% right.

• What’s up with J.R. Smith running the opposite way from the basket and wasting time at the end of the fourth quarter because he thought they were winning? When in reality they were tied, and losing game one of

the NBA finals for the Cavs?!! Who let that fool on the team…?!

• What’s up with Kanye's newest album getting number one on the charts after all of you said he was canceled because of the scandal with Trump?!! A + B does not equal C, people!!!

• What’s up with our baseball team being an- T nounced and promoted a as the La Quinta Aztecs, H which is actually the r school from Westmin- a ster?!! We are CIF K champs; show some re- p spect!!

• What’s up with this being the last “What’s Up With?!?!?!” I write, after writing it for three years?!! I’m not crying, you are. [Adviser’s Note: I’m bawling. Thank you for sharing your humor with us, Mari. Is that a chicken?]

ISSUE 6 2018.qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 10:50 AM Page 9

SPORTS

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Boys’ baseball makes history: CIF champions!

Steven Poole Reporter

For the first time in Blackhawk history, La Quinta High’s boys’ baseball team earned the title of Division 4 CIF champions after they played against Monrovia High at the University of California, Riverside on Sat., June 2.

“It’s kind of surreal and I’m so pumped to be a part of the first LQHS baseball team [that went to CIF],” tsaid Frankie Cordova ‘18.

“It’s a great way to end a high school baseball career and it’s the baseball program only going up.”

LQ began the game a little nervous, letting the Wildcats score four runs bewfore the top of the third.

However, the Blackhawks didn't give up, as two runs were scored by Cordova and tJason Leon ‘20 in the bot-

tom of the third.

Pitcher Nuan Haro ‘20 was able to get out of the top of the fifth inning with no runs scored. Isaac Salazar ‘18 tripled in bottom of the fifth, letting Tommy Wolfe ‘18 and Trent Schwanke ‘19 each score a run, causing the Blackhawks to lead with a score of 6-4. The boys were able to lock down their defense and only let one more run go in before the game was over. La Quinta High School won 6-5 in the 2018 division four championship.

“The win means everything to me and the boys – first time school history, first time being a head coach,” said Coach Wisler, who has been coaching baseball for 16 years as a travel ball coach and as former head assistant coach at Shadow Hills High.

Girls’ softball concludes CIF

Brianna Lucrecio Reporter

The softball team played against South Torrance High School in the first round of CIF on May 18, and lost with a score of 1-6.

Kiara Mendoza ‘19 pitched five innings until

Photo courtesy of Lauren Robinson ‘17

the Blackhawks gave up six runs. Brianna DeLara ‘20 switched in for Mendoza in the fifth inning.

The girls were not awake throughout the whole game, only managing one run they scored in the last inning.

The Lady Blackhawks pushed through after the Palm Desert game in April, although this season didn’t go as planned, they accomplished what they could.

Chloe Rodriguez ‘19 said, “We didn’t accomplish all that we hoped for this year’s softball season and I think we all believe we could’ve done better, but we fought hard and we’re looking forward to next year’s season.”

Photos by Steven Poole

Blackhawks swim at CIF

Katelyn Pagela Reporter

After a strong season, the girls’ swim team competed at the CIF championships on May 11 at Riverside Community College. They prepared for the meet with sprint work, but primarily focused on their turns, dives, and tapering.

Akemi Von Scherr ‘20 raced to victory during the 500freestyle, making her the first swimmer in the Coachella Valley to earn a CIF title since 2013. On top of that, the 400freestyle relay team – Mikka Von Scherr ‘19, Akemi Von Scherr ‘20, Rachel Sherman ‘19, and Savannah Hampton ‘19 – grabbed eighth place with a time of 3:45.59.

“We did more tapering than sprint work because we needed to give our bodies a rest,” said Von Scherr. “Tapering helps a lot because by resting your bodies it helps you drop time.”

The boys’ swim team placed

13th overall with 78 points.

The boys’ 200-free relay – Brayden Smith ‘19, Caleb Ingle ‘19, Jeremy Baker ‘18, and Spencer Lowell ‘18 – raced to third place, finishing with a time of 1:29.05. Their efforts were a state consideration time.

In addition to anchoring the team, Lowell had a solid day of competition, placing in three events. He grabbed seventh in the 100-freestyle with a time of 48.48 and eighth in the 50-freestyle with 21.93.

“We have a great group of

guys; the competition and all motivated us to do well,” said Lowell. “Obviously, a lot of the guys are leaving next year but there’s going to be more in the years to come.”

Overall, the team has demonstrated strong growth throughout the course of the season. Although the team is going to face changes next season with key players leaving, CIF alone showed how much heart the Blackhawks put into the sport.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Webb’s Twitter: @desertwebber

10 A NIGHT UNDER THE BIG TOP ISSUE 6 2018.qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 10:50 AM Page 10

Blackhawks spend a night under the ‘big top’

Emily Martinez Ad/ Copy Editor

Organized by La Quinta High School’s junior class, the 2018 prom was held at the Renaissance Esmeralda on May 18. The night under the big top was well represented with carnival games, acrobats, and stilt-walking costumed characters.

Attendees were greeted

by Principal Dr. Wilson and Assistant Principal Mr. Schneider. Students were led to a hallway where they could have their photos taken by professional photographers or where they could munch on French fries as well as various

desserts.

From there, students could play carnival games, lounge around in the patio, or show off their best moves on the dance floor.

About an hour into prom, the DJ encouraged dancers to go to the patio to watch the fireworks show.

Students then returned to the dance floor to continue dancing the night away. Soon thereafter, the royal court was announced: Viviana Zavala ‘18 and Marco Arambula ‘18 were crowned prom queen and king, respectively. Miranda Kelly ‘19 and Isaac Nicholson ‘19 were honored with

the respective titles of prom princess and prince.

“I really enjoyed [prom] and all the details put into it

by ASB; they did an amazing job. I also loved looking at how beautiful every girl looked in their dress!” exclaimed Zavala. “I’ll remember every moment of my friends and I dancing while our feet were suffering from our heels, but I’m so happy I spent my first prom with them and winning prom [court] with one of my closest friends since freshman year.

Photos by Emily Martinez.

A NIGHT UNDER THE BIG TOP

ISSUE 6 2018.qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 10:52 AM Page 11

11

12

SENIOR SCHOLARS

ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:50 AM Page 2

1. Valedictorian Adria Burton Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

1. Valedictorian Sienna Sutton U.C. Los Angeles

2. Salutatorian Mlen Azurin C.S.U. Fullerton

3. Karina Maciel U.C. Los Angeles

4. Kaela Alagos U.C. San Diego

5. Jessica Porrelli U.C. Los Angeles

6. Dylan Ruiz Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

7. Kevin Ayala Pomona College

Washington State University

8. Logan Prescott

9. Hadar Gamliel U.C. Berkeley

10. Leslie Loza-Zamora U.C. Irvine

SENIOR SCHOLARS

ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:50 AM Page 3

13

Preston Zilliot U.C. Irvine

Jairo Verduzco

Brigham Young University

Madison Burns College of the Desert

Jourdan Flynn U.C. San Diego

Yoryana Quinonez U.C. Irvine

Tatiana Woodworth University of Toledo

Brooke Lardenoit San Diego State University

Valeria Prado-Castil U.C. Davis

Elaina Leon U.C. Santa Cruz

Sanny Lam U.C. San Diego

Andres Lopez U.C. San Diego

Neffie Benson-Usiade UMass Boston

Ivan Fernandez University of San Diego

Cassandra Kyaw U.C. San Diego

Jose Lopez C.S.U. San Bernardino

Lauren Babao U.C. Riverside

Jonathan Lopez U.C. Irvine

Lauren Humphreys U.S. Air Force Academy

Thao Nguyen U.C. Berkeley

Isabella Beltran C.S.U. Fullerton

14

SENIOR SCHOLARS

ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:43 AM Page 4

Andrea Swartz U.C. San Diego

Raymundo Lopez-Amaya

U.C. Irvine

Zoe Hammons San Jose State

Matthew Kaimer Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Jessica Tamblyn U.C. San Diego

Cooper Mello Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Alyssa Ruiz U.C. Santa Barbara

Parker Wallace Cuesta College

Robert Moreno Rutgers University

Maya Bickman U.C. Davis

Paden Duncan U.S. Naval Academy

Madeline Wallace U.C. Davis

Sam Zook U.C. Davis

Alex Robles College of the Desert

Meghan Tiszai C.S.U. Long Beach

Fabian Esparza-Gonza College of the Desert

Stephanie Vazquez-Mu College of the Desert

Ryan Chu U.C. San Diego

Karime Meza U of Thomas Jefferson

Celine Waters C.S.U. Fresno

C

Col

SENIOR SCHOLARS

ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:52 AM Page 5

15

Alberto Garcia U.C. San Diego

Nicole Maler Dominican U of Calif.

Julian Hernandez U.C. Irvine

Andrew Sitko U.C. San Diego

Carolynne Meyers College of the Desert

Meghan Tiszai Cal Poly Pomona

Jordan Nelson ISEP

Damaris Gonzalez U.C. Riverside

Marcela Gallo San Jose State University

Jeremy Baker U.C. Santa Barabara

Liliana Flores College of the Desert

Katrina Estacio CSU San Bernadino

Bailey Franklin College of the Desert

Samantha Macuixtle College of the Desert

Hannah Durkee Cal Baptist

Jonathan Rosas San Jose State

Omid Jam C.S.U. Fullerton

Jabneh Rocha San Francisco State

Alyssa Valencia C.S.U. Long Beach

Kaitlin Duran Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

16

SENIOR SCHOLARS

ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:53 AM Page 6

Daniel Murray U.C. Santa Barbara

Pamela Granados Rensselaer Polytechnic

Grand Canyon University

Raquel Reid

Alejandra Guerrero College of the Desert

Litzy Galindo University of Redlands

Chase Hepner Arizona State University

Kiara Jackson C.S.U. Fullerton

Marco Dominguez U.C. Irvine

Carmina Abad U.C. Irvine

Viviana Zavala College of the Desert

Joel Palafox U.C. San Diego

John Wadlund College of the Desert

Haley Nixon C.S.U. San Marcos

Mia Ortega C.S.U. San Marcos

Mark Trujillo College of the Desert

Katryna Holguin

Diego Nieto U.C. Riverside

Samantha Stolzoff Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

William Bohrmann University of Denver

Grand Canyon University

K

os

SENIOR SCHOLARS

ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:46 AM Page 7

Santiago Magana Azusa Pacific University

Keeshia Kamura U.C. San Diego

Sarena Lopez-Garcia San Diego Mesa College

Julissa Armenta University of Redlands

Spencer Lowell

Bogota, Columbia-North Mission

Marc Osorio Arizona State University

Seth Marin C.S.U. Long Beach

Donny Labicani

Grand Canyon University

Alondra Magallon San Diego State University

Congrats to the 2018 IB Diploma candidates

Kaela Alagos Kevin Ayala Mlen Azurin Lauren Babao Neffie BensonUsiade Adria Burton Rashel Estrada Ivan Fernandez

Liliana Flores Jose Lopez Leslie Loza-Zamora Karina Maciel Samantha Macuixtle Karime Meza Robert Moreno Jordan Nelson Elena Papp

Valeria Prado Jessica Porrelli Alex Robles Victor Salas Sienna Sutton Meghan Tiszai Jairo Verduzco Preston Zilliot

17

Todd Becker College of the Desert

Alex Sanchez C.S.U. Fullerton

Jessyca Glotfelty University of Arizona

Samantha Simmons U.C. Santa Cruz

Northern Arizona University

Triniti Marhafer

Senior scholars photographed by Thao Nguyen, Brysenia Miranda, Ariah Hernandez, Brianna Lucrecio, John Doyle, Emily Martinez, Kevin Ayala, David Viefhaus, Mariana Escatell, and Steven Poole.

Thank you to Ms. Campbell for helping us acquire a few of the senior scholar yearbook photos.

Illustrations by Keeshia Kamura.

ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:54 AM Page 8

19 JOURNALISM GOODBYE ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:54 AM Page 10

2017-2018 Hawkview Editors Say Goodbyeeeeeee

Mariana Escatell Editor-in-Chief

As my reign as the world’s best editor comes to an end, I just want to say… you’re welcome for the best newspaper in the desert and for all of my marvelous work.

My goals were to increase our readership. I like to think we went from three readers to eight!!! (A big shout-out to my friends and boyfriend for always reading the newspaper, just because I’m the editor; love you, all.)

Thanks to my awesome co-editor, BAEly Franklin.

Without her, the class would just be me yelling at everyone to do their stories, but she managed to nicely make sure everyone got their stories on time… most of the time.

Most importantly, I want to thank the best adviser in the entire world ever, Ms. Cortez!! Without her, I would be nothing! She always believed in me, supported me through the late nights, and stressful deadlines. Everything we have accomplished is thanks to her.’

This year was the prime of my “What’s Up With?!?!” column. For those of you who may not know, I have been writing it for three years now!!! I’ve always known people enjoyed this section in the newspaper... so, you’re welcome.

Emily and John, you have some big shoes to fill. You two will accomplish everything you want to and more. <3

Bailey Franklin Co-Editor-in-Chief

Congrats to all of our graduating seniors: Mariana, Bailey, Thao, Jessica, Brysenia, Mlen, Davey, Steven, Austin, Sebastian, Andres, Katelyn, Amanda, Mia, Thea, and Kevin. Wishing you all the best!

So here it is, y’all. I have been given the opportunity to write whatever I want in a column that will (maybe) be read by many. Here, of course, I say my thank yous.

Thank you to my parents, of course, for raising me to be the amazing, strong, independent woman that I am. I am forever grateful for your strict, but loving parenting because (no offense, y’all) I turned out much better than most (imo).

Thank you to every single one of my friends from birth to now who have also shaped who I am as a person. I would like to thank my siblings; my older brother for making it easy not to be like him, my sister for criticizing everything(but she’s pretty great), and my youngest brother for being so much like me, but also not.

Thank you to my coaches, my teammates, my teachers for teaching me discipline and how hard work pays off.

I love every single one of you (some more than others) and all y’all have played a large part in how I want to live my life.

Here I present my call to action, for those of you wellversed in literary essay techniques; this is where I call my audience to go out and do something. My challenge to you, my dedicated reader, is to be a positive influence, like every person I thanked in this column. Be inspiring and hardworking; be better, be kinder. Be more than who you are today.

Hawkview Staff

Editors-in-Chief Mariana Escatell Bailey Franklin

Assistant Editors Thao Nguyen Brysenia Miranda Copy Editors Sebastian Camacho Katelyn Pagela John Doyle News Editor Jessica Porrelli Art Editor Mlen Azurin

Features Editor Christian Rodriguez Sports Editor Juan Puga Photo Editor David Viefhaus

Ad Editor Emily Martinez

Reporters Katie Arias, Kevin Ayala, Mia Gonzalez, Ariah Hernandez, Brianna Lucrecio, Drew Patterson, Steven Poole, Austin Romero, Thea Spisz, Mikah Strong, Attiana Villalobos, Amanda Wilkerson Adviser Ms. Cortez

w

ISSUE 6 2018 .qxp_ISSUE 5 2018 6/5/18 11:55 AM Page 11

THE TRUTH IS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WANT TO BE HEARD. THE TRUTH IS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE AMBITIOUS. THE TRUTH IS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS JUST WANT TO ENJOY THEIR YOUTH. THE TRUTH IS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE PASSIONATE ENOUGH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THE TRUTH IS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WANT TO FEEL SAFE AT SCHOOL. THE TRUTH IS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY. THE TRUTH IS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE THE FUTURE.