Toro El
Volume 54 NO. 3 January 2013
Link Crew provides structured social interaction
Student body rallies against rival SPORTS page 8
Girls’ soccer sets sights on C.I.F. playoffs
FEATURE page 4
SPORTS page 8
Student Newspaper of La Mirada High School
13520 Adelfa Drive, La Mirada, CA 90638
Matador Scholar Academy establishes student board By Alice Kang
Among the various opportunities provided to the highly motivated students of La Mirada High school who aspire to achieve their highest potential is the Matador Scholar Academy. The M.S.A. is an academy available to all students who wish to challenge their academic strengths while at the same time, acquire college course credit. Ms. Melissa Naudin, English, PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF MONICA PEREZ is the M.S.A. coordinator. UnSO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Senior candidates for the Mr. La Mirada 2013 crown perform their opening dance for family, friends, and der her leadership, the scholar fans on January 12th. Girls’ League members Maddy Thompson, ‘15, and Mindy Sandoval, ‘15, choreographed the five minute dance. academy has renewed a goal on student academic achievement and recognition; “It’s important that we bring more focus on the academic achievements of the judges; Mayor of La Mirada Ga- candidate, the boys and their school. There are so many sucBy Jackie Leeder briel Garcia, Los Angeles County friends featured current fashion cessful students on campus and I At 7:03PM on Saturday Janu- Fire Battalion Chief Ken Doug- exhibiting the boys’ style, which think we need to give them more ary 12th, over a hundred family, las, and La Mirada businessman ranged from the skater Hipster recognition.” friends, and fans, along with the and editor of the La Mirada Blog, styles to relaxed Hawaiian. BenIn order to achieve the goal, jamin Khemthong’s, ’13, escort Ms. Naudin created a student mayor of La Mirada, a Fire Chief, Tony Aiello. Prior to the opening dance, Cheyanne Leeder, ’15, revealed “I board to represent the scholar and local businessman as judges, filed in and took their seats await- baby pictures of each boy were was a last minute escort, walking academy students. Community ing the performance of ten senior displayed on a giant screen. on stage was really exciting and I Services Chair of the M.S.A., boys who vowed for the title of Shortly after, Samantha Scovel just wanted to make it all about Emily DeBoer, ’13, states, “I the evening’s host took to the mi- Ben, and I think I did a good job.” think the M.S.A. now has a Mr. La Mirada 2013. The talent portion of the night more prestigious standing on On this evening the Girls’ crophone to begin the festivities. The show began with the boys was by far the most exciting and campus thanks to the dedication League advised by Mr. John Alvarez, and under the leadership dressed in cowboy attire, as the competitive. The outlaws illus- and excitement recently exhibitof Bre Flores, ’13 and Samantha theme was La Mirada’s Most trated their secret talents, come- ed.” Newly elected representative dy, dancing, singing and the most of the junior class, Joyce Lee, ’14, Scovel, ’14, made the La Mirada Wanted. nerve wrecking talent of the night echoed this sentiment by comAfter making an impression M.P.R. glamorous with lights shimmering upon the stage, cat- via dance they were ready to in- fire dancing. Diamond Lagmay menting on the benefits of the walk, and just above the catwalk troduce themselves down the engaged the entire audience with M.S.A., “I see it as a program was an array of lights and decora- catwalk with their parents by his chants and acrobatic mastery that all students can come to if tions heralding the Mr. La Mira- their side. Surprisingly, some can- of fire. Audience member, Sara they want to prepare for college didates and parents coordinated Barajas, ’16 revealed, “Diamond’s and be more involved on camda contestants. dance had me on the edge of pus.” Seated in front of the catwalk dance moves. After the introduction of each [see Mr. LM, pg 4] It is required of students to were three distinguished guest
take a minimum of one honors or Advanced Placement course to be a member of the M.S.A.. “By taking challenging and rigorous courses, students are showing their highest potential to their prospective colleges,” says Mr. David Hallum, LMHS Counselor. “Students who have been in the M.S.A. usually do well in four-year colleges and this builds the reputation of our school.” By being a part of the M.S.A., not only are students of La Mirada High school able to demonstrate their excellence in academics, but they are also able to obtain valuable knowledge that is of much benefit both inside and outside of the classroom. Due to the positive contributions of Ms. Naudin and countless members of the M.S.A., the program has recently shown significant amounts of enhancements. From the newly formed parent booster club to the elected student leadership board, the M.S.A. has made beneficial improvements. The student board will guide the decisions related to student success in higher education, specifically, university admission. However, Ms. Naudin claims that this is merely the beginning. The supporters of the M.S.A., along with Ms. Naudin, plan on further expanding and developing the program throughout the next several years. As more motivated and ambitious students on campus are recruited and greater advancements are made, the M.S.A. is sure to reach its goals.
Powder Puff: GQ theme set for March 8th event
POWDER PUFF PARTICIPATION
Outlaw Lagmay prevails
By Anthony Salgado
ers. Senior, Taylor has been in A.S.B. for the past four years and she says, “I like to be involved with our school events. Although Every Spring a rite of passage is renewed with the annual Pow- it’s stressful at times, the end result is always worth it.” Late February will mark the start time for the girls to begin der Puff football game and rallies. Powder Puff is a decades long tradition for students, staff, and families as they look forward practice for their respective class. As in previous year, the LMHS to competition on the football field and the rallies on campus. Football Boosters will manage the game and practices at GoodThis event is a chance for the girls of the senior and junior classes man Stadium. Meanwhile, A.S.B. will conduct all the rallies. Senior voting for Powder Puff Top 15 will be on February 4th to square off in a flag football game and boys of both classes to vie for the GQ Powder Puff Throne. Taylor Sinnott, ‘13, A.S.B. . Seniors will vote for Top 5 on February 19th. The always anmember explains, “This game is very important because it brings ticipated Powder Puff Spotlight Rally will held in the gym on our students together for a little friendly competition.” The Pow- March 1st. School-wide voting for the Powder Puff King will be der Puff game is set to take place the evening of March 8, 2013. March 4th. All juniors and seniors wishing to participate must be in good The Powder Puff theme is GQ: L. M.’s Man of the Year. Prepaacademic standing, and meet all eligibility requirements. ration for Powder Puff began earlier this school year with A.S.B. Underclassman are encouraged to attend all rallies. Freshmen at the helm. In all there are almost 200 people involved in executing this seminal event; including A.S.B., coaches, and play- support the Class of 2013, and sophomores support 2014.
CLASS OF2013 and CLASS OF 2014 GIRLS RANK YOURSELF ON YOUR COMMITMENT TOTALLY COMMITTED The Terminator You do whatever it takes to Pitch Perfect secure a You always victory. cheer on your team/class. Field Diva You are more concerned about the way you look than your game.
Burger Queen You complain until you get it your way. NOT COMMITTED