THE
BUZZ
Tell me something I don’t already know APRIL 4, 2017 3400 W. GONZALES ROAD, OXNARD, CA. 93036 Vol. X No. V
READ MORE INSIDE FINAL ALUMNI
“The new one was out in the boonies with nothing around us” Full Story on page 2
PROM DO’S & DONT’S
“Here are some tips to tackle Prom like a pro.” Full Story on page 3
STUDENTS COMMITTING
“[To play professionally is] always something I’m striving towards to accomplish.” Full Story on page 4
Super Campus Supervisors
A look into the work and lives of Oxnard High School’s Campus Supervisors Andrew Kelley Reporter
Oxnard High School’s Campus Supervisors. Photo Credit: Andrew Kelley
Every day, campus supervisors are seen by hundreds of students, yet few know about these hard-working individuals. Campus supervisor Rose Lapointe began her job by subbing for her husband, and has worked at Oxnard High School for almost 25
years. She has risen to become an essential part of the school’s community. Creating lasting relationships with students and seeing them achieve their goals are things Lapointe greatly enjoys. She said, “I am very proud of the spirit that we have on the
campus right now, especially with basketball, and then of course our girls in soccer are proud that they won the [California Interscholastic Federation Championship] last year.” Throughout his life, campus supervisor Mark Jensen has worked in construction, sales, youth groups, and churches. At this point in his career, he enjoys “seeing our next generation and [guiding] them in the right direction.” Keeping people safe, stopping arguments from escalating into fights, and helping students make better decisions have been a part of Jensen’s job during his three years at OHS . Campus Supervisor Tony Vazquez, or as he likes to go by, “Coach Tony,” has worked in the district for 25 years. Three of those years he has spent at OHS. Besides being a campus supervisor, Vazquez has coached football alongside coach Mark Beckham. “I think Oxnard is a great place not only to develop in sports, but to be a great person,” said Vazquez. Their hard work is compensated by the impact they have in the lives of the many students. “We’re here for the kids,” added Vazquez.
Solving the Math Problem
Teachers and students continue to adjust to the new curriculum Anjanette Tadiaman Reporter During the ‘50s and ‘60s, California was ranked in top ten nationwide in mathematics. Now, the state of California is ranked near the bottom of a nationwide list in math according to an article in The Mercury News. In efforts to eradicate this problem, departments of education, professional educators, and members of the public have researched the key to finding a “common denominator” for all mathematic standards. And thus, Common Core was born. According to the Common Core website, “The Common Core concentrates on a clear set of math skills and concepts. [...] The standards encourage students to solve real-world problems.” Math teacher Ms. Nicole Schmitz said, “I really do support this change in every way. I think it’s helping the students to think on their own.” Oxnard High School’s previously used program, No Child Left Behind, focused more on students learning procedural skills such as memorizing formulas and plugging in numbers. “With Common Core, we dive deeper into why we do something so that we can make a connection,” said math teacher Ms. Allison Halstead.
While math teachers have accepted and adjusted to this new curriculum, some OHS students have shown concern with the change. Senior Jennifer Ruiz said that she enjoyed the curriculum before Common Core because “it just flowed easily.” Freshman Lance Piscasio said, “Sometimes we take too much time trying to discover something rather than actually learning it.” This is one of many problems that students have with Common Core. Some students understand issues that the math department faces. “[Teachers] had to learn how to teach a new curriculum, and I understand if it takes them time to adjust,” said junior Gaby Soto. On the other hand, there are also some students who view Common Core as a positive change. “Teachers are good and Common Core works out well, but it’s on the students if they actually want to learn,” said junior Yessenia Ceja. Despite the negativity shown towards it, this program is living up to its own expectations by helping students work through real life situations. Piscasio said, “[Common Core] does help with real life applications.” Overall, students who dislike the change to Common Core may just be uninformed about its purpose and its standards. Senior Ruby Lyn Lucin said, “When people bring up Common Core, people don’t really get what
Oxnard High School math teacher, Mr. Krieger, in teaching mode. Photo Credit: Anjanette Tadiaman
it is. It seemed more like we were trying to find somewhere to point fingers on why we hated the math department [...] and how we won’t use this math in real life.” To shine a positive light on the situation, the change to Common Core should eventually help to raise our state’s status back up to the top. “The goal of Common Core is to get students to think rather than do,” said OHS math director Mr. Vance Claycamp. In the future, the math department hopes that students’ interest and attitude towards mathematics will change for the better.
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YELLOWJACKETS
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 The Buzz
A Blast From the Past
Oxnard High School alumni and teachers reflect on the move from the old OHS to our current campus Yasel Hurtado Reporter
In 1995, Oxnard High School relocated from its original location on Fifth Street, to its current location on Gonzales Road. The old school now houses the Oxnard Police Activities League gym. OHS Advanced Placement Environmental teacher Kevin Flint, who began teaching for the Oxnard Union High School district in 1990, explained that one of the reasons he chose to take the job at OHS rather than Rio Mesa or Camarillo was because he was “told we were going to have a new high school.” The main causes for the move, according to Flint, were the safety concerns about the airport nearby and dry-rot in the buildings. Malia Vallender Reporter
Flint also said that chemistry lab at the old high school “was ancient and did not work properly, so [he] moved to the new school and was very happy.” Flint expressed that the relocation was “one-hundred percent positive” for him because “this is a better cam-
“I felt very proud to be going to [Oxnard High School],”
-Patricia Huezo
pus, it’s nicer.” The move not only impacted faculty, but the students as well. OHS Alumni Patricia Huezo was part of the first sophomore class at the new OHS. “It was a major change for the students who had been at the old OHS.” The change in size and layout between both schools proved to be a bit of an adjustment for
These are the only 2 remaining buildings from the original Oxnard High School Picture by: Yasel Hurtado
students once they were settled in the new school. “At the new OHS the traffic in the halls and the distance from one building to another caused many students to be late several times a day,” said Huezo. OHS Alumni, Deanna Nuñez, said she “liked the old Oxnard better, the new one was out in the boonies
with nothing around us and the old one was in the center of everything.” Despite a few drawbacks and having to adjust to the new school, the move ultimately came as something positive. “I felt very proud to be going to [Oxnard High School],” said Huezo.
Stealing the Spotlight
Oxnard High School junior Britney Walton is named Miss Outstanding Teen Ventura County as Miss Outstanding Teen Ventura Britney Walton is being awarded County. Photo credit: Karen Quincy Loberg/ The VC Star pageant. To prepare, Walton “There was just said she “did a lot of mock so much anticipation and interviews and paid attenwhen they called Britney’s tion to the news and the name we just went cracurrent events that are hapzy cheering for her,” said Oxnard High School junior pening because you never know what you’re going to Jazmin Malagon. be asked on stage.” Wal On February ton also studied a variety 26, 2017, Oxnard High of worldly issues, ranging School’s very own junior from everyday to political Britney Walton won the scenarios. title of Miss Outstanding OHS junior Daniela Teen Ventura County at Alexander thinks her vast the Miss Ventura County
bank of knowledge is what set her apart from the rest of the contestants. She said that Walton is “aware of a lot of things going on in the world a lot of people our age aren’t.” For the talent segment of the competition, Walton did a dance routine she choreographed herself. “My dancing career has come a long way,” said Walton. Between winning The Rising Star dance competition in 2015 to getting accepted into Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in 2016, there was no surprise she dominated the floor. Malagon said she “ knew [Walton] was going to win for sure because her dance and overall performance was just so well done.” As part of the competition, Walton was required to establish her own platform. She chose to break the silence for mental illness. For the past two years, she has hosted a talent show at OHS called Breaking the Silence. Gathering a group of students who share their talents and experiences through art, Walton raises money for National Children’s Miracle Work. With an aunt that has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and a fellow classmate with an issue of self-harm, Walton viewed the competition as another way to
raise awareness for something she feels so passionately about. Practicing morning, night and even through her classes, Walton’s hard work paid off. Before she was even announced as the first place winner, she received awards for People’s Choice, Talent, Best Fitness, Best Interview, and Evening Wear. After winning Miss Ventura County Teen, Walton will now continue on to Miss California Teen. “It feels really good to have gotten this far,” said Walton, “there are a lot of girls that have been competing for a long time just to get a local title and I was able to get it, I was happy with all the hard work I put in.” Spectators of the show such as OHS junior Junnuen Tapia said, “the show was a great experience to watch, it takes a lot of courage to do what those girls did.” As she moves onto the next round, Walton prepares by practicing her talent and doing more mock interviews in order to be ready for the five-minute interview at state. Alexander sees her as “the type of person to set her mind to something” and execute it and has no doubt that Walton will end on a successful note.
The Buzz Staff Faculty Advisor Mr. David Page
Editors
Editors-In-Chief Mark Salupen Jamie Tadiaman Managing Editor Jazmine Toledo Copy Editor Luz Martinez Online Editor Lisandro Elizondo Quality Control Editor Leslie Espinosa Business Manager Sarah Anaya Layout Editors Rhiannon Enriquez Ileana Gonzalez Entertainment Editor Adriana Mandujano Sports Editor Cienna Saucedo
Reporters
Maria Almaraz Adrian Clark Ilse Cruz Jaylene Gutierrez Yasel Hurtado Leonela Joaquin Andrew Kelley Ashley Ledbetter Leila Luis Pablo Paredes April Perez Celeste Ramirez Ilse Ramirez Kathy Raygoza Kimberly Santos Andrea Servin Anjanette Tadiaman Cindy Tran Verania Valdez Malia Vallender Jesus Zapien
YELLOWJACKETS
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 The Buzz
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It Was the Best of Prom, It Was the Worst of Prom
Cindy Tran Reporter
OHS peers share tips for an awesome time at Prom
Prom is just around the corner and there’s much to don’t go too crazy and clash with your date’s outfit. do to have a good time and look your best. This is the one night where you get to feel special so here are some tips 4. Don’t dress uncomfortably to tackle Prom like a pro. Dudettes, wear heels, but don’t wear ones that are super tall because according to Ortiz “you want to look 1. Do prepare ahead of time comfy, but also stylish at the same time.” In agreement Buying your tickets ahead of time is an obvious goal with Ihrke “dresses that are tight at the bottom are hard to accomplish before the dance. Once it’s out of the way, to dance in.” You don’t want to go home with blisters and you will have much more time to plan your night. As stat- sores because you tripped or your shoes were uncomforted by Oxnard High School senior Brianna Ortiz “it’s better able. to pick out your outfit weeks before the dance.” Don’t stress yourself out over last minute decisions for your outfit. 5. Don’t be arrogant As stated by Brycen Wight don’t “get caught up try2. Do dress in style ing to look all popular.” Don’t try to outdress everyone Prom is a formal dance ,not casual, so you have to else because it might make you look arrogant. The dance wear a formal outfit. Maybe not too formal to the point is only one night so don’t feel pressured to be too extravawhere it’s excessive. OHS junior Vanessa Ihrke states that gant. “any dress or style is fine,” just keep it formal and according to you.” 6. Do be yourself In accordance to his previous statement, Wight said 3. Don’t look foolish that “to have a good time just be yourself and have fun Dudes out there, you want to look formal, not like a with your friends.” You are your own unique person, so clown. You want your outfit and your date’s outfit to look there is no need for imitation and approval. good. OHS senior Jack Adams states that “ you shouldn’t wear colors, like red and blue” and to “keep it simple like In the end, don’t forget to be yourself and make the black and white.” This isn’t the Oscars so dress formal and most of the night by getting down on the dance floor.
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Committing Athletic Scholars
Jesus Zapien
Student athletes committing to their future
Reporter
A sport can be seen as any other game, but playing a sport in college can be different in many aspects. Playing for a more reputable school can bring attention to a player’s name and committing to a school can be seen as a step closer to playing professionally. The National Collegiate Athletic Association consist of three kinds of divisions; division one(D1), division two (D2), and division three(D3). Student athletes in the D1 program will have their school cost of attendance paid over a course of multiple years. The lower the division the less money available to the player, according to www.ncaa.com. Oxnard High School senior Samantha Molina, was offered to play soccer at the University
of California, Riverside, but ultimately committed to NewBerry College in South Carolina. “I felt like Newberry was a better fit for me. I knew that I was going to stay in California for the rest of my life, so I thought it would be more of an experience for me to attend Newberry College,”said Molina. “I feel like being far away from my parents will help me become more independent and not have to rely on anyone.” Molina felt that once she begins to play at Newberry that her “game” would rise significantly and stated that her goal,“is to play as a starter and not be a bench, that will push me to do more and work harder against my competition.” Despite having been offered to play at the University of
New York, Utah, and Denver, OHS senior, Ashley Cruz, has committed to play soccer at the D1 California State University, Northridge. “I wanted to stay close to home so my parents could come see me play, if I were to have played out of state then it would have been a hassle for them to see me play,” said Cruz. “[To play professionally is] always something I’m striving towards to accomplish,” added Cruz. Having the offer to have one’s school expenses paid for in exchange to represent their school through an athletic program is uncommon. Student athletes receive their bachelor degree in the field of study they desire. Although, the chances of playing professionally is known to be very small, student athletes con-
Athletes are excited by the very few months left to graduate and look forward to playing sports in college. Picture by: Jesus Zapien
tinue to do their best in athletics and academics.
Hear From OHS Varsity Athletes!
Boys Swim Team
Track & Field
Juan Martinez Year: Senior
Phoenix Judd Year: Sophmore
What is the greatest memory you have made with the Varsity Boys Swim Team?
Do you have plans to run for college?
“I look forward to becoming the
best runner I can be and try to break the school record for the mile. “At first it was hard because we had a lot of meet. It taught me time I want to run in college and I would management because we would want to run for California Polytechalways go out.” nic State University, San Luis Obispo or University of California, Santa Cruz.”
Softball
Asia Brousseau
Year: Senior
Why did you join softball? What is softball to you?
“It all started at Seaside Little League and I wanted to see how far i can go. And so far, I made it into high school, varsity all four years, and now I’m going off to college to play softball at Hawaii Pacific University. It’s more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Its helped me more in life, not just in sports, like my athletic ability, but taking care of my responsibilities, my attitude, and college. Travel is mainly about getting you to the next level academically, not just physically.”
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Girls Swim Team
Boys Volleyball
Olivia Craige
Darien Reyes Year: Senior
Year: Senior
How was your experience in playing volleyball throughout your high school career?
What is the greatest memory you have made with the Varsity Girls Swim Team?
“Coach Casey has really disciplined
“I get to end my day in the pool and relax, basically joke with my friends so it’s kind of like a safe place”
us well. He wants us to be great people on the court and off the court as well. He taught us no matter how competitive you are, the point is to make sure that you’re always having fun.” Baseball
Year: Senior
At what time in your life did you start wanting to play baseball? Do you intend on playing in the future at the college level?
“I started when I was four years old, [Baseball] was a safe place for me. I enjoy playing and I look forward to playing in the future. I am going to play in college at the University of Washington.”
Kaiser Weiss
Letter to the Editor
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