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Debates Make it to States
“I’m super proud of my team for placing first.” >>Full story on page 2
No Wrong Decison
“As you learn, grow, and navigate life, your beliefs may change and that’s okay.” >>Full story on page 3
Tell me something I don’t already know
Poetic Justice
“It’s all about creating a community and promoting our artwork and our voice.”
May 30, 2017 3400 W. GONZALES ROAD, OXNARD, CA. 93036 Vol. X No. VI
Andrew Kelley Editoral Editor Ilse Ramirez Reporter
Chain Mail
A convicted DUI murderer writes letters of caution to Oxnard High School English students
Nobody was home. Upon arriving to his house, and finding it locked, he panicked. Lester feared he was being abandoned by his friends, who were on their way to another house. Because of this misunderstanding, a fight broke out within the group. After the dispute had died down, the Jonathan Sanchez, Elena Acevedo, Gabriela Melendez, group, minus Lester, and Kevin Sanchez of Mr. Brickey’s class pose with letters headed down the street. from Lester. “At that point, he was Photo courtsey of Rhiannon Enriquez very angry and drunk, In the early hours of Octoand he got behind the wheel of ber 28, 2006, a crime was commithis truck,” said Mr. Simon. Lester ted, one that is still being felt today, drove towards the group, hitting even in Oxnard High School’s them, and killing one of his friends. English classrooms. On that fatal He was eventually reprimanded morning, Lester Varnum and a after crashing into a nearby house. group of his friends were on their Mr. Simon continued, “He was not way home from Money Pancho’s the person that the alcohol made Mexican Restaurant in Camarillo, him that night” and because of one California. “Lester was smashed, small mistake, he was sentenced to his blood alcohol level was .23. 15 years to life in prison, for SecThat was almost three times the ond Degree Murder. legal limit for driving.” says Mr. Mr. Simon went on to say, Richard Simon, a Senior District “When we did the sentencing, I Attorney. Adrian Clark Sports Editor Celeste Ramirez Business Manager
>>Full story on page 6
said something I’ve never said at a sentencing for murder case. I said, ‘I hope he does get out, I hope he does become a productive member of society.’ ” Simon believes it is likely that Lester will receive parole, due to the amount of support he has. In his speech to Mr. Brickey’s English class, Mr. Simon said that parole is not only distributed based upon behavior while incarcerated, but also upon plans one might have to reintegrate back into society, such as plans for employment or housing. According to a 2009 article in the Ventura County Star by Raul Hernandez, Varnum’s lawyer, Louis Samonsky, Lester will “not be eligible for parole until he serves 85 percent of his sentence.” District Attorney Simon, commented about student involvement in Lester’s story saying, “I [think] that it was really good that they were engaged and interested because they learn to avoid this situation.” He continued, “It shows the complexity of the system, not all cases are black and white.” Since his incarceration, Varnum has taken up writing
letters to students of Mr. Marcell Brickey’s English class. In a letter of his, Varnum offered advice he hoped would open the students’ eyes to something greater. “It is important to try to learn from what are hopefully small mistakes on your part, but it is also very important to learn from other peoples’ mistakes,” wrote Lester in one of his letters. In a matter of minutes his entire life changed drastically, but instead of living with the anger of what happened that night, he took initiative and is now focusing on bettering himself. One of the most important things he said was, “Don’t ever depend on someone to take care of you, and don’t be afraid to call your parents. They’d rather you be safe than in danger right?” The reality is, they do just want you safe; taking it from a person who has been in that position, don’t be afraid. Learn from the experiences of others and use them to your benefit because, as Lester wrote, “what’s more [important] is the decisions you make today; they’ll affect your entire future.”
OHS Teacher Quality Probed
The various traits that teachers exhibit in their classes is what makes students want to come to class or want to avoid going to class. A Buzz survey of 145 Oxnard High School students representing the four grade levels and representing almost 5% of the student body, revealed student views of teacher qualities. OHS junior Angel Martinez said, “The qualities that make a teacher great is when they are nice and respectful.” Other students had their specific priorities for teacher quality and for what their ideal teacher would be like. Some of the important traits that make a teacher great are confidence, patience, and passion. Teachers that care about their students and want to help students pass their classes tend to be a student’s favorite, as revealed by the
Students rank teacher’s outstanding qualities
Teacher Qualities Survey Results Chart
survey and student responses. OHS junior Gabriel Estrada said his favorite quality in a teacher is when “the teacher has a great attitude with the students.” Estrada added that his favorite teacher assists him by working one on one in class when he needs help. This seems to be the case with lots of students at
OHS, who appreciate one-on-one help, to further understand the subject being taught. On the other hand, there are teacher traits that students find to be negative and that take away from learning. Estrada discussed how his least favorite teachers are not very inspiring. This was most-
ly because there was a lot of busy work involved, no group assignments, and too much lecturing. Some of the surveyed students commented that they tend to lose focus and become distracted when a teacher lectures for too long. OHS junior Abel Tinajera admitted that it is for him to lose focus in classes that have a lot of lecture or have no group activities. He usually spots people on their phone or having side conversations during the lecture. Tinajera said, “This happens after 15-20 minutes of talking. We all just lose focus because we want to engage with each other.” Classroom control and behavior become a key factor for the students. Students seem to appreciate a learning environment that is quiet and busy.
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Tuesday, May 30, 2017 The Buzz
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Los equipos de debate llegan al Estado
Los equipos de debate de la escuela secundaria de Oxnard High School llegaron a competir en el Estado Con mucho esfuerzo, dedijo, “Para mi entender, el equipo de terminación, partidos amistosos y español ha tenido juegos constantenumerosas conferencias después de mente llegando al estado, gracias de escuela, los equipos de debate de in- la forma que el Sr. García nos prepaglés y español de la escuela secundra.” aria Oxnard sucesivamente llegaron al campeonato del estado 2017. El seis de Mayo, los equipos viajaron a la escuela primaria Cato en Fresno, California para competir contra otros equipos de debate para el campeonato del estado. Para la presidenta de inglés que está en su último año de la preparatoria, Xochitl López, es la segunda vez que llega al campeonato del estado con su equipo. “Yo soy la única que regresa este año y me sentí orgullosa de mi misma y de mi equipo porque sentí que les ayude lo suficiente para llegar al campeonato del estado,” dijo English Debate team after the State competition Photo courtesy of Xochitl Lopez López. El equipo de Español de OHS ha llegado al Los dos equipos, dirigidos estado múltiple veces anteriormente. por el señor Erick García, trabajan Miembro del equipo de debate de juntos para dar fuerza a cada uno español que está en su último año de sus argumentos y encuentran de la preparatoria, Ledia Camarena defectos en sus puntos. López dijo
”También tenemos juegos amistosos contra el equipo de Español, cual nos ayuda mucho porque se siente como un debate actual de competencia.” Los equipos debaten en temas controversiales. Para competencias los equipos son informados de los temas que serán debatidos antes de la competencia, pero no saben de qué lado estarán debatiendo hasta ese dia. En el debate del estado, los equipos debatieron sobre el tema de control de armas si reduce el crimen o no, según lo indicado por López. En el campeonato del estado, los equipos de debate ponen todo su esfuerzo para lograr su meta de ganar. Como resultado, los dos equipos clasificaron para los tres más altos lugares. López dijo, “Ingles quedó en segundo de veinte equipos y espanol quedó en tercero de diecisiete equipos.” Los equipos tuvieron un año exitoso y están esperando para encontrar un nuevo tema para el siguiente año de escuela. López dijo “Estoy muy orgullosa de mi equipo por haber colocado primero en los regionales y aver echo cosas asombrosas en el estado por ser su primer año no puedo ser una presidenta más orgullosa.
Debate makes it to State
Oxnard High school debate teams make it to the state championship With hard work, determination, scrimmages, and numerous after school meetings, Oxnard High School’s Spanish and English Debate teams successfully made their way to the 2017 State Championships. On May 6th, the teams traveled to Cato middle school in Fresno, California to compete against other debate teams for the State championship. For returning senior English Debate President Xochitl Lopez, this was the second time of making it to the State Championship with the English team. “I am the only returner this year and I felt proud of me and my team because I felt like I was able to help them enough and we were able to make it to state!” said Lopez. The OHS Spanish team had
made it to state multiple times before this one. Senior Spanish Debate Team member Ledia Camarena said “From my knowledge, Spanish team has had a game of constantly making it to state thanks to the way Mr. Garcia prepares us.” Both teams, led by Mr. Erick Garcia, work together to strengthen each other’s arguments and find flaws in their points. Lopez said “We also scrimmage against the Spanish team, which helps a lot because it feels like an actual debate competition.” The teams debate on controversial topics. For competitions, the teams are informed of the topic that they will be debating on prior to the competition, but they do not find out what side they will be debating for
until the day of. At the state competition, the teams debated on whether or not gun control reduces crime. At the state championship, the debate teams put all of their effort into achieving their goals of winning. As a result, both teams ranked in the top three places. Lopez said “English placed second from about 20 teams and Spanish placed third from about 17 teams.” The teams had a successful year, and they are now waiting to find out the new topic for the next school year. Lopez said, “I’m super proud of my team for placing first at regionals and going on to do amazing at state! For it being their first year, I couldn’t be a prouder president!”
Jaylene Gutierrez Editor in Chief
The Buzz Staff
Faculty Advisor Mr. David Page
Editors
Editors-In-Chief Jaylene Gutierrez Andrea Servin Managing Editor Ilse Cruz Copy Editor Malia Vallender Online Editor Maria Almaraz Quality Control Editor Kimberly Santos Business Manager Celeste Ramirez Layout Editors Leila Luis Verania Valdez Entertainment Editor Ashley Ledbetter Sports Editors Adrian Clark Kathy Raygoza Editorial Editor Andrew Kelley
Reporters
Sarah Anaya Lisandro Elizondo Rhiannon Enriquez Leslie Espinosa Ileana Gonzalez Yasel Hurtado Leonela Joaquin Andrew Kelley Adriana Mandujano Luz Martinez Pablo Paredes April Perez Ilse Ramirez Cienna Saucedo Mark Salupen Jamie Tadiaman Anjanette Tadiaman Jazmine Toledo Cindy Tran Jesus Zapien
YELLOWJACKETS Kimberly Santos Quality Control Manager
No Wrong Decision
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Oxnard High School teachers share their college experience and advice for those leaving the hive
Heading off to college can be a huge milestone in one’s life. Based on personal experience, it took a while to strive for college but once he did, “it all [worked] out” said Oxnard High School English teacher Mr. Patrick Casey. “Once I decided I wanted to go to school you couldn’t stop me,” said Mr. Casey. After going from one college to another, he found his inspiration through a F. Scott Fitzgerald book to dedicatedly head back.
“It was always the becom- ing he dreamed of, never the being.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise
Mr. Casey started off at California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran) and then transferred to California State University, Northridge, where he was kicked out for grades. After getting kicked out, he spent three years bouncing around community college trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Looking back Pablo Paredes Reporter Maria Almaraz Online Editor
Tuesday, May 30, 2017 The Buzz
now, Mr. really matter. Casey says It’s the one you he would’ve graduate from started out that is the perwith the fect college.” community said Mr. Casey. college route OHS math instead. teacher, Ms. He Nicole Schmitz advises to was acceptvisit as many ed into the schools as University of possible beCalifornia, Los fore making a Angeles, but decision. Mr. chose to attend Casey said Cal Luther“[Seniors] are an. Although so caught up Cal Lutheran with making wasn’t her Mr. Patrick Casey posing alongside a portrait of his the right dedream school, college graduate self. Photo courtesy of Verania Valdez cision. They’re she said it so afraid of definitely was making a wrong decision, but meant to be because she found her there’s really no such wrong decidream job through it. Her college sion.” experience was a good one, but Committing to a college Ms. Schmitz wishes she was more can be a stressful decision to make. involved and advises to “take risks “If you spend all your time when that get you out of your comfort you’re in high school stressing out zone that you might not really want whether you’re getting into the to do at first.” perfect [college] or not, it doesn’t
College gives one the opportunity to learn various things and meet new people. “Be open to new ideas and different viewpoints. As you learn, grow, and navigate life, your beliefs may change and that’s okay; it’s part of your journey so don’t box yourself in” said OHS social science teacher Ms. Tirza Estrada. Don’t be afraid to take new classes, learn about different fields, or get a feel for different subject areas. “Be patient with yourself, it takes time to decide what you want to do for the next 50 years” said OHS math teacher Mrs. Renee Fisher. Having worked full time to support herself, Mrs. Fisher added, “If you get the chance to go to school without having to work, I highly recommend it.” Right after high school, the college path may not be the path desired at the moment. Mrs. Fisher said, “Whether you go to college or not, you should never stop learning. You can pursue anything that interests you.”
The Departing of a Class
The seniors at Oxnard High School reflect on their memorable moments at the hive
to which assignment to do since “When [he] opened that letter say[he] procrastinated a lot.” ing ‘Congratulations you’ve been As a piece of advice, Ramos accepted to Princeton’” it made all adds “Don’t fall behind because of his hard work pay off. when you are a senior you want to Seniors have experienced do fun things.” all that high school has to offer Decisions made as an and are ready to move on to the underclassman can affect students next stage of their lives. “I’m really throughout the course of high excited that I’m going to be leaving, school. “I do regret not caring but I think I’m going to miss everyfreshman and sophomore year body,” said Shea. about my grades and it really Though high school has affects me now,” said OHS senior been a journey with many highs Victoria Shea. and lows for OHS seniors, the fu Once seniors ture is filled with countless opporSeniors, Simon Hernandez, Edwin Magaña, and Alex Lanns, participate in the 15 Minutes learned to balance their time wise- tunities for the departing class of project. Photo courtsey of Maria Almaraz ly, they began to reap the benefits. 2016-2017. As their final year of high OHS senior Hector Betanzos said, During their time at the hive, school comes to a close, seniors are seniors have made long lasting conready to reflect back on the chalnections with their peers. “I made lenges, achievements and decisions new friends who I feel like are made throughout their past four going to stay connected once we years. go off to college,” said OHS senior The experiences that come Hunter Reed. with attending high school have OHS senior Victoria Ramos allowed seniors the chance to dewill look back at some of her best velop their own personalities. memories including her occasional For Oxnard High School pizza parties with her friends in senior Eduardo Cardenas, meeting Ms. Nicole Schmitz’s math classnew people was essential for him to room. gain confidence in himself. “I used Along with becoming a to be a shy person,” said Cardenas, senior comes the responsibility of “and I wouldn’t talk to as many managing school work as well as people and since freshman year it their free time. Cardenas said he has changed. I’m more comfortable struggled with managing his school Seniors and juniors attended a project held at Oxnard High School. talking to more people.” time and “balancing [his] priorities Photo courtsey of Maria Almaraz
May 30, 2017 4 Tuesday, The Buzz
YELLOWJACKETS
The Buzz Archives
The Jacket Journal Vol. 7 No. 6 1987 “One Enchanted Evening”
History of The Buzz Over the decades, The Buzz has been a big part of Oxnard High School’s history. Student reporters have kept campus life stories alive through their words, which have been archived from issues dating back to
the decade of the 1930’s. Portable 14, The Buzz newsroom, currently houses hundreds of copies of old Buzz newspapers. For anyone interested in visiting The Buzz archives, please feel free to stop & browse.
The Jacket Journal Vol. 7 No. 6 1987 “One Enchanted Evening”
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Tuesday, May 30, 2017 The Buzz
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Senior Salutes
As the year comes to a close, our seniors at Oxnard High School depart towards their post-secondary endevors
Ventura College Alyssa Berumen
“You really figure yourself out and I feel I’m really different from who I used to be. I’m going to Ventura College for two years and then I’m going to transfer. I think I want to do something in veterinary
Navy Dondi Garza
“I’m pretty excited to go to the Navy. I get to go overseas and other countries, and just get to live a little bit before I go to school.”
field.”
Cal Lutheran University Daniela Cruz
“I’ve met a lot of new people here. I’ve played basketball for four years so I’ve always been involved with the campus. Leaving is kind of sad because you’re moving on. I knew I wanted to stay close to home so I’m going to Cal Lutheran University.”
UC Santa Cruz Andrea Tovar
“High school was tough, but if you know what you are doing and if you have a goal, it’s tough to get to it but at the end it’s totally worth it.”
Ventura College Joshua Bibian
“Right now I am planning to stay local for a community college. My plan was to go to a 4 year university, especially Chico State but my parents decided that it would be better for me to stay for a community college.”
Tuskegee University in Alabama Johnny Fuentes
“High school was fun, I had a lot of good experiences with my friends. It was a pretty wild ride throughout the four years. I’m pretty nervous but I’m excited to g explore the South for free.”
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Tuesday, May 30, 2017 The Buzz
April Perez Reporter
A Piece of Mind
Students and staff join together for Oxnard High School’s Yoga in the Library program.
Oxnard High School teachers and staff relieve some stress by participating in then Yoga in the Library program. Photo courtesy of April Perez
The Oxnard High School Library is a place where a Yellowjacket can find all the books necessary for essays or any book of interest, but every Friday there’s a new found opportunity to relieve stress. OHS’ Yoga in the Library program was started by OHS Library Technician, Jennifer Brickey, as a way to bring
Anjanette Tadiaman Reporter
Poetry Slams have been known to arouse vital and energetic interest in poetry, according to www.poetry.org. This is one of the reasons the Oxnard High School library decided to hold the school’s first Poetry Slam. The head of the OHS Library, Mrs. Jennifer Brickey, said that the slam is meant to be empowering by “giving those who want to share a sense of confidence.” Reading poems is one thing, but actually memorizing and performing them is another, which is what traditionally happens at a Poetry Slam. The goal is to “encourage students to perform something that they feel needs to be said out loud,” said Mrs. Brickey. Although there are many students on campus who express their creativity through words and poetry, very few of them have had the chance to share it with others. Through the Poetry Slam,
OHS staff and students together in a healthy manner. For our students and staff on campus, “this program is open to every age and every athletic ability,” said Mrs. Brickey. If one is interested in this program there is no need for experience- anyone at OHS can join. Unfortunately, this program is not open to the public for the Yellowjackets’ safety. This program is
intended for anyone looking to relieve some stress after a long day at work or school. The yoga sessions are instructed by a professional yoga instructor, Ren Schafer. Students and staff were able to do the beginning yoga stretches. Those who went did not need to have yoga mats or equipment with them as materials were provided if needed. Amongst those that attended the first session was, OHS senior Eduardo Cárdenas who said, “It was relaxful on the day I had a test.” Because there were teachers doing the program, Cardenas felt the bond between one of his teachers and himself strengthen. After spring break, Cardenas and his teacher had a con-
versation where Cardenas stated “we talked about how it was relaxful to have it before spring break. We left school relaxed onto spring break to relax even more”. Mrs.Wendy Henchy, the OHS AVID coordinator has been doing yoga for years. Mrs. Henchy stands by the fact that yoga has many benefits “ including control of temper, breathing skills, flexibility and keeping [her] height and stature.” If interested, feel free to stop by the library for a permission slip to join OHS students and staff relieve some stress.
OHS Library and ASB hosts its first Poetry Slam! itive, Mrs. Brickey said, “It’s all about creating a community and promoting our artwork and our voice.” The OHS Performing Arts Center was filled with the sounds of fingers snapping and students
Cedric Lim performing in the finalists round at the OHS Poetry Slam. Photo courtesy of Anjenette Tadiaman
Poetry can be a powerful way to express oneself. “[One of the best aspects of poetry] is having control over what you say and how you say it,” said OHS senior Eddie Quirino. Even though the Poetry Slam is compet-
cheering for their peers who performed their powerful and creative poems. Many positive comments were made after the success of this historic event at OHS. “A lot of the same feelings and understandings were
“What Makes a Man a Man?” Poem courtesy of Cedric Lim Second Place in the Poetry Slam
Man was first before the woman. He was the first among the apples of Eden. It was Adam’s spirit that was the tip of the spear Followed by the glamorous being of Eve. All this was the origins of life, But what makes a Man a Man? What does it take to be a true Man? All my life, I thought that being a Man was all about brute strength and screaming your lungs out like “Oooh rahhh!” But it was at a sudden moment where I realized my Dad had lost his own inner Man. It was he who left my Mom, my brother, my sister, and me through a lie.
Poetic Justice
students will be able to see the creativity that others have to offer. “It will let others know how their peers feel and how they express themselves,” said OHS senior Adolfo Rivera.
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“The goal is to “encourage students to perform something that they feel needs to be said out loud,” said Mrs. Brickey.”
resonated throughout the audience,” said OHS English teacher Mrs. Kristina Roberts. OHS was also fortunate to have the presence of three special guests: Ventura County Poet Laureate Phil Taggert, Fernando Salinas and Gretchen Friday, who both work with the Ventura County Arts Council. After witnessing the Poetry Slam, Taggert said, “I saw such incredible thought and such beautiful language with everyone.” The OHS library wants to continue to host annual events in the future where students can have an outlet for creativity. “It’s important that people are sharing their voice,” said Mrs. Brickey.
To be a Man starts with knowing how not to be one And once I understood that, I wandered my own soul into the world On a venture to discover the truths and roots of Man. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be the strongest Man among all Men, But it was my Mom who defined for me what a Man truly is. She told me that Man is truthful No lies told or even thought about A Man is honest and is held accountable for all his actions, good and bad She told me that Man is loyal A Man is one who does not cheat It is the Man’s mind that chooses whether or not to stay a Man My Mom told me that a Man is a Man of his words, his actions, and his thinking. A Man is not meant to be built so sturdy and have the horny luxuries to sleep with many beauties that deserve unconditional love, no…. It is the true Man that keeps this world stable from falling apart. Even just one Man is all that the world needs for it to be organized and ruled righteously with great integrity for the benefit of all.
YELLOWJACKETS
Tuesday, May 30, 2017 The Buzz
Ashley Ledbetter Entertainment Editor
104 Days of Summer and Opportunities Students share their plans for this upcoming summer
The sunset taken place at Sea Bridge Photo courtesy of Ileana Gonzalez
Summer is right around the corner and Oxnard High School students are anticipating its arrival. The summer break allows students to take advantage of all the opportunities missed during the school year. Ilse Cruz Managing Editor
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To OHS junior Monica Cruz, summer is a good time to take initiative and learn new things. Her plans for the summer consist of “going to the beach, so learning how to surf would be cool,” added
Cruz. The time off during the summer also gives an opportunity for students to gain work experience. “Working will keep me busy over the summer” said OHS junior Nicole Villanueva, “plus receiving some cash never hurts.” Getting an early start on the future is also a priority for some students. OHS junior Brenda Roa said, “getting a head start for college is a main goal for me.” Roa plans to prepare by visiting various universities over summer vacation. Traveling to new places with family or friends can be exciting way to spend the summer. OHS junior Juliana Barajas said going on trips out of the country is one of her favorite things to do during summer. She said, “experiencing new things with people you enjoy the most spark the most
memorable times.” Although some vacation to places outside of Oxnard, others decide to stay local and enjoy what the city has to offer. Locally, OHS junior Meryan Askar said she enjoys shopping with friends, going to the beach, and eating at ‘In N Out’. To some, the summer is an opportunity to spend time with loved ones before embarking on a new adventure. OHS senior Gissele Vazquez said, “This will be the last summer with my family and friends before I go off to college and I want to make the most out of it.” Vazquez further added that “even though the beauty of summer is right around the corner, all beautiful things come to an end, and so will summer. Make every second count and seize the day.”
Drama Buzzes Around the Hive
Oxnard High School’s Drama Club performs their first musical play in this generation On May 19th through the 21st, Oxnard High School performed their first musical in over four years. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a comedy musical about a whole bunch of elementary school kids doing a spelling bee,” said Drama Club President and OHS senior Brogan Gallagher. When Gallagher saw this production about a year ago, she felt that she had to perform it at OHS. For a year, she had been planning to do this musical because she thought it was funny, creative, and could highlight the talents of many different people. With everyone playing a big part of the musical instead of it just being about one main person, this performance wasn’t like any other.
Sand Beach Ocean Oxnard Sandals Sun Yellowjackets
Palms Birds Fun Colors Summer Flowers Dolphin
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee performance on May 19, 2017. Photo courtesy of Joss DeMartino
In previous years, the drama department lacked musical productions in comparison to the amount of plays. This year was different because the Drama Club chose a musical “to mix things up after doing almost 14 plays and zero musicals,” said OHS senior
Fish Sea Shells Sand Food Vacation Trips
Marie Claire DeMartino. A musical is “more entertaining than an average play because you get all the entertainment from music, acting and dancing and other elements and you put them in one production,” said OHS senior Fred Garcia.
In order to perfect the play, cast members had to put in many hours of practice. They prepared by “having daily practices and reviews for our music and lines - the rest is studying at home,” said DeMartino. Before a play begins, Gallagher usually does her personal ritual for good luck. “Every show we’ll do what’s called a ‘show circle’. We’ll get in a circle and hold hands and I wish them all to break all their legs before show time and closing night I always write little letters for my cast members,” said Gallagher. This musical was a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends and have a good laugh, while witnessing history being made by the OHS Drama Club.
On His Way to Whittier With hard work and dedication comes great accomplishments for senior Dustin Sanchez Celeste Ramirez Business Manager
On February 25th, 2017, school that had great education Oxnard High School senior Dustin and close to home,” and Whittier Sanchez, who has been playing offered him that. football for five years, pursued his Getting offered to play dream of receiving a scholarship football in college was not someto play football in college. Sanchez thing that Sanchez accomplished committed to Whittier College and overnight. “I put in lots of hours of will be a student, as well as their extra work on the field and in the next wide receiver in the Fall of weight room,” he said, “everyday 2017. I was motivated to work hard to In accomplish January, Sansomething chez took a that very few trip to Whitpeople in tier where the country he explored accomplish.” the campus, Being a stuvisited the dent athlete facilities and has been a was awarded challenge for with a scholSanchez. “It arship later definitely was that evening not easy, but that would I had goals pay for most of playing of his schoolfootball at ing. “I get the next level to play the so nothing game I love was going to at the next stop me from Dustin Sanchez representing his present and future level,” said reaching my football teams. Photo Courtesy of Celeste Ramirez Sanchez, goal,” he add“and my ed, “I manparents don’t have to worry about aged to maintain a GPA of 3.5.” affording college for me.” Head Football Coach Jon Sanchez was recruited to Mack said he knows “Dustin will play football for numerous schools, be a great football player, but better including the University of North- than that is the man he is becomern Colorado, the University of ing, he is very talented, he really Jamestown, Southern Virginia worked to become the athlete he University, Southern Arkansas is, he will be very successful in life University, and other great schools. because he understands that hard He said he committed to Whittier work beats talent.” because “[he] wanted to go to a
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Two, Four, Six, Eight, Who Do We Appreciate?
The Oxnard High School cheer team discuss their duties as cheerleaders.
At basketball games, the OHS cheer team perform stunts during half-time. Photo Courtesy of Ms. Neumann
Malia Vallender Copy Editor The Oxnard High School cheer team doesn’t just wave pom poms around. They are a well-rounded team that impact school spirit in a positive way. At every basketball and football game, the OHS cheer team is present, increasing the noise level when the home team needs it. OHS junior Gabriel Quintana said that the cheerleaders make a huge impact in a game overall by “getting the crowd going.” At games, the team’s priority is crowd control and the promotion of positivity. If the crowd becomes negative, “their job is to turn things around” said OHS cheer coach Ms. Rachel Neumann. Besides games, the OHS cheer team attends and performs at rallies, recruiting nights, and eighth grade orientations for incoming freshman. With so many events they are required to go to, “more than 100 percent” is expected of these girls said Ms. Neumann. In order to prepare for these various events, the team usually practices from “two to about four thirty” every day, but practices can go as long as five thirty when a rally draws near said OHS junior Sandra Makhlouf. OHS freshman Riely Berhens said she is “always running around and very busy” as a result. The OHS cheer team not only
dedicates time to school functions, but to volunteering. Each cheerleader completes 30 plus hours of giving back to the community. OHS junior Alyssa Morehead said she is a field marshal and does team check ins at Eagles soccer tournaments. On top of that, she teaches cheers to the Knights cheerleading team. Berhans added that she participates in “beach cleanups and anything that [she] thinks will help better or beautify Ventura County.” Football players aren’t the only athletes who experience concussions. According to www.ussa.edu, “the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research at the University of North Carolina reports that 65.2 percent of all catastrophic injuries in youth athletic activities occur in cheerleading.” Ms. Neumann said that stunting is dangerous for every position. Flyers can fall and hit the ground and “a lot of bases and backs don’t get enough credit because when that happens they usually get elbowed to the face,” added Ms. Neumann. Some OHS cheerleaders have been involved in traumatic incidents resulting in “bloody noses, black eyes, and concussions,” said Morehead. Between creating a positive environment at sporting events, performing hazardous stunts, and giving back to the community, this dedicated and hard-working group deserves more appreciation than they receive.