Santa Margarita Catholic High School
EAGLE E Y E
THE
December 2021
Volume XXXVI, Issue 2
Illustration by Lizzie Bork
Light it up, Orange County By Isabella Byra, Staff Writer
T
he Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade occurs on the Balboa Peninsula at 6:00 p.m. and lasts about three and a half hours. The event is open to the public and comprises of five nights filled with holiday cheer. The parade consists of over 250 boats, including hundreds of waterfront properties decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. The parade is free of charge for spectators, but participating boats must pay a fee for entry. . One may find the parade located at 400 Main Street Newport Beach, CA 92661. Nellie Gail Ranch in Laguna Hills is known for being a special neighborhood with a long history of Christmas decorating.
Numerous homes on Nellie Gail Road create precise and detailed Christmas decorations which light up the night. Residents of Nellie Gail also may participate in a Christmas decorating contest competing to place either first, second, or third according to the judges' scores. The Eagle Hills neighborhood in Brea is great to spend time walking or driving through to see the Christmas lights. Around 100 homes participate in decorating for the Christmas season. The Christmas lights are displayed throughout December with lights, decorations, live music, and live scenes of Christ’s Nativity to ensure individuals receive the full experience. The lights may be found on either East Birch St., South Starflower St., East Lambert Rd Sunflower St or Primrose St.
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Shaffer House, Orange: Up to 48,000 Christmas lights are displayed in Orange, with most of the decorations being homemade. The community tries to mix up its decorations every year and generate new ideas. Some of their decorations consist of eight-inch candy canes, giant snowflakes, oversized gift boxes, shooting stars, joy signs, and more. The Christmas lights can be found at 1431 North Shaffer St. The Dana Point Harbor Lights are by far the most lights displayed with over 700,000 LEDs to illuminate the harbor. The lights will be up from November 17th until the end of New Year’s and are lit up from dusk until dawn--including candy cane pillars to crystal stars hanging above, and a “Merry Kiss Me” arch sign with mistletoe hanging below,
to two whales with a #HappyHarborDays sign. They even have the Fiesta Boat Parade of Lights, which occurs from December 10th-11th at 7:30 p.m. and December 12th at 6:00 p.m. Find ice cream and hot chocolate at Coffee Importers and Harpoon Henry’s for a bite to eat, including even a Happy Hour, both located on the Harbor. The Christmas lights can be found off 34571 Golden Lantern Street. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” House in Lake Forest is inspired by the popular stop motion animated movie The “Nightmare Before Christmas.” What makes the scene so special is the owners of the home handmake almost all the decorations. They have done excellent workmanship on creating every character from the film. They also pay so much attention to every little detail to make the movie come to real
life. The owners of the home even hand out candy canes and hot chocolate to visitors. The Christmas lights are open from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Visit the Christmas lights on 23932 Barton Street. Candy Cane Lane in Rancho Santa Margarita is a holiday tradition and local favorite. The site includes robotic figures, festive music, fake snow, gingerbread houses, elves, reindeers, and thousands of Christmas lights. The Kelly family even hosts a food drive at their candy cane lane home, so make sure to donate canned food to support a great cause. The neighborhood was even featured in the online edition O.C. Register. The Christmas lights are up from December 1st to December 31st. For the best experience park on Las Fieras and walk on foot. Candy Cane Lane is located on El Corzo Street.
@smchseagleeye www.smchseagleeye.com App: Student News Source
2 Opinion
The Eagle Eye
December 2021
Statement from the counseling department Additional counseling services offer excellence to all students By Wende Borowski, Counselor
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f you haven’t noticed, Dino eggs have hatched from the SM counseling department. These dyno-mite counselors are none other than our wonderful school counselors, Bree Yazdizadeh, Michael Garcia, Liz Bilz, Lisa Montoya, Jennifer Reider, Wende Borowski, Molly Dahlgren (ASP Counselor), Mary Manese (ASP Director) and our college counselors Jordan Burner, Megan Carlier, Eva Hester, Melissa Fosdick and Christa Crafts. They have worked extensively since summer to provide you with a complete comprehensive counseling program that is in alignment with the American School Counseling Association. Therefore, you will see school counselors teaching in all freshmen Health Seminar classes on topics to include: “How to build Healthy Relationships, Ways to reduce Anxiety and Stress, Growth Mindset and How to manage one’s time.” Since September they have taught 52 lessons in over 52 classes. They have also held class specific workshops for all grades 9-12 held in the academic period. Topics include relaxations techniques, preparing for graduation, and how to make the most use of your Naviance account. School counselors help students with their social/emotional needs, design a 4 year academic plan, collaborate with college counselors for preparation of college planning and work closely with teachers, staff, peers and colleagues to offer support across the board. As one senior Azadeh stated, “I have had my academic counselor all 4 years, beginning my freshmen year. She has helped me plan classes that
Photo by Wende Borowski
Meet the counseling team - Pictured from left to right: John Hayek, Elizabeth Bilz, Cheryl Dopudja, Lisa Montoya, Roza McCartan, Wendeline Borowoski, Brianne Yazdizadeh, Jennifer Reider, Michael Garcia, and Molly Dahlgren. Counselors expressed enthusiasm to work and building relationships with students.
match my subject interests, supported me through tough times, and recently collaborated with my college counselor to help finalize my teacher request for submissions to my colleges. I can honestly say she is my biggest cheerleader!” SM students have been gifted with two counselor who closely monitor their success. To help clear any misunderstandings, each student receives a school counselor starting their freshmen year who will stay with each student until they graduate (9-12). In the middle of their junior year each student receives an additional counselor (college counselor) who guides them through the complete
college process. We are so fortunate to have college reps who visit our campus, a college fair held on campus and college counselors who have a depth of knowledge and strong relationships with college reps across the country. We have an additional support on campus of our Wellness Program to help with the overall well- being of all students. Both our school and college counselors hail from a variety of well-known colleges to include USC, Johns Hopkins, Point Loma, Azusa Pacific, U of Virginia, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, and Gonzaga University with over 112
years of educational experience combined collectively. They bring to the table a wealth of experience to include teaching experience, individual counseling, small group lessons, whole class counseling lessons and college expertise. It is nice to see students connecting with both their school and college counselors in such a safe, warm and trusting environment. The counseling lobby is always full with students before school, at both lunch times, after school and during academic periods to see their counselors. They say it takes resilience to go from good to great. Coming off the heels of COVID with recent
unexpected losses to this department, these dynamic counselors have clearly put forth the hard work and dedication demonstrating strength in adversity to make this department not just good but solid, united and great! They have worked as one unit to carry this department through challenging times. It is clear that these newly hatched eggs to counseling helped launched what we once dreamed about five years ago- a student centered comprehensive school counseling program that is in direct alignment with the American School Counseling Association model.
Deck the halls with Hallmark movies With entertaining plots, Hallmark movies are a great way to indulge in happiness of holiday spirit. By Lana Diab, Opinion/A&E Editor Picture this: you are a regular seamstress from Philadelphia who falls in love with and marries Prince Leopold of Cordinia, thereby saving Christmas. Or maybe, you are decorating a Christmas cottage for your best friend’s wedding when you get trapped inside and are stuck with the bride’s brother, eventually falling in love with him. If you have never experienced anything like these over-thetop plots, you haven’t properly familiarized yourself with the Hallmark franchise. For Hallmark, holiday season means an unrealistic yet holiday appropriate cine-
matic journey and catharsis. Hallmark movies assemble every romcom and holiday cliché in existence, establishing its reputation as having been derived from a 1st grader’s story time book. Although Hallmark movies have borderline absurd plots, they attract a slew of addicted viewers for a reason. The holiday season marks a time of unprecedented happiness. Maybe it’s the Christmas spirit in the air or a valid excuse to go shopping, but this is the perfect time for Hallmark movies to swoop onto the scene. Any other time during the year would not allow for these cliché plots to succeed. However, during the holiday season, people long for connection, love, and jubilation more
than usual. In a world of work deadlines and finals, Hallmark movies serve as an escape into an unrealistic fantasy. Whether these hopelessly romantic and predictable movies satisfy and represent the reality people want in their lives--or maybe these movies are just very entertaining--Hallmark movies bestow a unique experience for every viewer. Those craving entertainment that is stereotypically Christmas with dramatic storylines this holiday season, Hallmark movies are crafted that way. A means to connect with your inner child and a way to indulge in holiday cheerfulness, Hallmark movies’ cliché yet amusing plots are reminiscent of important holiday ideals such as happiness, joy, and family.
Illustration by Lizzie Bork
December 2021
Sports 3
The Eagle Eye
Girls varsity golf dynamic duo Ryan Bullock and Jade Zamora conclude another successful season. By Katie Rubio, Staff Writer
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ersistence, practice, and patience are all qualities that junior Ryan Bullock and senior Jade Zamora have developed during their years on girls varsity golf. Through their continuous hard work, they both experienced a rewarding and successful fall season. Bullock and Zamora share their enjoyment of playing with each other and the team. “It’s awesome playing for SM,” Bullock said. “I love being part of a team environment and getting to play with Jade--favorite partner ever. We have so much fun out there.” Bullock was titled Trinity League Player of the Year in 2020 and was medalist four times this past season. Working diligently with the support of the team, Bullock had an enjoyable and fulfilling fall season. “My favorite part about being on the team is playing with Jade, and everyone on the team makes it really fun to go out,” Bullock said. “Win or lose, we always have a fun team dinner and get to laugh it off.” Bullock expresses her love for the team over the years and the
enjoyment she experiences when playing. Bullock expects to continue playing golf after high school as she finishes playing for SM in her senior year. Zamora says her father was a very big influence in playing golf. He sparked her dedication to succeed and enjoy playing the sport. Zamora looks forward to her college golf journey as she announces her commitment to the University of Missouri. Zamora salutes her high school years with a gratifying and victorious senior season. “I love my experience playing golf for SM. I’ve been playing for the past four years and I just love the team environment and aspect of golf,” Zamora said. “I loved play-
ing with Ryan as my partner for the past three years.” Zamora and Bullock display their dynamic out on the field. With an encouraging team and great efforts from both, Zamora faces the end of her time playing in high school and with Ryan as she begins a new journey playing for Missouri. Throughout their years playing golf, both Bullock and Zamora have had compelling seasons with the team. Still, the girls feel the best part was being on the team together. “My favorite part about being on the team is definitely Ryan Bullock.” Zamora said. “ Her and I are the best dynamic duo that I have ever met.”
“ [Ryan Bullock and I] are the best dynamic duo that I have ever met ” - Jade Zamora
Photo by Jade Zamora
Dynamic duo - Bullock hefts Zamora piggy-back style. They shared memories and camaradery while on the team.
Boys wrestling team ready to pin competition
Beach volleyball hits the sand
By Tatum Tatch, Sports/Photo Editor
By Julia Gore, Staff Writer
High tension, sweat, and tears swarm the wrestling mat each weekend. Athletes like senior Aidan Gottron thrive in these high-stake conditions. “I do it because it’s fun, I get to hang out with my friends and get better at something I love,” Gottron said. One thing Gottron and his teammates love almost as much as wrestling is a challenge. Lucky for the team, wrestling is full of challenges. “It’s split up by weight class and all but still, being physical is probably the hardest part for me,” Gottron said. While being physical and maintaining his energy on the mat is a struggle, Gottron wouldn’t have it any other way. The team makes it all worth it. “I really like the atmosphere,” Gottron said. “Even though wrestling is an individual thing, I find that I work hard for my team. We do it for each other.” The group is much less of a team, and more of a family. With practices three times per week, and matches every weekend, the
boys spend a lot of time together. All that practice adds up. As a senior, Gottron has a unique perspective on the sport, and he has learned a lot. “You get better over the years,” Gottron said, “not just on the mat physically, but mentally. You learn strategy.” Although four years have elapsed since Gottron first began his wrestling journey, he has only been able to participate in three seasons. The pandemic interrupted the boys’ 2020-2021 season, but they didn’t get discouraged. “I was really sad that I didn’t get to compete my junior year,” Gottron said. “But missing out on that season just made me more motivated to perform this year.” Despite the hardships of a COVID year, a big roster, staying physical, and competing against tough competition, Gottron is thankful for everything the wrestling team has given him. “They really are my brothers. We’re a family,” Gottron said. “I really wouldn’t be where I am today without each and everyone of them.”
Illustration by Tatum Tatch
The new beach volleyball courts on campus are ready to be put to use, and the coaches and players are ready to play. Head Coach Macy Jerger expresses the growing anticipation she and her players feel to start off their first ever season. “Beach Volleyball has become very popular, especially in California,” Jerger said, “but this is the first season it has become a CIF sport.” Jerger played beach volleyball in college at Florida State and qualified for the NCAA division I championships all four years that she played there. She still plays for a professional women’s team. She helped out with both the boys and girls volleyball teams in the past years. “I am so excited for this opportunity of being a head coach for the first time,” Jerger said. The sport has already become popular. There is a big group of girls ready for tryouts and interested in beach volleyball, with most having a volleyball history. “I am not worried about not having enough players. Many girls have reached out to me, most coming from indoor volleyball,” Jerger said. Jerger anticipates a varsity and a junior varsity team. They will play all of the teams in the Trinity League including Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, Rosary, and JSerra. “I will have five pairs of two for my varsity team,” Jerger said. We will play five pairs from the opponent and must win three out of the five matches in order to receive the victory.” Beach volleyball is planning on
Photo by Julia Gore
New courts - The team gathers together for practice on the new courts. Most girls already had previous volleyball experience. training frequently to grow into a competitive team. They will practice four days a week, Monday through Thursday, in hopes of seeing the performance they desire on the court. “We are lucky to have the courts all to ourselves and not have to share time with any other sport,” Jerger said. Jerger has high hopes for the
team, this season and for seasons in the future. She believes in her girls, trusts in the process, and is ready and excited for this new adventure to begin, both for her and her team. “Being able to build this program from the ground up is an amazing opportunity,” Jerger said. “My goal is to be one of those top schools for our beach program.”
4 A&E
December 2021
The Eagle Eye
Christmas comes to life
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The art department and students come togther to create a upcoming movies to get production full of talent and iconic Christmas tales. you excited By Sofia O’Keefe, Copy/ for 2022 Feature Editor On campus, the Christmas production serves as a commencement for the holiday season. As the first semester begins to wrap up, the show brings Christmas joy to students, faculty, and staff during the stressful season. The Arts Department interweaves Christmas scenes, music, and dance for a spirited performance. Most of the performers practiced all throughout the first semester to prepare for their big debut. “I thought it was very fun to watch my freshman year, and now I get to actually participate in it,” said junior Ryan McClintick. For years, the Christmas production represented the cumulative efforts from the entire performing arts department. Finally, students can return to the gym to view the production in person. “It was really cool to see all the different musicians and performers come together, and I am just glad to be a part of it,” McClintick said. Even though the production has undergone numerous changes throughout the years, the dedication of the performers has remained a constant. “This year’s Christmas produc-
1. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 2. Avatar 2 3. Jurassic World: Dominion 4. Mission: Impossible 7 5. Scream
Photos by Catherine Wong
6. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantomania 7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2 8. Super Mario Bros: The Movie 9. Minions: The Rise of Gru 10. Top Gun: Maverick A Christmas compilation - The production higlights student talent from across the art departments, each one with different Christmas stories.
tion is special because it is the first year coming back off of Covid after not having one last year, so it’s going to be very great to come back,” McClintick said.
With a new director, this year’s show premiered a different theme: a Christmas collage. This brings novelty to the customary A Christmas Carol retelling, and each de-
partment was able to better showcase their skills with this newfound variation. “Sometimes it’s good to break tradition,” McClintick said.
Dancing with the Eagles Both members of the Dance Team and their partners put on a spectacular performance with confidence, skill, and hard work, impressing judges and spectators alike.
12. Legally Blonde 3 13. The Batman 14. Morbius 15. Quiet Place Spin-off 16. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom 17. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 18. The Flash 19. Uncharted 20. Lightyear (Toy story Spinoff)
By Kendrick Choi, Web Editor-in-Cheif Dancing with the Eagles is a competition put on by the Dance Team where a member of the Dance Team pairs up with a partner of their choice. The duo works together to choreograph a dance routine of a certain style. This year, each dance was scored by three judges: History teacher Mr. Melton, Principal Mrs. Woods, and a former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader. The judges gave each pair scores ranging from 1-10, which would then be added up to form their total score, 30 being the coveted perfect score. The three highest scoring teams would be in contention for the trophy, which was decided through voting by the crowd itself. This year, parents and students were treated to a variety of styles ranging from contemporary, hiphop, to jazz. However, it would be Andrea Leon and Milad Tajalli’s tango, Jamie Redmond and Tanner Warady’s country western, and Janna Redmond and Brandon Kim’s jive that would end up as the top three out of 11 teams. Milad and Andrea perfectly embodied the dramatic and passionate dance style that is tango. Their amazing performance was no easy feat, not only because of the diffi-
11. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
21. Knives Out 2 22. Death on the Nile
Photo by Kendrick Choi
Dance 'til you drop - Dancing with the Eagles featured 11 pairs of dancers and students, all with their own style.
cult lifts and dips, but especially since Andrea attended Kairos the week before the show. Despite the limited preparation and scheduling difficulties, Milad and Andrea would end up taking first place. “Andrea and I were determined to not let our lack in practice demonstrate our abilities,” Milad said. Jamie and Tanner’s country western was equally as breathtaking with multiple lifts and line dance moves. Between academic period, weekends, and Kairos, the duo spent hours doing research and bringing it all together to create a confident routine with Dierks Bentley’s Sideways as an upbeat backing track. “We ended up doing better than
we could’ve imagined, becoming part of the Top 3, ending out of final DWTE performance the best way we could!” Jamie said. Janna and Brandon’s unique dance style, jive, provided a refreshing change during the show, which was made even better with their amazing routine. Although they hadn’t previously studied the style of jive, the two worked hard researching and even watching Dancing with the Stars videos, both of which allowed them to get familiar with the style. To make their already special style even better, they “worked together to incorporate all of our personal ideas into the choreography,” Janna said. The countless hours of preparation done by all the pairs was evi-
dent in their amazing performances and the aura of confidence that radiated from each one of them. Even those who may not have had previous dance experience had clearly put in hard work, which was admirable. “It’s a super fun way to get involved in the performing arts without having any performance experience,” Janna said. More importantly, even though this event was technically a competition, the spirit of fun and sense of unity was clearly present between all the dancers. This made Dancing with the Eagles not only a wonderful demonstration of skill and effort, but also a beautiful example of what it means to have fun with friends.