FROM THE EDITORS
JUAN MORALES When you look at your surroundings,
sometimes you do not truly capture what is really there. Often times we regret not being able to have recognized such beauty earlier, only to realize that when we did so, it was too late. My main goal for this issue is to capture students’ incredible talents that deserve to be featured within the pages of this magazine.
MAGAZINE EDITOR
Often times Los Altos students have hidden talents that go unnoticed. This publication strives to ensure no student goes unseen. This is the central idea behind what the pages of this magazine encompass. Ranging from various artists and writers, this issue includes short stories in Arabic, Spanish sonnets, performing arts, features on other academic student’s hidden talents, and so much more.
ADALILIAN FRANCO
Sincerely,
LAYOUT EDITOR
CHRISTIAN LEDEZMA Juan Morales
ART & GRAPhIC EDITOR 2
LA MODA LITERARY ART MAGAZINE Volume: XXIV, Issue: I
15325 Los Robles Avenue, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
Winter Edition
16-17 JOURNALISM STAFF
Valeria Alcantara (not pictured)
Damian Hernandez
Analise Pacheco
Jasmine Alonzo
Nicolas Hernandez
Danielle Porras
Damien Alvarado
Laila Jibrin
Joshua Sanchez
Caley Asbee
Christian Ledezma
Sabrina Sanchez
Sumitra Ariel Bernardo
Juan Morales
Mateo Sandoval
Jeremy Chen
Cesar Moreno
Josh Vivas
Adalilian Franco
Briana Munoz
Brandon VicuĂąa
Produced in conjunction with Quill and Scroll. 3
CONTENTS 6 8
SANTIAGO TORRES
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OSCAR VILLA
SHELBY ARGABRIGHT
10/11 12 14 16
JOSHUA MARQUEZ/KODY OLMOS
FINDING DANCE WITHIN Stitched beauty
ROBIN YI
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18 20 22 24 26 28 30
confused love found love
ALISSA MEDINA KUNDAI CHAMUTINYA
RAYMOND ARROYO CLAIRE RIZO
WARMTH IN THE SNOW 5
engineering gave Torres' idle hands purpose
By Sabrina Sanchez
Torres’ life has been changed by engineering. In college Torres will get his start in the engineering field, and continue it from there on out. “I want to major in computer science and possibly create a small startup business then see where I go from there.” Torres clarified his decision by explaining, “One of the main reasons is because ever since I was little I have had a huge interest in anything related to science. I was always curious as to how things worked and wanted to figure things out on my own. Engineering is a way for me to pursue those things and it is also a large part of the future progression of the world.” Engineering gave his idle hands the purpose they needed to shine. Engineering is one of Torres’ few creative outlets he has to express himself and does not take it for granted. “I really enjoy being able to create new things as part of engineering. I’m able to take something that was just inside my head and make it a reality. It is also a way for me learn about what it takes to be an engineer and gain experience that not a lot of others get to have.” In allthings that are loved, there are challenges and obstacles to overcome throughout them, and this does not exclude Torres’ passion of engineering. “The most challenging part is finding something new and interesting to do. Once any of us complete a project, we have to decide on what to do next. Eventually we will find something interesting but once that is done the
whole process repeats.” Despite the challenges that Torres faces, the art of engineering makes it worth sticking through the difficult times.’ Considering Torres’ reserved nature, there are several personality traits that he possesses that are kept secret. When asked what most people do not know about him, Torres replied, “Although I do draw a lot of things many people don’t really know that I’m not a big fan of art class. I prefer to be able to draw or create whatever I want whenever I want with as much freedom as possible.” Santiago Torres is a natural leader in all that he does, and he marches to the beat of his own drum as he leads himself. Torres’ passion for engineering and thinking freely not only motivates himself to continue thinking this way, but he motivates others with this mentality as well. This year, Torres competed in the 3rd Congressional App Challenge for the second time. He had won the previous year with an app called Drop Saver with his teammates Andrew Rojas and Eric Liu. This year, his teammates Chris Jhaveri, Chris Leung, Jason Kwan, and himself won this year’s competition, with an app called Election Connection. The app they created was judged based on creativity, originality, user experience, design, and demonstration of coding and programming skills. Their app, Election Connection, is meant to inform misinformed or uneducated voters.
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The app shows ballots for everything someone can vote for ranging from the presidential candidates to state representatives and even school board members. It is able to keep track of everything and view a summary of what you are for against and undecided on; it could speed up the voting process and get rid of the large lines on Election Day. Santiago and his team won first place. Their app gets displayed in the U.S. Capital, and they get the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. and receive a share of $50,000. Torres stated, “When we had found out that we had won, I was a little startled because I did not expect to win two years in a row, especially with the large amount of submissions and the other extremely prestigious schools we were competing against. I was still very happy and excited as all the hours our team had put in had finally paid off.” With his wide ranged skill set Torres is able to accomplish extraordinary things. Santiago Torres: tech editor for Key Club, secretary for FBLA, secretary for Youth Libertarians, captain of the Cross Country team, engineer. Senior Santiago Torres is not one to brag about his various attributes. However, despite his humble nature, Torres shines his brightest while crafting spectacular things out of nothing but his imagination as an engineer.
Work ethic displayed on the field & lab
By Brandon Vicuna
Oscar Villa is a familiar face to many around the Los Altos campus, as the, offensive lineman and captain for our football team, but not many know him as an engineer. The Los Altos football team is doing great this year with a record of 13-0 and it is evident that Oscar Villa is a huge part of their success. Sidelined last year due to breaking his foot in a scrimmage against South Hills, the football team struggled without him. Villa knew this would be a long season due to him not being able to compete every Friday with his team, so he decided to join engineering. Senior Kevin Pan remarked that “Oscar came into engineering last year, and honestly he was a really hard worker.” Following this statement Pan added “When he broke his foot last year, he was set back for at least a month, yet he still fought hard to make up the lost time. He’s
continued to work really hard, and is a valuable member of engineering.” Villa’s instructor is very lenient with him and is quite understanding in regards to his football schedule. “Mr. Ritcher knows football is my priority and knows it takes time. He also knows that I’ll go to engineering when we don’t have practice, but after season I’ll be there.” Villa thoughtfully remarked. Villa is a part of the electrical team, and his responsibilities include soldering and wiring vehicles. Last year Villa, and all of engineering, competed in a FRC robotics competition, and Villa along with the team did considerably well for this being their first completion. They scored fifth in defensive points, and placed in the middle of the overall rankings. This year, however, their task is to build a solar car to enter competition. 7
Villa enjoys engineering as it relieves some stress from football season. Senior Isaac Garcia said “Oscar is smart, bright, and joyful. He makes the class fun and interesting”. For Oscar and the engineering team, it is not just fun and games. Garcia stated that Villa takes his tasks and responsibilities very seriously as well. “Oscar is talented. He is constantly working hard in engineering.He wants to be a part of every project and is always involved with the team”. It is clear that Oscar Villa makes his presence known wherever he goes, whether it is on the football field, weight room, engineering, or in the classroom. Since his presence is known everywhere it should also be known just how hard Oscar Villa works as a football player and engineer. Overall, a great athlete and engineer
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A girl and her camera combat suburban boredem By Analise Pacheco
Junior Shelby Argabright could be found somewhere in Los Angeles, a museum or on the scenic beaches of Southern California. On the weekends Argabright can be seen snapping photos with her canon camera. Argabright explains that her photography is not to capture memories, unlike everyone else. “I have a great memory so I do it for my enjoyment”, she stated. Unlike many other 16 year olds, Argabright spends most of her time in her bedroom alone, watching numerous films on Netflix. The cinematography of the films were what had inspired her to take photos and invest in a camera. “Movies. A lot of movies I have watched had beautiful shots with such great quality and it made me want to
create the same kind of shots. I wanted to capture beautiful things with great quality”, Argabright remarks. To combat her suburban boredom, Argabright takes frequent visits to the zoo or takes road trips driving up north to visit her sister. Along the way, she captures the woodland scenery, animals, plant life or architecturally beautiful buildings. Argabright’s inspiration can be found just about anywhere. “I like capturing anything that catches my eye. I like to take photos of people, animals, seascapes, landscapes, or nature” Argabright’s photos are often vivid, bright, and happy. Bold flowers, the beach on clear days, or small reptiles she names “Jimmy” can all be seen on her Instagram account where she 9
shares her personal photography. Argabright’s passion for photography is simple and sweet. She explains that, “I take photos because I think its fun and it makes me happy.” She adds, “I typically do it all for fun and to share with people, to see what they have to say about my photos.” This is not to say that she does not take her hobby seriously. When asked if she sees this hobby as a potential career, Argabright responds with, “Yeah I want to become a model photographer, or a photographer who takes photos or films for movies and magazines.” Keeping the goal in mind Argabright continues to work efficiently to accomplish it. For now, she is a member of the Los Altos yearbook.
AP Scholar Athlete shows critical thinking on the court By Damien Alvarado
Many wonder if it is possible for a student to handle playing sports while taking many AP classes. Joshua Marquez is a sophomore at Los Altos High School who excels in the classroom and on the Tennis court. Taking an AP course is not as easy as taking an honors class. Passing an AP class allows you to receive college credits and that is what Joshua Marquez is striving for. He played football his freshman year and took all honors classes. Joshua received the Scholar Athlete award freshman year for achieving an outstanding 4.67.” Receiving that award really meant a lot to me, it showed how I can manage school and play a sport”. Sophomore Mathew (ask Bianca for last name) said “As a student josh is always a hard worker. He always wants to get his work done and take any opportunity to finish making him a great student.” Marquez no longer plays for the football team no more, but has decided to play for the
Los Altos Tennis team and feels that a key tool for succeeding in the class and on the court is your organization skills. Marquez stated,” I am able to manage playing a sport and taking AP courses, by staying organized after school, and keeping everything in order.”
"I am able to mange playing a sport and taking AP courses."
Marquez is not only staying organized but he sacrifices five hours out of his day working on assignments given by his AP classes. “ I sacrifice five hours out of my day for AP but it is usually for homework, or extra studying to pass quizzes and test”, Marquez stated.
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Joshua feels that he has performed well in the classroom this year.” I feel I have been doing very well, I have good grades and looking to keep it up”. Marquez wants to be a Forensic Scientist when he is older, which is why he feels he must take these AP classes in order to make it to a university that excels in his major. Sophomore Joseph Gonzales said, “I played freshman year with Joshua and if I can describe him in one word it would be intelligent”. Joshua is striving for the future and hopes these AP classes will pay off. Boys Tennis starts in the spring and he is determined to be on Varsity. (Mathews last name) commented about Joshua’s determination,” This motivation he has is reflected on the court which makes him one of the best players on JV. It is absolutely incredible how Josh’s desire drives himself to become the best in school and on the court”.
Man of spee d & empathy guards the hike By Damien Alvarado
Being a high school Quarterback is no easy task, it is a position that demands leadership, pressure, and high expectations on every snap. Kody Olmos, a Junior Quarterback, starts on Friday nights for the Conquerors Varsity Football team. Kody enjoyed his childhood growing up in the city of El Monte with his father Henry Olmos, his mother Shelly, and his older brother Nick. Kody’s dad is his number one fan excitedly saying, “I am very proud and excited for every game. I am grateful for all of his coaches who gave him the opportunity to start, as well to his teammates for helping him and guiding the way. He has worked hard for a long time to get a shot at quarterback. Kody would not be here at this level if it weren’t for all of his Coaches from Jr. All American, to High school. We thank them.” He was not always interested in football, when he was younger he also played basketball for the Hacienda Heights National
Junior Basketball League. This is probably because Olmos did not watch much of football growing up, and his football career did not begin as a quarterback. In fact, he was a running back for the Hacienda Heights Cougars. Olmos transitioned to a quarterback at a young age because the team did not have one. Olmos said, “I believe there was a season where the team did not have a quarter back so I tried it out”. Although Kody has always had the problem of being smaller than his lineman from a young age, throughout his quarterbacking career coaches have always made him roll out the pocket in order to make throws, and he is phenomenal in doing so. When asked about facing any adversity becoming a quarterback Olmos said, “The only thing that has been tough is seeing over my line, but getting older I understand that a bigger drop back and rolling out helps a lot”. Olmos is 5-0 as a Varsity Quarterback
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and has passed for over 583 yards and has 4 touchdown passes. Every quarterback must have character and now Kody is known for his long blonde hair he is also a great leader on the field. When asked about the difference between JV and Varsity Olmos said, “Varsity football is fast, it is nothing compared to the JV level so you need to be more aware”. Olmos has a great arm, and is very aware of more than just football as a well-rounded athlete he has played in several sports. He currently plays baseball for the Los Altos baseball team, and is the star Varsity Quarterback of the Los Altos football team. Most know Kody Olmos as the long blonde haired star, but there is much more to this stellar athlete. Regarding his position, and his main sport football, Olmos finds, “Being a quarterback is fun, I love it, but it is the hardest position on the field because you have to think and play instead of just playing.”
YASMINE TOPETE reveals personal connection with dance
By Jasmine Alonzo Senior Yasmin Topete, is a young dancer who loves the art of dancing and has been studying it for almost thirteen years. First introduced to dance at the young age of five, Topete has grown to appreciate it in a deep and personal way. She reveals her connection of dance to life, “I love dancing. It serves as an outlet source for me, helping me to forget everything else that may be going on. Most importantly, it helps me live in the moment and make the most of it.” The world of dance is constantly changing and there seems to always be someone greater than another. “Seeing others who have higher leaps or more consistent turns motivates me to become more precise with my technique, and become a better dancer.”
FINDING DA N
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DAVID ZARIGOZA
excelling through dance ONE STEP AT A TIME
By Bianca Flores David Zaragoza, a Los Altos sophomore, has dedicated his life to his one true passion: dance. “My favorite part about dance would probably be going to dance competitions because you get to see different people dancing in their own style and you get to meet different people.� David and the rest of his dance studio have been to places like Las Vegas and San Francisco in order to compete against other dance studios and gain inspiration from a diverse group of performances. This year, David has brought his dance experience to Los Altos as a new member of the Dance Team, and it is clear he will not disappoint. David has already performed with the Los Altos Dance Team at school events. Zaragoza has excelled in dance and the Los Altos Dance Team is lucky to have him this school year.
NCE WITHIN
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Stitched Beauty By Andrew Medhat
يفو ةصاخلا هتقيرط ىلع هميظع ةمكح هديفح ملعي نأ دارأ اطايخ نا ىكحي ةريبكلا شامقلا ةعطق صقي أدبو نيمثلا هصقم ذخأ ديدج بوثل هتطايخ ءانثأ اديدج ابوث اهنم عنصيل اهتطايخب أدبي يك رغصأ عطق ىلإ. نم ىهتنا نإ امو هيمدق دنع ضرألا ىلع هامرو نيمثلا صقملا كلذ ذخأ ىتح شامقلا صق كلت عمج يف أدبو ةربإلا دجلا ذخأ مث هدج هلعف ام بجعتب بقاري ديفحلاو اعئار ابوث اهنم عنصيل عطقلا. هتمامع يف اهسرغ ىتح ةربإلا نم ىهتنا نأ امو. هبجعت و هلوضف متكي نأ ديفحلا عطتسي مل ةظحللا هذه ىفف.لاعفأ نم هدج ديفحلا هلأسف: كيمدق نيب ضرألا ىلع نيمثلا كصقم تيمر يدج اي اذامل دجلا هباجأف!؟ كسأر ةمامع ىلع اهتعضوو نمثلا ةصيخر ةربإلاب تظفتحا امنيب : اهنم لعجو اهقرفو كلت ةريبكلا شامقلا ةعطق صق يذلا وه صقملا نإ ينب اي ةريغص اعطق. اليمج ابوث حبصتل عطقلا كلت تعمج يتلا يه ةربإلا امنيب
Once upon a time a tailor wanted to teach his grandson a great
life lesson. While he was trying to make a new dress, he took his extremely expensive scissors and began cutting a large piece of fabric into small pieces, as soon as he was finished, the tailor threw the scissors on the ground between his feet. The grandson stared in shock as he grandfather took a needle and began sewing the small pieces of fabric to create a magnificent dress, and once he was finished with the needle, the tailor carefully stuck the needle into his turban on the top of his head. The grandson could not wait with overwhelming curiosity and shock of what his grandfather had done and asked, “Why did you throw the valuable scissors on the ground between your feet, but carefully stored your cheap needle into your turban?” the grandfather replied, “Grandson, the scissors is the one that separated the large piece of cloth into small pieces, while the needle put them back together into a beautiful dress.”
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vast art wo rld sees artist grow By Valeria Alcantara
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hen Yi discovered the vast world of art, she had spent her free time sketching. Yi candidly reflects on her progress. “My art has improved from when I started, but it is not something I am one-hundred percent happy with. There are certain aspects of my art that I can definitely improve upon. That is something I am working on changing,” Yi humbly remarks. Robin Yi’s interest in the arts started about three or four years ago. “I
started drawing because the artwork of people in a fan base inspired me. I would see their art work and I would think it was cool,” explains Yi, “Also, when I was assigned projects that involved art, I seemed to enjoy them and think they were fun.” This was only the start of her artistic hobby. Unfortunately, Yi is not currently in any art classes, because she only considers sketching as a hobby. She does not plan to pursue an art career for now, despite seeming interested in pursuing one.
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“I would like to pursue an art career, but then again I would not. I currently consider art as a hobby of mine. My parents would not approve of me pursuing an art career either,” Yi explained. Yi further reflected on her artistic pursuits, “I would pursue the career if my parents allowed me to pursue it.” She explains other factors that add to her indecisiveness, “I know how hard it is to be in the art industry. There is a lot of competition and it is hard to be successful if you do not have the proper connections. There are artists who are not that great, but are still popular and active due to the connections they have. There are artists in the industry who are really good but are not that popular. It is a difficult industry to work in.”
A m o r Co n fuso Que difícil es poder expresarme Tú eres especial, pero inexplicable Tú eres único y destacable Mis sentimientos no puedo callarme. Constantemente te estoy pensando Las horas pasan y no me doy cuenta Siento que mi corazón se revienta Yo cada día me estoy aferrando.
Ojala en el futuro tú lo sepas Tal vez no sea demasiado tarde Aunque no creo que dejare de amarte
Lo que sé es que rencor nunca te guardare Creo que es mejor que tú nunca lo sepas Es que tengo mucho miedo perderte. Monserratt Gregorio
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co n fused love It’s so complicated to express myself You are special, but it’s just so hard to explain what I feel You are unique and so outstanding It’s complicated my heart speaks out, but I cannot. I’m constantly admiring you I don’t see any purpose to my life without you My heart cannot keep this any longer.
I wish I can truly tell you how I feel I hope is not too late, when you finally see it Yet that won’t happen because I will always love you. I will never regret what I feel for you However it’s best if you don’t know At the end I will much rather keep your company, I think that will the best for both. Monserratt Gregorio
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El A m o r En co ntra d o Siempre fue muy complicado hablarte Que error tan grande fue el que yo cometí Mis ojos estaban tan perdidos en ti Estaba yo tan renuente a perderte. ¡Adiós! Ya me marcharé para siempre; Tu amor me cegó pero al final entendí Que tu amor no es suficiente para mí ¡Estrella mía! ¡Estrella reluciente! ¡Luz de mi vida! ¡Luz de un nuevo día! Por fin puedo ver la luz del cielo Tu Hermosa sonrisa solo recordaré. ¡Diamante mío! Joya prestada Al llegar la medianoche solo, Fingiré que lloro por ti en mi mente. Scarlett Gregorio
fo u n d love It was always very complicated to talk to you I truly regret falling for you My eyes were so lost in you I was so reluctant to lose you.
Goodbye it’s time to walk away from you Your love has blind me but in the end I understood that your love is not enough for me Sparkling star! Star mine!
How great this mistake has being !Light! !light! of a new dawn can know smile I am finally able to see the light of heaven Your beautiful smile is the only thing I will remember. Diamond jewel given to reach the average night I will only pretend to cry for you in my mind. Scarlett Gregorio
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Fashionista expresses her passion through clothing
By Damian Hernandez lissa Medina is a unique and free-spirited student at Los Altos. Medina is just one of many individuals on campus who shines brightly with her personality and clothing. Medina believes, “Fashion is a way to express oneself, and no one can tell you how to dress. That’s why I enjoy fashion because there are rarely limits.” Her fashion style consists of clothing which ranges from classic pieces to modern ones. She explained, “My style usually depends on my mood, and where I am at in my life.” The color of her clothing also compliments the season of the year. During winter, her style consists of heavy clothing such as jackets, scarfs, and boots, versus during the spring where she wears lighter clothing such as tank tops, and skirts. Medina stated, “Fashion is what makes me feel comfortable and confident. I don’t believe anyone’s style can be completely defined or put into words. The goal of my outfits and style are to make
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myself feel comfortable and confident.” Music is a huge part of Alissa’s life, and how she dresses. She said, “My parents and my sister introduced me to a lot of music so that heavily influenced my style.” She enjoys all types of music which range from Classical to Hip Hop and R&B. These genres express the kind of person she is unique and friendly. Medina grew up in an average Hacienda Heights household with parents and siblings who love her, and throughout her life they have attributed to developing her own style. She said, “My fashion sense was heavily influenced by my parents and my sister. My parents are fairly young, so it was easy to connect with their styles.” She reflected, “They gave me opportunities that I was greatly influenced by. They took me to musicals and vinyl beat swap meets in Downtown LA. We watched documentaries on not only artists but movements. 22
“It wasn’t just family, but also friends and significant others who have influenced my style. They introduced me to music I didn’t know about and opened me up to styles that I wasn’t open about before”, said Medina.
Students at school love who she is, and what she wears. Senior Briana Guerrero said, “Alissa’s clothing is unique and free spirited. She always has had a good eye for cool patterns and can make anything work into a great outfit.” Senior, Izabelle Quesada stated, “Besides Alissa being one of my best friends, I love her fashion sense, it always expresses the loving and kind person she is.”
Alissa Medina is more than just your average high school teenager; she is ambitious in all activities throughout her life. At school, Alissa is a Varsity Water Polo player, a Renaissance member, and an excellent student who has taken many rigorous Honors and AP courses throughout her high school career. However, beyond her studies and activities, lies a person with an immense love for fashion.
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KundAi unconventional art delivers surreal aeSthetic By Analise Pacheco “I’m not painting because someone told me to paint, I’m painting because I want to paint.” Senior Chamutinya explains as to why he decided to delve into the world of visual arts just six months prior. When Chamutinya sits casually next to his blank canvas on a wooden easel, he has no idea what he is going to paint. I don’t know, it hasn’t come to me yet. “It” or other formulaic structure never comes, because Chamutinya’s artwork is spontaneous. Concepts arrive on the canvas, and not in his mind like other traditional artists. “I don't know, it hasn't come to me yet.” Any thought process would be unnatural, Chamutinya furthers, “I hate thinking about a piece and getting to work on it because it doesn’t come out as fluid as I’d like it to be, it comes out choppy and try hard.” Instead, Chamutinya takes a much more liberating approach, “Sometimes I have a vague general idea of what I
want to create, but I don’t ever plan [art] - it just goes with the flow.” Such flow is often interrupted however. Half way through the piece, Chamutinya stands up and dashes the canvas with random red streaks because “It is not coming out how I want it so I’m going to take it in a whole other direction.” Chamutinya describes his art as
"There was no order to the madness, I couldn't predict what was going to happen."
abstract and non-traditional citing he likes his “photography to be very real, messing with the real world, and then I like my art to be surreal.” The spontaneous teen looks up to the artist, skater, and personal former art teacher during summer school, Mark Gonzalez. “Mark Gonzalez, is fa24
mous in the skating world but he’s also an artist. Looking at his stuff made me want to do it.” Chamutinya remarked thoughtfully. One thing that strongly attracts people to art is the explanations and meanings behind the pieces. The idea that art conveys a message seems to be mandatory for most conventional artists. However, Chamutinya’s art is purely for the eye, his unconventional pieces deliver visual aesthetic candy rather than any sentiment. Chamutinya freely admits this in saying, “Yeah I never paint with meaning, I wouldn’t say it’s pointless… I just never go in trying to say something big.” This is just a few of the many reasons why Chamutinya’s art is intriguing, and he proves there does not have to be a deeper meaning in order for the art to be appreciated. His play on color and shape is just as valuable as any other artist’s rendition, because after all, art is subjective when put in perspective.
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mu
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sician rocks
to the beat of life
Since he was 7, Sophomore Raymond Arroyo has been playing instruments with a passion and love. He is now an active student in production choir, a lead singer and guitarist in the band Tomorrow’s Effect, a song writer, piano player and a member of the drumline in the Los Altos band. “When I was younger, I liked how music was always there for me, especially in my hardest times,” Raymond explains. As an escape from the chaos in the world, Raymond finds comfort in writing songs and playing instruments. Raymond expresses his emotions and
experiences through the songs and music he writes with his band, like the song he is currently writing, “Taking Flight,” dedicated to his recently departed friend Jared Onga, explaining how Jared now is taking flight among the angels up above “he loved planes and always wanted to be a pilot,” he expresses, “it also reminds us that he’s now in a better place.” In the Los Altos Production Choir, a national competing choir that uses dance and singing to perform a story, a talent and passion for singing is needed to be accepted, which Raymond clearly has. Production choir has won 1st Place and best musicianship, best Showmanship, and the Student Choice Award at Brea Olinda, 2nd place and best musicianship at the Chaparral
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By Laila Jibrin
competitions, and 3rd place at the Burbank and Hart competitions all in the 2016 school year. Raymond is also part of the very talented drumline that had won the achievement appointed by the band director of “Most Outstanding Section” for two weeks in a row in September of this year, 2016. The drumline is cheered loudly and appreciated by the conquerors of Los Altos, and hired for people asking their dates to dances extravagantly, used in most of the school rallies and play solos at football games, getting the Conqueror crazies even more pumped. With a smile on his face, Raymond plays with the drumline at all of the events and competitions. The band Tomorrow’s Effect has been hired for numerous parties and events, including the 50th anniversary for Orange Grove Middle School. As time goes on, the band spreading through social media and the school. “I see a great future with the band,” he shares, “I feel really great practicing with them.” Raymond shares a strong bond he explains, that is hard to find with a lot of people.
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unior Claire Rizo, a member of the Women's Ensemble show choir at Los Altos, has embraced her inner passion for music and performance. This year she plans to put all her energy into giving the ultimate choir performance.
rizo's energy powerful th By Bianca Flores Rizo first began her musical journey in kindergarten at Fairgrove Academy, a performing arts K-8 school. There, all the students began playing bongos and then graduated to the recorder. “Then we got to choose if we wanted to stay involved in band… and I decided to stay,” she reminisces. Rizo then participated in the concert band for three years and the jazz band for one year playing the trumpet. Outside of school, Rizo was also very involved in music. “I’ve played piano since I was nine and then I’ve played guitar since I was twelve,” she reveals. Growing up in a musical family, her father being a member of his own rock back in high school, Rizo was inspired to follow their footsteps. She further explains, “My brother was really into music so I just followed whatever he did.” However, her interest in singing was her personal curiosity. Rizo joined choir in sixth grade and admits, “I just wanted to try it just because it sounded fun and I just loved singing.” Rizo sang all throughout middle
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school, in the Vocal Ensemble in her freshman year of high school, and has been in Women’s Ensemble for her sophomore and junior years. Now that Women’s Ensemble has been converted to a show choir, Rizo now has the opportunity to compete against other schools. “Ever since I started high school and saw Production Choir as a show choir and what they do, I just always like seeing their shows. And now that I’m able to perform a show in show choir its so awesome!” she explains. Senior Mia Cortez, and close friend of Rizo’s in Women’s Ensemble says, “we danced in our middle school choir and we took a dance class together at one point. So I’m excited to do that again with her and this time more intense than before.” Although Rizo has a busy schedule with Women’s Ensemble, she still makes room for her instruments and her faith. She performs every Sunday with her worship band at her church. “I really enjoy it because it’s my passion. I like leading people into worship and leading people into meeting God. I have been taught
proves more an one voice to do that my whole life and I grew up in church, so it’s just a big part of my life and who I am,” Rizo explains. At the moment, she is just enjoying her involvement in choir and her worship band. “I like singing in the choir because I feel like it’s more powerful than just one voice.” Overall, music has helped Rizo in ways you wouldn’t expect. “It is therapeutic in a way. There are different genres of music that I listen to, to fit my mood,” she describes. “She is unbelievably amazing,” Cortez praises Rizo, “She can play multiple instruments and she has a voice that is so beautiful and powerful.” Rizo hopes to pursue becoming a choir director in the future and explains, “I think it’s really cool to teach kids music and what you can learn through it.” Music is an influential part of Rizo’s life, and she wishes to spread the joy she gets from it to others.
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warmth in the snow I am a changed leaf, Pushed around by the wind, Clinging to my branch ‘til the last autumn’s day. You are my vivid peal, Admired by those who stop to look, Showing brightly through the monotone of winter’s last snow. Though our spirits are similar, Grown in the same world, We appear not the same, Painted on different backdrops. One would not look twice at me, The last autumn leaf, As they would you, The first shown petal, But I hope you can see something in me, As I see the beauty in you. Chayanne Marquez
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WORKS CREDITED Front Cover by Analise Pacheco. Pages 2-3 Photos by Christian Ledezma. Pages 4-5 Artwork by Analise Pacheco. Pages 6 Photos by Christian Ledezma Page 7 Photo by Adalilian Franco.
Additional Quill and Scroll Editing: Ariana Balderrama Carla Galaviz Kristy Lee
Alejandro Ramírez-Durán
Special Thanks To: Art Department Tiffiny Hargrave Bertha Oseguera
Page 8 Photo by Christian Ledezma.
Spanish Department
Page 9 Photo by Valeria Alcantara.
Pages 10 Photo by Christian Ledezma. Page 11 Photo by Shelby Argabright.
Page 12-13 Photo by Christian Ledezma.
Erin Andrade Karla Miranda Guadalupe Muñoz Iris Preciado Stephanie Razo Erika Urday Sugeli Vargas
Pages 14-15 Artwork by Zachary Jibrin &
Sabrina Sanchez.
Pages 16-17 Artwork by Robin Yi.
Pages 18-19 Artwork by Shelby Argabright.
Pages 20-21 Artwork by Justin Pungprechawat Pages 22-23 Photos by Adalilian Franco.
Pages 24-25 Artwork by Kundai Chamutinya.
Pages 26-27 Photo Courtesy of Raymond Arroyo. Pages 28-29 Photos by Christian Ledezma. Page 30 Artwork by Analise Pacheco.
Page 31 Artwork by Samantha Hernandez. Back Cover by Analise Pacheco.
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