Volume LVI, Issue VI
15325 Los Robles Avenue, Hacienda Heights
March 2017
Journalism Staff Hosts Art Walk to Raise Funds for Program By Juan Morales On March 3, the Journalism staff organized a Showcase and Artwalk event in order to raise funds for the program to raise it to new heights. The lively event contained a plethera of entertainment including live music, an amazing art display, and powerful public speakers as well as delicious food sold both from the journalism staff and from delicious food trucks. The origins of the art walk begin in December when the journalism staff released their very first literary arts magazine and the
Student Art on display in the Hacienda along with various performances Photo by Damien Alvarado idea clicked instantly as to what they would do to help them raise money for their fees. The editors and their adviser, Adriana Guzman, agreed upon the idea of an
art walk featuring the artwork that was displayed in the pages of the magazine along with the works of the artists featured as well. For example, one of the Los Altos students featured in the LA Moda Literary Arts magaazine was sophmore, Raymond Arroyo, who revealed that he was part of a band and they lent their talents at the event. Oher amazing musical spectacles performed at the quad stage were English teacher by day, DJ by night, Esteban Hernandez, seniors Nicki and Caz, and the well
known Jazz Band. In the Hacienda, oral presentations were performed that both educated and entertained the audience. There were beautiful poems recited from students Leslie Alaniz, Alexis Medina, Victoria Valencia as well as English teacher, Eric Contreras. Food was available from food rucks such as Bao Buns, Cocina Frsca, Salmmin’ Sliders, and LA-Donut. The food was loved by the people who ate it and provided yet another reason for people to enjoy the event. Along with art, live per-
formances, and food, people in attendance could get their face painted from students in the art department as well as buy original pieces from artists such as stickers and paintings. There was a sense of fun and enjoyment from people at the event.“This was something new and definitely something I look forward to in the upcoming years” Frankie Saldaña continued “It really seemed like those who attended really enjoyed it, so I know Journalism did a good job.” “It was a mixture of
students and families,” explained Saldaña, “all whom enjoyed the night.” One featured student displayed her art in the gallery, freshman Robin Yi. She remarked her joy for the journalism program's ability to recognize the importance of art. “It was nice to be able to have my art displayed and to be featured in the magazine” Yi continued “It was a lot of fun and I expected a bit of people but so many people ended up coming, so that was really nice.” The journalism staff ended up having a successful event and is now in a position to create a bigger and better program for the future.
First Home Track and Field Meet in Eight Years By Bianca Flores For the first time in eight years, the Los Altos Track and Field team hosted a home meet on their brand new facilities on March 9. The community was finally able to support their track and field athletes without having to venture far to away meets. Wilson and La Puente High School came to Los Altos to compete in the annual tri-meet, which is a practice meet before the actual start of the season. For track athletes, the tri-meet is the signal that track season
is fast approaching. Junior Annamae Lee admits she was extremely excited for the meet, explaining, “…Especially since it was at our school, so I was really excited to run on our new track.” All the track and field athletes put their best foot forward. Lee ran the 4x1 relay, 100-meter race, and 200-meter race, and was quite successful. “I actually [broke my personal record] in my 100, did pretty well in my 4x1, and got third place in the 200, so I’m really happy,” Lee explains. Varsity girls got first place.
However, unfortunately Frosh Boys and Varsity boys. “We could do better and we will do better,” Coach Ian Yates insists, “We are behind. We were delayed because of the track not being ready, we were delayed because of the weather, and so for it being our first track meet, overall, I think we did well.” Although Los Altos did not take all the wins, it was a great start to the season for all the athletes to actually experience a real track meet, some for the first time. Also, with it being the first home meet, track was able to go through it with the support
Track trains after first meet in eight years on track Photo by Nick Hernandez from the community. “We’ve been wanting that for a long time. We’ve always had to have away track meets, so we haven’t been able to showcase what we can do to the
community. We were finally able to do that, and for the first track meet to have that find of turnout… it was nice to see,” Yates states. The next track and field
meet will be at Whittier High School on Tuesday, March 14. The next home meet will be Thursday, March 23 against Diamond Ranch at home.
LA Rhythm debuts at the Burbank Blast Choir Competition By Sumitra Bernardo LA Rhythm, formerly known as Women’s Ensemble, performed their very first show choir competition March 11 at Burbank High School’s “Burbank Blast” competition. LA Rhythm was one of Los Altos’ competitive show choirs in the 90s. In 2014, LA Rhythm competed at
one competition for the first time in over 10 years but went back to being mainly a concert choir again. After almost a four year show choir hiatus, LA Rhythm is back. The women of LA Rhythm have been preparing during class and on weekends, learning choreography and their show choir music. Junior Amber Stephens states, “We went from usu-
ally doing two songs back to back to a full fifteen minute show choir set. We have way more practices outside of the school day but we are extremely dedicated and hardworking.” This year’s theme of their show is entitled, “Coming of Age” with music numbers such as It’s My Life, Step One, and Born This Way. “I am usually trying to
- Junior, Amber Stephens
fit in but this show’s songs and concept has taught me to be myself and find my own path.” An a capella piece is required of each show choir to specifically showcase their music skills. LA Rhythm’s a capella piece is the song “Stand in the Light” originally by Jordan Smith. LA Rhythm competed against eight show choirs. Stephens
comments on their performance, “I believe that we did really well for our first competition. I was really proud of our performance.”