Volume XLVI, Issue XIV
INSIDE THIS EDITION
November 25, 2014 Understanding the election process
Halloween Costume Contest
Athletes sign letters of intent
Page 3 | NEWS
Page 4/5 | SPLASH
Page 8 | SPORTS
Los Altos students volunteered to help out in the past midterm election. Melisa Rybaltowski
Circulation 2000
See how fellow Conquerors dressed up this Halloween.
Softball stars Wood and Delamora signed Wed, Nov 13.
Los Altos welcomes a new assistant principal
BY HILLARY HERMAWAN
This school year, Los Altos High School welcomed new assistant principal Lori Stevens. Stevens started her educational career in 1984 as a high school English teacher and was most recently the assistant principal at Jones Junior High School in Baldwin Park. Stevens’ credentials include a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Riverside, a master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University, and a master’s degree in library and information science from San Jose State University. Stevens’ first impression of Los Altos was positive. Because of her warm reception, Stevens felt easily accepted into the Conqueror family. “I was really impressed with the friendliness of the students and adults alike,” comments Stevens. She was impressed not only with the welcoming attitude of the students and faculty but also the level of achievement she detected in and out of the classrooms. “Los Altos is a well-rounded school – it’s very highachieving [in academics] and it’s also good at sports,” she asserts. As she settles into her new position, Stevens faces an array of responsibilities. Her tasks include working with counselor Lorraine Ortega and the students
under Ortega’s charge, enforcing discipline and attendance, coordinating the November CAHSEE and all AP testing, and overseeing the science and visual and performing arts departments. On a typical day, Stevens meets with students in regards to discipline and attendance, visits classes, observes teachers, and supervises after school activities. Students may recognize Stevens from her class visits. She has stepped in on several classes since her appointment to witness firsthand how classes are implementing the standards of Common Core; she has taken special care to note the interactions between students and teachers, students and other students, and students and course material. A proactive faculty member, Stevens uses what she has learned from class visits to suggest new strategies that will help teachers integrate communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, the four C’s of Common Core, into classroom syllabi. Stevens may have only a few months as assistant principal under her belt, but she already has plans for the future. “I want to help spread AVID [Advancement Via Individual Determina-
tion] strategies school wide, so that we can become an AVID demonstration school, which I know is a goal of the AVID program,” she declares. “I want to help sup-
port teachers as they implement a combination of AVID and Common Core strategies that emphasizes Socratic seminars, Cornell notes, and higher level questions.” Jacob Kim
At the front gate of Los Altos, Stevens smiles as she oversees the school.
Conquerors LiNK in
BY CAROLINE TORRES
On Monday, November 3, Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), a non-profit group, was on campus to educate Los Altos of the dire circumstances many North Koreans experience. Los Altos High School students had the opportunity to watch a presentation on the trials and tribulations undergone by the citizens of North Korea, as well as a demonstration of the difference they could make as individuals. Students shuffled into the Hacienda with a sense of glee at being released from their social science classes for the mandatory assembly. Their chatter quickly subsided into a respectful silence as the presentation began and the gravity of the situation permeated the room. Jibin Park, the social science teacher responsible for organizing the event, brought the room to a hush with just a few questions. “Who is the current leader of North Korea?” Park asked. Students may have known the name Kim Jong Un, but further queries quickly revealed that their knowledge on North Korea didn’t reach very far at all. The thought-provoking questions served as a powerful introduction to the succeeding information. LiNK’s presentation, given by a handful of dedicated volunteers on a crosscountry roadtrip to promote the cause, incorporated a collection of statistics, images of North Korea, and first-hand testimony
Jacob Kim
Jacob Kim
Jacob Kim
Conquerors show their support for LiNk. From left: juniors Aaron Borunda, Andrea Zaragoza, and Daniel Olvera. from North Korean refugees. Many students found themselves enthralled, as Patrick Young, senior, explains, “It was very well conducted. It showed me a side of North Korea I didn’t know about. It was very moving.” The presentation revealed the existence of prison camps reminiscent of the concentration camps of World War II, a government that forbids economic trade but provides no support, and a generation struggling to escape the aftereffects of a mass famine. These trials, portrayed through the eyes of teens and young adults that risked their lives to escape them left a lasting impression on many Los Altos students. Joseph Pyle, junior, states, “As soon as I got home I looked up the website, and I really got involved with it. [The presentation] was inspiring.” LiNK encourages students to get involved by starting their own fundraising pages and contributing to the cause by donating, purchasing some of the merchandise for sale on their website, or volunteering time with the organization. LiNK operates by smuggling North Korean refu-
gees through China until they reach safety in other parts of Asia, such as South Korea or parts of Europe and North America. Park states, “There’s a lot of things that are going on, and it can seem difficult to make an impact individually, but the way LiNK is set up to rescue individuals one by one is definitely more manageable than trying to do something extreme like topple a regime. It’s definitely achievable, what they’re trying to do, and it would be great if Los Altos students got involved.” As it takes roughly $3000 to transport one refugee to safety, LiNK values every dollar donated since it goes directly to saving an individual’s life. Previously there existed a LiNK campus at Los Altos, with a primary goal of raising money for the cause. Young adds hopefully, “The school should continue with the cause, and in previous years there was a LiNK club at our school that was chartered, but it was discontinued. Maybe some of the freshmen or sophomores will pick it up and continue it.” Already, Los Altos students are getting involved. Emma Eriksen, a fresh-
man who was quite moved by the presentation, exclaims, “I’m starting my own fundraising page.” Erickson is also considering pursuing an internship with LiNK. Likewise, Bonnie Luu, a senior who plans on involving herself in volunteer work in Asia after leaving high school declares, “I’m considering involving myself with LiNK, though obviously I don’t plan to actually go in North Korea.” Like others, Luu says, “The most memorable thing about the LiNK presentation were the video clips of people talking about their lives in North Korea, and how it changed when they got out.” Having witnessed other footage of her, Luu was particularly moved by the testimony of Yeonmi Park, one of the many spokesmen of LiNK who provides first hand knowledge of the dangers of life in North Korea, and the equally daunting dangers of attempting escape through China. Luu encourages everyone to donate, explaining, “Just do what you can, even if it’s just five dollars. A dollar from an individual may not seem like much, but when you compile it all together it’s a lot.”
2 Between the Issues
LA swims through homecoming BY LAUREN OROZCO AND NADINE BARRAGAN Students took to the sea in this year’s homecoming rally, game and culminating event, the homecoming dance. Monday, November 6 kicked off with a homecoming rally that excited all classes from the Freshman Fish to the Sea turtle Sophomores to the Junior Jellyfish to finally the Senior Sharks. On October 11, all classes were invited into the magical world of homecoming from 7pm to 11pm. The Hacienda plunged 2014 Leagues under the Sea for a spectacular night. The homecoming rally and game were equal in their ability to enthuse the student body for the actual Homecoming dance, even though the Los Altos varsity football team lost their homecoming game against Chino High School 30 to 7. The rally was a success in exciting the students and featured exceptional performances from the production choir, the dance team, and the cheer team. Despite rough seas at the football game the night before, all bad feelings floated away when it came to the night of the Under the Sea homecoming dance. Impressive illustrations of undersea dwellers, beautiful blue lighting to set the mood, and a fabulous red carpet were a few of the many compo-
Melissa Montes
By CRYSTAL RIVAS
The Homecoming Court poses for pictures after senior Shailyn Hanachek, center, takes the crown as homecoming queen. nents of the stunning décor of the evening. Sophomore Bri Quesada said, “I loved that the DJ couldn’t keep me off the dance floor. My friends and I had a great time dancing.” Junior Bobby Garcia, a student that attended the homecoming dance, said, “I thought it was pretty good in the Hacienda. The staff hired a good DJ and had a good set up too. Everyone had a great attitude and vibe.”
Senior Michelle Ortega commented that “this homecoming dance was a great way to kick off senior year! Also, everyone seemed to get into the dance theme. I know I did.” Nothing, not even the rough seas of the homecoming game loss, could get in the way of the Los Altos Conqueror spirt. From the Freshman Fish to the Senior Sharks, students enjoyed their night under the sea.
Alina Avalos
Alina Avalos
A conqueror crazy crowd decked out in red does their best to support the football team’s attempts to make a comeback.
New teacher adds classes, subtracts stress BY CAROLINE TORRES Dozens of students were affected this grading period by a recent reshuffling of various math classes. The arrival of new Los Altos teacher Jimmy Yee, math, allowed for the shuffle, which was driven by increased enrollment, the subsequent overcrowded classes within the math department, and the overwhelming workload inflicted on the math department. Rising enrollment at Los Altos created a need for more classes and more teachers. Despite the need for additional math teachers that was made clear at the start of the school year by an increased school population, the process of hiring a new teacher was slightly delayed by lengthy employment protocol. Despite the delay in his arrival, Yee’s presense on campus has already had a huge impact. Yee has taken on teaching both geometry and math 1, allowing for relief in several overcrowded math classes. Yee himself has experienced some obstacles that came with the awkward timing of his introduction, stating, “It’s been really difficult trying to learn the culture of the school and the students.” He sympathizes with his students, adding, “Coming after two months of them being in a different class, and then they have to be in a completely different class with me has been difficult for them.” Despite initial struggles, Yee maintains a positive outlook, stating, “It’s been hard, but I’ll get it. The students are awe-
Think pink to conquer cancer
some.” Yee’s extensive educational background of teaching at both California High School in Whittier as well as Beckman High School in Irvine have certainly prepared him for the unique campus that is Los Altos. He has already noted several similarities to his experience in Whittier, including the student maturity and commu-
nity involvement. While the transition has been a challenge for many, Los Altos has already started to feel the positive impact of Yee’s late entrance. Now treated to smaller class sizes, many students are already experiencing improvements in their grades and teachers are able to better prepare for and devote themselves to each of their classes.
For almost 30 years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been supported through the partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries. When first founded in 1985, the month long event’s primary goal was to promote mammography, but today there are bigger goals in mind. There is a race for the cure. Everywhere people were spotted wearing different hues of pinks accompanied by equally adorable pink ribbons, participating in 2-day walks, or even just making donations to organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Los Altos does its part every year by fundraising money and donating it to PIH Breast Health Center in Whittier. Last year the school was able to fundraise $2,000 dollars in the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but this year it planned to go big and raise $2,500. “I know we can reach our goal and exceed it”, enthusiastically commented Ryan Milnes, Renaissance vice president, at the start of October. Renaissance, the group responsible for the primary planning of the fundraising activity, planned a series of fundraising events, including the sale of white and pink “Conquer Cancer” T-shirts, pink ribbons, and dollar dashes during lunch. If the ultimate goal of $2,500 was reached, an event with several volunteer teachers was to be held on stage. Despite the efforts made by Renaissance and the school as a whole, the fundraiser fell significantly short of its goal. The funds raised, though short, were still appreciated. Freshman Steve Chavez, commented, “I love how Los Altos is so involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my old school didn’t do anything like this.” Others, however, are hesitant to endorce the school’s efforts whole-heartedly. “I think Breast Cancer Awareness Month is great, but I think we should raise awareness for other types of cancer as well. We’ve already done a great job with Breast Cancer [Awareness], why not try with Gastric or Thyroid Cancer [Awareness] now,” answered Andres Gonzalez, senior. Many schools nationwide participated in fundraising for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but few did it with as much spirit and compassion as LA. Jacob Kim
Jimmy Yee, math, has brought much needed relief to the math department’s densely packed classes.
News 3 Understanding the election process BY ALEJANDRA TORRES
The 2014 mid-term election passed recently. This election was important not only to the government but also to everyone in this country. On November 4, several Los Altos High School students helped make a difference in their local communities and subsequently a difference in the national community. A number of Conquerors decided to work in the election polls this year. After the students filled out the required application, they were assigned to local election centers and paid stipends for their work. Richard Nares, history, was the coordinator of the whole program that it made it possible for the students to have this political experience. When asked about the importance of the program, Nares said, “Poll working gives the students the opportunity to understand how our political system works. They get to actually see people vote, and they are involved directly in the process.” He continued, “It also gives more of an appreciation for our democratic process, and helps them understand how truly fair it is.” Nares hopes that the students “get to see how lucky we are as a nation to get to vote freely without violence and things that prevent voting.” Students who worked the polls tended to agree with Nares about the experience. Maharsh Patel, senior, is a current AP Government student. He commented, “Working the polls gives a deeper understanding of the election process” and added a desire to continue participating in the voting process in the future. This wasn’t the first time Los Altos helped out in elections; this was actually the school’s third year of participation. “Even though [the work] is long and trying, I have always gotten great responses not just from the students that participate but also from the instructors [the adults that supervise and instruct student poll workers on voting day] that always say our students are well behaved and knowledgeable,” noted Nares. Patel reflected, “Being a poll worker was a unique experience.”
Melisa Rybaltowski
Above: Local citizens register to vote in the Hacienda. Below: Voting booths in the Hacienda proclaim “VOTE.” Melisa Rybaltowski
District hosts first annual Open House Fair BY BECKY NAVA Barbara Crowther
AVID students represent Los Altos at the fair. Front row: sophomore Ashley Huerta. Back row, from left: sophomores Andrew Hayashi, Cesar Moreno, Raymond Alvarado, and Samantha Robles; seniors Camila Contreras and Jessica Beltran; sophomore Nick Juarez. Soon after the Hacienda Heights Community and Recreation Center opened its doors, the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District hosted the first annual District Open House Fair at the new community venue. The event took place on November 1 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and was open to all, including past and present district students, parents, and community members. The event kicked off with speeches from members of the district introducing the fair. The event was organized by different booths; some represented schools and others offered various programs, including Child Development and Adult Education initiatives. In attendance were various representatives from schools all over the HLPUSD including Los Robles Elementary, La Puente High School, Mesa Robles, and Los Altos High School. Each school had a booth decorated with school mascots and colors, showcasing school and community spirit. Those who visited these booths received
flags, pencils, magnets, balloons, and other school related attire. The other booths at the fair were communityoriented. One booth was dedicated to health screenings; another gave information on public safety and awareness; yet another focused on the importance of cosmetology and gave face paintings. Each booth had its own unique set up and some even offered raffles with prizes like gift baskets, gift cards, and school supplies. Along with the booths, the fair offered parent workshops and musical performances by the Mesa Robles Jazz Band inside the community center. Outside the community center were food trucks, music, and a cheer clinic, where members of a cheer squad taught those in attendance a routine and later performed it in front of an audience. After this year’s substantial turnout, the District Open House Fair may become a community tradition – there is already talk of organizing next year’s fair.
Allies Unite
BY DAMARIS OSUNA
For the week of October 20 to October 24, the Gay-Straight Alliance Club hosted Ally Week, which united Los Altos students across campus to advocate the acceptance of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, and to strive to stop the judgment of others. Ally Week included the spirit days entitled: Pledge Monday, Compliment Crazy Tuesday, Random Act of Kindness Wednesday, Shout out Thursday and High Five Friday. During the week, Los Altos students also posted many positive messages on a rainbow art installation created by senior Katie Marroquin. “Ally Week was a week-long event that showed support to the LGBT+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender] community at our school,” commented junior and treasurer of GSA Jasmyn Recinos. “Our main purpose was to create an environment where people of all genders and sexual orientations felt safe and united.” As a result of Ally Week, many students learned to be more accepting of others and more kind to students around campus. The week turned out to be a huge success; Ally Week received high amounts of students pledging to become an Ally and to stop the slang use of any sexual orientation. The turnout during the week was overwhelming for the club. Vice president of GSA and junior Daniel Olvera commented, “Overall, the event was a success in my eyes. It got such a substantial amount of recognition from staff, leadership, and students in general.”
Check out the winter edition of
Coming this december
4 Splash Conqueror costume crazy BY KIMBERLY WONG; PHOTOGRAPHER JACOB KIM
Allan Li
Splash 5
6 Features
Trials and tribulations
BY HELEN KHUU AND KIMBERLY WONG
Wong On November 3, anxious students waited for their fate in the Stanley Moss Courthouse. This event kicked off this year’s annual Mock Trial competition. Schools from all around Los Angeles County flocked to the courthouse to face off against another randomly assigned team. In a simulation of an actual court trial, two teams from different schools compete against each other. A judge then gives the deciding verdict: guilty or not guilty. The Los Altos prosecution won a verdict of guilty, and the Los Altos defense team won a verdict of not guilty. In other words, both Los Altos teams triumphed in their trials. Teresa Munoz, junior, stated, “It was my first time being in Mock Trial and I was very anxious when I went to compete in the courthouse. I played the role of the witness Marty McCulloch. Luckily the prosecution team won and it was such an amazing experience.” Also a first-time participant, junior Christian Vega said, “Going inside the courthouse was exciting for me. I never went to Mock Trial defense team. From left: senior Caroline Torres, senior Emily Flores, freshman Emma Eriksen, senior Kimberly Wong, a courthouse before and I felt anxious. Be- sophomore Irene Chia, senior Bonnie Luu, junior Joseph Pyle, senior Hillary Hermawan, and junior Andrew Rojas. ing my first time in Mock Trial, I was a bit nervous up on the stand. I was a witness for though. In the end our side won and I was Caroline Torres, senior. This is her fourth as a debate club. Their meetings are held prosecution, Charlie Gibbons. The defense really proud at the end of the night.” and final year of Mock Trial before she every Thursday at lunch in English teacher of the opposing team put me in the hot seat “I think all of our team members passes the presidential mantle to one of her Shalom Montgomery’s room, G5. After this as they were trying not to defend me but to performed very well. We were quick on our underclassmen. very recent conclusion of the Mock Trial incriminate me. The cross-examination on feet, and we were more composed than the Though Mock Trial has conclud- competition, the Mock Trial club looks forme got me really thinking and almost had opposing team. This led us to a decisive vic- ed their competition season for the year, ward to accepting new club members to the me incriminate myself. I actually did well, tory,” concluded Mock Trial co-president the club will spend the remaining semester debate team. Valeria Wang
Beards for a purpose BY BRYCE OLIVAS
Assistant principal Jeffrey Hess, shown here with a full beard and a contemplative gaze, is currently participating in No Shave November.
As November begins, one of the most prominent things on everybody’s minds is No Shave November. While many people know what it is, not everyone knows exactly what it is for. Sure, it is an excuse for men to be able to leave their beards unkempt, but it serves a purpose far greater than that. “The purpose of No Shave November is to promote awareness for prostate cancer,” comments Hector Gutierrez, junior. “I think it’s a great thing to do. It’s been a tradition for a pretty long time. I went on the website for No Shave November and saw a bunch of cool merchandise that’s all supposed to go to research for prostate cancer. I think it’s fantastic.” No Shave November is a time that not only makes faces scruffy but also brings the community together. Through the combined support of everyone that promotes prostate cancer awareness by not shaving,
Error 404: Life Not Found - Daydreaming BY CRYSTAL RIVAS
the community becomes closer than ever. Many males at Los Altos High School are unable to grow facial hair and participate, but the ones that can are definitely excited to show their support. Andre Flores, senior, says, “I’m definitely going to participate. Unlike a lot of guys that can grow beards, I don’t have a girlfriend that tells me that I can’t. I can let it grow free and raise cancer awareness at the same time. It’s a definite win-win.” All those who are able and aren’t restricted by either the physical disability to grow facial hair or by not being allowed to let their hair grow should participate. All money saved from not having to buy razors and shaving cream for one month should be donated to help the cause. Donations can be made at the No Shave November website located at www.no-shave.org. All proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society.
Features 7
Melisa Rybaltowski
Can Conquerors do it? Yes, we “can” BY MELISSA MONTES
A sign advertises the canned food drive, a fun class competition that also gave back to the community.
Los Altos High School’s leadership programs ASB and Renaissance hosted a canned food drive from November 10 through 14, inspired by Veterans’ Day. As an incentive, it was made into a class competition to see which grade level brought in the most cans. In the end, the junior class won and its prize was unlimited hot dogs at the football game tailgate on November 21. The canned food drive was a success due to students’ eagerness to get involved and their desire to help others in need. Additionally, senior Katie Clark and junior Fabiola Arcos each won action cameras for being the individual students to bring in the most cans. Junior Hector Gutierrez ex-
plained, “The food is being donated to a local organization called New Horizons.” In celebration of the season of giving, it is encouraged to give back to the community or to others in need. Gutierrez continued, “ASB’s goal is that the generous donations from students will make a significant impact on people’s lives.” A student’s busy schedule might make it hard for them to find the time to give back or volunteer, so this event was a good way to show how simple and rewarding it can be to give back. Sonia Padilla, senior, said, “I love how the school is promoting community awareness and generosity. The canned food drive made it easy to give back to the community. They should do it again next year.”
Engineering academy goes “FundRacing”
Connie Pung
BY CONNIE PUNG
One race track, one race car, one person. Intriguing, isn’t it? The Los Altos Academy of Engineering is known for building cars, but not all engineering students take part in the car building process. The program has started a new fundraiser by the name of FundRacing in order to raise enough money for their race this year. Now, what exactly is included in the fundraiser? “We were in contact with Mr. Schenkel who is the event coordinator at Irwindale Speedway and he brought up this fundraiser to us. I think it’s a very cool fundraiser for those over 18 who want to cross something off their bucket list. People have the opportunity to drive a stock car for 20 laps on a Nascar racetrack as fast as they want for $150 and we receive $50 from each ticket sold,” states Kaitlyn Eng, senior. Kevin Wang, senior, exclaims, “The fundraiser is such a good idea. Not only do we get to get a ticket that is normally priced as $399 for only $150, but we also receive $50 towards the program.” The students aren’t the only ones
excited about starting such a big fundraiser as this one. “I think it’s a novel way to raise funds for the program and I’m optimistic that it’ll catch on and that a lot of people will be interested in it and get this one time opportunity. I think Adopt-an-Engineer will always be our core fundraiser, because everyone will have $10 available. But I think this can get other people who wouldn’t usually be interested in our program that might not usually sponsor the program because they’re thinking, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Well, what’s in it for them is a great opportunity to do something they’ve never done before and something that will support our program is just a bit of icing on the cake,” states Ed Richter, academy of engineering. “LA FundRacing is a great idea and I’m excited that we’re doing a new fundraiser this year. It’s a good concept that we just hope will go well as the year goes by. If anyone is interested then you can come to me or Sandy Kim and ask for any details pertaining to the fundraiser,” says Sabrina Delgado, senior. Connie Pung
Junior Sandy Kim checks up on the FundRacing website. Editorial
Learning how to put the “unity” in community BY MELISA RYBALTOWSKI
Production choir performed at the opening of the community center pictured above.
Production choir was asked to perform the Star Spangled Banner at the opening of the Hacienda Heights Community Center on Saturday, October 25, 11:00 AM, and I was as thrilled as a punk would be for a Taylor Swift album. But hey, the request was flattering nonetheless. After LAHS Jazz Band totally killed the waiting, we were setting formation. Before we actually began to sing, the veterans of the national color guard exercised their duties once more, and there I stood, trying to understand the honor in carrying a flag. I knew that a flag was more than just a colorfully representative piece of cloth. Sure, we all grow up knowing that the red, white, and blue banner represents a nation, but perhaps we all forget that we’re part of it. That was when I realized that the colors on that flag represent us individually, too. No matter what nationality we are, we’re here now, and now is what matters. In that moment, Jeffrey Fahey, the
choir director, began to hum our pitch to lead into the Pledge of Allegiance. It was just the national anthem, the song citizens grow up knowing, yet in that moment it carried a whole new meaning. We weren’t singing alone. It was the community, a harmony, not just in voices but in lives. We were all a part of something with one thing in common. Sometimes teenagers live life looking for commonalities when we’re actually surrounded by them. That was the beauty of it all. A hundred men and women, a hundred strangers, yet we all belonged to something greater that brought us together, on that otherwise insignificant Saturday morning. At first, the Hacienda Heights community center was just a building. Now, it’s the place where I learned a life lesson. Like a kid remembers who taught them to tie their shoes, I’ll remember that day as the day I learned from the center what ties a community together.
8 Sports Football
Girls’ Golf
Boys’ Cross Country
Girls’ Cross Country
Boys’ Waterpolo
Girls’ Volleyball
Girls’ Tennis
Record: 7-5-0 3rd in league CIF: Semifinals
Record: 0-10-0 5th in league CIF: N/A
Record: 3-0 League champions CIF: Finals
Record: N/A 2nd in league CIF: Round 1
Record: 7-0 League champions CIF: Finals
Record: 9-1 League champions CIF: Round 1
Record: 4-8-0 4th in league CIF: Round 1
One of our own scores big
LA battles for the CIF title
Chris Coleman
Football
On Friday, November 21, the football team competed at home against Monrovia High School in the CIF quarterfinals. The conquerors emerged victorious with a score of 45-35. They will advance to the semifinals on November 28, to be played against Bonita High School.
BY BRYCE OLIVAS
On October 30 Justin Contreras, senior, and Los Altos Boys Water Polo Varsity captain, made Los Altos High School history. Contreras broke the Boys Water Polo school record for career goals. Contreras broke the record with a staggering number of 518 goals in his whole high school career. “It feels really good,” says Contreras, “to make my mark on this school. I am confident that I will hold the record for a while, and whoever outscores me will deserve the title.” Despite holding the new school record, Contreras did not plan to stop there. “Coach Coleman wants me to get to the number two spot on the all-time scoring list for CIF division five. That means I have to score 592 goals, which means I need to score 74 more goals in the last eleven games of my high school career.” These eleven games that Contreras counted also included every round of CIF, up to finals. The whole team was con-
Boys’ Cross Country Senior Justin Contreras smiles as he is acknowledged for his accomplishments. fident that they could make it to finals again, a goal they kept. Hector Herrera, junior, says, “The road to CIF finals wasn’t easy, but we can definitely do it again. I wasn’t on varsity last year, but I’m happy knowing that I’m on a team that I can count on to go to finals with. Junior Armando Quesada Jr. is the starting goalie for the varsity water polo team. Quesada had no doubts that Contreras could reach his 592 mark. “Well, I actually wanted him to make it to the number one spot, but that is 706 goals, so I guess
he’ll have to settle for number two overall and number one in the school. Either way, they’re huge accomplishments.” Following the CIF finals that took place on November 22, Contreras held the number 3 spot in the district overall. The whole water polo organization is proud of Contreras and the high goals he is reaching. They appreciate all the students that supported Contreras as he and co-captain, senior George Millard, led his team to CIF finals during their strive for the ring.
The boys’ cross country team finished their season off with an excellent race at Mount San Antonio College on Saturday November 22, in the CIF finals. Their best efforts earned them a spot amongst the best teams of the state.
Boys’ Waterpolo On Saturday, November 22 played at the William Woolett Aquatics Center against Claremont High School in the CIF finals. After playing their best, the boys suffered a tough loss with a final score of 7-15, effectively ending their season.
Softball stars to attend Michigan State and North Carolina
BY VALERIA WANG AND JESSICA OCHOA
After four long years since they first stepped foot on campus, some Los Altos athletes are finally receiving the recognition they deserve in the form of college recruitments. On Wednesday, November 12, Celeste Wood and Berlynne Delamora signed to Michigan State University and University North Carolinafor softball. The day began as ordinarily as any other but for these girls it marked a point in their life that they would never forget. The signing event was held so that
parents, students, and teachers could gather to congratulate the girls on their achievement. Not only were the girls able to sign and take pictures with their supportive family and friends, but they were also showered with an abundance of flowers and gifts from their loved ones. However, this great success did not come easily. Receiving an offer like this was no easy task. Both Wood and Delamora trained very hard to even just receive the attention. Once scouted, there was still
Melissa Montes
a chance of that one will not receive an offer. Wood explains, “Scouting allows you to show the college coaches your skills and hard work. However, they will only come back to watch again if you do a good job.” Celeste Wood, known for her position as softball pitcher, had also received letters from schools such as University of Arkansas and University of Indiana. However, her decision to attend Michigan State University has been long decided since sophomore year. “All of my hard work
and dedication to this sport has paid off. I was very excited when I received their call. Ever since then my confidence has risen. I feel accomplished because I have made my family very proud,” said Wood. Delamora, who will be attending North Carolina University, agreed saying, “This event means the world to me. It’s a relief that through everything I’ve been through, my hard work paid off. It’s also great to know that I can continue to play the game I love.”
Melissa Montes
On left: Senior Berlynne Delamora signs her letter of intent as a University of North Carolina representative looks over her shoulder. On right: Senior Celeste Wood glances at her letter of intent to Michigan State University before signing it.