byu
Sonoma state uc berkeley
tohs moorpark Army
UCSB
the lancer
senior issue 2011 senior destination map pages 8 & 9
cal poly slo
st. mary’s
denmark beauty school
occidental
remember When?
Duh...winning.
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!
THOSE were the
DAYS.
Why so serious?
Imma let you finish, but...
Chances are, we won’t recall prom Awkward drama or our SAT scores ten years from turtle. now. Here are a few moments that are forever alone. worth remembering. Look at my status.
Ten points to Gryffindor! Rah, rah, ahah-ah...
Yes we can. I can see Russia from my house! Partyin’ partyin’, YEAH
You’re a jerk. (I know.)
That awkward moment when... My hand is a dolphin! We got ourselves a Situation.
Rick Roll’d. Hey girl heyy!
So I herd u liek Mudkipz. This is Sparta! No, this is Patrick. Charlie bit me!
Caitlin Wire » the lancer Legendary Pictures » Public Domain Warner Bros. » Public Domain 20th Century fox » public domain Wikimedia commons » With permission
T
hose were the days. The good days, the bad days, the dog days. The only solution was to immerse ourselves in a different world, where our lives played out like reality shows and celebrities were both our friends and enemies. We had a soundtrack for every moment, and we credited those who would make it happen. We were pop culture. It was 2007. We were hardly fresh-faced. The pimples, the braces, the greasy up-do. Everyone seemed to be logging off of MySpace, and signing on to Facebook. We were connected to ourselves, but disconnected from reality. We watched in horror as Britney shaved her head. When our parents believed we were seeing Shrek the Third in theaters, we were really sneaking in to see Knocked Up. We flipped the pages of the final Harry Potter novel. High School Musical 2 was even worse than the first one, and Miley Cyrus was still annoying. American Idol contestant Sanjaya had the best hair on television. It was 2008. We were the middle children of high school. We were overlooked. So, we made our great escape into pop culture. Heath Ledger was dead, and our love for movies took a short hiatus. Carrie Bradshaw brought big laughs to the big screen. Wall-E gave us hope. Mad Men ruled the Emmys. Ignoring our gut, with accepted our parents as our Facebook friends. We played for either Team Edward or Team Jacob. If we liked it then we should’ve put a ring on it. Everyone was invited to Madonna’s 50th birthday party but us. Obama was elected president. We could see Russia from our houses. It was 2009. We were upperclassmen. Before shutting out from the world, we turned up the music. Lil’ Wayne topped the charts. Eminem returned. Passion Pit broadened the spectrum. Paranormal Activity wouldn’t let us sleep. Brüno made Borat look like a schoolboy. Inglourious Basterds gave us an obscure glimpse at history. We began to dress like lumberjacks. We were Gaga’s little monsters. We watched Obama’s inauguration. We let the wild rumpus begin. It was 2010. We could finally call ourselves seniors. We ruled the school. We missed the vaccinations for senioritis and Bieber fever. We huddled outside Muvico for the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One. Our closets were full of combat boots, cardigans and crop tops. Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift at the Grammys. Mark Zuckerberg was our cyber-hero. It is 2011. We wake up at 7 a.m. We get dressed. We go downstairs. We need our bowl, our cereal. We said farewell to Pirates of the Caribbean’s Will Turner, and said hello William and Kate. Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs won best album. We were duh...winning. We graduated.
DING.
I wish…
...I had more time to do things. ...my mom would let me take the car out this summer without recompensing her for gas.
—Lindsay Baffo
...my boyfriend and I would be able to stay together even though we are going to college in different states.
staff senior column
2
The series finale
Rebecca sylvers
I
’d play the villain in a TV show about my life: Medusa hair, evil cackle and all. At the very least, I’d be the kind of heroine whose arrogance, cynicism and domineering disposition would make you almost stop rooting for her. But you still would, right? RIGHT? Or maybe you wouldn’t. Maybe you’d identify better with my victims, the nameless, faceless people, probably freshmen, who I bumped into unapologetically as I made my daily beeline for the journalism room, the ones I yelled at for not living up to my unreasonably high standards or the ones who received some of the secondhand smoke pouring out my ears. Either way, my ratings would be through the roof. Who wouldn’t want to watch a show whose most action-packed scenes took place between my car and 1st period stats at the hours of 6:59 and 7 a.m. in my signature waddle/run, backpack bobbing up and down? Who wouldn’t be glued to the screen as I try to blackmail not one, but two, people into going to prom with me or as I discover a Facebook group dedicated to my (nonexistent) relationship? How bizarre my life must look to an outsider who only sees the final cuts, all tidy and overproduced. How trite my worries must seem. Oh no! I’m up late. Now I have to shower in the morning! That means I’m going to be late to stats. Again. Wait that’s tardy number what? Oh God, I got a Saturday. I’m going to die.
Sure sounds like melodrama worthy of the screen. Yes, I would have to have voice-overs in every episode to account for the fact that I lived much of high school inside my own head, trying to figure myself out, or in front of my bright red laptop, trying to write, but there are certainly episodes that can be plucked from the whole of my high school experience that wouldn’t be entirely painful to watch...I’d watch them, at least. I would list some, but I’ve always hated the all-too-revealing previews of next week’s episode. I’ll keep my anticipation thank you very much. A TV show about my life would finally give me the opportunity to do the one thing I have always wanted to do: play background music during those perfectly cinematic moments and a laugh track for every inadvertently sexual comment. And last of all, there would be no lasts: no last trick-or-treat, no last softball game, no last layout weekend. Just rerun after rerun after rerun. But what happens after that? College. And in life, unlike most TV, we don’t abandon the protagonist right after graduation. Time for a spin-off. We’ll call it...Rebecca Goes to Yale.
What in the world...?
/
In 2007, track star Marion Jones surrenders her five Olympic gold medals after admitting to using steroids. The Writers’ Guild of America begins a strike that lasts until February of the following year. In 2008, the U.S. sees the beginnings of a national recession, as market indices plunge 3%. Fidel Castro resigns as president of Cuba. Cyclone Nagis kills over 133,000 in Burma/Myanmar.
2008– 2009
Michael Phelps wins a record-setting eight gold medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Barack Obama is elected the first African-American president of the United States in 2008, and is inaugurated the following year. In 2009, an outbreak of swine flu causes an international health scare. A US Airways plane crashes into the Hudson River; miraculously, there are no casualties.
2007– 2008
/ / /
2009– 2010
2010– 2011
In August of 2009, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il pardons two American journalists after a visit from former President Bill Clinton. President Barack Obama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In January of 2010 A 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti kills over 230,000. A BP oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico explodes, creating the largest accidental marine oil spill in history. President Barack Obama declares the end of combat in Iraq in August 2010. After 69 days underground, 33 Chilean miners are rescued in mid-October. In February of 2011, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigns after widespread protest. A 9.1 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami hits Japan, killing over 15,000. The world is captivated by the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
...only musically literate people handled instruments. ...to marry my boyfriend someday.
—Caitlin Wire
...journalism would openly admit yearbook is better. ...I tanned and could grow decent facial hair.
+
contents
page 5
Cover graphic » Alex Chen
is nice for me, “Water polobecause I’m so clumsy on land.”
page 4
3
editors’ note We were never really supposed to be here. Giselle was supposed to go to Westlake. Rebecca was supposed to be in yearbook. And Brian, despite his residency in the Kim journalism dynasty, hadn’t given it much consideration either. But for whatever reason, here we are, the three Editors-in-Chief of The Lancer, a year, ten issues and a boatload of awards later. And now it’s over. Thank goodness. Now we can sleep.
I will always admire the strength it took to survive a heart attack,
and years later, a stroke, and still long to
go back and teach. page 6
Our sunny, suburban, distinguished high school
is far, far from evil. page 6
“Learn what you're supposed to;
if you're smart people will know.
A title is just words.” page 10
Mr. Donia does not run the Theatre Department,
he IS the Theatre Department. page 12
index » those were the days.....................................................................2 every senior has a story.............................................................4 benji walker.................................................................................4 lesley andrews ...........................................................................4 emma cohen...............................................................................4 seniors in the spotlight ..............................................................5 scott hendrickson.....................................................................5 matt hall .......................................................................................5 farewell to faculty: manuel valdez ........................................6 senior destinations.......................................................................7 statistics........................................................................................7 community colleges.................................................................7
one line to rule them all We asked seniors to tell us the first line of their favorite college essays. “A mountain of patient charts on my new desk greeted me as I walked through the door. My first thought was, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’”
—Cody Canerdy “With a small pink tongue sandwiched between two little lips, I managed to lightly drop a card on the tip-top of our card house.”
—Iliana Villa “To me, being a Christian is not a task.”
—Natalie Pavia
...yearbook would get its act together and reinstate the Hall of Fame. ...to be successful in my future endeavors.
map ................................................................................................8 valedictorians: the top 11..........................................................10 recruits..............................................................................................11 teacher tributes............................................................................12 senior leaders ...............................................................................16 senior columns rebecca sylvers..........................................................................2 lauren belak berger..................................................................5 daniel schechter........................................................................6 ross kelly.......................................................................................7 caitlin wire..................................................................................15
“There is a certain amount of dignity that is lost when working at Hot Dog on a Stick.”
—Rachel Ekstrom “When my father told his mother that he was marrying a non-Jewish girl, she was floored.”
—Hannah Yudovin “My friends and I like to discuss the details of space piracy.”
—Wyatt Gormley “Seeing my classmates become collegebound zombies made me realize that my life could not revolve around being accepted to college.”
“Ever since I developed the ability to think, I was always interested in building/making objects whether it was a Lego mansion, train track set, or a Hot Wheels roller-coaster.
—Austin Cagley “When I found out that my best friend had a seizure caused by lupus, fear masked every thought in my mind.” —Lauren Akahoshi “My chest swelled outward with a final deep breath before the big show. It was a matter of seconds before the first song.”
—Taylor Blaine
Hits and Misses: What was up and was down in our senior year
Hit: Watching the Green Hole blossom under our leadership in the last two years. The Rollercoaster will never again be quite as exhilarating. Miss: No Every 15 Minutes for us—instead, we’re ambushed with gory photos and depressing stories at senior seminar. Hit: Getting slizzard every Tuesday in Mrs. Zimmerman’s class Miss: The fact that the stale original Hangover jokes are still funnier than the new Hangover 2 ones Hit: Due to rounding error, the world will instead be obliterated not on the 21st of May, but October. Miss: Not having a third consecutive Lakers Championship as a graduation present Hit: From “Soulja Boy” to “Whip My Hair,” with the Jerk and Dougie in between, there has been something for the show-off to do at prom every year. Miss: Getting booed as freshmen in the rallies, before the strict nobooing laws were enacted. We demand reparations. Hit: Finally being able to sing along to “I Love College” without feeling a little awkward about it. Miss: Somehow, “Time of our Lives” and “Graduation (Friends Forever)” don’t quite pack the nostalgic punch they used to in middle school. “Hits and Misses don’t write themselves. We’re peacing.” —seniors Daniel Schechter and Brian Kim
—Connor Duncan
...my mom not to hate me for being a lesbian. ... I didn’t have to spend money on transcripts. Rip off…
...to be successful enough to comfortably support my family. ...I could play the guitar.
...we didn’t have to end like this. ...for my name to live forever. ...people had better wishes.
In honor of 11:11, the Class of 2011 told us their wishes.
4
every senior has a story
lesley andrews
In the spirit of our recurring feature, “Every Lancer has a Story,” we sat down with three randomly selected seniors and listened as they told us their stories
American dreams Her American accent is misleading, because for senior Lesley Andrews, it wasn’t there to begin with. Unbeknownst to many of her peers, Andrews was born and raised in a suburb of London, England. “For the longest time, I thought I was going to end up going to the same high school as my older brother, in England,” she said. But when Andrews was nine, her father moved to Oak Park, California for his audio/visual company. He was living there for 18 months before the distance from his family, coupled with the growing deterioration of the suburb where the family lived, motivated Andrews’ father to relocate the family to Thousand Oaks. “It was unreal,” Andrews said. “ I thought, ‘No, we’re not going to live where the stars live.’ I was so excited! I couldn’t wait.” Although the States were anything but new to the young girl (family vacations had given her a taste of her imminent reality), living here presented her with the undesired attention that comes with having an English accent in the U.S. While at Los Cerritos Middle School, she made an executive decision. “I hated being different,” Andrews said. “In the sixth grade, you don’t want to be different. Now, it would be pretty cool, but I got rid of the accent as soon as I could...My family still gives me crap for it.”
Now a senior in high school, Andrews looks and does as any typical “American” girl. Achieving her dream to be part of the dance team, Andrews recalls “They tell you, ‘When you go to Nationals, you have to win a backpack’ because this means a first place win.” This year, Andrews brought home that backpack for a coed hip-hop routine, a dance her younger brother, freshman Jake Andrews was also in. Jake is part of the boys’ hip-hop team. “We’ve gotten to know each other,” Andrews said. “We still bicker every now and again, but being forced to hang out has brought us closer together. He’s a good friend. It’s weird that we hang out.” For Andrews, it seems as if her life is filled with unforeseen twists and fulfilling dreams. From moving to her new home to establishing herself as a dancer and friend to her brother, Andrews is now ready to attend San Francisco State University in the fall. She knows she will miss her parents, her brother, but deep down, she will especially miss her home...in Thousand Oaks. “People complain about where we live,” she said. “We have kids paint balling each other, sure, and it’s boring sometimes, but I love it here. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. I love Thousand Oaks.” —Giselle Quezada
alex chen » the lancer
your story in 5 words
emma cohen
Benji Walker
“Lusting, I want some Jamba.” —Thomas Hollow “And the funny thing is…” —Amber Peratis “She lived her life bravely…” —Xochitl Lucio alex chen » the lancer
“Big Brother is watching you.” —Uriel Gamboa
big goals, small steps To the graduating senior class, Benjamin Walker has always been a friendly face on campus. If for nothing more, his 6’ 4” stature and 220 lb. freight train frame leaves freshmen cowering in fear. Beyond his physical frame, though, are his ambitions—which are set to the same grand scale. Benjamin, or Benji (as his peers call him), is determined to pursue a career that will make him think and experiment. “Money isn’t a concern. Truth is, I want to work for an engineering firm, and that’s so I can use my brain,” Benji said. This is no spontaneous decision. Benji previously held an aeronautical internship, where he observed the process by which smoke detectors are manufactured for commercial airplanes. Benji remains grounded for the moment, though. continued on 5
I wish…
...for a U.S. Senate seat. ...for everyone to be happy with being themselves.
alex chen » the lancer
Finding purpose in compassion There is a certain envy about those undecided in career. Whereas the bulk of the senior class has since surpassed that childhood-consuming question, senior Emma Cohen has not. And for the better. Raised by encouraging and unrestricting parents who both teach, Emma was never subject to the stifling academic pressures or narrowed by the careerdriven paths that so define the resume-padding, APacing, and Ivy-bound student. That is not to say that Emma is directionless. In lieu of this academic single-mindedness, Emma finds purpose in compassion. Her recent trip to Mexico to construct homes for the homeless brought her a previously untapped emotional reciprocation.
...I could run backwards as fast as I can run forwards. ...to be at Disneyland already.
“When we finished one of the homes, this woman looked at it and started crying. I felt like I’d actually accomplished something after seeing her, not the finished house,” she said. The Moorpark-bound senior feeds off this reciprocation, the acknowledgement of her deeds and words in the form of a bright smile or a quiet tear. “If I can make someone smile—if someone tells me that I’ve made [his or her] day,” she said. “What more could you possibly want?” For now, Emma is content. And she’s looking forward to Grad Nite at Disneyland.
...I could stay in touch with the best of my friends from high school when I leave. ...for world happiness.
“I’m the new girl again.” —Jaimee Ylagan “My passion is Indian dance.” —Ayesha Saxena “Try, fail...try again...Succeed!” —Ryan Brodsky “18 years, few tears, cheer.” —Katy Sheridan “Food, food, food, food, food.” —Jordan Greenslade
—Brian Kim
...people would tell me what they’re thinking, especially if it’s about me. ...I could afford to go to my dream college.
guest senior column
Focus on the positive: we never have to see each other again
lauren belak berger
S
ummer vacation is near— but it wont be the same summer we’ve all been used to. Shopping for school will be different than before, what with the new supply list including such things as bedding, textbooks and other items needed to (gasp) survive in a new environment. For now, we have the last few days of high school to drudge through, and let’s not kid ourselves—it’s going to be tough. We will slowly care less and less, until the glorious day when we never have to set foot on this campus again. Some began counting down a while ago—just a few more weeks, just a little longer—and as graduation gets ever closer, something more than just the interest level of us seniors will change—our number of friends will, too. For every day that brings us closer to graduation, almost everyone is gaining a new best bud that they will miss so much next year. Suddenly the girl who sits next to you in English and who borrowed your book one time is a close friend. You two forever share a bond and yet in a few short weeks you will be torn apart, thrown out into the world alone and helpless. Sad, right? Maybe not. I know when we promoted from eighth grade, being voted “everybody’s best friend” was an honor, but be honest—no one likes absolutely everyone. Another thing no one likes: having to pretend to really like someone who they have never spoken to except one time to borrow a book. So in the spirit of graduation, let’s all come together in this promise: next time we are feeling nostalgic about lending a classmate a pencil, think harder about your relationship. Remember the time he brought that sandwich to class that smelled like a combination of wet dog and mustard and realize that you are not sorry to be leaving him behind. And that girl who borrowed your book? She devoured bags of Skittles on the daily, smacking her lips and activating your gag reflex. It was not the best four years of life. It was not the worst. High school was a way to make sure we all spent four years in a semi-productive way, until we were old enough to make it (kind of) on our own. In a few weeks, we are officially free to move on, so let’s think about that rather than the people and places we are leaving behind. We’re so close, guys, so let’s focus on the positive: in a few days, we never have to see each other again. Let’s go.
scott hendrickson
seniors in the spotlight
Volleyball: the Musical Scott Hendrickson is the ultimate multitasker. This spring, Hendrickson played two major roles: varsity setter for the TOHS volleyball team and Don Lockwood, the lead in Singin’ in the Rain. He has not, however, been leading this double life for long. He did not pick up choir, dance and theater until senior year, but his love of being on center stage has been brewing from the beginning. “Freshman year, I was really inspired by all of the shows and performances I saw...and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it,” Hendrickson said. “I liked how it was about inspiring people as much as it was about the joy of performing.” After seeing Curtains, last year’s spring musical, Hendrickson decided to join a community theater, which boomed into a string of interests including roles in Sweeney Todd and Oliver. “I liked acting because I liked how the audiences responded and I liked the feeling of driving home every night feeling like I had so much fun,” Hendrickson said. When he isn’t on-stage, Hendrickson finds an outlet in athletics. “The reason I like playing sports, along with the other things I do, is because it’s really nice to be a part of a group or a team effort, working toward goals together and supporting each other, and also I like playing sports because it keeps me balanced. It’s a good escape from performing, because those can be more selfish and individual accomplishments, and playing on a team reminds me what’s important, and what I love about performing and athletics,” Hendrickson said. Hendrickson’s two worlds collided the final Thursday of Singin’ in the Rain, when his entire volleyball squad, fresh off a CIF semifinal game, filed into the PAC, dressed up and energized, to support their friend and teammate. —Olivia Sundstrom
5
Hendrickson, with co-star junior Annalea Fusci john routh » the lancer
Polo player talks future continued from 4
He is currently applying for jobs in retail, at stores like Best Buy. His dream job for the summer would be performing stocking and inventory at Jo-Ann Fabrics. “I don’t want to use my brain just yet though,” Walker said. “For now, I’d take any job where I could listen to my iPod.” Walker’s music taste is expansive, covering virtually all genres, (with the exception of country). His appetite is versatile as well. When asked what his last meal would be, Walker proclaimed he’d have pumpkin ice cream. This doesn’t sound like the diet of a varsity water polo player, but if you’ve ever met Walker, you know people aren’t always what they seem.
“Water polo is nice for me, because I’m so clumsy on land. It gives me a chance to be athletic in a different scene,” he said. Though Walker enjoyed his dalliance with water polo during high school, he will not be playing at Gonzaga University, where he will be attending in the fall. Perhaps it’s Walker’s jovial attitude that propels him into our hearts. “Actually, what I’m most looking forward to next year in Washington is having actual seasons,” Walker said lightheartedly, as he raised his arms to emphasize the temperate climate that afternoon. —Jacob Markus
Matt hall
More than a red-trimmed suit
When someone mentions the name Matt Hall, the response is often: “Hey, that’s the kid from Glee isn’t it?” Well, there is much more to Matt Hall than just being “that kid from Glee.” “Glee was really fun and was a great experience but is also something I know I don’t want to pursue later in life,” Hall said. “I’m not really good at acting and all it is is networking yourself and sucking up to people to get more jobs. But all in all I’m glad I did it.” Hall’s role sprang from such connections. His brother, Jon, was already on the show and the producer needed someone who looked similar and could sing. Matt fit the bill. Yes, Hall was a Warbler on Glee, but he does not consider acting or singing a serious part of his future. Hall’s life has been more or less the same since ap-
pearing on Glee, with the exception of getting a few strangers as Facebook friends. Hall also appeared in the 2004 film The Polar Express. He’s still involved at our school, graduation nearly upon him, when he could have easily checked out the minute he hit 2,000 Twitter followers. Though he did not play volleyball this year as he had the rest of his high school years, he remained involved in athletics, coaching the championship team in the inaugural intramural basketball tournament. While Hall has yet to discover a true passion, he really enjoys dancing. He can’t pinpoint the exact reason, but sees dance as just “something he does.” Hall will attend Pepperdine in the spring, but is undecided on his major. —Alex Bradbury
matt hall » with permission
In honor of 11:11, the Class of 2011 told us their wishes.
6
farewell to faculty
staff senior column
Valdez, with wife Linda
A not-asupset-as-itsounds senior column; risky words about busy work
“
Mr. Valdez cares deeply about his students’ success in life beyond his classroom. He has diligently mentored many students and they have responded with great loyalty, love and respect for him. —teacher SuGen Shin Grano
Daniel Schechter
F
”
“
I think we took it for granted—when he had his stroke, we realized how much we missed his voice and his teaching methods. He really brought life lessons into math, which made it fun. He’s a legacy. —junior Alyssa Wogan
”
“
El me ha ayudado mucho. Una vez no le entendía a mi tarea de álgebra. Despúes de que fui con él, luego empecé a entender. Me pareció muy bien, pero también lo veo como amigo. —sophomore Lucia Toledo
”
“
He’s like one of the teachers in the movies that sends kids off into society. He’s just a great teacher. You have to come back to him because of all of the things he’s done for you. —sophomore Elijah Aguilar
”
“
I’m sad because he’s such a great element of the school and he’s just...irreplaceable. I know he touched a lot of students’ lives, and he motivated a lot of them to go to college and be successful. —teacher Veronica Bass
”
typical friday Night
giselle quezada » the lancer
manuel valdez
A Lancer’s perspective I sat at Harold’s House of Omelettes on Thousand Oaks Boulevard looking a mess. The clothes I was wearing were from the day before. My makeup had been done in the middle of: “I’ll be out in a minute!” and: “No, I didn’t forget!” It was the first official day of spring break vacation, and it was too early in the morning for any high school senior to be awake. But despite my appearance, I was delighted to be sitting down at Harold’s. Lucero Segundo, whom I’ve known since I was eight years old, sat to my left. She looked fresh, composed and eager to share her excitement about attending Northwestern University in the fall. And while she contemplated either ordering French toast or trying an omelette for the first time in her life, the older woman sitting directly in front of Segundo gave me the warmest smile. Her name is Linda Valdez. She looked so genuinely happy for Lucero and me as she proceeded to share her very own college experiences with the table. Throughout her conversation, she would occasionally pause to look at the man sitting next to her. In fact, we all found ourselves doing this when given the chance to talk, because he was most important—and not just at our table, but in our lives as well. Manuel Valdez, my sophomore year Algebra II teacher, my friend, a grandfather figure. He has been happily married to Linda for the past 36 years, he introduced Segundo to a generous scholarship program that is helping her attend her dream school in Illinois, and he helped me find a way to UChicago. But this is merely the beginning. Without Valdez, I would have never maintained my job (His math class refined my tutoring abilities), I would have never volunteered at the Westminster
» Hang out with my friends or family. » Go party. » Whatever my friends want to do.
Free Clinic (the place that fills my Wednesday nights with happy chaos), and I would have never attended any Latino Connection meetings (Don’t get me wrong, I love the club, but senior year brought me to a whole new level of lazy). Luckily, I did have Valdez. And so did all of the students who have gone to TOHS in the past 38 years. From doctors and lawyers to teenage mothers and dropouts, Valdez has seen them come and go. Throughout time, he has shaped many high school experiences. He’s definitely shaped mine. His wisdom, ease, and ability to be more than just an average teacher will forever be ingrained in my memory. Not to mention, I will always admire the strength it took to survive a heart attack, and years later, a stroke, and still long to go back and teach. This year, Valdez has decided to retire (for real, this time). I’m sorry for those who will never get to meet him, but equally so, I am happy that he has become such a significant part of my life. Even years after our last day in high school, both Valdez’s and mine, I will forever hold onto that spring break morning at Harold’s, where Valdez was his typical self: celebratory when it comes to recognizing his students’ accomplishments. Along with him, Valdez brought the most important person in his life. Linda, his wife and companion, who has also become an important, recurring character in my life. I can’t wait to make both of them even more proud. But more importantly, I can’t wait for the stories I will have for them when I come home for the winter. Next time, I’m definitely going to set an alarm. I’ll be on time, I’ll try a new omelette, but I’ll see them at Harold’s. No doubt.
» Study for school. » Basketball with friends. » I don’t go out on Fridays.
—Giselle Quezada
reshman year I was relatively happy. Sophomore year I became less happy. There was way more work for learning what, I gauged, was the same amount. My teachers irked me in what I saw as their stubborn refusal to at least acknowledge that the projects they assigned were practically useless. I did well enough, though. Junior year, I got angry. Even more demands were placed on me, placed by people I neither liked nor respected. I have a problem where I can’t bring myself to do things that I know will never benefit me or anyone else—and this self-conceived efficiency contrasted sharply with the general AP model...getting everything ever done on time or better (even if with a few plagiarized grammar errors). And these are the people that are succeeding? I would ask myself, incredulous. Raised in an insular family of absent-minded bookworms, I suppose I was naive. I got A’s on the tests, but B’s in the classes. So, senior year, I disengaged. I realized the severity of my new workload, and I did all the work pretty much unquestioningly. I tried not to get angry about the busywork injustices, and for a while, I succeeded. But then, when spring rolled around and admissions were mailed, I started to slip. While most were getting lazy, I was just getting anxious-er and angrier. I resented the fact I still had to do work (especially for the amount I was learning) and I resented myself for doing it so obsequiously before. And then I resented myself for letting myself get so upset, in contrast with the (self-christened) Robot Dan of the previous semester. I was so intensely dissatisfied, I developed a legitimate heart condition. My family noticed my obvious changes, and were understandably concerned. Mom offered to take me out of school several times (Honey, if you’re unhappy then I’ve heard of these other programs you can enroll in...) and every time I refused (...well then you’ve gotta stop whining). Aside from my close friendships (a shout-out to the Wildwood Boys), I felt there were other reasons for not leaving TOHS. At the time, they were inarticulate feelings of failure...like I wasn’t completing some super important mission. Now, I feel the way of describing it would be like this: High school is, in a way, a necessary evil. I say “in a way” because “necessary” and “evil” are misleading in their descriptive strength. We all could have gotten our GEDs online if we had a mind to, and our sunny, suburban, distinguished high school is far, far from evil. We’re all still here, though, and none of us are particularly happy about it. Until now, we haven’t had the choices—and that’s about to change. Which means the scope of our lives will become self-consciously narrower. Going to colleges for people like us, taking long-term relationships longer and fewer at a time. Hopefully we’ll be happier, overall. But, the choices haven’t been ours, and we’ve been subjected to mixing and mingling with people who we’d never seek out on our own. Though it hasn’t been perfect, it has (as the trite and true expression goes), made us who we are today. I think we have to deal with people who are totally unlike us to really figure out who we are as people—a background of extras against which one can contrast themselves. So, wrapping it up, TO was really not that bad— everything always sounds more melodramatic in retrospect, and in trying to maintain some tonal continuity, I left out many, many good times. I’m as thankful for the people I’ve grown to love and respect as I am for those I’ve decided I will never be like. So uh...woo! Let’s go!
» Go to the gym sometimes. » Dancing class. » Hang out with friends and eat Taco Bell.
» Go to the mall. » Girls night: watching movies, talking about life and painting nails.
collegestats
19.8%
8.8% 289 7
81% 83 going to a college located in California
in the UC system
traveling out of the state
going to a junior college
going to Moorpark College
serving in the military
top majors
26 23 16 15 13
2
Exotic Animal Training Program
1
studying abroad
To kick off our list of senior destinations, we list the students who plan to attend
I’m expecting Moorpark to be easy and perfect for a student like “ myself who was not as focused in high school as much as I could have
Community Colleges
Moorpark was always my first choice. After I get my engineering “ degree, I hope to get managerial experience with a company that designs
Cuesta Katie Clendon Zachary Evans Trevor Evensen Samantha Fennessey Trevor O’Shea Chelsey Pedersen Glendale Kimberly Garcia Lake Tahoe Ryder England Mira Costa Paige McQueen Moorpark Daniel Aguirre Paola Aguirre Kaitlin Aiken Alan Alldredge Lucas Althoff Jacqueline Ananighian Nazli Anvari Aria Emily Aptaker Jake Aupperle Christopher Ayala Jake Babich Nicholas Baca Sara Bailey Taylor Balcom Wyatt Bandy Santiago Barajas Anna Bellini Robert Bentley Ashley Benzie Stefan Blum Brandon Bowers Carlos Brachtl Denielle Brevaire Alex Bringas Ryan Brodsky Hannah Brunet Joshua Buckley Rocio Buenrostro Leah Butler Morgan Byrne Ragan Adam Caine Bronte Caire Leslie Calan Carly Cannizzaro Brionna Cardenas Samantha Cardilino Patrick Casanova Charmaine Castillo Imelda Cedano Emma Cohen Kaitlin Conti Ryan Cook Fatima Couoh Corey Crandall Matthew Criste Marc Cruz Kelly Curiel Alexandra Curry Matthew D’Agostino Garrison Denim Amber Devolites
The agreement with my father is that if I go to Moorpark, he will pay “ for me to go wherever I want. I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life
» Partyin’ Partyin’ YEAH! » Play some Guitar Hero, Rock Band and some Call of Duty! I’m a good girl.
all percentages out of entire senior class
undeclared
11.2% 263 3 in the CSU system
Maria Diaz Garcia Michael Dixon Evan Durtschi Ryan Dutton Hayley Easton Ciara Elliott Joseph Enay Easton Engbrock Nohely Estrada Elizabeth Evans Ricarda Faraci Amy Farfan Shanesa Fath Sarah Feldhut Briana Fennel Gabriel Fernandez Marilynn Fierro Kaylee Fisher Steven Folsom Kurt Foster Luke Foster Andrew Fox Cody Franklin Kirsten Freeman Danika Fuentes Kristina Gabler Uriel Gamboa Jasmin Garcia Linsy Garcia Luz Garcia Rebecca Garcia Andrew Geary Eric Gentzler Kim Gentzler Trevor Gerety Aaron Gharibian Timothy Ginther Natalie Giragosian Lance Goetsch James Goff Mainor Gonzalez Niko Gonzalez Lauren Goodman Carly Gosser Zachary Graben Sean Grewal Deyma Guardado Juan Guerrero Sarah Guinn Joseph Haddad Alexander Hall Kevin Hall Briana Hamlet Philip Hanley Shannon Hart Ryan Hay Agustin Hernandez Kathryn Hicks Jessica Hinton Nicholas Holder Kellie Holland Thomas Hollow Jazmin Horvet Nicholas Howard Natalie Hsu
7
out of 579 in the senior class, 98.8% responded to the survey
been. Moorpark can give me a fresh start to focus on doing what I need to do to transfer and be a better student.” —Denielle Brevaire
microchips. Once I settle down, I will be able to take long walks on the beach and bathe in money.” —Daniel Lopez
Logistics and Intermodal Transportation
business psychology nursing biology art
graphic » alex chen » the lancer
guest senior column
What is a true, complete, high school experience?
and Moorpark will help me figure out where I want to be in two years— because, right now, I’m not sure.” —Paul La Farga Joseph Huerta Kevin Hulle Cynthia Ibarra Josue Ibarra Brandon Janaman Lindsay Jesseman Michael Jimenez Jesse Kaplowitz Hunter Kardinaal Jessie Kasso Ross Kelly Caitlin Kilbourne Cody Knapp Tyler Kosar Paul La Farga Lauren Lacoe Daniela Lagunas Raffaelle Landingin Lindsay Latham Sadia Latif Elizabeth Lawrence Carly Levine Daniel Lopez Jackson Lucht Xochitl Lucio Eliana Luna Connor Mac Intosh Ariana Macias Jason Madden Tyler Malone Cassandra Mathison Rae Mattey Morgan Maynard Lluvia Mayorquin Christina Mc Cooey Jessica Mc Elhone Connor McDonald Moriah McLeod Brianna Mellon Edgar Mendez Jordan Meyer Courtney Miglionico Zachary Milbourn Colby Milham Ross Minton Lucas Miranda Paige Montes Michelle Morales Matthew Mulholland Joshua Mullen John Nagy Minh Nguyen Akber Niazi Samantha Northrup Cody Nowlin Cole O’Neill Aissa Ochoa Devin Oergel Aric Ogle
» Sleep. » Have a tub of ice cream sit on my couch and watch professional wrestling.
Chase Oliver Trevor Olsen Jose Ordonez Zahalledt Ordonez Colin Ormiston Karen Oropeza Stephanie Osorio Ana Palacios Ian Parson Alysha Payne Amber Peratis Monica Perez Michael Pero Rick Perry Andrew Peters Samantha Peters Christian Phelps Hamim Phopal Steven Pipersky Clint Porter Tara Rabiee Omeed Rajaee Kiera Richmond Alexandra Rivera Luis Rosales Brook Rowland Conner Russ Sarah Sabol Kristeen Sager EJ Saggs Omar Sanchez Stephanie Sanchez Oscar Santos Jillian Sauber Lauren Schillo Kelsey Schramm Amanda Sciarillo Mohammed Shahriar Armen Sherbetjian Tyler Sherer Micah Siler Tyler Silverman Kate Siminski Evan Smith Lacey Souza Dean Spear Jake Spencer Patrick Spencer Austin Sper Mara Sportato Rio St Germain Janine Steigerwald Andrew Stevens Kurt Strengier Austin Succa Cory Syverson Jessyca Tabor Ellis Tamarin Matthew Taylor
Brennon Thomas-Ortiz Dillon Tunney Emilie Turner Tayler Valdez Bryce Vanden Bossche Eddie Vazquez Maureen Vazquez Rebolledo Agustin Villasenor Daniela Vitela Trevor Wade Jonathan Walker Melodie Watkins Amanda Weinstein Amanda Weiss Matthew Wells Zachary Wendorf Brian Whalen Chad White Chelsea White Lillian Wiley Jonathan Williams Miguel Wilson Benjamin Wright Teale Yasenchok Melissa Yeary Michael Yelich Jaimee Ylagan Dylan Zimmerman Patrick Zindrick Oxnard Samantha Aiken Deysi Palacios Pierce Amy Gentzler San Diego Amy Lister Carolina McGilvra Santa Barbara City Morgan Engle Amber Flynn Connor Stonesifer Alex Strumwasser Natalie Tyson Santa Monica Dimetrius Baccellia Mystery Daniels Bryce Fins Ventura Rafael Drown Monique Karidis Nico Sims Tacoma Community College Kimberly Stimson Woodland Hills Kelhn De Luca undecided Shailynn Gates
» Going down to Hollywood for dinner. » Driving around T.O. trying to find something to do, then ending up getting food.
Ross Kelly
H
igh school, for Ross Kelly, has been a whole lot of things. There’s been a lot of growth from freshman year to graduation. And with that, at the beginning, you truly do not know where these four years will take you. They’ve taken me from playing freshman basketball to standing in the Green Hole. From sitting in the back row of the gym at rallies, to being the MC, front and center. Note: Corey Crandall and I are very funny, and anyone who can’t at the very least see that is a fool. What is a true, complete, high school experience? I believe it is just to enjoy yourself, and those you keep in your company (another shout-out to the Wildwood Boys), as much as you can. I feel that mostly everyone in our graduating class can say they have done this. I used to laugh when 40-plus-year-olds would tell me their high school experiences were the best times of their lives. But, I can see what they meant now, with the end practically here. While I’m excited for what the future holds, I’ll undeniably miss this place. How could one not? It’s been a staple in our lives for four years. It’s where you make and nurture those friendships you hold so dear, where you succeed or fail in what you want to accomplish, where you become who you are today. Those people you only hang out with at school—you will most likely never see again (for better or worse). Those teachers who you like, don’t like or are indifferent about—you will probably never see again (for better or worse). But, the memories you have created will be with you forever (for better or worse). Now, by no means am I saying that high school is the be-all and end-all for any of us seniors. But, what I am saying is that whatever you have done in high school, and however you have made this experience for yourself, will have some, perhaps significant, impact on your life going forward. I’ve been blessed to be able to do the things I want to and enjoy. I hope you all have, too. If there is one thing high school taught me, it is to be you and love it. Regardless of what your plans are immediately after graduation, if it’s dinner, a party, a trip or anything else, I do hope you all take a moment to reflect on the last four years. Whether you loved it or hated it, you can’t help but agree it’s been quite a ride. I hope you all have a great life, and I’ll see you at the reunion.
» Cry myself to sleep. » Hang out with the love of my life. » On Friday nights I work.
Because we don’t really care what you do on Wednesdays.
8
senior destinations
California American Jewish University Edward Treshinsky Azusa Pacific University Michael Feistel Christina Hempill Jennifer Smith Erich von Klosst-Dohna Cabrillo College Connor Duncan California Institute of the Arts Abra Conn California Lutheran University Garo Aghazarian Fransheska Berrios Brenna Callero Matthew Garvin Samantha Hain Tyler King Kiana Matsuura Michael Potter Talon Warburton
California State university Cal poly pomona Jenna Beaulieu Cal poly San Luis Obispo Leonel Arjon Nicholas Benz Amy Chen Avital Cher Kendra Dimino Nate Fisher Melissa Geiger Brian Ginell Rocio Gonzalez Lauren Henderson Anthony Jacques Preston McElroy Eleni Misthos Zachary Morgan Laura Schmeer Justin van Staden Channel Islands Jake Fabian Megan Garcia Emily Hops Jennifer Solomon Wendy Vilchis Beth Vinci Fresno Daniel Delaney Humboldt Ashley Allawos Taylor Auwarter Long Beach Daniel Garvin Kathryn Stueckle Monterey Bay Samantha Engle Ruck Jessica Kudlinski Northridge Ciara Backer Michelle Castro Graham Evirs Gage Guzman Sarah Ha Austin Myers Derek Newman Stephen Nutt Ian Peterson Kurt Van Volkinburg Sacramento Alexa Baker San Diego Avondre Bollar Madison Hopkins Arye Kinberg Peter McAfee Kaelee Nelson Chenelle Raceanu Anna Stevens Lisa Toft Amelie Wagner
San Francisco Annette Andrews Lesley Andrews Anthony Arterburn Lindsay Baffo Olivia Marcey San Jose Philip Lin Shelby Minar San Marcos James Erickson Polo Nielsen Sonoma Amanda Boniface Brenton Frame Kerrie Jensen Isabel Karst Abigail Mytych Robert Power Chapman University Jennifer Bowen College of Art and Design Glenn Pauline College of the Canyons Zachary DeBruno Concordia University Kayti Garretson La Sierra University Timothy Swanson Loyola Marymount University Taylor Blaine Stephanie DeMirjian Karen Park Karly Peterson Katelyn Sheridan Brandon Wong Menlo College Rachel C. Davis Mills College Rachel Davis Occidental College Jordan Greenslade Daniel Schechter Pepperdine University Matthew Hall Erin Mitchell Point Loma Nazarene University Charlotte Trent Saint Mary’s College of California Ali McCranie Caitlin Wire San Diego Christian College Emily Wilson Southwestern College Michelle Vargas The Master’s College Timothy Yao
university of California Berkeley Lauren Belak Berger Michelle Hwang Brian Kim Tyler Kimball Jacob Markus Summer Si Davis Geneva Tripp Irvine Crystal Ashe Jerome Chen Heather Clare Jaime Higareda JJ Krochmal Karly Smith Joel Trushinski Eric Wengert
Los Angeles James Baumgarten Bonnie Chung Kayla Frisoli Marcos Giron Chetan Hebbar Ashley Rosenberg Kevin Takata Merced Sara Brizuela Cody Canerdy Riverside Patricia Meza San Diego Meredith Bell Alex Boone Danielle Culhane Viktoria Cummings Rachel Handelsman Tyler Henry Jennifer Jiang Ayesha Saxena Chenxi Song Laura Taouk Santa Barbara Lauren Akahoshi Philip Chou Ryan Fobes Patrick Gudmundson Garrett Hart Blake Husserl Alysse King Austin Kingi Allison Mar Jordon Mar Paul Norick Lucas Steagall Michael Zhang Santa Cruz Brian Cox Alyssa Greene Kara Kelly
Where in the world is Washington
Gonzaga University Benjamin Walker Seattle Pacific University Natalie Pavia University of Puget Sound Hannah Walker University of Washington, Seattle Kaitlyn Lestak
the class of 2011? community colleges refer to page 7
Oregon
Lewis and Clark College Rachel Ekstrom Oregon State University Kathy Bass Richard Mullaney Reed College Wyatt Gormley University of Oregon Warren Mead Zane Sorenson
University of La Verne Marina Sanchez University of Redlands Nicole Hans Stacie Lindenbaum Andrew Schlaus University of San Diego Heleen Bennett Jovanna Bubar Shannon Palka University of Southern California Heather Davis Westmont College Zachary Chow Megan Fuller Whittier College Marco Godinez
Nevada
Montana
University of Las Vegas Nick Pranzo
Lawrence University Iliana Villa
Nebraska Colorado
Colorado Mesa University Travis Key Taylor Lopez University of Denver Scott Murray
Arizona State University Brandon Bacheller Northern Arizona University Kevin Morrow Zachary Taylor University of Arizona Evan Quinn Hannah Yudovin
Joseph Brown Fernando Buenrostro Jesse Canales Justin Cox Hayden Lampman Emily Mosher
Northwestern University Lucero Segundo University of Chicago Giselle Quezada
Emerson College Lindsey De Mint David Galinato Alex Masuoka Harvard University Kristine Quiroz Massachusetts Institute of Technology Spencer Boone Northeastern University Julia Piper Wellesley College Veronica Lin
Connecticut New Jersey Yale University Alex Co Rebecca Sylvers
University of Hawaii—Manoa Kenny Kilbane
Washington D.C.
Notre Dame College Brittany Bokobza
George Washington University Megan Vigliarolo
Virginia Military Institute Emily Pinsky
Oral Roberts University Savannah Burlingame
INTERNATIONAL Louisiana
Alabama
Marion Military Institute Mark Lister
Grambling State University Alyxx Small
Florida Hawaii
Central Jersey Each One Teach One Academy Evann Hall
Ohio
Oklahoma Texas
9
Virginia
Kansas State University Mark Hay
Abilene Christian University Jennifer Randolph University of North Texas Ryan Stokes
Los Angeles Recording School Jared Yampiro Marinello Beauty School Lusitania Hernandez Musicians Institute Sam Kapter Oxnard Fire Academy Ryan Corso Gonzales Professional Medical Careers Institute Vanessa Serrano Taryn Thompson
Illinois
Kansas
Arizona
Trade School
Work
University of Nebraska— Kearney Richard Minyard
senior destinations
Carnegie Mellon University Elias Friedman Swarthmore College Kojo Osei University of Pennsylvania Matt Rhodes Villanova University Sarah Lamp
Wisconsin
Utah
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Macalester College Rachel Wilson
Boise State University Evan Buck Jillian Krulac Brooke Minnich Brigham Young University—idaho Craig Galeria Dillon Ludlow
Brigham Young University David Armstrong Brooke Bowers D.J. Gardiner Scott Hendrickson Jamie Smith Brigham Young University— salt lake center Jaime Nielsen LDS Business College Sabrina Smith
Bard College Katie Tarango Columbia University Grant King Cornell University Austin Cagley Hofstra University Nicholas Mattera Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus Paris Shipp Marymount Manhattan Mallory Llewellyn Madeline McKay United States Merchant Marine Academy Ellie Coulter University of Rochester Maddie Elia
Minnesota
Montana State University Alex Singleton
Idaho
New York
Stetson University Kandice Kuder University of Florida Steven Townsley University of Miami Phillip Thompson
Handelsskolen Minerva (Denmark) Asbjørn Støvring Conestoga College (Canada) Timo Schulze University of Edinburgh (SCOTLAND) Blake Hawkins
MILITARY
Wonsuk Seo Army Felix Morrow JT Lawson (Green to Gold Program) Navy Randy Brusher Trevor Flores Mario Ordonez -Calderon U.S. Air Force Brandon Platz U.S. Marine Corps John Gonzales
Other
Lani Baclian—Traveling to Italy data compilation » lindsay baffo » the lancer graphic » Rebecca Sylvers » the lancer
10
VALEDICTORIANS
11 veronica lin
t
jennifer jiang
o
p
Grant King
Alex co
Matt Rhodes
Chetan Hebbar
James Baumgarten rebecca sylvers » the lancer
college
A conversation with five valedictorians
The Lancer: What are you the most proud of that you have achieved in high school? Alex co: I can’t pinpoint a memory but just trying and being in the system, going for valedictorian and looking for opportunities to further myself. Matt Rhodes: I’m glad I started the tutoring business [with Grant and Alex]. I think it was a great experience, both for the profit and the nonprofit [branches]. AC: It was more like doing something that you usually wouldn’t do in high school, like ‘Hey, I decided to do something that was not common.’ MR: We had our business licenses before our driver’s licenses. AC: That could be a good pick-up line. Rebecca Sylvers: I didn’t know I was going to do journalism when I started high school. Then, I sort of just got put in the class and then look what happened. I’m really proud of how everything has turned out. MR: Band was a great experience. Learning leadership, learning to work well with others, learning to have a fun time, learning to have balance in your life RS: I never learned that. Grant King: It’s funny because all of these things just started on whims. In sixth grade, there was a box where you could check off whether you wanted to do band or not, so I did it. And the business, we needed a job, so we did something. There. Joining honors classes...‘Ah! I don’t know, seems like fun!’ The Lancer: Where do you see yourselves in ten years? MR: Selling my soul to Wall Street. Chetan Hebbar: Married. MR: Harvard Business School. GK: Postdoc somewhere after I get my Ph.D. Still in school, never leaving school. Rs: He’s never going to leave school because he’s going to be a professor after that. GK: Alex, you’re going to be a hand model. RS: I have no idea where I would be living, what I’d be doing. I have no idea. The Lancer: What keeps you motivated? CH: Myself. Expectations of what I can do with myself. Knowing that I could potentially do all of it. RS: You know you’re capable of it so it’s just about saying, ‘Okay, now I’m going to do this.’ RS: I guess there’s only so much that working really hard can get you.
#1 thing toto bring
colle g e
plans Baumgarten UCLA
Brian Ginell
kristine Quiroz
Rebecca Sylvers
Cissy Song
photos » giselle quezada » the lancer
The Lancer: What do you do on your weekends? CH: I get my homework done on Friday nights usually, so my weekends are typically free. GK: I just pick one day to do it all...(jokingly) I look at the teacher’s schedules and take all the homework ahead of time, do it three days ahead, otherwise I’ll be so far behind, it’s ridiculous! The Lancer: What do you do to relieve stress? GK: Jersey Shore. The Lancer: Jersey Shore? RS: Yes! We all watch Jersey Shore. The Lancer: Did you feel competition amongst each other? CH: That’s the good thing about not having the top person be valedictorian because it wasn’t us against each other. There wasn’t so much competition. RS: It made it much nicer. CH: I wanted them to become valedictorians along with me. RS: I just hear these horror stories from other people that I know who go to other schools where there’s just the top person. It’s so chaotic. AC: You get people sabotaging assignments. MR: You lose a lot of your extracurriculars because ‘Oh I can’t be in band now because I need 6 or 7 AP classes this year in order to beat Joe Blow who is taking band.’ There’s that competition, which we don’t have here. GK: We all want to have the best grades and the best SAT scores. But even so, we’ve been pretty competition-free. The Lancer: In college, do you expect to be at the top of your class? AC: Grades good enough to not be put on academic probation. RS: But not top of the class, no way. CH: Our egos aren’t that big yet.
If all you do is try to be valedictorian and every-
» Laptop. » My electric blanket because I am always cold. » My camera.
» My favorite stuffed animal. » Teapot. » My cell phone.
Words from the wise thing you do is about getting that A in an AP “ class, then even if you are valedictorian, you haven’t retained anything you were supposed to learn so the title will mean nothing. Learn what you’re supposed to, if you’re smart people will know. A title is just words.” —Jennifer Jiang
Electrical Engineering
Co Yale Chemical Engineering/ Environmental Studies
Ginell Cal Poly SLO Mechanical Engineering
Hebbar UCLA Chemical Engineering
Jiang UCSD
Being valedictorian is important to me because it’s a goal I set for myself when I first got to high school. I knew it was the ultimate achievement for a high school student academically and I wanted it. I’m proud that I was able to achieve my goal after working so hard.” —Brian Ginell
Bioengineering
I don’t think it’s going to be my set goal to be number one in my class in college, but I will definitely try my best in everything I do and see where that leads me...I want to maintain a balance between academics, athletics and a social life though.” —Veronica Lin
International Relations/ Economics
“
“
I go to the beach, for a hike, or to play sports to rejuvenate myself. Anything that involves staying active really helps to rejuvenate me. If I had to sit at home all day doing nothing I would go crazy.” —Kristine Quiroz
“
I feel like being competitive against other people is not good because everyone is different. Everyone is talented in their own ways. If I say ‘James [Baumgarten], I’m going to beat you in this math you’re taking,’ that’s just really funny, because it would never happen. For me, it’s just always do my personal best, not trying to be better than somebody else.” —Cissy Song
“
If you’ve finished junior year, just keep going because you’re 90 percent there. If you’re a freshman or sophomore, ask yourself: ‘Is it going to be worth the extra stress?’” —James Baumgarten
“
» A positive, open outlook. » Blackout curtain to go over the dorm room window so you can sleep during the day.
King Columbia Microbiology/Immunology
Lin Wellesley
Quiroz Harvard Undeclared
Rhodes UPenn Business
Song UCSD Medical Scholars Program
Sylvers Yale Undeclared
how to be a valedictorian 4.65 indexed GPA » .02 per A and .01 per B each semester in an honors or AP class » a minimum of 17 honors or AP classes throughout high school
» Clothes. » Credit card. » Do I have to bring something?
Football
baseball
Alex Singleton—Montana State
Travis Key—Colorado Mesa University
Years on varsity: 2 Awards: First team All-Marmonte, second team All-County, Defensive MVP, Green Helmet Biggest source of inspiration: Parents and grandma How did you choose this school? They asked me to come and visit and I fell in love with the location, weather, and campus. My parents also loved it. Which other schools were options? Western New Mexico, Fort Lewis, Adams State Best moment as a Lancer athlete: Beating Moorpark on the last play of the game. It was the best moment because I had never beaten them before and everyone rushed the field.
Richard Mullaney—Oregon State
Years on varsity: 2 Awards: First team All-CIF, first team All-County, first team All-Marmonte, Defensive MVP, Green Helmet Memorable moment: Earning the Green Helmet on varsity was my best moment. What other sport would you play? Baseball Major: Sociology Biggest source on inspiration? Mom and dad When were you recruited: Junior and senior year How did you choose this school? Visited and loved it. They gave me the best offer and I was most comfortable there. Which other schools were options? Cal Poly
Rickey Minyard—U. of Nebraska, Kearny
11
avondre bollar—SDSU
Soccer Heather Davis—USC Years on varsity: 3 Awards: Three-time scholar athlete, two-time Defensive MVP, overall MVP, first team All-Marmonte, Marmonte League Champions 2009 What are some of your interests outside your sport? Snowboarding, wakeboarding. Major: Kinesiology Biggest source of inspiration: Geoff Raives is my biggest source of inspiration because he has a love for the sport that shows every time he coached me and played with us at practice. How did you choose this school? USC has been my dream school since I was little. I love the atmosphere and school spirit. It’s a big time school for sports. The soccer coach is a great guy and expects the most out of his team.
water polo Years on varsity: 2 Awards: Marmonte Receiver of the Year, first team All-County wide receiver, Southern Section All-State first team wide receiver, Cal-Hi first team wide receiver, Scout All-California first team, U.S. Air Force All-American, All-CIF Southern Section Offensive team, Daily News first team Wide Receiver When were you recruited? The end of junior year How did you choose this school? I chose Oregon State because I loved the coaching staff they have, the family atmosphere they have and the chance to play early.
recruits
Years on varsity: 4 Awards: First team All-League, first team All-County When were you recruited? Sophomore year How did you choose this school? On my first visit they offered and I committed. Which other schools were options? UNLV, Fresno State. Best moments as a Lancer athlete: Robbing a home run this year in our league home opener against Royal, beating Moorpark in football on a jump pass and hitting a walkoff my sophomore year against Calabasas.
softball kandi Kuder—Stetson University
Year on varsity: 3 Awards: Scholar athlete, Athlete of the Week, All-Tournament MVP, first team All-Marmonte, most doubles in a season Memorable moment: My mom has been battling cancer and could not make it to any games but the very first game she came to of senior year was the championship game and I hit her a lead-off home run to start the game. Biggest source of inspiration: My momma! I played and dedicated my senior softball season to my mom who recently lost her battle to cancer.
Brittany bokobza—Notre Dame of Ohio Years on varsity: 2 Awards: Most valuable goalie, 2009 and 2011 goalie award, Most Valuable Goalie 2011, second team All-League Which other sport would you play? Basketball Major: Nursing Biggest source of inspiration: My dad When were you recruited? Early May How did you choose this school? Division II polo team at a school with a great nursing program. Which other schools were options? Santa Monica College, University of the Pacific
Paris shipp—Long Island University
emily pinsky—Virginia Military Institute
Years on varsity: 3 Awards: Three time All-Marmonte, voted outstanding offensive back three years, twenty five total varsity touchdowns Memorable moment: Game-winning touchdown against Quartz Hill in playoff game. Which other sport would you play? Basketball Major: Criminal Justice How did you choose this school? I took my official visit and loved everything about it.
Years on varsity: 3 Awards: Two-time first team All-Marmonte, All-County top eight, All-County second team, two-time Varsity MVP, twotime MVP offense, All-Area honorable mention Which other sport would you play? Basketball Major: Psychology Biggest source of inspiration: My family, especially my parents and grandma. Memorable moment: Initiation my junior year. We were dressed and had makeup painted all over our face and forced to sing in front of our families and alumni. When were you recruited? Summer between sophomore and junior year Best moment as a Lancer athlete: Scoring the winning goal against Westlake in overtime my sophomore year. Photos » Alex Chen » The Lancer
» Maturity. » My Judy Garland DVD collection. » Bunny slippers.
» My big bed. I just got it and it’s going to be awful to have a small one again. » Mini fridge.
» Images in digital form. » My dashing good looks. » My mom’s spaghetti.
Years on varsity: 4 Awards: Second team All-Marmonte 2008, County Player of the Year 2009, first team All-Marmonte, second team All-CIF, first team All-Marmonte 2010 Memorable moment: Freshman year initiation, blindfolded, dancing and singing alone with an audience in the middle of a Laughlin hotel courtyard. How did you choose this school? The school chose me. Amazing place, Division I softball team, full ride, good coaches. photo of Kandi Kuder » Rebecca Sylvers » The Lancer
» Pens. » Paper. » The cab company phone number.
Advice as you prepare to pack yourself.
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teacher Tributes
Nice knowing you Members of the Class of 2011 say farewell to the teachers who shaped their high school years Mr. Cummings While all of my English teachers have been fantastic—and that’s being modest—Mr. Cummings was not only the first English teacher I had in high school, but his class was easily the hardest. But the great thing about his class is that it wasn’t arbitrarily hard, it was hard to educate and acclimate. While many recognize him merely for his dashing good looks and saucy wardrobe, I know him for his unrelenting commitment to essay excellence and his almost unnerving ability to fit the entire works of John Steinbeck and classical mythology into two semesters. —Brian Whalen Mrs. Abbott Over the past two years I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with the Fashion ROP teacher, Mrs. Abbott. She has been so dedicated and is always enthusiastic about running and supporting our fashion club. She is not the type of advisor who just sits back and watches—she is very involved and always giving. Her professionalism and drive is one of the leading factors for all of the club’s success. Her guidance and support taught me so much. —Rachel Davis Mrs. Budny I’d like to thank Mrs. Budny for not only helping me out academically but for looking out for me and helping me plan my life after high school. —Demetrius Baccellia
Mrs. Burgar I’ve been taking English classes for a long time and I can honestly say that I’ve learned more while having Mrs. Burgar than in all of my other English classes combined. I probably wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t had her as a teacher. She is one of the few teachers that can teach so that you learn and so that you end up going into her room every morning for four years to talk about randomness and listen to Lady Gaga. So thank you Mrs. Burgar. Thank you for teaching me what I didn’t know and for putting up with me when you don’t have to. —Fransheska Berrios Ms. Crawford Ms. Crawford is the most inspirational, loud, opinionated woman I have ever met. Her bright personality and passion for life have always motivated me to look deeper into every situation I find myself in. At this point, I can say I am confused as to which direction I want to go at this stage in my life. However, whatever the path I choose to take, I will always follow the lesson I gathered from Ms. Crawford: always stay true to yourself, and live it with as much fire and passion as you possibly can. I love you Ms. Crawford and thank you so much! —Leah Butler Mrs. Wohlstattar I don’t consider the length of a relationship to mean anything. It’s possible to know someone for a short time, and have them leave an everlasting effect on your life. So meeting Mrs. Wohlstattar at the end of high school really came to me by surprise. She has such a passion for education and an actual interest in her students, which is really hard to come by nowadays. And above all that, when everyone thought she was out for the remainder of the year on maternity leave ...she came back. Even though she ripped apart my graduation speech, I appreciate all she’s done. Thank you! —Lindsay Baffo
Recruited Lancer athletes
Miss Mills I want to thank my 10th grade English teacher, Miss Mills. She helped me though all my family problems and was there when I needed to talk. She introduced me to cheer, which basically saved my life. Miss Mills saw potential for me, in cheer, and it seems like it was my calling. So, thank you so much Miss Mills, from the bottom of my heart. —Amanda Sciarillo Mr. Donia Over his years at TO, Mr. Donia has obtained a wealth of knowledge. Mr. Donia does not run the Theatre Dept., he IS the Theatre Dept. He stays at school till 5 or 6 trying to make everything perfect. He is more than willing to share, on and off the stage. But more then any notable achievement is the patience and care he will give his students. He will be sorely missed. —Kevin Morrow Mrs. Bryant I have had Mrs. Bryant for two years and have always enjoyed having her as my teacher. She has taken time off of other things to help me out and listen to me. She truly cares about our futures. Thank you Mrs. Bryant. —Ariana Macias Ms. Calasin Through the hard times in math or even the hard times outside of school, Ms. Calasin has always been the teacher to stand by my side and help me with any problem. She is the best math teacher I have ever had. She was dedicated to helping her students learn and move on to the next level. Even though she was my teacher, she was also my friend. Her one rule was that she won’t add you on Facebook until you graduate high school. I know what I am doing June 10th when we get back from Grad Nite. I just want to say thank you for all that you have helped me with and for being there for me. I will truly miss you Ms. Calasin and I will visit! —Alexa Baker
Tennis
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Best moment as a Lancer athlete: 100 butterfly Champion at Division I CIF
swim David Armstrong—BYU
Years on varsity: 3 Awards: Ten-time Marmonte League Champion, eight-time NISCA All-American, two-time Scholastic AllAmerican, 2010 CIF Champion 50 freestyle Division II, 2011 CIF Champion 100 butterfly Division I (4th fastest high school time in U.S.), 2011 Masters Champion 100 butterfly, TOHS records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, 400 free relay Source of inspiration: My goals, in and out of my sport. First person you’d contact after your first big athletic accomplishment in college: My mom, she deserves it. She’s my biggest supporter. Which other schools were options? USC, UC Berkeley
Tyler henry—UCSD
marcos Giron—UCLA Years on varsity: 4 Memorable moment: A memorable moment for me in high school was when Thousand Oaks tennis won the team CIF. Biggest source of inspiration? I have always wanted to be a top professional tennis player. How did you choose this school? It has a great education, I loved the tennis team, the coaches are great, the location couldn’t get better and I got a good scholarship. Best tournament finish: This year has been my most successful year. I have won four very big tournaments in the past month and a half. I just played in the French Open junior tournament With Permission » Marcos giron and every top junior player in the world was playing.
Years on varsity: 4 Awards: Academic All-American, MVP, Scholar Athlete award Memorable moment: Bus ride home from league finals. Team cheers. What other sport would you play if you could no longer play your sport? I would probably just surf more. Major: Mechanical Engineering Biggest source of inspiration: My family and coach. How did you choose this school? UCSD has a great engineering program and I took a recruiting trip and I loved the swim team. Which other schools were options? Bucknell and Cal Poly Best moment as a Lancer athlete: Winning league boys’ varsity my first three years here and also CIF all four years.
Volleyball Austin Kingi—UCSB Years on varsity: 4 Awards: First team All-CIF, Co-MVP Marmonte League Which other sport would you play? Basketball Biggest source of inspiration: Brother Which other schools were options? Hawaii, Long Beach State, University of the Pacific How did you choose this school? The beach. What are some of your interests outside of your sport? Table tennis, watching movies, swimming
data compilation » emily pinsky » the lancer
what we really learned in school
» That putting assignments off until the last night seems cool, until you come to school the next day. » Not to divide by zero.
» How to love. » That I hate high school. » You can’t always be friends with everybody.
Mrs. Glusac She is so into what she teaches and it’s absolutely infectious. She taught writing on a very personal level, encouraging us to integrate our opinions in a clever and effective manner, and having us journal every day to be referred to and reflected upon for future writing assignments and personal amusement/inspiration. I really appreciate her for making us ask ourselves questions we’ve never answered before. With her guidance, my writing voice has matured and I’m proud of my work more than ever. Love you Glusac! —Natalie Hsu Mr. Smith I had an amazing time on swim team this year. Thank you for all the encouragement, challenging me, supporting me, and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. While I could have done without being pushed in the pool, I truly appreciate the time you spent helping us. —Amanda Boniface Mrs. Beaudoin During my time at TOHS, I have had a privilege of being in the classes of some wonderful teachers, to each of which, I would like to write a dedication. But there is one teacher, however, who has played a greater role in shaping my future than any other, and that teacher is Tasha Beaudoin. Without her and her persuasion, I would not be going to where I’m going today. I hope the experience of your future students mirrors my own. Thank you, Mrs. Beaudoin. —Talon Warburton Mr. Sheridan Thank you so much for always helping me, listening to me, and never judging me these past years. Out of all the teachers I’ve experienced during my schooling, you have influenced me the most. Thank you so much! —Jessica Hinton
» How to adapt to change. » If you sit behind Garrison Denim, you just might get away with sleeping in class.
Photos » Alex Chen » The Lancer
» That they never really actually check the cameras. » At 8:01 every morning, if I’m not in class yet and I don’t stop to say the pledge, I am a fascist.
Mrs. Baker During our four years at Thousand Oaks, we have all met teachers who would just go to class, get their assignments done, and go home. There are some others, however, who would open their doors at lunchtime to have lunch with their students or receive late work. During my freshman year, I had the pleasure of meeting such a teacher. Today, thanks to her, I’ll be able to be what I want to be and reach my dreams. Thank you Mrs. Baker, for being one of my best friends. —Monica Perez Señora Villa I’ve had Señora Villa for three or four years and have known her since kindergarten and she has always had a positive influence with advice and taking the extra time to help me out not only in school but out of school. She also helped to determine what college I decided on. I owe her a lot. She is one of the best teachers I’ve had and one of the best people that I know. —Austin Cagley Mr. Sawitz Whether on or off the track, Coach Sawitz has always been a positive influence on the campus of Thousand Oaks High School. Although Coach Sawitz is currently my ceramics teacher, he was my track coach first. To put it simply, Coach Sawitz always knows exactly what to say and is always there to support you, no matter what obstacle you are trying to overcome. This past year, Coach Sawitz retired from coaching track; however, even so, he is still the same role model I met several years ago. Thus, thank you Coach Sawitz for everything you have done for me, personally, and for everyone who knows you on campus. —Jillian Krulac Mrs. Cooper I have had many great teachers here at TOHS, but when I go back and think of the one who inspired me the most, I think of you. As a student of yours freshman year, and a member of Link Crew for the two years after that, you truly
taught me how to be a good leader, to follow my dreams, and to work hard for what I believe in. You showed me these things by demonstrating them yourself. You are a fantastic teacher and an inspiration to all. Thank you for pushing me to do my best and for helping me make my high school years a success. —Kerrie Jensen Ms. Davis Thank you for making geometry and statistics tolerable and accessible to your classes. It was a pleasure to be a student of yours for two years and an honor to be in the company of a teacher with such guidance and compassion. And “Hold the phone,” thanks for being an awesome friend! —Jacob Markus Mr. Hoag Mr. Hoag is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He always went above and beyond to help with anything, school-related or not. I always wanted to work my hardest in his class because I never wanted to disappoint him since he did so much to help me succeed. Chemistry AP will always be one of my favorite classes and that is because I had an amazing teacher. —Melissa Geiger Mrs. zimmerman It’s easy for a guy like me to whine and moan about the teachers I hate—my inner vitriol and spite bubble to the surface while someone (often Z herself) lends a sympathetic ear (and encourages me to use words like vitriol). It’s harder, however, to genuinely say thank you to those who have helped me, and Mrs. Zimmerman truly deserves that. Her praise could have inflated my head to about three times its size, but her criticism was direct and insightful enough to end-run my ego and make me a better writer and thinker. My passion for writing was not even recognized as such when I first stepped into I4, and now I’m seriously considering it as a career choice. If that’s not teaching, I don’t know what is. —Daniel Schechter
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I’ve gained an appreciation for cooperative people. Nothing beats the feeling of having someone come through for you when you’re stressed about a deadline. —Rebecca Sylvers
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I don’t usually give out quotes, but when I do, it’s usually something very insightful. —Brian Kim
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ASB has shaped me into the person I am today. It has been an unforgettable experience. —Jovanna Bubar
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It all went by so fast, but I’m grateful for the memories. —Carolina McGilvra
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Appreciation for the production team
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Jovanna bubar
have always put Jovanna Bubar on a pedestal. I saw her as the smart, pretty and actively involved cheerleader in the student body. It was freshman year, and everyone was trying to make a name for themselves. What I saw in Jovanna was absolutely genuine, but it’s what I didn’t yet know that made her all the more amazing. Through the course of senior year, I have had the pleasure of knowing Jovanna. For starters, she is a sweetheart. She has such a passion for life, one that I, and many others, envy. And the girl does work, too. She took on the position of ASB Vice President this year, and did not let the school down in the least bit. She headed the Winter Toy Drive, and tackled the ever-tiring Talent Show. She’s been such an asset to ASB through her kind nature and leadership abilities. But Jovanna’s greatest quality: her undeniable bravery. She has been through her ups and downs, more than one would expect, but she has demonstrated maturity in her ability to learn and grow from those situations. She’s a free spirit, and one worth knowing at that.
Lindsay Baffo has been the ASB Secretary since her sophomore year.
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David Galinato
ust before I sat down to write this, David and I skipped down the hallway, holding hands. That’s the kind of relationship we have. That’s kind of the relationship David has with everyone. He’s fun, spontaneous and carefree. When I joined yearbook my sophomore year, David was co-Editor-in-Chief with alumna Brandie Warr—he was the first sophomore EIC in Lancer Legend history. That was a learning year. They were both relatively new to yearbook, and certain aspects of Dysrhythmia
staff senior column
To all the kids from yesterday
CAitlin Wire
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’ve been asked to write a senior column. Senior column? But, only seniors write senior columns. Oh goodness…I’m a senior. Where did that come from? How is this our last real week of high school? How did those freshmen get so small? Since when am I the one succumbing to senioritis, buying Grad Nite tickets and saying final goodbyes to the friends and teachers I’ve seen every day for the last four years? It’s surreal. There is no way that our class’s time to move on is finally here. I still remember sitting in the car on my way to Redwood, passing by TOHS and thinking Oh my God, those kids are so big. I’ll never be able to go here. Easily intimidated, I was. Not a fan of change. Enter freshman orientation, the first day of school, getting lost on the way to the I building and monstrous cafeteria lines. I stumbled my way through freshman year wide-eyed and without even the slightest idea of what I wanted for my future. But that was okay; we were only freshmen, right? We were still being nudged along by our parents and teachers, settling down well inside our comfort zones and taking it day-by-day. As we got older, we tucked more and more life experiences under our belts, becoming more independent
reflect that. Junior year, advisor Mr. Haar offered David the position of Editor-in-Chief again. He generously declined the offer, accepting the position of Design Editor instead, so Brandie could run the show her senior year. There were still some tough times that year, but, overall, it was great. This year was even better. David was EIC again. We spent a lot of time together and got really close. We joke that we’re each other’s only friends. We made countless trips to Denny’s during our free fifth period and spent countless nights working on this year’s book. But as good as this year was, it had challenges. In March, David’s dad died. When I got the text from him, I was at City Walk and started crying on the spot. David handled it unbelievably well. He didn’t let it affect his cheerful disposition and his attitude was instrumental in helping us meet our deadline. His courage, sense of humor and warm heart are all incredible. He has been the best boss I could ever imagine, and one of my best friends in high school. Shannon Palka is the Copy Editor for The Lancer Legend yearbook.
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Carolina Mcgilvra
eing Senior Class Vice President entails many responsibilities, but thanks to the perfect match Carolina and I have been, we have been able to accomplish much throughout this year. At first, working with Carolina was somewhat of a mystery. I had never worked with her before and was new to the school, which created various conflicts, including her expectations of me. The Vice President only has much power as the President gives her. As soon as we started on Homecoming activities I quickly picked up ropes and understood all the expectations she had from me. Along with the expectations
and self-reliant. We started to realize how difficult it is to get to bed before 11 when bombarded with three simultaneous history projects. Study nights at Starbucks became frequent (and probably unhealthy) necessities. We struggled through our first AP test. Our ninth AP test. Witnessed the animalistic nature of prom dancing. Survived college essays. We drove around aimlessly after curfew and made spontaneous trips to the beach. All of these became a part of us in high school. And now, suddenly, we realize that while there are definitely good times to come, they’ll never again fall under that omnipresent “high school experience” category everyone is always talking about. As much as we complain about how the only things to do in Thousand Oaks are go to the mall or hang out in the Taco Bell parking lot, we’ve left pieces of ourselves all over this city that are going to be difficult to let go of. So in that sense, I guess I’m a little envious of everyone who’ll still be here in the next few years. I’ll be studying at my dream college seven hours away from home, eventually pursuing whatever it is I decide to pursue in the bustling city of San Francisco, but Thousand Oaks is my home. I never realized how much I took everything here for granted until now—is it not impossible to walk into Trader Joe’s without seeing at least one person you know? I’m going to have to brush up on how to make new friends. There’s no way I’ll be able to squeeze all I’ve gone through these past four years into a measly column, but I’d like to briefly recognize the most important pieces: Thank you to the journalists of I4, for the free food, proper grammar and pica jokes. Thank you to Mr. David Sheridan, for always keeping your door open for us. Message in a bottle! Thank you to University Elementary alums, for all the happy nostalgia. Thank you to my friends and family for holding me up when I skinned my knees or had my heart broken. And thank you, kids of Thousand Oaks High School. I hope you had the time of your life. I certainly did.
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from my peers and mine we also set down the expectations we had for Carolina. Whenever I needed any help or orientation Carolina was there to guide my action and aid me in my duties and vice versa. Amongst ourselves Carolina and I have been able to work with each other, completing each other’s thoughts and ideas, to make the Senior Class of 2011 the best graduating class. Marina Sanchez is the Senior Class Vice President.
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brian Kim
hile by no means his most distinctive, Brian’s most immediately apparent quality is probably his reservedness. Because of this, many mistake him for something he’s not...an overachieving, soulless, (incidentally) Asian robot. Yet this is the type whom he most constantly rallies against. He has a bitter, sardonic wit. He rarely studies. My mom loves him...oh, if only she knew. Brian is the anti-leader leader. He rarely seeks out responsibility, and he simply does not have enough of an ego to assume it. And in spite (read: because) of this, it is constantly thrust upon him. In long layout weekends before the paper would come out, there was no one I would turn to as frequently, and practically no one as qualified to help. He was the most knowledgeable of English grammar (his second language), and controlled the computer instead of the other way around (guilty). Many, like me, hate to be bested, and I made it my mission to trump him whenever we faced a common task. As a friend, and as an Editor-in-Chief, he raised me up, improved me, as he did with others. Quiet people make great leaders. They lead by example. Daniel Schechter is an Opinion Editor for The Lancer newspaper.
journalism shenanigans Heard in the newsroom: When I’m right, it’s just the best feeling ever! –Rebecca Sylvers She’s not a lady…she’s a… hybrid. –Giselle Quezada You come in here with your… your washed hair, and your moccasins...you look bohemian. –Brian Kim If you put me in a stand-up comedy battle with a malfunctioning Furby, I’d win. Hands down. –Lindsay Baffo You know, if you eat too many of my carbs, I could die. –Caitlin Wire I ran over a cat, man! –Daniel Schechter Isn’t Mickey D’s, like, in Woodland Hills? –Jacob Markus It’s simple, but really easy. –Emily Pinsky Lindsaaaaay! –Rachel Davis I miss Latvian black bread. –Alise Grave
photos » various Deranged inhabitants of room I4
» How to procrastinate. » Good social skills and how to better interact with people.
» How to be open to new experiences and take chances. » Navigating hallways is an art. » How to hide that I was texting from my teacher.
» Study skills and my limitations. » That if you want to get to know people, you have to have an open mind and be genuine.
» Only things from AP classes. » To be a leader, not a follower. » What the sky looks like at 2 a.m.
Would you get this if you were homeschooled?
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lancer leaders
senior class vice president marina sanchez
The 2011
senior class president carolina mcgilvra
yearbook editor-in-chief david galinato
Senior
leaders
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Lindsey Demint
f all the people I have met in my four years as a Lancer, Lindsey DeMint is a standout. She’s a person who, years from now, will be someone I can say truly touched my life. We met in eighth grade, as we were both a part of the Redwood Middle School yearbook staff. I figured our time spent working together in junior high would stay in junior high. Fortunately, our friendship outlasted my presumptions. And in the past two years, my respect for her could circle the moon and back. Her dedication to ASB was always a strong presence, and when she became ASB President, I had nothing but the utmost confidence in her. She devoted herself to the class in a way that should not go unrecognized. Anyone who works that hard can often lose sight of the bigger picture. But no, not Lindsey. Her humor is not one to be challenged: she is the funniest person I have ever met. And above all, she has the biggest heart. My time spent working in Cabinet allowed for hectic, emotional and downright hilarious moments, and there was no one better than Lindsey to make it all happen. She’s my hero. Lindsay Baffo has been the ASB Secretary since her sophomore year.
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Giselle Quezada
’ve known Giselle since Mr. Park’s class in freshman year, and it’s always been the same story. A controlled hysteria—manic and flustered in the hours before a test, mournful and regretting afterward. And this is what made her better than the rest of us. While we, as her peers, only had the knowledge that she’d pass her exams, she had the actual knowledge to
asb president lindsey demint
asb vice president jovanna bubar
newspaper editor-in-chief rebecca Sylvers
newspaper editor-in-chief giselle quezada
newspaper editor-in-chief brian kim
john routh » the lancer
Meet the most influential people in the school. Whether putting together dances or the yearbook, they work, mostly behind the scenes, to make this school what it is. Underappreciated and overworked, these are your leaders. pass them with ease. She also had enough forethought and sense of importance to take things as seriously as we should have, and it has paid off immensely. In journalism for the last two years, I have witnessed the same agonizing ritual. On the nights before deadline there would be smeared makeup and tousled, frayed hair, and on the mornings after, there would be a morose, unsatisfied quality to her step. But you know how when your friend is driving a car full of your comrades to an unfamiliar location, and once you get off the freeway he/she will turn off the music and get real serious? Everybody stops joking and jostling, and it suddenly becomes a team effort to find out where the hell you are. That’s the kind of effect Giselle had as a Senior Leader (as an Editor-in-Chief, in my experience). Her earnest, utter seriousness would always permeate the room. Daniel Schechter is an Opinion Editor for The Lancer newspaper.
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marina Sanchez
or a new student like Marina to come to Thousand Oaks High School during the craziest year is incredible. For a new student like Marina to be Senior Class Vice President, right off the bat, is a whole other story. Neither one of us really knew what to expect as senior class officers, but we overcame our fears and were really there for each other. During Homecoming week, we really didn’t know each other that well, but we definitely bonded when it came time to spending hours making posters and decorations for our float. Marina is such a nice and caring person, and she always, always looks out for others. She has such a big heart and during all the hectic times before rallies, she never failed in lending a hand or putting in the extra
effort. She has such a big future ahead of her and I’m so jealous she is moving to Washington D.C. for the summer. I love her like crazy and she is the best Vice President ever! Carolina McGilvra is the Senior Class President.
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Rebecca Sylvers
spent about 10 percent of this year envying newspaper Editor-in-Chief and valedictorian Rebecca Sylvers, 25 percent learning from her brilliant design mind and the rest (65 percent; I really can do math, I promise) telling her to breathe. Since junior high, I’ve witnessed Rebecca climb the rungs of academic excellence—all the way to Yale’s freshman class of 2015, no less—piling on more stress in a day than a normal human being takes on in the average month. Through all of the sleepless nights and over-thephone venting sessions, Rebecca’s passion for excellence prevailed. She was my mentor in journalism our junior year, and I can safely say that most of what I know about design and newsroom lingo stems from what she taught me. She sets dangerously high standards that challenge her peers and help them grow. Rebecca likes to tell me that she’d give anything to live her life as a TV show—the woman’s love for television is rivaled only by her love of straight A’s and being in charge—but I think it would be the worst decision of her life. TV tends to be, well, fake; a prolonged mash-up of staged drama and unrelatability designed to entertain and pass time. Nothing about Rebecca Sylvers is that dismissible, not even remotely. Caitlin Wire is an Entertainment Editor for The Lancer newspaper. continued on 15
the senior leaders’
soapbox
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People think yearbook is easy, that all we do is go take pictures and somehow magically the yearbook gets done, but really we’re here longer than athletes, longer than anyone else. —David Galinato
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Nothing would be possible without ASB, and I’m glad I was a part of it. —Marina Sanchez
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If you loved the yearbook, great. If you hated it, I’m sorry, but don’t come to me about it because I don’t work for the yearbook. —Giselle Quezada
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TOHS has allowed me to grow and mature as a person in my own way. I will forever be grateful for my involvement with this amazing place. —Lindsey DeMint
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