Senior Issue 2017 by The Lancer

2016 2017

the lancer senior issue GRAPHIC » CLARISSA KANO » THE LANCER

TOC

T a b l e O f C o n t e n t s: 04 06 08 12 18 22 26 30

Culture Retiring Teachers Teacher Tributes Features Senior Map Senior Standouts Valedictorians Sports

STAFF: Cover/Backpage Clarissa Kano Table of Contents Andrew Chau Culture Brian Lee Teacher Tributes Sam Kallen Kylie Patterson Sierra Waters

Features Joyce Huchin Natalie Pagan Cate Valinote April Sanchez Sam Shapiro

Valedictorians Andrew Chau

Senior Map Clarissa Kano Sierra Waters

Photographer Carissa Lo

Senior Standouts Jessi Soporito

Sports Cam King Allison Medley

Advisor Tasha Beaudoin PHOTO » ANDREW CHAU » THE LANCER

ON CAMPUS PASS

STATS:

After four long years, the class of 2017 prepares to leave TOHS. The 529 seniors have had countless memories and experiences here, and look forward to more as they move on from high school.

45.4% will attend a four-year university in the fall

Class of 2017 FAVORITE MEME:

17%

will attend out of state colleges

Hits and Misses Hit: WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! WASC! EVERYBODY!

Miss: The juniors having 100 more people in their class. Not because they have more than us, but because there’s more of them in general.

Seniors rate our school spirit at:

4.4/5.0*

*From a Naviance survey of 169 seniors

wOt iN tArNaTiOn

On Campus

31.8%

Hit: Our football team struggled to complete passes, but pineapples always hit their target.

will attend Moorpark College

Favorite part of the Green Hole: FLOUR

Miss: losing rallies to the juniors. That “Moorpark College” cheer struck close to home.

Throwing flour Hit: In a difficult times, the school was able to come together and agree that it’s pronounced Agoura, not Agoura.

Miss: Administrators crack down on parking permits. Another example of the deportation of illegals.

THIS IS FLOUR HOUSE — Seniors Ben Martz and Andrew Berard lead the Green Hole at this year’s homecoming football game. Each year, at the end of the halftime show, the students throw flour in the air.

PHOTO » ANDREW CHAU » THE LANCER GRAPHICS » ANDREW CHAU » THE LANCER

CULTURE

DO IT FOR THE CULTURE FRESHMANYEAR

ALL PHOTOS » CREATIVE COMMONS

SOPHOMOREYEAR

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEME?

what in tarnation

fidget spinners

HIGH SCHOOL IN RETROSPECT A look back at the ups and downs of pop culture all the way back to freshman year Russia seized the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine • While we’re on the topic of Russia, the XXII Olympics were held in Sochi. From unfinished hotels to mass murdering stray animals, the games turned into quite the boogaloo • That wasn’t even the most frustrating thing to happen that year as Flappy Bird hit the markets, ending in cracked screens and broken dreams • Once in a blue moon Thousand Oaks makes the front page of every newspaper and it’s never good news. This time, childhood sweetheart Amanda Bynes set a driveway on fire right off of Ave. De Los Arboles • Kim Kardashian and Kanye West tie the knot • Thank god dabbing, whipping and the nae nae became huge, or else I wouldn’t know what to do at prom • Everyone was posting Harlem Shake videos • Critically acclaimed cinematic masterpiece Sharknado was released • In sports news, sacrilege took place during the great American holiday, Super Bowl XLVII. Play was interrupted for 34 minutes due to a 22 minute power outage • Disney’s Frozen taught us that if people outcast and exile you for being different, you can just turn their home into a frozen wasteland and they’ll learn to accept you. Ellen’s selfie with a bunch of rich and famous people that got 3.4 million retweets, the record for most retweets • Pharrell Williams jumped into the 56th Grammy Awards spotlight with his vintage Vivienne Westwood hat at the Grammy Awards, also known as, “the Arby’s logo” and “a leather couch after booty sat on it” • Shia LaBeouf literally stops being famous as he declares that he is retiring from all public life, Only to redact that statement a few weeks later stating that it was all for performance art • Infamous Jay Z elevator beat down by sister-in-law Solange Knowles reminded the world that Beyoncé has a sister • Everyone freaked out about Ebola when the real problem was the avocado shortage • The biggest American controversy wasn’t whether gay marriage or marijuana should be legalized, it was a debate on whether Tom Brady did or did not deflate the ball, dubbed “Deflategate” • Apparently there’s some science behind why some people see that dress as blue and black and why others see it as white and gold • Smokey the Bear set the fire danger level to “very high” after Kendrick Lamar released To Pimp a Butterfly, which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. WASC

my life

arthur fist

fAvOrItE mEmE?

AP memes

my name Jeff

shooting star song primitive spongebob

Kermit tea

tag yourself

CULTURE

JUNIORYEAR Kanye West boldly announced his presidential run in 2020, but coming from a man who has previously said, “My greatest pain in life is that I will never be able to see myself perform,” no one really knew if he was serious or not • The US women’s national soccer secured first place in the 2015 Vancouver World Cup • Gay marriage was legalized federally • Hoverboards became the coolest form of transportation since Heelys, until they started catching on fire • Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar, signaling the end of an vintage meme • The Golden State Warriors threw a 3-1 lead, resulting in the Cavs’ first ever NBA title Who said chokers weren’t coming Championship title. back in style? • The Hydro Flask cult picked up momentum • Beyoncé released her sixth studio album, Lemonade • DAAAAMN DANIEL back at it again wi—shut up • President Obama made history being the first US leader to visit Cuba in 88 years • Chance the Rapper released his album, Coloring Book, and he did it without a label. I can’t even tell the difference between sugar and salt without a label • China scrapped its “one-child policy,” shout out to all the uncles and aunts.

SENIORYEAR Donald Trump was elected as the 45th president • The Rio Olympics were a time of proud and intense competition, but the only thing people will remember is Ryan Lochte lying about an armed robbery • It was a huge year for memes, Ken Bone, primitive Spongebob, Harambe and Rick Harrison just to name a few • Frank Ocean released his album, Blonde after teasing the world for years • The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 started randomly combusting • We’re amidsts California’s wettest water year in 122 years of record keeping • What a time to be alive, it’s only been five months and so many artists have dropped new albums albums, including Drake, The xx, Future, Gorillaz, Ed Sheeran, Khalid, Kendrick Lamar and so many more • It was a huge year for protests and marches in general, people are exercising their rights and glutes! • Serena Williams won the Australian Open and announced her pregnancy right after • “Check out my fidget spinner tricks bro” • DJ Khaled’s son Asahd Khaled is the cutest baby ever and at 4 months old, more successful than we’ll ever be • Stranger Things became an instant hit. Rest In Piece Barb. • Someone call 911, Beyoncé is pregnant with twins.

Pepe

Trey Saari

damn trash can

Meryl Streep yelling

student athlete Zack stop you’re going to get into trouble

Jaden Smith tweets

Sam Pettus

Mr. Pickle

Rickroll

Senior Column

ICE IN MY VEINS: it’s cold up in The ‘cuse Jessi Soporito I’m going to Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. According to weather.com, Syracuse is the snowiest city in America with over 110 inches of snow a year. When I tell people that’s where I’m going, they have a knee-jerk reaction — “It’s cold there, you know. It snows a lot. Will you be ready for that?” Thank you, informed citizens, for reiterating to me that my new home is a tad on the cooler side, because I clearly did not know that throughout all of my research and visits (when it was snowing, mind you). This type of interaction has gotten to be so normal, I just tune people out, smile and nod. I’ve reached the point where I feel people are expecting me to fail, to not be able to handle the weather and come crawling back to California. My current mindset is that I have to love it. I must show no signs of weakness – I belong in the cold. That’s why I chose Syracuse, right? In reality, I’m terrified. I’ve lived in Thousand Oaks all my life, so I don’t actually know what it feels like to be freezing or snowed in. What if I can’t actually deal with it? What if I do come running back home, abandoning all that I’ve worked toward to get there? I try to be one of those people who doesn’t listen to other people’s remarks, and I feel I’ve succeeded for the last 17-and-a-half years, but these last couple of months have tested my patience and have shown me how other people influence my feelings. Maybe now that APs are done and senioritis is in full force, I am more susceptible to succumb to the opinions of my peers. Or maybe I’m worried about never basking in the sun at the beach in December. Obviously my gut isn’t a world renowned decision maker, but it has the upper hand here. I don’t need to make a case for why I want to go there to anyone but myself, and I know I’m making the right choice. Between TV shows, movies, and songs, we’re taught to be confident in ourselves and the decisions we make (attention, possible spoilers ahead). Remember when Moana wanted to go out and be a badass and save the world, but her family needed her to stay at home and protect the island? She went out and discovered who she was meant to be after overcoming daring obstacles. While I’m not exactly fighting mother nature herself, Syracuse snow is terrifying, but I’ll make it through and come out stronger. And who could forget the anthem of the 2000s, “Unwritten?” Natasha Bedingfield sings “I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand, ending unplanned... We’ve been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can’t live that way.” I’m venturing out into my future in a brand new place and I couldn’t be more excited to see where it takes me. Ten-year old me is also screaming with excitement at the fact I’m using “Unwritten” in my senior column. We’re all going to be forced to make life-changing decisions, some more often than others. But when it comes down to it, you have to decide for yourself. Decisions like this shouldn’t be made to please other people but to create our own identities and to further our own stories — because the rest is still unwritten.

doge

dat boi

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEME?

RETIRING

TEACHERS

HIS FINAL SONG — Mr. Singh laughs with his students during his sixth period Math Analysis CP class.

Senior Column

I love the color pink. I love all colors, really, but I feel the need to specify sometimes. I think it’s because just a few years ago, I hated pink. Throughout most of elementary and middle school, I refused to participate in anything traditionally “girly” altogether. The skirts and hair clips of my kindergarten days collected dust in my closet, and I proudly declared myself a tomboy. Except none of that is true. I never hated any of those things. Sure, I made fun of girls who wore lipstick and listened to Taylor Swift, and I complained when my mom forced me into formalwear, but it was all an elaborate act. Behind the snide comments and false protests was a girl with dreams of being the quiet, secretly beautiful teen who defeated the evil, conceited Popular Girls™ and became the surprise prom queen, just like in those early 2000s movies. I mocked other girls to make myself feel better, different, unique — not like “other girls.” It was my own internalized misogyny that caused me to eschew anything feminine. Despite what I truly wanted, I had been raised believing that girliness was weakness. It was hard to transition from frequently degrading girls with ripped jeans to becoming my Truest Self™. This transformation started around age 14, which luckily was also a time of crippling insecurity and depression. I wasn’t sure how to love myself when I felt like I should come to school with a paper bag over my head. So, I started small. I bought a few dresses and wore makeup for important events until I got the hang of it. Most days, I still don’t wear any makeup. I still wear sweatpants and baggy hoodies. What matters is that I’m not lying to myself anymore. I wing my eyeliner when I feel like it, and I buy cute clothes because that’s what makes me happy. For me, looking good is feeling good. Does that make me vain? Probably. But why is that such a bad thing? If it makes you happy, then I say go for it. What helped me the most, strangely enough, was complimenting other girls. I focused on everyone’s good qualities, physical and otherwise. I told them that I liked their hair, their lipstick, their shoes, and I was surprised sometimes by how much it made both us of feel better. I found that learning to recognize beauty in others was a great way to start recognizing beauty in myself. I don’t mean we should all start wearing crop tops and booty shorts 24/7. I like traditionally feminine clothing, but not everyone does. Whether you wear high heels or basketball shorts, hijabs or khakis, your appearance doesn’t deﬁne you. It was stupid to make fun of girls who liked dressing up. It’s easier to just be who we are and let others do the same. Fast-forward to the present. There’s barely any time before my required, public education is over. I have a couple projects to ﬁnish in class. Prom is this Saturday. I won’t be crowned queen, and though thirdgrade me would be shocked by this revelation, I’ve found that I don’t really mind. I don’t need outside validation like I once did. I know my value.

What’s the best part of High School?

leaving

friends

PHOTO » CARISSA LO » THE LANCER

Sam Kallen

Pretty in pink: why i deserve to be prom queen

A legacy that lasts Math teacher Dave Singh retires after 40 years of teaching and 15 years at TOHS. REBECCA TARBET

Guest Writer

Thousand Oaks High School is sad to lose a great math teacher. Dave Singh, who has taught at Thousand Oaks High School since 1991 will retire at the end of this year. The Algebra 2 CP and Math Analysis teacher has lived and studied all over the world. He grew up and went to high school in India and received his undergraduate in England. He continued to earn a master’s degree in Physics and Math in Canada. He moved to the United States in 1974 and taught at a community college and Newbury Park High School before coming to TOHS. Singh is qualified to teach physics, chemistry and math, but he prefers math because it comes so easily to him. He is also glad he doesn’t have to work with the labs of chemistry. “Kids mess that up and all that.” Singh said. “At Newbury Park, I was doing a lab and they were [boiling water] and one of the kids had no common sense. He just picked up the beaker with [his bare hands and] he got all burned,” Singh said. “That’s the reason I’m doing math. It’s pretty easy [and it] takes less time.” Singh has been teaching for 40 years, more than half of his life, and currently teaches the two aforementioned math classes. “I loved his class, I think he’s a very good teacher,” junior Aly Holt said. “He’s always very clear and explained concepts very well with a lot of clarification. He always made sure we understood what he was teaching and was always willing to re explain things.” Some students praise his clarification and others are thankful for his willingness to help at lunch time.

football games

12:08

“I liked him, he’s very helpful when you don’t understand something and he was always open at lunch,” junior Dylan Wilson said. Singh enjoys teaching and being a part of the lively TOHS community. “[When you are] around young people, you feel young. You listen to conversation, you hear what they say, you know all that stuff,” Singh said. Singh is deciding to retire not so he can avoid his students, but so he can have more freedom. “I am not burnt out, not like that,” Singh said. Once Singh retires, he will have more time to visit his family in India and Canada, and spend more time with his kids in California. “I think I did my share, I mean, everybody has to step down one time or the other,” Singh said. Yet, Singh plans to come back to tutor at Thousand Oaks, and visit with the TOHS family. Singh’s legacy is rooted in his love for teaching. “How you treat the kids, how they treat back to you, it’s kind of mutual, with respect for each other. I like young people, you know, it’s kinda fun. That’s why [all these years] have gone so fast.” Many students express their gratitude to Mr. Singh for teaching them with patience and understanding. “Mr Singh is amazing! I loved his class, I never liked math until his class. He explained everything step by step and super clear! He’s the best teacher I’ve ever had, I’m so grateful to have him as a teacher and I’m so sad that he’s retiring.” sophomore Jackie Lagunas said. Thousand Oaks High School will miss Mr. Singh, but wishes him well as he retires.

HAVING TO WALK A MILE FROM THE PARKING LOT SO I DON’T HAVE TO GO TO THE GYM LATER

looking back on freshman year and realizing how Spanish 5 with Señora Villa much you’ve changed

pulling into the last spot in the A-lot

science fair

“How you treat the kids, how they treat back to you, it’s kind of mutual, with respect for each other..” —MR. SINGH

being too young to realize you’re stupid

watching movies and TV shows that portray high school inaccurately

the green hole

RETIRING

TEACHERS

Senior Column

Clarissa Kano

PHOTO » CARISSA LO » THE LANCER

The end of an era Veteran counsler Dr. Elizabeth Dee retires after 22 years of service in the Thousand Oaks High School community. She leaves behind a legacy of helping kids eith emotional and social troubles. SAM SHAPIRO

Senior Editor

After 22 wholesome years, counselor Dr. Elizabeth Dee is retiring from the Lancer community. She first moved to Thousand Oaks from Venezuela in hopes of finding an area with a commendable education system for her daughter. “My husband and I decided to try looking around for a good community for our daughter and we decided to move to Conejo Valley,” Dee said. “We fell in love with Thousand Oaks, and we haven’t moved since.” Since her move, Dee has increased her involvement in social and emotional help for teens. In the 90s, Dee worked to spread awareness of the AIDS epidemic. This activism helped Dee when she began creating support groups for teens after she saw the troubles they were facing. “I needed to start the support groups because I more kids were telling me ‘I’m anxious,’ ‘I’m depressed,’ ‘I’m confused about my sexual orientation,’” Dee said. “Many personal problems and the other counselors were not trained, so I became the ‘crisis counselor.’” When she started working at TOHS, she was surprised to find out that many students hadn’t thought about the possibility of going to college. “I couldn’t believe when Latino kids came to me and said ‘Is it true that you said I can go to college?’ I said, ‘Of course you can! Why?’ The other counselors would ask them why they were asking about the SAT, because

senior year

dress up days

graduating

the bagels sold at break

those counselors thought the Latino kids would never go to college,” Dee said. Dee wanted to change the disenfranchised climate and worked to facilitate the inclusion of everyone regardless of race or background, she realized a major problem was in a lack of communication. “Slowly but surely, I started getting parents in what we call the ELAC, English Language Advisory Committee,” Dee said. “We had people right and left that thought they couldn’t make it. It’s a lot of work, but yes you can make it. With this, we need to have open arms, open doors and tell everybody ‘yes you can,’ ‘yes you are allowed,’ and ‘yes, there is a way for you.’” Since she ﬁrst began working, Dee has helped change TOHS for the better. “There’s a culture in this school which I adore, where people should feel comfortable, said Dee.” “It’s a lot of work, but I’m proud to say that Thousand Oaks High School has reached that point.” Though she’s leaving the school, she isn’t leaving the people. Her departure will not be her ﬁnal interaction with the Thousand Oaks High School Campus. “I’m not retiring from my profession by the way. I’m not that old. I’m not decrepit. I’m not, you know, senile. I am very passionate. I think I have a lot to offer,” Dee said. “So I’m retiring from this school, but I will continue being a consultant and helping the community because I feel that I still have a lot to offer. My veins have green blood.”

fidget spinner sessions in the C building bathroom school after AP tests

the people fetal pig dissections in Mrs. Groom’s AP Bio class

“There were a lot of features that increased my interest in astronomical physics, engineering and aerospace.” —senior BLAKE HAIST

TOHS theatre not having to pay for an education

EATING habits of me: excess

When I was 4 years old, I ate so many strawberries that I made myself sick. It didn’t happen all in one go, I just liked strawberries so much that I developed an allergic reaction. From then on, I got angry, red rashes on my arms, so I was banned from eating strawberries for a year after. I can eat them without consequence now, but it was the freedom to overindulge that led me to that state. There are basic guidelines when you’re eating: follow the food pyramid, have a healthy balance of proteins and vegetables, try to choose water over soda, etc., but why would I want to waste an iota of space in my stomach when I had the option to only fill it with what pleased me? That whole experience was probably supposed to teach me a lesson. After a lifetime of eating candy for breakfast, clearing cookie trays and swiping the last Cup Noodles after already single-handedly working through the other 11, I clearly have (not) mastered moderation. Just earlier this year, shortly before my 18th birthday, I ate so many fresh tomatoes that now my tongue smarts at the slightest drop of tomato acidity. It all happened so fast, just a couple days of eating a package of cherry tomatoes each night, and now I have to avoid raw tomato until 2018. Indulging in what I like and ignoring what I don’t, is how I’ve been living. Now this is the part where I take the lessons I’ve learned, and the friends I’ve made along the way, and connect it to school. Twelve years of public school showed me that, just like a healthy diet, there is an underlying guideline to follow after graduating as well. Despite all these parents, teachers and peers insisting that anyone can do anything they want, there is still an expectant pressure to eventually attend a four-year college and earn a degree in a STEM or liberal arts field to secure a stable income. It’s a decent life plan. Nevertheless, my pressing intention to get hired by a big-name production company as fast as I could only fueled my decision to bypass 4-year university, even if it meant I wouldn’t get to live in dorms. I wanted to surround myself with only what I wanted and not waste time taking classes that would never transfer to my major at Art Center. I was desperately trying to stake a name for myself in the art world in hopes of exposure, holding out in submitting my portfolio until I was absolutely sure it was perfect. Ironically, my hope to only work on what I wanted as soon as possible left me with a lot of extra time in between. Not enough time for a gap year to travel Europe, but a solid gap couple-of-months to evaluate my life decisions. I know I won’t always have the freedom to do whatever I want. I won’t always be able to eat what I want, either. My metabolism is great now, considering all the crap I eat, but it won’t last forever. My cholesterol is shot, susceptibility to cancer and diabetes is hereditary and I have an iron deficiency that could rival DC. I’m going to have to diet eventually.

freshman year homecoming joining sports

What’s the best part of High School?

TEACHER

Senior Column

Kylie Patterson

it’s theatre: not theater

Squatting in a circle with nine other people, palms down on the cement. Our eyes are closed. “Ready? Three...two...one...” We inhale. “Marijuana,” We exhale. This sounds very suspicious, but fear not, TOHS Administration. This was simply my pre-show ritual at last fall’s Drama Teacher Association of Southern California (DTASC) Festival, where ten of us from choir, dance and theatre came together and created an eight-minute condensed version of the Tony-Award-winning musical “Hair,” with no instrumental accompaniment, and no costumes. This made channeling our inner hippie crucial. We ended up placing in the top five, so I guess it worked. The theatre community is full of traditions and superstitions. So much so, that sometimes it’s hard for me to keep up. Half an hour of theatre games before every show. A cast-wide outing to Denny’s after our first Friday show. Don’t say the “M” word (Macbeth... shhh...). Say “break a leg,” instead of “good luck.” I owe everything to the family that is the TOHS Drama Department. As hard as I’m trying to not sound cliche, I have to admit I have no idea where or who I would be without them. Diving recklessly into the world of performing has shown me what it’s like to fall in love with life and myself. Sophomore year, I had crippling anxiety and had never once stepped foot on stage. Now, I’m majoring in Theatre Arts and pursuing the thing I love most — being on stage. Honestly, performing wasn’t on my radar at all until high school. I had very detailed plans to become the first woman president and marry Ryan Gosling. The former seems out of the question at this point. The latter … well, hit me up, Mr. Gosling. But even though I was unaware of my love for the Arts, I’m glad I found it when I did. Finding your place in high school, as stereotypical as it is, is overwhelmingly important. Without drama to fall back on, there’s a big chance I’d still be floating in the rolling sea of unmotivation. Because I found something to be passionate about, it drove me to work harder in other areas of my life as well. I moved from all CP to all AP classes where I’m now getting straight A’s. I write for this paper, as well as another magazine. I’m in two different choirs and got involved with a lot of theatrical productions. This probably sounds like bragging, but I don’t give a fr*ck. I’ve worked so hard the past couple of years, and I’ll be darned if I don’t take this one opportunity to be a little proud of myself. Closing this chapter of my life is not bittersweet for me. Truthfully, it’s just really bitter. Because I’ve found this niche for myself, I am afraid to move onto what I know are bigger (and scarier) things. I know that I can only grow from here, but it doesn’t make leaving my second home in the PAC any easier. I am essentially being stripped of everything that makes life comfortable. Theater has allowed me to look past my fear of the fast-approaching future and focus on all the butt I’m going to kick my first year as a struggling actress. Thank you, TOHS. It’s been a fairytale.

What teacher would you be best friends with?

Mr. Smith

Señora Villa

TRIBUTES

TEACHER TRIBUTES MRS. GROOMS, Thank you so much for being my Biology teacher in the couple of years I had your class. It was always interesting learning what you provided during lessons, and I can confidently say your class was my favorite. When I first started considering what I wanted to major in during college, just like everyone else, I was unsure, but I remember how much you inspired me and how intriguing it was, and I realized you inspired me to want to go into the realm of life sciences to learn all I can and make a change. You encouraged me along the way, and for that, I deeply appreciate. Thank you for the support and encouragement you gave me. -Katharina Cade

Dear Mills [Abrams], Thank you so much for being the most supportive teacher on campus, and for making hard days easier. I’ll always miss seeing your smiling face and sarcastic comments at practice each day. Thank you for being you! -Julia Wright Mr. Cummings

Mrs. Abrams

Mrs. Austin

Dr. Swanson

Ms. Lukes

Mr. Reichenberger

DEAR DONIA,

Thank you for allowing me to explore theatre with you. Your belief in me has helped me to become the performer I am today and you have truly changed me as a person (in the best way). Thank you for being you, I will never forget you. Much Love, -Kristen Wisneski Mrs. Wohlstatter

Mrs. Wutkee

Mrs. Ramage

Mrs. Grano

TEACHER

TRIBUTES

Mr. Roberts, It’s your first year here, and my

Dear Sra. Villa, It’s hard to put into words how much you have inspired me to continue pursuing language and explore other cultures. Of all my experiences at TOHS, I will miss being apart of your class and cannot wait to come visit as a college student. Thank you! -Cate Valinote

Senior Column

last — but I think you will do well in the years to come. You are a constant source of amusement and odd wisdom. Mr. Roberts, you are a strange sage, but a sage nonetheless. Thank you for your angry mumbling and frustrated corrections. You made me care about the violin, and you made me see simple, truthful insights. Thanks, -Peter Elia

Natalie Pagan

THANK YOU, MR. DEL SESTO! Thank you for teaching me real life skills and also being the coolest teacher. You have also taught me how to be a kinder person and a better man by the way you teach and I truly mean that. -Justin DeBeikes

MR. HAAR,

Mr. Hoag

Mr. Del Sesto

Mr. Stillwell

Mrs. Crawford

Mrs. Ehret

Mrs. Chase

ALL PHOTOS » JESSI SOPORITO » THE LANCER

So I was originally planning on telling you at graduation, but you taught my favorite class throughout my last 4 years at TO (most likely my favorite class ever). Thank you for being an amazing educator who not only helped me learn so much, but taught me how to really be passionate about school again. APUSH is an amazing subject, and learning it in your class made it that much better. You helped me figure out what I wanted to major in when I head on to college, and for that I’ll always be grateful. THANK YOU! -Meredith Weinstock

TAKING MY FINAL BOW: BROADWAY, HERE I COME!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved being onstage. There’s nothing in the world like walking out with the stage lights on and seeing the crowd and feeling the adrenaline rush that comes with it. But the more I think about it, life is like a series of shows. Four years ago, I was “performing” in the small community theatre of a tiny private middle school of 36 people (yes, 36 people in the whole school). It was small and comfortable, and I wanted more. So I took a chance and auditioned for the Off-Broadway world of public high school. The rehearsals of preparing myself for public high school were more overwhelming than I expected. It was nothing like anything I had experienced before. I was thrown into a world of passing periods, challenging harmonies, walking past way too much PDA in the hallways and fast choreography. Opening night on August 28, 2013, my first day of freshman year, came along quicker than I could have imagined. I couldn’t rehearse any more. High school was here whether I was ready or not. I walked onstage, or rather on campus, like the wide-eyed, clueless ensemble member that I was. I went through my days with a big smile, faking it until I made it. I walked the same path through the halls every day, just as a performer walks through the same blocking and choreography for every show. Before I knew it, everything became second nature. Navigating the halls, staying out everyone else’s way and having the confidence to try and make people believe I was older than I actually was. But just as every show has mishaps, so did high school. There were costume malfunctions, many of which resulted from morning coffee spills during first period. There were countless injuries and illnesses, but the show still went on. There were times I forgot my lines, lyrics, choreography and math formulas. As time went on, the Off-Broadway production of “High School” became more and more routine. Don’t get me wrong, it still had its magical, adrenaline-filled moments. They just came less often. They were replaced with subconscious dancing around the halls and 6:59 sprints to class. Eventually, autopilot took over and everything I did seemed to blend together. But now, I’m ready for something new. Off-Broadway has been great, but it’s time for something more. Auditioning for colleges, literally and figuratively, wasn’t easy. But it’s been worth it. I finally made it to Broadway. The rehearsals of schedule making and roommate finding and dorm planning have been a bit overwhelming. I mean this is no longer community theatre, or even Off-Broadway. This is it. This has been my goal for as long as I can remember. So far it has been a beautiful whirlwind of singing, dancing and trying to figure out what comes next. But in 101 days (including weekends), on August 28, 2017, opening night will be here again. My first day of college. Azusa Pacific University may not be Broadway, but it’s my Broadway. I don’t know how the show will go, but it must go on. It could be wonderful. It could be disastrous. But I know one thing for sure: I am not throwing away my shot.

Mr. Daigneault

Mr. Roberts

Mr. Sheridan

Mrs. Sobrino

Mrs. Beaudoin

Mr. McGinnis

What teacher would you be best friends with?

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Expression through

connection

Throughout her high school career, Senior Gianna Lucareli expressesed herself best through dancing at TOHS and her leadership position in Autism Awareness Club. CATE VALINOTE

PHOTO » TOKI LEE PHOTOGRAPHY » WITH PERMISSION

how will you be remembered?

my Hydro Flask brings all the boys to the yard water assassins drama

PHOTO » TOKI LEE PHOTOGRAPHY » WITH PERMISSION

Senior Editor

From the moment of meeting her, it’s easy to characterize Gianna Lucareli as an open person. Whether it be her style (an eclectic mix of thrifted denim and dainty jewelry) or her self-choreographed spring dance concert performance this year, she radiates a unique self-awareness and ability to communicate it to others. Despite her collection of responsibilities in both dance and Autism Awareness Club, she maintains her welcoming smile. Since moving to Thousand Oaks from Colorado as a freshman, Lucareli has valued patience when it comes to taking on new challenges. After practicing in a studio for years, Lucareli was immediately drawn to the dance program at TOHS. When she first tried out with teacher Jaleen Murphy, she was offered a spot in the intermediate level. Though the offer for such a coveted class position was an honor, Lucareli decided to start dancing in the beginner level to help herself acclimate to the new school. Instead of focusing on honors and AP classes, Lucareli committed herself to becoming a better dancer during that first year. By sophomore year, her hard work ethic earned her a position on the training for team performance group (TFT). “That was definitely the most dancing I did all four years,” Lucareli said. After refining her technique, Lucareli performed with TFT at competitions, TOHS football games, and winter and spring concerts. Though Lucareli had experience dancing in a studio, all this exposure to crowds through the dance program helped her find confidence in expressing herself onstage. “I got more comfortable with perform-

I won’t as a green hole leader

CAM THE SPORTS MAN as that girl from Minnesota

“that” spaz as the one who got the cup of noodles vending machines banned

ing than I was before. I feel like I would always dread recitals when I was in the studio,” Lucareli said. As a junior, Lucareli moved up in the ranks to the advanced level. Now, as president of the advanced class, Lucareli is a leader in the program, furthering her expertise in communicating through movement, and encouraging others to do the same. Taking advantage of her personal development as a dancer, Lucareli confidently applies her ability to express herself through Autism Awareness Club. As president, Lucareli welcomes TOHS students with developmental disabilities to weekly meetings. “As those kids learn how to communicate, I do too,” Lucareli said. Since she signed up for Autism Awareness Club on a whim during Club Hello Day, Lucareli has been refining a different form of expression than she became accustomed in the dance studio— social skills. Not only is she responsible for leading and organizing each meeting, but she makes each member feel welcome and valued, despite their disabilities. Although Lucareli does not see herself taking a paraprofessional career route like her mom, Autism Awareness has prepared Lucareli for leadership in any career. Thanks to her experiences, Lucareli refined her skills in relating and interacting with others. “Those are just kind of the skills I developed and what I do with that is going to apply to all my interactions,” Lucareli said. As for next year, Lucareli will be studying philosophy at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall. When it came to figuring out which college met her goals, outward expression and communication helped her find her place in the liberal arts department in a polytechnic STEM based school. When she visited the school, she took advantage of the opportunity to meet potential professors and realized the philosophy program was for her. “I ended up asking a question: ‘Why did you choose philosophy?’ It was cool hearing [the professors’] stories, how they didn’t have that initial path, but they felt so inclined to it. It honestly cemented the fact that [philosophy] is the path I want to take,” Lucareli said. Though Lucareli has college to look forward to and a legacy to leave behind, she maintains a unique mindset among the majority of seniors itching to graduate. Above all, her devotion to dance and Autism Awareness will allow TOHS to continue promoting self expression and openness for students, whatever their outlet may be. “I’m trying to really enjoy the life I have right now that’s bound to change, said Lucareli, “I’m super excited for that change, and that growth that I’m going to experience, but for now, I need to focus on feeling at peace with my present.”

my hair looks like ramen noodles for lighting the C building kitchen on fire

as that girl who got hit in the head with a pineapple Radio Rebel

FEATURES

PHOTOS » CARISSA LO » THE LANCER

Sick barz JOYCE HUCHIN CATE VALINOTE

Senior Editors

Plenty of young people dream of making it big as musicians. All it takes is a browse through Soundcloud to find rather repetitive lyrics and shallow themes among those just in it for the fame. For seniors Chiraag Hebbar and Danny Mendoza, however, making music is a leisurely activity and a means ofexpressing different ideas about diversity. “It all started out sophomore year, actually there were a lot more of us back then,” Hebbar said. “We were messing around during classes listening, talking about music and rap battling.” These mundane classroom interactions transformed into a group that wrote and released original music. After producing their trademark debut of Your Neighborhood Bustas (YNB), the group of five TOHS boys with a knack for music mixing and rap battling dwindled down to two members — Hebbar and Mendoza. Now they create and release music under the duo name, the Brown Battalion. Their catchy name was originally used for their clique in an AP US History class, but as Hebbar and Mendoza started writing songs together, distinguishing one another by their skin colors took on deeper meaning. “We deal with race itself. There’s this one song where we put ourselves in the perspectives of other people criticizing us, because obviously we live in Thousand Oaks,” Mendoza said, “We’re not a racial minority that’s actually been discriminated against here, and then that’s the concept of the song.”

my wisconsin accent for being a rap god in karaoke

that girl who was born in 2000 as a girl on dance team

Seniors Danny Mendoza and Chiragg Hebbar make up the Brown Batallion, a rapping duo that expresses real life challenges through original sonud tracks.

Aside from dealing with overarching themes about race, Hebbar and Mendoza manage the production process of mixing music. At the same time, Hebbar and Mendoza maintain a sense of humor about being “brown” rappers in Thousand Oaks, a town nicknamed A Thousand White Folks. “In the end, we’re just trying to have some fun, relax, kick back and do what we do,” Hebbar said. As avid listeners of rap and hip-hop, Hebbar and Mendoza garner their inspiration from the songs they listen to throughout the day. They also get their ideas from the people in their own lives, including their friends and familt. At an open mic Storytime Night put on by students in The Center this spring, Mendoza rapped about an evolving relationship between a speaker and the women in his life — from his mom, to his girlfriend, to a nurse in the emergency room. He told the story through a series of images of the women in vehicles to emphasize the journey. “Sometimes you just want to address a certain aspect of your life,” Mendoza said. “Then, you just figure out the lyrics to work that out.” Next year, Hebbar and Mendoza are parting ways to attend four-year universities, but that doesn’t mean they’re done writing and recording music as the Brown Battalion. They plan to get together to record over school breaks and continue creating content about the world and their own lives. “We have one song that is about the world’s problems in general, and we have one specifically about problems in education,” Hebbar said. “It’s about how we’re almost at the end of our regular 12 years of pub-

that senior who still looks like an 8th grader being savage

meme queen showing up late to Fleming every day

lic school, and we’re just about ready to get out of here type of thing.” Both Hebbar and Mendoza want to continue creating music because they are inspired to write about the turmoil happening to and around them. “We can write songs wherever we are,” Hebbar said. Hebbar and Mendoza’s are motivated to continue creating music, despite their busy schedules. “It’s fun,” Mendoza said. “Once you like get into the studio, and just start doing it, you feel it, and it just feels fun,”

as Ben Chow’s older brother first out in Water Assassins

fondly as that kid in yearbook

MUSICAL EXPRESSION — (Above) Seniors Danny Mendoza and Chiragg Hebbar jam out as they record their newest album in their at-home studio. (Below) Mendoza renders a newly recorded track on his laptop, where he creates and edits music. They plan to release their work online at soundcloud.com/ brownbattalion.

how will you be remembered?

FEATURES

Optimistic outlook After a life changing battle with lung cancer, senior Andrew Berard plans a trip to Australia. With a new attitude, he hopes to step out of his comfort zone. JOYCE HUCHIN

PHOTO » KATHY THOMPSON » WITH PERMISSION

PHOTO » MADDIE SCOTT » WITH PERMISSION

While other students stressed over their final exams, senior Andrew Berard spent the end of his sophomore year at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles for a tumor in his right lung. Berard experienced frequent cases of pneumonia, which a specialist found was due to a blockage in the right lower lobes of Berard’s right lung. “Originally, the specialist thought that I inhaled something that got stuck in my lung and blocked my airflow,” Berard said. “I ended up going to a children’s hospital, and at first, they wanted to remove only the infected area to get rid of whatever it was that was blocking my airflow. What Berard thought would be a routine, two-hour procedure turned into a complicated, six-hour surgery. “They had to remove two of the three lobes in my right lung and discovered that the blockage was cancer. It was the tumor,” Berard said. “As they were taking it out, what was left in there was in such bad shape, it fell apart. They said that if they didn’t remove it then it could have burst at any point, and I could’ve died.” During his surgery, Berard was in a critical condition. The area that collapsed housed bacteria that infected his body. He spent the next couple of weeks taking medication and recovering at the hospital. Since the doctors now knew a tumor caused the blockage in his lungs, they needed to diagnose Berard as having either typical or atypical cancer. Atypical is a type of cancer that spreads quickly, and treatment includes chemotherapy. Originally, the doctors thought Berard had atypical cancer. Upon further research, however, they found that it was typical. Another complication Berard faced was his lung’s reluctance to open back up after his surgery. To fix this, doctors wanted to place a stent in his lung, which would facilitate breathing with his right lung. “Doctors were threatening to put a stent in my lung, but I had this awesome nurse. Her name was Gloria,” Berard said. “The only way to open my lung back up without the stent was to walk, which sucked. The first two times, I couldn’t do it, but my nurse pushed me super hard. Because of her, I didn’t have to get the stent put in.” Experiencing these two instances, having typical rather than atypical and not needing a stent, made Berard aware of the silver lining in his situation. “There were steps along the way where things could have gone to crap, but they didn’t,” Berard said. “You just have to count your blessings in these situations. I could have just as easily had an atypical tumor, which means I would be going through chemo, or my lung

PHOTO » ANDREW BERARD » WITH PERMISSION

what will you Miss the most?

Senior Editor

my friends

a lack of responsibility

the green hole

the one-and-a-half minute slow clocks

INVOLVED LANCER — (Top) Senior Andrew Berard and junior Alex Mueller walk through the dugout during a fall league game. (Middle) The Green Hole leaders prepare to run the flags out for the homecoming football game. (Bottom) Berard poses with senior Taylor Wilderom after competing in the annual Dancing with the TO Stars competition.

Mrs. Grano waffle days MR. McGINNIS

the memes

Lou Lichtl

could have not opened back up, which means I would need to get a stent put in. These blessings put things into perspective for me.” Through this experience at the hospital, Berard not only focused on the factors that had gone right, but he also became aware of the devastating situations others face. He discovered a heightened sense of thankfulness. “I was in a children’s hospital, so all of the patients were kids. I was one of the oldest people there. I was 16 at the time. There were cancer patients there. These kids, they had to go through chemo, and other treatment that I didn’t have to go through,” Berard said. “Compared to them, I had it easy. I only had two of my lobes removed; they were stuck in there for their whole lives. I learned that no matter what I’m going through, there is always someone going through worse.” Getting a glimpse of patients’ lives impacted Berard’s attitude. He was taken away by the obstacles placed in front of them and how they overcame them. “It isn’t fair to them. I would go down the lobby and there would be kids with no hair, yet they would still be smiling,” Berard said. “The cards they were dealt sucked, and they were still able to smile. It’s just a perspective thing for me, there is always someone going through worse.” Seeing children in that situation changed Berard’s outlook. Now, he ﬁnds himself trying to live life to the fullest and experience as much as he can. “I have a new appreciation for life, for the good and the bad because without the bad there is no good,” Berard said. “I want to experience different things. I try to go out of my comfort zone and do things. For example, after that experience, my junior year, I participated in Dancing with the TO Stars. Before, I wouldn’t have even considered that.” Dancing with the TO Stars is an annual fundraiser organized by the dance department. It is a competition where experienced student dancers and coaches are paired with students and faculty, who are not a part of the dance program. Each pair choreographs a dance with a different theme, and they perform in front of judges. After participating in this event junior year, Berard went on to become a green hole leader senior year. “I’m doing these things that before I would not have been able to do, because I was a shy kid,” he said. After senior year, Berard plans on continuing his outgoing lifestyle by adventuring through Australia with his parents and brother. The Make a Wish Foundation is sponsoring his trip, which is not the most common wish people make. “They had different options, you could either meet somebody you’ve always wanted to meet, or go anywhere in the world you wanted to go,” Berard said. “I just wanted to do something I wouldn’t be able to do here, and obviously, Australia’s different than here. I want to go there and experience new things I wouldn’t be able to here.” Berard’s new direction in life is admirable, to say the least. He has journeyed a long and rough road to get to the place where he is now. The difﬁculties he encountered along the way shaped his outlook on life, and as high school comes to a close, he is prepared to face the world with a positive attitude.

being young and dumb school spirit

memories the crippling stress that is math

FEATURES

Leaving Behind

PHOTOS » KATIE HENDRICKSON » WITH PERMISSION

Senior Year

Junior Katie Hendrickson prepares to leave high school a year early to attend Brigham Young University this coming fall. NATALIE PAGAN Senior Writer While most juniors are just starting to think about applying for college, junior Katie Hendrickson is preparing to leave the world of high school behind her and enter Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah as a freshman this coming fall. After receiving her first SAT score back, Hendrickson and her mom began discussing the possibility of her going to college a semester early. “My mom and I had been talking about doing the semester early for a long time, but once we started talking to BYU, BYU said that I could apply a full year early,” Hendrickson said. “So I decided to fill out the application for the next fall not intending to go the full year early, but I was just going to apply to see if I got in.” Meanwhile, during the application process Hendrickson took the SAT a second time and reached the goal score to attend BYU a semester early. After taking it a third time in January, she improved her score even more to receive a full tuition academic scholarship for both the fall and spring semesters of what would have been her senior year of high school. Hendrickson then signed up for the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and passed. That gave her the ability to actually go to BYU in the fall although she would not have technically graduated from TOHS. While attending BYU, she plans to take Government, Economics, and her last year of English online through BYU High School to complete her TOHS requirements to graduate. Then, she plans to come back to TOHS and walk in graduation with the rest of her class in 2018 after she completes her first year of college. But going to college a year early does come with the downside of not having the senior year Hendrickson had looked forward to. “It’s hard to not have that easy and enjoyable senior year. I would have been captain of the varsity tennis

team, doing my senior musical, doing my fourth year of theater, doing my fifth year of Spanish. I wanted to take commercial photography. You know all these things that I wanted to do here and I have to leave my friends behind,” Hendrickson said. For Hendrickson, leaving everything behind was the hardest part about deciding whether or not she would attend BYU. “People would say ‘Are you gonna go? Are you gonna take the full year early?’ and I even still sometimes say ‘I don’t know’ and for the longest time it was this ‘I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know’ because I didn’t want to let go of high school,” Hendrickson said. Hendrickson is going in without a decided major so she can have more time to explore different career options and discover what she wants to do. “I’m expecting to have a five year college experience to give me more time to explore different things and change my major because I don’t know what I want to do with my life,” Hendrickson said. “There’s so many different things I love and enjoy and one of the incentives for going a year early was not being worried about that time I’d lose not knowing what I want to do with my life.” After her freshman and sophomore years, Hendrickson plans on serving her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 18 months. “I won’t have any say in where I go. Basically, I accept wherever I am asked to go and then I serve people for 18 months,” Hendrickson said. “ I teach people about Jesus Christ most importantly, and try to help people and their families in a place other than my own.” While serving on her mission, she will have limited contact with her friends and family back home. She gets to email home once a week and call twice a year for 40 minutes for the 18 months she is away. Although she is leaving much behind as she heads off to college a year before expected, she looks forward to all of the new experiences. “Sometimes you need to go outside of your comfort zone to seize opportunities that are given to you that will benefit you in the long run. I feel like me letting go of high school and going to college just barely turning 17 is a way that I’m going to break out of my comfort zone and I’m going to grow,” Hendrickson said. “I’m going to mature because I know this opportunity is what’s right for me.”

LOOKING BACK—

(1) Katie Hendrickson sings as Cinderella in “Into the Woods”. (2) Hendrickson shows her BYU spirit. (3) Hendrickson and senior Luke Besselo play Cinderella and Cinderella’s Prince in “Into the Woods”. (4) Hendrickson poses for a friend.

PHOTO » NATALIE PAGAN » THE LANCER

band watching Rubi in Spanish 4 with Señora Villa

Flappy Bird lunch sesh memories

football games The Lancer (that’s us)

the people I grew up with Erik Molen

youth not having to pay taxes

Lancer Lately (psych) hearing the crowd cheer after performing

what will you Miss the most?

FEATURES PHOTO » ELIZABETH HERNANDEZ » WITH PERMISSION

Senior Column

I am an extremely conceited person. Most people do not realize this fact. I’m not rude or extremely open about it, but I think very highly of myself. And I like it. Being vain is looked down upon, and I understand why it isn’t pleasant to hang around someone who is self-absorbed. However, it isn’t that I think of no one but myself, but rather that I love myself and consider myself an extremely capable person. I am still considerate of others, and I bring others up, however, I do so without bringing myself down. I admire the talent in other people without doubting my own. And it was hard to get to this point. I do not believe that I am a perfect person. I try to get to know my flaws, but I still hold a high opinion of myself because I am willing to recognize my flaws and their impact on myself and others. I work towards self-improvement. The fact that I believe I can continuously make myself better makes me think even more highly of myself. I admire myself, and I am proud to be myself. I don’t think this is wrong, and when I say I’m conceited, I am well aware of the negative connotation attached to it. Those who know me well will know whether or not that connotation applies. (And, I am one of those people who know me well.) I hold myself to a high standard, and I am constantly raising the bar. I am proud of my accomplishments, and I am not afraid to brag about myself when I need to. There are moments when it is necessary to brag. I’ve walked into rooms full of extremely well-educated parents who gloat about every, little detail related to their child’s accomplishments. My parents are not going to be boasting my SAT or ACT scores (both of which I am proud of), because it is not theirs to boast. I don’t have an older, wiser figure to do my bragging for me, although Tasha Beaudoin comes close. I need to speak highly of myself in order to obtain opportunities for myself, and I’ve learned to love it. I can eloquently present my strengths and weaknesses, and I do so without placing a halo over my head. I am by no means the best person. I do try to be a good one, and, for the most part, I believe that I succeed in doing so. My morals may differ from others’, but I base my choices around my understanding of right and wrong. Most importantly, I analyze why I believe certain actions or consequences are ethical and why I believe others aren’t. I question my moral code, and I believe that by doing so I am making it stronger. I talk to people who have been taught what to believe, rather than how to develop and analyze their beliefs. I see teenagers following trends that they describe as “lit’ but they don’t know why it’s lit. It’s a closed-circle explanation, where being cool is what makes something cool. There is nothing else to it. High school is the epitome of an unexamined life. I refuse to fit this norm. (Thank you Mr. McGinnis.) The best part is that I think I’m better than most high school students because I do this.

What is the best part of the green hole?

Fight fire with fire Through the Ventura County firefighter cadet program, senior Elizabeth Hernandez learned new skills and to be confident in her capabilites. JOYCE HUCHIN Senior Editor Throwing ladders and flipping tires is not the typical workout for a 5-foot-1-inch teenage girl. For senior Elizabeth Hernandez, however, these exercises are her favorite part of the drills she does as a firefighter cadet. “I decided to join to see how it is, and it ended up being really fun,” Hernandez said. “I got involved by going to drills and meetings, and it was super fun. The cadet program is by semester, so if you don’t like it, you can stop doing it after the first semester. Since I really enjoyed it, I continued doing it throughout the whole year.” The fire department assigned Hernandez to be a cadet at the Ventura County Fire Department: Station 30. The cadet program exposed Hernandez to a plethora of new experiences. She passed an inventory

PHOTO » ALICIA MAGAÑA » WITH PERMISSION

Joyce Huchin

I love being me: that’s all that matters

throwing flour

the homecoming game

not being in it

roasting the other team’s players

pre-game in the parking lot

test that insures cadets know how to find materials on different emergency vehicles, and began helping firefighters when they responded to emergency calls. “Learning about the job is really cool. Any job in emergency services is great. They’re crazy and stressful jobs, but they’re so unique,” Hernandez said. “There are a lot of funs parts to it, like having dinner with the firefighters, but also, you have to be serious about your job. You have to be mature enough to do the program.” Being in a collaborative environment with mature, yet lively peers and mentors encouraged Hernandez to work towards improving her skills. The training is designed to push cadets in order to prepare them for real life situations. “We did cool drills, throwing ladders is my favorite, but I’ve had big ladders fall on me. It’s scary, so you have to take control.” she said. “Drills are meant to test us — that’s why I like the program. Especially since when I first started, I was really shy about it because I was surrounded by a bunch of guys.” Despite being the only girl at her station, Hernandez managed to demonstrate to herself and others that she is just as capable as all the others. Through the program, she gained physical and mental strength. “I really wish that more girls joined, but the other cadets make me feel like part of the team regardless. Honestly, when I first started the program, my mindset was that guys were going to do everything better than me,” Hernandez said. “But I learned that it’s about technique, not about whether you’re short or tall. When I first threw ladders, I had a really hard time. It took me forever to get them up on my own, but anyone can throw it. It’s just technique.” By proving to herself that through hard work she can accomplish tasks as difficult as throwing ladders, Hernandez developed a heightened sense of certainty towards her own capabilities. “The cadet program put me in a better place, because it was nerve racking,” Hernandez said. “But it was really good, because now I’m more confident.”

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN when you actually get a seat

flying pineapples and spatulas blackout

cactus

sitting at half time

the cheers

FEATURES

Senior Column

Cate Valinote

Lin family legacy

CLASSROOM BEAUTIFICATION — Senior Sofia Lin poses after completing her first Calvin and Hobbes mural in G14 last May. PHOTO » SHANNON LIN » THE LANCER

Senior Sofia Lin plans to paint two more murals before leaving TOHS. She completed her first painting after her older sister, Sonia Lin, painted one. JOYCE HUCHIN

Senior Editor

Math teacher SuGen Grano’s classroom, G14, is one of the most memorable on campus because its walls boast two Calvin and Hobbes murals. Senior Sofia Lin painted the most recent mural, following in the footsteps of her sister, who painted the first a year before. “My older sister was Grano’s TA as a senior, and she did a lot of art projects for her,” Lin said. “Grano really likes Calvin and Hobbes, and people associate her class with the paintings because her room is pretty empty besides the murals. Before her painting, the wall was bare white with chalkboards. It was a typical math class.” In order to create an more vibrant classroom and to continue a family legacy, Sofia and her younger sister, junior Shannon Lin, plan to complete two new murals on the walls of G14. “My younger sister will have one, my older sister has one, I will have two and we’re leaving space for my brother so that he also paints one as a senior,” Lin said. “All the murals will be by the Lin family.” One of Grano’s current students took a photo and shared it on Reddit, a social media platform. The post reached over 3000 upvotes. Lin finds that displaying artwork brightens the classroom atmosphere, which helps students in math class. “I found it more interesting to be in a classroom that isn’t empty with nothing on the walls,” Lin said. Blank walls can be found all over campus, not just in classrooms. For this reason, Lin also plans on painting a mural outside of C1, English teacher Felix McGinnis’s classroom. She hopes to complete this over the summer after finishing her second in Grano’s room. “There are 7 panels on the outside of McGinnis’s

spirit

pretending like I know the cheers

the boys

when you can’t go in because of band

wall, each panel is a window pane. On each panel I’m going to represent a scene from a novel that students read in his class,” Lin said. “And on his door he wants me to put the quote ‘an unexamined life is not worth living,’ which is his philosophy for teaching the class. It’s really cool because his entire curriculum is built to focus on that quote.” This concept beautifies campus and is unique to the class being taught inside the wall. . After successfully completing a mural in Grano’s room, Lin has high expectations for herself on this project. “The Calvin and Hobbes mural that I painted for Grano’s classroom was my first one. I had never painted before that,” Lin said. “I like how it turned out, even though I had never done something like that before, so I’m scared that these next projects won’t turn out as I expect because I tend to be ambitious when it comes to my artistic skills.” Lin also aspires to create skillful artwork throughout her college career. “I’m majoring in biotechnology, which is a STEM field, so I’m going to try to paint something for my school by the end of my four years there,” Lin said. “It’s pretty ambitious, because it’s a public university; it’s an institution. At UC Davis there are a lot more formalities you have to go through compared to TOHS.” Lin hopes to keep painting for the same reason she does any form of art: to relax and have an outlet for individual, creative expression. “When I paint, I like to do it by myself because it calms me. I’m a really independent person, and I like accomplishing things on my own,” Lin said. “I like to be in control of my art because I can’t do it if it’s not mine. It has to be personal.”

I have no idea what that is but it sounds inappropriate green

the tortillas

when the juniors stay in the back

“The Calvin and Hobbes mural that I painted for Grano’s classroom was my first one. I had never painted before that. I like how it turned out, even though I had never done something like that before, so I’m scared that these next projects won’t turn out as I expect because I tend to be ambitious when it comes to my artistic skills.”

being in the front when our screams sync in tune

—senior SOFIA LIN

the lunchbox: a weapon against conformity

By nature, I have a tendency to refuse to assimilate into the crowd. As a little kid, my friends played with Polly Pockets, while I prefered playing with plastic dinosaurs. At school, I seldom participated in Twin Day. When junior high rolled around, I strutted my paddock boots from the barn while my peers bought Converse High Tops. To this day, it’s more common to spot me wearing a thrifted blazer than a hoodie. I don’t even coordinate class colors with fellow seniors for rallies. Of all the wars I’ve waged against conformity, one of my proudest stances against the status quo is my valiant decision about my lunch storing choices. That’s right— I carry a lunchbox. It all started in kindergarden. Many parents, out of convenience, sent their kids to school with a brown paper bag, which could easily be disposed of after the lunch period. A couple of my friends even got notes and pictures from their mom or dad scrawled across the bag. To be honest, I thought that was pretty cute, but my mom sometimes wrote me messages on my napkins and tucked them in my Barbie lunchbox, so I was never jealous. Then, I started middle school. Suddenly, lunchbox carriers vanished from school campuses. Everyone decided the only way they would be accepted by their peers was through conforming, and that meant carrying a brown bag. I, not seeing the use in retiring my somewhat awkwardly shaped lunch carrier designed by Rachel Ray to meet the strange norms of my peers, didn’t think much of it. Little did I know, I was becoming a part of a movement. Not only is carrying a lunchbox better for the environment, but this social rebellion stands up against the conﬁning trends dictating the products we buy. Obviously, lunchboxes cut down on waste. Throw in some glass containers and a cloth napkin— and you’re looking at a completely waste free lunch. Until we consider which lifestyle choices are worth social discomfort for the betterment of the planet, we will remain slaves to consumerism. So yes, to this day, I proudly carry a lunchbox. For all you reusable lunch packers out there like me, I commend you for your choice. For those still stuck in the manipulative brown bag culture, I hope that through hard work and determination, one day you can escape the perils of ignorant compliance. Ready to join the revolution? Let me grant some words of advice. First off, note that most revolutionaries experience some form of backlash throughout their careers. Stick to your cause and tune out the haters. Also, at lunchtime, you may be the only one carrying a reusable sack lunch. As white middle class student living in a suburban town, my demographic characteristics rarely deem me a minority. My choices with how I confront consumerism and conformity do. As I leave my reusable lunch legacy at TOHS behind, I hope my disciples help the movement live on. Changing the world can be daunting, so we have to tackle big issues with the small parts of daily life— one lunchbox at a time.

that girl who got hit in the head with a pineapple not being that girl who got hit in the head with the pineapple

What is the best part of the green hole?

SENIOR MAP

United States of America Alabama

Indiana

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA Katie Croke

INDIANA UNIVERSITY Hayley Minassian Sophie Richter

Arizona

Iowa

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY Meghan Magnuson Alexa Schneider

WILLIAM PENN UNIVERSITY Ranika Guyton

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY Kyle Cornell Bailey DeLuca Jack Greeley Max Maynard Luke Taylor UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA Luke Bessolo Trey Saari Derrick Sieger

UNIVERITY OF MIAMI Kenton Luck

Georgia UNIVERITY OF GEORGIA Lizabeth Buzzelli

Idaho BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY Riley Buck Greer Henderson Evan Sheridan BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY, IDAHO Coby Garrett Kira Lauritzen Ava Rockwood Blaine Van Item

Vermont

Texas

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT Alex Sheppard

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Mark Fuller

Virginia

RICE UNIVERSITY Zach Moxley

STRAYER UNIVERSITY Blake Jones SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE Kristen Gibson

Washington GONZAGA Allison Devine

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Katie Hendrickson Kellie Nickolaisen Elly Snyder

UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND Rebecca Belleville Luke Groenveld

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH Cameron Dubois Princess Tara Zamani

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Meredith Weinstock Kelli White

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY Jillian Bair Kayleen Murphy Kendall Price

WHITMAN COLLEGE Tristan Perrin

International

Michigan

England

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Allison Medley

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER Charlie Carter

Nebraska

Could not be contacted

CHADRON STATE UNIVERSITY Brandt Smith

New Jersey RIDER UNIVERSITY Kristen Wisneski

New York THE NEW SCHOOL Camryn Herold Yas King

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Jessi Soporito

TUSCULUM COLLEGE Danika Chaney

Utah

TUFTS UNIVERSITY Raul Pech

PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN, THE NEW SCHOOL Maddi Frazee

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE Will Dutton

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY Talia Lewis

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY Gavin Schrencengost

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE Zachary Mundwiller

Tennessee

SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Zachary Asbury

Kentucky

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY Jenna Martinez Sydney Samona

EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY Tristan Duran Bianca Heintz

All 529 seniors’ work for the past four years stuffed into one flashy lil’ map. Most didn’t even make the color page. Everyone else is stuck in black and white California on the next page. Good on ya.

KANSAS UNIVERSITY Emma Faciane

Massachusetts

Florida

of 2017

Kansas

Colorado UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER Nicolas Damm Haley Darden Garrett Hempy Matthew Steinhilber

SENIOR class

Ohio MIAMI UNIVERSITY Sean Chen OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY Mary Grace Weigel

Oklahoma OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY Brendan Golin

Oregon GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY Jared Feistel OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY Katharina Cade Ann Marie Keene Madison Kosar

Tristan Luther Shelby Takenson

Pennslyvania

South Carolina

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON Jessica Cade Kayla Menges Aspasia Zografos

PENNSLYVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY Rebecca Martin Christian Walton

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA Michael Lipp

UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND Cam King Katie Thomas

GRAPHIC » CLARISSA KANO » THE LANCER

Kaytlin Adams Ivan Avalos Ernesto Ayala Behyad Bashardoust Katya Borghei Crystal Calzada Elijah Canales Ryan Chavez Ismael Castillo Ryan Chin Matthew Clark Joshua Cornett Israel Corral Ernest Della Gianna DeSimone Lauren Doyle Steven Erickson Eduardo Galindo Holland Gebler Tristan Gest Cesar Guardado Hallie Guzman Ana Guzman Kevin Hagadorn Nick Harmon Michael Hartigan Jackson Hatland Alan Hernandez Anthony Hernandez Austin Holloman

Kaitlen Huberty Trevor Hudes Kyle Hudgins Sergio Juarez Seth Kennedy Emily Kotly Jocob Laksfoss Steele Ledford Evan Lemus Ashley Mahone Hannah March Schyler Marmalejo Sidney McCormick Mirabelli Jackson Willie Mitchell Megan Moran Daniel Muderi Justin Munroe Cody Pfafnkuchen Ryan Puttock Stacy Ramirez Michael Raven Kaylee Rebert Katherina Rozaklis Karsyn Smith Alex St Cyr Caroline Staller Kyle Stephens Devin Trudeau

SENIOR MAP

California schools:

This year’s senior class will send 155 students to in-state 4-year universities

OTHER SCHOOLS CALIFORNIA LUTHERN UNIVERSITY Stephen Blaauw Brandon Egerer Taylor Ewing Melanie Garcia Lindy Hendrickson Bryce Husserl Madison Katz Jennifer Kent Natalie Kim Andre Laserna JJ Mayer Kylie Patterson Christer Schmidt Erik Swanson Julia Wright ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY Scarlett Dior

ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN Clarissa Kano

LU ROSS ACADAMY FOR BARBERING Dylan Martinez

AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY Natalie Pagán

OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE Peter Elia

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY Ryan Sciarilllo

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY Jesse Morgan

COSMOTOLOGY SCHOOL Yasmine Alvarez Karina Fierro

SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY Kristen Albi Daniel Mendoza

FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING Samantha James Troy Sylvester

SCRIPPS COLLEGE Julia Didziulis

JOSHUA WILDERNESS INSTITUTE Zachary Hessemer LOS ANGELES TRADE TECH COLLEGE John Ayala LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY Alison Safa

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC SAN LUIS OBISPO Raul Casanova Sophie Gore Sarah Kazmie Gianna Lucareli Grayson McMinn CHANNEL ISLANDS Melany Agular Clara Bellucci Tahnee Ciccone Tristan Crongeyer Alec Delong Sydney Grayson Arthur Hui Nicholas Leko Michael Long Cassandra Lopez Travis Lott Stefany Morales Helen Negron James Owen Emily Saulino Jake Schoenneman Jacob Smithers Garrett Timm Ben Tischhauser CHICO Soren Bay Maegan Ealy Nolan Fredrickson Camille Harrington Cooper Huelsman Lauren Patt

SIMI VALLEY TRADE SCHOOL Nick Saffire SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA Abigail Dougherty STANFORD UNIVERSITY Lauren Hinkley UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Hannah Morton Sam Tuvesson UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO Julia Jackson UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO Nicole Pommereing

NORTHRIDGE Hawthorne DiPietro Ethan Harbour Kayla Hoeflinger Ben Martz Connor Mccrossen Madelyn Paley Danielle Salvoski Leonardo Tejada

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY Jules Weiss

SAN DIEGO Erica Hicks Cassandra Libang Reagan Sanders Sydney Speed Morgan Zarate SAN FRANSISCO Andres Godinez John Jaimerena Bridget Rau Maximillian Ruffman Meredith Sheppard SAN JOSE Jonathon McGuire Talea Rendon Athena Sales Evan Sutherland

LONG BEACH Sam Kallen

SAN MARCOS Haley Menton Taylor Mulcahy Zack Schuberg Ariana Tarin

MONTEREY BAY Lauren Tiffany Allison Ranck Rylie Fitzgeraldz

SONOMA Meghan Miller Amy Trephan Royal Wilson

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFONIA BERKELEY Jonathan Chow Brigitte Cotto Erin Haar Joyce Huchin Cate Valinote DAVIS Cailan Ackerman Tyler Clem Ryan Egertson Nathan Grant Sofia Lin Julia McCann Bridget Mulcahy Connor Pettek Paige Stapp Gabby Trujillo

IRVINE Justin Bucci Abby Germaine Thao Nguyen Robbi Razal Robert Smith Jake Yamashita LOS ANGELES Nikhil Arora Jenny Beck Andrew Berard Andrew Chau Chiraag Hebbar Joy Hong Nicole Miller Angela Yu MERCED Samantha Shapiro

RIVERSIDE Justin Aguilar Carissa Lo Valeria Moreno Simon Olivas Matthew Sample

Andrew Harris Lauren McKnight Sam Pettus Daniella Rodriguez April Sanchez Denver Simmons

SAN DIEGO Shannon O’shea

SANTA CRUZ Troy Ebert Brian Lee Katy Levine Anthony Sagely Scott Tomlinson Sierra Waters

SANTA BARBARA Lauren Bracken Kira Finigan Jillian Hall

SENIOR MAP

Community Colleges CALIFORNIA BERKELEY CITY COLLEGE Coral Cataldo CITRUS COLLEGE Gaby Diaz GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Cameron Weitz GOLD WEST COLLEGE Adam Poe MOORPARK COLLEGE Diana Abbott Jason Adams Arezu Aframian Greg Aghajanim Alfonso Alcala Jakob Allen Anand Allen Brielle Allowas Mateo Althaus Christopher Alvidrez Ava Anderson Maggie Angel Grant Ball Bam Bing Kevin Benton Ella Blackwell Briana Blanco Collin Booney Harmon Tyler Botsford Karina Brock

Kelsey Brock Jewel Buenrostro Aidan Busch Megan Butler Skyler Bylin Ronaldo Cardoza Gabriel Caro Sydney Case Janella Chi Tiffany Chi Victoria Cipres Brittney Clancy Brian Cohen Chance Crawford Lizzette Cruz Jacob Cueto Shanti Cuizon Burden Caitlin Culhane Brittany Dahl Brandon Dahl Lauren Davis Jeremy Defoe Mandi Dekowski Charles Della Cesar Diaz Lesley Diaz Jessica Doria Lin Dudas Chase Ellett Kim Estala Gavin Estin Rickey Farkas Joseph Farfan James Fayle Amber Ference Brenda Fernandez Xitlally Ferretiz Ashley Flood Chris Flood Dylan Flora Katherine Flynn Victoria Frias Moneer Ghani Gabrielle Gil Bailey Gonzales Melina Gonzalez Emma Goodnight Nicole Gosser

Matt Guevara Ryan Hamilton Brown HayleyRose Hardison Rianna Harris Desiree Hayden Jack Hayes Sara Healy Jonathon Henry Rachael Hood Haley Isaak Alex Jack Katie Jenkins Chase Johnson Gabriella Keene Kara Kelly Nicole Kidd Raffi Kilejian Nick Klein Dylan Kolvenbach James Krasczyk Jagger Kruseu Natalie Lane Jason Lee Matt Liebowitz Alianora linn Arely Llamas Jazmin Lomas Michelle Lopez Kyla Lotz Janie Lu Grace Lucht Kevin Macintosh Erick Martinez Jessica Masliah Shakil Matin Stacy May Nico McGuire Grayson McMinn Sydney McCormick Oscar Mejia Madison Miller Sadaf Mohamidi Erik Molen Bryce Moon Karla Morales Kelsey Murillo Dañel Muscuro Vy Nguyen Ben Nuristani Tony Ortiz Olivia Osowski Abby Osowski Katelynn Ouvrier Hazel Palencia Karen Pech

Jerry Perez Julian Perez Reece Peterson Shylee Pippins Hudson Pope Sara Porter Jonathon Priest Caitlynn Pruneau Brooke Pscion Valerie Ramirez Andrew Ramos Kali Rector Elijah Ricks Ben Roach Meleny Rodriguez Ernesto Rodriquez Kieron Roe Brendan Romero Anthony Rosa Dulce Rubi Juarez Tori Sager Austin Saiger Noah Salas Ben Sandstrom Danel Schilder Maddie Scott Clay Shaffer John Sherbetjian Anders Slattum Griffin Snow Iengchin Sovann Grace Spencer Samantha Spicka Trent Smith Ryan Svede Joesph Swain-Cohen Emily Tacen Audi Tackett Rayan Tavakoli Allie Thompson Mitchell Thompson Jack Trentacosta Catherine Trotter Sean Turner Dey Uriarte Luis Valencia Asher Waldman Amanpreet Walia Edward Whalen

MILITARY

NATIONAL GUARD Nicolas Simon

Cole Whiteman Taylor Wilderom Melissa Yee OXNARD COLLEGE Jacob Anderson Gabrielle Billington James Dameron EG Gallagher Ryan Long Alicia Magana PIERCE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Ben Blanton Jessica Bloomquist Rose Peters SACRAMENTO COMMUNITY COLLEGE Jacob Valdez SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE Rachel Frieden Madison Hunter Rosanna Walters SANTA MONICA COLLEGE Nadia Santos VENTURA COLLEGE Blake Campell Jose Flores Elizabeth Hernandez Karla Honorato Joseph Padilla Fallon Rabin

ILLINOIS LAKE COUNTY COLLEGE Justyn Russo

OTHER DESTINATIONS CAREER

Troy Bielke Joseph Steigerwald

GAP YEAR

Alex Davis Chandler Hanson Joel Herrera Tatiana Ibenez Chavez Chase Johnson Mia Lee Wesley Reid

Taylor Stukey Shyla Sturman Dylan Wahlenmaier

LDS MISSION

Justin De Beikes

Andy Balam Henry Doyle Jose Hernandez Tyler Parco Lance Placencia ARMY Jeffery LaCroix

NAVY Brittany Ehret

UNDECIDED

Gerardo Castanon Ted Jang Colin Virgines

Senior Column

Sierra Waters “Thanks for the adventure — now go have a new one!” — Ellie, “Up” By the end of my eighth grade year, I had high school and my life planned out. I wrote down my school schedule for the next four years based off intensive research on the school website, was determined to be valedictorian, and absolutely had to get into UCLA. Well let me tell you, friends, things change and none of this ended up happening. Being a senior forces you to reflect. It doesn’t matter if you live under a rock and sit in the back of every class, you still have to reflect because you’re a human being. And in this case, I’m reflecting on the things I never did but how that doesn’t even remotely compare to the things I never thought I would do. Let’s look at some examples: I never thought I would fall in love with the Spanish language and culture. I never thought I would march down the Champs Elysees in Paris, France in their first New Year’s Day parade since WWII. I never thought I would take a CP class and end up meeting some of my dearest friends. I never thought my best friends would be people older than me who still inspire me, and that I would take their wisdom and use it to inspire others. I never thought I would be the Opinion Editor for The Lancer Newspaper for three years, or that people would ever enjoy reading what I write. The list goes on and on. It was definitely an adjustment for me as a freshman, but I have learned to take things for what they are and accept change. That doesn’t mean life is always going to be happy, but you can always learn something from every experience and every mistake. However, I think the biggest thing I never thought I’d do was want to go to UC Santa Cruz. I distinctly remember telling myself at one point, “I will never even apply. The banana slugs are the worst mascot on the planet.” But guess what ended up being my top choice for college? And guess who is going to to UC Santa Cruz in the fall? Me. I don’t remember exactly when I was all in for Santa Cruz, but it took a lot of talking to alumni and overall research. I just couldn’t understand why everyone thought I would love it there until an alumni said to me, “The slugs are a community, you just have to embrace it.” For whatever reason, that was my turning point. I was ready to leave my dream of UCLA behind, move forward and embrace the change from Bruin to Banana Slug. The moment I realized how much I had changed was when I got rejected from UCLA and was hardly phased. It was when I realized that my dreams when I was younger are different than the dreams I have now. Instead of thinking I wasn’t good enough for them I was so happy with how much I have been able to accomplish over the past four years. So my advice to you, friends, is to stop saying about “never,” because you have no idea. The only reason to use the word never is when I say that you never know what your future holds. I have learned to keep an open mind to the world ahead, and while I admit I have my fears about the upcoming years I know that wherever I end up that it’s the best place for me. You can do anything you put your mind to, but it’s okay to change what that is; but may it always be something you’re passionate about. See, the amazing thing about banana slugs is that there are no known predators to the species, and are therefore unstoppable - which is why it’s the perfect mascot for me. The world is open to me and there is nothing stopping me from doing what I love. Adventure is out there!

SENIOR

STANDOUTS

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF:

NEWSPAPER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JESSI SOPORITO

Involved: 4 yrs Best moment: Staying here until 11pm on our last deadline De-stress method: Leave it for tomorrow Anthem: Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri

Here’s the thing, in this crazy big world of ours, we’ve all established our “mess” phase. Basically, it’s when you’re so beyond stressed or have absolutely no control or idea what is even going on. It’s a pretty common thing among all of us here, but no matter how much of a mess you think you are, just take a look at Jessi. Ignoring the bright green sweats she wore everyday in middle school, she’s literally all over the place. Whether it’s losing her debit card, or fitting ten hours of journalism into a six hour school day, she fits the definition of a mess. But within this crazy, irrational, sometimes idiotic mess of hers, she always seems to find a way to everyone’s go to. That’s the thing about Jessi, she’s everyone’s person. Despite the chaotic schedules and the fearful senioritis, which seems to be taking over us all, Jessi’s always there. She’s there for laughs, cries, rants, you name it. She could be having a mental breakdown but still manage to make any of her friends smile; and it’s more than that — she goes out of her way to

Brian Lee a.k.a. killer bee. The definition of finesse. Knowing him, I’ve been blessed. Brian Lee is one of my best friends. I remember when I first met him at junior lifeguards in seventh grade. I thought he was kind of funny, but I only liked him because he was good at League of Legends. When high school came around, Brian incorporated me into his cool friend group. I was one of his fellow dogs. From that moment on, Brian and I would embark on many adventures together, the pinnacle of them being our three year journey through the rigor of Chinese. No discredit to Chinese, but it wasn’t a passion for either of us. Each day was a new battle requiring a different strategy to get us through the period. Most battles we ended victorious, except on the rare occasion that Brian was absent and left me to suffer alone. Being with Brian is a thing of bliss. His ability to equal my sarcasm with his own and expound on silly inside jokes never fails to make me laugh. Honestly, it is just baffling how his twitter hasn’t

YEARBOOK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF GARRETT HEMPY

What is your BIGGEST FEAR?

EICs are responsible for overseeing and managing the production of either The Lancer newspaper or The Lancer Legend yearbook.

not finding parking

being eaten by Connor Pettek

being alone

Involved: 4 yrs Best moment: When we accidentally went to a gay bar in Washington D.C. sophomore year De-stress method: Yell at Nate Swanson or eat a poke bowl Anthem: UGH! by The 1975

blown up yet, I mean his comedic remarks are only top quality memes. Brian is one of those guys who is really skilled in fields that 90% of the population find completely pointless, but can make any spectator feel a sense of awe. He is a god at Tetris, has mastered some advanced fidget spinner techniques, and can hit them folks harder than Ted Jang. Now, as seasoned veterans, Brian and I seem to be adventuring together for the last time. As we start our last ride, I only now realize how valuable he has been to me. His unique ability to connect with the people around him through pure joy and even in great sorrow epitomize his empathetic capacity. And as I face the many battles to come in life, the only regret I have is facing them without him by my side. Brian Lee, you beautiful man, thank you for being a genuine friend to me and so NEWSPAPER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF many others during your short time here. You will acBRIAN LEE complish great things. —Jonathan Chow

Despite his own expectations, Garrett Hempy was not laid to rest on the seventh of April. He did not succumb to the final deadline, nor the constant stress of being the sole editor-in-chief of yearbook. No, if anything was to take out Garrett, it would be his salt addiction. In all seriousness, I urge him to cut down on his salt intake, lest he morphs into pure concentrated NaCl. Through every struggle, Garrett emerged victorious, Chick-fil-A bag in hand. Somehow, through the midst of chair-throwing, quacking, and laying on the floor-ing, he survived his final passage of high school. He set out on his senior year with the intention of making his last yearbook one to be proud of. He did just that and more. Garrett has astounded me with his dedication and work ethic. He has excelled in AP classes and created a killer book, all the while earning scholarships left and right. His drive is both amazing and inspiring, and I count myself lucky to have gotten to know the wonderful and hilarious person that is Garrett. He has

spiders

make sure the people she cares about are always happy. From her not so funny puns to real advice (which I wish everyone could hear), Jessi radiates this energetic, humorous vibe that I think we all wish we could have. Jessi is pretty spectacular, I mean who would voluntarily take over the position of running journalism for a school newspaper? Why spend countless hours perfecting a single page? And how could you possibly be able to balance the paper, school, friends, and family? Beats me, but not her. It could just be the constant 1975 songs screwing with her head, or the inspiration given to her from The Ofﬁce, but she’s one of a kind. Jessi is the only one in our class going to Syracuse University, she’s the only EIC (sorry Brain), and the only one who could make Mr. Smith cry because of her essays. I think it’s pretty safe to say that she is something else — something real. Her ability to express herself through words and writing is beyond exceptional; and for someone like me who has to somehow explain everything in this (not so) tiny feature, nothing can compare. —Athena Sales

eye contact with Mr. King the juniors

an innate sense of leadership and a likable nature that draws others to him. Even while presenting to a room full of people in a Harambe shirt, he carries with him a sense of confidence and capability that sets him apart from the rest. Everyone needs a Garrett in their life, one to agonize over the struggles of high school with and to always echo one’s “skrt!” He has a true and generous heart which makes him an irreplaceable friend. If you ever need a meme to relate to, a ride to get food, or new music to bop to, Garrett’s your guy. Garrett, thank you for never giving up, for dedicating so many hours of your life to the book, and showing us all what it means to be a leader. You mean so much to all of us and although we will miss you, you will continue on to do even more extraordinary things at CU Boulder. Thank you for being a friend to rant to, a role model to look up to, and the stepdad we never knew we needed. You’re a true legend, Garrett Hempy, and legends never die...but they do break their big toe doing backflips. I wish you a future free of deadlines, full of concerts and doused in Chick-fil-A sauce. —Mary Scott

the dark when the librarians are having a rough day

Mike Pence deforestation

Involved: 4 yrs Best moment: When Mr. Haar threw an apple in the trash but broke a window De-stress method: Watching Netflix no matter how late it is Anthem: Sad Machine by Porter Robinson

not leaving TO posting a meme I thought was dank and nobody laughing

SENIOR

STANDOUTS

CAMPUS LEADERS:

LINK CREW PRESIDENT MEREDITH WEINSTOCK

Involved: 4 yrs Best moment: Dance sessions before our leadership conferences De-stress method: Animated talks with Meredith Anthem: We’re All in This Together by the cast of High School Musical

DANCE TEAM PRESIDENT KIRA FINIGAN

death the packs of 8th graders at the mall

being yelled at by Mr. Smith AP chem

Club leaders are responsible for creating an active, friendly campus environment and organizing behind the scenes work.

Meredith Weinstock is the most genuine person I know. She’s my best friend, and someone I can always count on. Although we aren’t those people who’ve been best friends since birth (we’ve actually only been friends for about a year), we still have a special bond and she’s just like a sister to me. She cares about all her friends, and makes an effort to make sure that no one ever feels left out or excluded. If there’s ever a friend in need, Meredith always makes sure to help out in whatever way she can, whether it be with comforting words of advice, some encouragement or a little guidance. She’s my go to when I need a shoulder to cry on or someone to have a fun night with. We always have a great time together, whether it be going to basketball games, to see a movie or just staying in and watching TV all night long. Meredith is someone who always makes me feel welcome and like I belong because she takes the time to listen to what I have to say and how I’m feeling at any given time. I never have to wor-

Jenny Kent, many of you know her as the sweetest, the happiest, and the nicest girl. None of those things are wrong. There aren’t many people that you are going to meet that’ll always have a positive outlook on life. I grew up not having a sister and I am very fortunate to have found a caring and compassionate person like Jenny to fill that role. She has been there for me through the good times and the bad. Her warmhearted personality makes it easy for her to be the first one you want to go to with news. Her friendly character allows anyone to open up to her. Everyone that has the opportunity to have a ‘Jenny’ in their life can call themselves lucky. Jenny is a friend to many, but a sister to me. I have been best friends with Jenny for seven years now. It first started off as “baseball sisters.” We then began playing volleyball and finally our friendship has been topped off with our love for country music. Through six years of volleyball with Jenny on my team, she has been a leader on and off the court, encouraging her team and making sure that no one got down on themselves. Being a team captain, Jenny is a leader and the backbone of the team. In moments of

monkeys as doctors

ry about her judging me for anything I say or do because I know she’ll say or do something equally goofy or dramatic. Although we do have a lot of the same interests when it comes to TV shows or movies, she puts in an effort to learn more about what I like, and teach me about her own interests. I went to her volleyball games in the fall and had the time of my life because she made it so much fun. Her positive attitude is contagious, and her unique outlook on life makes her an extremely fun person to be around. She’s willing to take risks, while still being the sensible friend that keeps you out of trouble. She’s the most phenomenal athlete I know, by going undefeated in the Marmonte league in shot put as well as going to CIF ﬁnals and being beyond impressive in discus. On top of that, she still ﬁnds time to get all A’s in her AP classes and be an amazing friend. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me Mere, you are an amazing friend and an even better person. I can’t wait to see how far you will go in life, you’re gonna kill it at Washington! —Bridget Mulcahy

chaos, teammates would look to her and she always kept a calm demeanor that allowed us to realize everything was going to be okay. From our competitiveness on the volleyball court to our country music and rom-com movie nights, I could not have imagined spending my four years of high school with anyone else by my side. In these next four years of Jenny’s life, she will attend CLU and become a new leader of her new volleyball team. Although it will be difﬁcult not seeing her every day, I know that she is only going to be a phone call away. I cannot wait to hear about all the successes that the future holds for her. Jen, every second that I spend with you, — whether it’s at volleyball, long road trips to concerts, people watching in the airports or just video chatting with you while you’re here and I’m there — are moments that I will cherish forever. Thank you for not only being my best friend but my sister. —Danika Chaney

There’s deﬁnitely something special about Kira Finigan. She’s one of those people that is good at anything. School? Check. Dance? Check. Sports? Art? Leadership? Check, check and check. Her inﬂuence is quiet, but ever present in so many people’s lives. As dance team president, and VP before, she’s had quite an impact on everyone that went through dance team. Sometimes it’s hard for new members of the team to come in, especially when it seems like everyone already has their own group, but her kindness extends to the hardest-to-reach members of the program, and with her around, nobody feels like they’re on the outside. Beyond dance, Kira is able to keep up stellar academics, a job, and a social life — truly a feat for someone who already spends 25 hours a week hidden inside the GAR! I am always amazed at how well she can balance such a full life without becoming overwhelmed or letting anything fall away. She throws herself 100% into everything she does, and she has learned to make the best of whatever

snakes

college being in a room alone with Dr. Swanson

waking up as a freshman

Best moment: Going around orientation ranking events through the walkie talkies De-stress method: Dancing badly Anthem: Independent Woman Pt. 1 by Destiny’s Child

LINK CREW VP JENNY KENT

situation comes her way. She deﬁnitely lives a full life, and I’m sure she’ll tell you she loves every bit of it. If you get the chance to spend time with Kira, you’ll probably notice something I’ve been lucky enough to experience the past few years — she’ll make you feel so loved and important by just speaking a few words. Her ability to create authentic and meaningful relationships with people is incredible. She’s the kind of person you always want to be around. Kira makes sure the people around her are taken care of, whether by her or someone else. She’s the girl checking to make sure everyone has a ride home after practice, and the one who makes sure that the girl who was crying during practice is okay and has someone to lean on. If the past couple years have been any indication of what the rest of Kira’s life holds, the world better be on the lookout. I know she’s getting ready to do bigger and better things, and I can’t wait to see what the next part of her life holds. I’m so proud of you Kira, and I’m so excited for whatever you have coming next. —Riley Harris

failure

Involved: 4 yrs

turning 30 needles

Involved: 4 yrs Best moment: When all of our hard work pays off at Nationals. De-stress method: Painting Anthem: El Sonidito (we play it after every competition win)

What is your BIGGEST FEAR?

SENIOR

STANDOUTS

DRUM MAJORS/ASB:

DRUM MAJOR PETER LIU

Involved: 4 yrs Best moment: The last chord of the last field show I ever conducted De-stress method: Doing Nothing Anthem: Whatever song is stuck in my head

Peter is a great guy, and I have come to know Peter through countless encounters both in and out school, and every time I have been impressed. Peter and I go way back, as we have gone to the same schools for our entire lives and it is pretty incredible that Peter not only upholds a level of dignity that many would beg to acquire, but he does so while keeping up a happy-go-lucky attitude intact every single time. The most impressive thing to me about Peter though is how widely skilled he is in his activities — whether it would be in his outstanding academics, his musicianship on the oboe, various percussion instruments, the piano or his outstanding knack for providing leadership with his own ﬂair. His most profound role that I have known him to lead in, though, is his role as one of the drum majors. Drum Major, which is not an easy task, requires patience, a constant positive attitude and pride in yourself in order to control a group of over 100 students.

It has been more than four years since Sean and I shared our first classes together. Truth be told, despite being a year beyond Sean in school, it never felt that way. I recollect my first memory of our encounters in our Chinese 1 class, and I recognized Sean looked vaguely familiar. Of course, we had just powered through two weeks of marching band camp we had spent – not having yet spoken a word until school was in session. Little did I know that Sean would become one of the most fantastic friends I had in high school. Admittedly, much of what has happened between now and then has been a blur – as cliché as it may sound. Much of what I say revolves around the world of music. As a musician, more specifically a trumpeter, he shows his extreme ambition as he strives for something more – something beyond what is at hand. Sean works diligently, playing in pit orchestras and symphonies, plus in wind bands and marching band at school, all of which are no simple time commitments. I recall Sean running from a production of Willy Wonka in the afternoon, to a drumline competition in the evening, finding a substitute trumpet player in his place for the night.

SENIOR CLASS Vice Pres. CLARA BELLUCCI

IF YOU COULD BE ANYONE ELSE, WHO WOULD YOU BE?

Drum majors are responsible for conducting the marching band and for providing instruction on and off the field.

Talk about being busy, but considerate! In marching band, Sean has put himself out as an incredible marcher accompanied by musicianship. He eventually took upon himself, to become a drum major, side by side with Peter Liu, bringing in discipline and devotion to his friends and colleagues in the Lancer Marching Band. It was always a blast to work with Sean on a more professional level – especially seeing his array of ponderous, furious or light-hearted expressions portrayed while he was conducting. Despite all the work, he manages to be a leader, a musician, a diligent student, and so much more. Who could ask for more? Me. And what I asked for was a friend. An individual who cares and who appreciates others, but also a pal I can count on to make me feel better about myself, a supporter to vent about life, and a jokester to pass the time with laughter. But when it comes down to it, it’s not complicated. It’s just being friends. —Justin Thai

Clara Bellucci…hmm, what isn’t there to say about this wonderful human? She’s someone who consistently, without fail, looks out for others. Being her friend has been an absolute pleasure, for so many reasons, but knowing that she’s got my back, no matter what…that is an amazing trait for anyone to have. Clara cares deeply about the people who come into her life. She and I met in middle school and even though we lost contact for a few years, when she moved to the east coast, jumping back into friendship was pretty much the easiest thing in the world. She is kind and talented, and everyone around her, they smile because just being near her is a good time. I really love how many hopes and dreams she has. She’s so determined and good-natured…she likes helping people and she only wants the best for the people in her life, regardless of how close she is with them. She’s strong-headed, kind-hearted, hilarious, beau-

Mr. Smith

without a doubt Kim Jong Il

Obama

Even being selected for the role is not easy as there are numerous other candidates in the band that are certainly qualified to do so. Yet, through the selection process, Peter continued to always stands out, and as a result he was selected. Peter as a person has always had a way with the band that still makes him more of a friend than a boss, and it is this skill that really keeps him close with the band, yet serious enough to still lead and carry on his responsibilities. I recall many instances where, drained and tired, the whole band would be demoralized. Though a recurring theme, and an understandable one Peter was always the first to rally the troops and bring not only our spirits, but our energy back up to full. Though many aspire to be like him, none have come anywhere close. I believe that if you even asked people in activities outside of the band program, you would receive basically the same response clean across the board. There is only one Peter Liu, and he is certainly an incredible leader, and the perfect fit for conducting the band. —Robert Smith

PF Chang himself Randy Jackson

Blue Ivy Carter

Lou Lichtl

Best moment: When I performed at the U.S. Army All American Marching Band De-stress method: Taking naps Anthem: Whatever the field show is that year

DRUM MAJOR SEAN CHEN

tiful…sensitive, creative and loving. I don’t have any doubts about her doing amazing things in her lifetime. “She’s going to change the world one day,” I quote from one of her favorite tv shows, One Tree Hill, and I don’t know anything truer than that. I think it’s impossible to have anything negative to say about her, ask anyone and I guarantee, you will hear nothing but positive words, because that’s just how she is. You cannot help but like her and not laughing when you are with her is nearly unimaginable. Clara is a leader, and she is the kind of girl you want on your side always. Clara is someone who looks out for others. She cares deeply about the people who come into her life. She is kind and can always put a smile on someone’s face. She’s a fun person to be around and is going to do great things in her lifetime. I am so certain of our friendship and I know that we are going to continue being friends long after high school is over. —Haley Menton

one of the boys

Involved: 4 yrs

Dave Nystrom Erik Swanson

Involved: 2 yrs Best moment: Setting up rallies — lots of work, but we find the time to goof off De-stress method: Drive around, listen to music or walk my dog Anthem: Carried away by Passion Pit

Roy Wilson Juan from 3 Amigos

SENIOR

STANDOUTS

ASB CABINET:

ASB PRESIDENT JULIA WRIGHT

Involved: 4 yrs Best moment: When we won the best homecoming float sophomore year De-stress method: Journaling Anthem: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT HAYLEY MINASSIAN

Papa John Michael Jordan (the basketball one)

Guy Fieri

Involve. Accept. Inspire. The Associated Student Body is responsible for everything spirit on campus such as rallies and dances.

I have known Julia Wright for about six years. Those six years, from sixth grade until eleventh grade, prove to be vital in effecting the rest of our lives. And I can honestly say, because I’ve known Julia those six years, her actions and her accomplishments will forever remind me what to strive for throughout the rest of my life. I think I speak for everyone when I say Julia makes TOHS a better place with her personality. No one I know would be able to say one bad thing about Julia. Her smile shines with compassion and integrity (which I have the pleasure of seeing everyday in ASB). Her warm hugs, reassuring and sometimes awkward looks across the room, and cringy love for puns allow all of the members of the student body to feel at home. Julia Wright has stood out to me as a determined, charismatic, and organized leader and person since my sixth grade year. I’ve watched her develop and grow into the person she is today and it has brought an example for not only me, but the school.

This time of the year is always the worst for anyone who isn’t a graduating senior. Friends, family, teammates, etc. are all moving on to an unpredictable new chapter of their lives while we stay here and keep working towards it. But this is also an incredibly exciting time of year — a time for new adventures or reminiscing on the unforgettable memories you’ve made with those seniors. I was fortunate enough to know and call Emma Faciane one of my closest friends but unfortunately she’s one of those graduating seniors that I selﬁshly don’t want to say goodbye to but know I must in order for her to take her next step in life. Emma is someone who doesn’t take long to create a friendship with but once you do, you’ll forever be affected. She’s a natural leader which she’s shown time and time again in ASB as VP and in link crew, but also as a person. She has an attractive personality that people enjoy being around. Even if she’s yelling at you, she does it with a smile on her face. I’ve learned so much from Emma not just in ASB but in life. She never let high school shape her, she was able to be involved with ASB, excel in her academics,

Brian Lee with green hair

Gemon

the Hoff

ASB won’t have a president like Julia Wright ever again. She has helped the school progress in rallies, blood drives, school spirit, as well as touching numerous members of our student body. Me, being one of them. With an invite to her “Goofy Movie Nights,” my junior year was changed forever. I saw Julia at her home, the laid back Julia, the Julia who isn’t doing everything at once to make the school a better place. Yes, actually, there is such a thing. Seeing the many sides of Julia Wright allowed me to see just how she manages to balance everything. How does she do it, exactly? Julia is everything from being Senior Ball Queen to ASB president to having the best style on campus, yet Julia remains beautiful and graceful in all of her actions. From her school load, ERIK SWANSON, being ASB president, volunteering at many organizations, being cheer captain, and being the social bird she is… Julia Wright is a legend. A Lancer Legend. And I am proud and blessed to call her my close friend, as anyone would be. Congrats Julia. COLLEGE BABY! —Allison Fisher

perform as a top athlete in swim and also maintain a social life with great friends. Swim is an aspect of Emma’s life I wasn’t a part of, but from what I hear, she was the ideal teammate. I can imagine how encouraging it was to have her sitting at the end of your lane cheering you on or helping you get over a bad race. She’s the person you can turn to for anything with complete trust that she’ll do the best she can to help you. She’s not one for following others and she certainly isn’t afraid to stand out. Remember some of her dress up day outfits? Basically Emma is unapologetically herself in all parts of her life. Her confidence and ability to balance everything is inspiring and I hope that I can accomplish half the things she has. It’s been a complete pleasure working with such an influential person these past two years and a blessing to know this isn’t the end. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in her future because I know she will doing amazing things! —Alienna Glenn

Hayley Minassian is one of the most genuine people I know. She’s a friend, a leader, and a great role model. She inspires me and everyone around her. The way Hayley carries herself is something that people wish they could imitate. She isn’t afraid to call someone out, and when she does it’s always well deserved. On the pool deck, she would always try to psych out her competition by giving them one of her looks. You know the one. And when that look came out, you knew she was serious. But that’s what makes Hayley amazing. Despite having the scariest death glare around, she’s still one of the kindest people I know. She’s the first one to reach out to you and the first one to wave hello in the halls. Hayley was one of the first people to welcome me onto the swim team and make sure the little freshman on swim wasn’t lost. She makes an effort to talk to everyone and make sure no one feels left out. Hayley is super dedicated and hardworking. I remember this past year after not swimming for most of

Britney Spears in 2007

a rock

Mr. Singh, that man is a quiet genius

Best moment: Planning a successful prom last year and watching it all come together De-stress method: Nap or watch TV Anthem: I2I by Tevin Campbell (from the Goofy Movie)

ASB VICE PRES. EMMA FACIANE

the season, she decided to swim the 500 free, the longest and most painful race ever. The race is so long that it requires someone else to count for you. At league finals, Hayley asked me to count for her, so at the start of the race I was sitting on the other side of the pool ready to cheer her on. But literally on the first lap of 20, her goggles fell off. I know that most people would have just given up at that point. Despite that, she still finished the race, went a best time, and qualified for finals. That’s dedication and that’s just the type of person Hayley is. In ASB, I always see her working and working, always trying to get a senior event together. She puts in the work and doesn’t cheat her way out of things. You raise your expectations for yourself when you are around her because she is the type of role model that makes you want to better yourself. I’m sad to see Hayley leave this year, but I know that she’ll do amazing things at Indiana University. I’ll miss her huge smile, her witty comebacks, and her ability to light up a room. I’m so proud to call you my friend and I wish you the best of luck in your bright future. —Irene Li

Danny DeVito

Involved: 4 yrs

Danny Nadiri aka Yung Perj

anyone else

Involved: 2 yrs Best moment: Building the homecoming float with the ASB seniors and winning the contest De-stress method: Go for a run or go swimming Anthem: Mr. Brightside by The Killers

IF YOU COULD BE ANYONE ELSE, WHO WOULD YOU BE?

VALEDICTORIANS

Valedictorians Out of 529 seniors, only the top students earn the title of valedictorian. In the CVUSD, these students all have an indexed GPA of 4.65 or higher, or straight As in 33 semesters of honors or AP classes.

Lauren Hinkley Stanford Univ. GPA: 4.7 Favorite Class and Why: Scientific research because I got to science Tips to get into college: Write all your essays in Morse Code Good luck charm: Playing slide with Jenny Beck before each AP test Why you chose your school: The trees, mostly

Joy Hong UCLA GPA: 4.78 Favorite Class and Why: Mrs. Arkle’s chem honors class, she was such a good teacher and way too underappreciated Biggest Regret: Jumping off the high dive and attempting to flip at a water polo practice... It was painful Most rewarding extracurricular: Volunteering as an English teacher in Mudan, Taiwan

Andrew Chau UCLA GPA: 4.65 Bucket List item: Bun climbing (it’s worth the google search) Why you chose your school: I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. There’s too many Asians there. It’s unsettling.

Julia Didziulis Scripps Univ. GPA: 4.82 Biggest Regret: working at CVS What makes you more than your GPA: Not gonna lie, can make some pretty good cookies Good luck charm: My carrot socks What people might not know about you: I have unhealthy addictions to both chewing gum and baby carrots

Erin Haar UC Berkeley GPA: 4.65 Favorite Class and Why: This one’s kind of a given, but APUSH. Love ya Dad! What makes you more than your GPA: I’ve been really into photography lately, and I want to keep exploring that and improving my work in college Tips to get into college: Lots and lots of coffee

Nich Damm CU Boulder GPA: 4.69 Biggest Regret: Water assassins Good luck charm: Frederick, my pet giraffe What people might not know about you: My giraffe has an instagram account @fredrick.thegiraffe Why you chose your school: Didn’t get into Stanford @LaurenHinkley

Nicole Miller UCLA GPA: 4.78 Favorite Class and Why: Spanish. It’s more interactive than other classes, and we watch telenovelas Weird study habit: I play music but I always end up blocking it out… so I’m not sure why I play it in the first place

Jonathan Chow UC Berkeley GPA:4.65 What makes you more than your GPA: I’m a student for life Bucket List item: To successfully troll Zach Moxley one day Favorite website/phone app: Edmodo Most rewarding extracurricular: Clash Royale Why you chose your school: Berkeley riots

ALL PHOTOS » ANDREW CHAU » THE LANCER

Who is your High school crush?

Mr. Smith

I’ll never tell

Andrew Berard

Troy Bolton

MY GIRLFRIEND

my textbook

Cam King

Margot Robbie

Anders Slattum

you

Kayla Hoeflinger KIDS THAT GET TO TAKE CERAMICS

VALEDICTORIANS

Zach Moxley Rice Univ. GPA: 4.73 Biggest Regret: Not buying a fidget spinner Weird study habit: Studying is for the weak Bucket List item: Make my parents proud Good luck charm: The blood of my enemies

Chiraag Hebbar UCLA GPA: 4.76 Favorite Class and Why: Spanish, jokes are twice as funny when they’re in a bad accent Tips to get into college: Try not to bubble “Asian” on college apps Good luck charm: Beaudoin’s gold paper clip that I stole What people might not know about you: I used to kickbox

Nikhil Arora UCLA GPA: 4.85 Favorite Class and Why: Any class I have with Sam Pettus What makes you more than your GPA: My Minesweeper scores Bucket List item: Eat beef for the first time Tips to get into college: Just kinda show up in the fall at a really big college and nobody will notice Why you chose your school: Vincent Lok

Matt Steinhilber CU Boulder GPA: 4.77 Biggest Regret: Taking PE What makes you more than your GPA: My Ramen-noodle-like hair Weird study habit: write my notes on my hand and learn through osmosis Bucket List item: Ride my pet bear Good luck charm: 3 buddhas in my car

Kristen Wisneski Rider Univ.

GPA: 4.70 Favorite Class and Why: English because Smith is the best teacher of all time Biggest Regret: Deciding to take AP tests my senior year Bucket List item: Go to all the Disney amusement parks in the world. Tips to get into college: Try to BS your essays and make your extracurriculars sound more important than they actually are

GPA: 4.70 Favorite Class and Why: AP Chemistry. Even though it was really hard, I enjoyed all of it. And Mr. hoag is an awesome teacher Tips to get into college: Don’t write your essays the day before your applications are due

yikes

GPA: 4.71 Biggest Regret: Not making more friends freshman year; I was pretty antisocial. Don’t be antisocial Favorite website/phone app: Reddit. The mobile app sucks though Weird study habit: Watching TV while studying What people might not know about you: I spend all my day thinking or daydreaming

GPA: 4.67 Favorite Class and Why: Choir because I can never get tired of singing Weird study habit: I get up at 4:30 am to study sometimes Tips to get into college: Have a cardboard cutout of Niall Horan lurking in the corner of your room for a little every day inspiration Good luck charm: My tie-dye shirt

Angela Yu UCLA

Sean Chen Miami Univ.

Mr. McCann

Peter Liu Air Force Acad.

Toad (from Super Mario)

me, myself and I Brenda Fernandez

sleep

Max Gillam

he doesn’t go here

myself?

Jonathan Chow

Jenny Beck UCLA GPA: 4.80 Biggest Regret: Never learning to play an instrument better than a third grader Weird study habit: I sing everything out loud Good luck charm: I played slide with Lauren Hinkley before every AP test

Shrek Emma Faciane <3

who is your high school crush?