2023-2024 Senior Issue

2 | SENIOR REWIND

it’s been real...

ike many of my peers in room I-4, in sophomore year, I was part of the cohort of students who were randomly assigned to Journalism as an elective class. Little did I know, Mr. Solis’ decision to place me in Journalism would ignite a passion that would transform me from a reluctant transfer student to the editor-in-chief of The Lancer.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Momo Sonoda

MANAGING

EDITORS

Alyssa Kiszczak

Abigail TrippBullough

NEWS EDITOR

Aandrea PinedaDominguez

EDITOR

OPINION

Joseph Goodnight

FEATURES

EDITOR

Riley Keeler

SPORTS EDITOR

Jake Bradley

PHOTO EDITOR

Tyler Lappin

ASSISTANT

EDITORS

Abigail Kerns

Gemma

Spraggins

Nikolas Walter

Becca Glaubke

Kevin Starr

THE LANCER

STAFF

Kimberly Jerez

Austin Mead

Roman Mead

Kailah Spencer

Christian-Isaiah

Aguilar

Charlene Bonilla

Gabriella Muller

Julia PinedaDominguez

Guy Albert

Jasmine Bernal

Elijah Brown

Riley Brown

Cole Howard

Jackson Kurtz

Cory McEnroe

Natalie Rodriguez

Lilah Swaving

Anusha Ghosh

Harout Kilejin

Nazir Yilmaz

ADVISORS

Tasha Beaudoin

Jon Gold

SENIOR STAFF

2023–2024

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Momo Sonoda

NEWS EDITOR

Aandrea PinedaDominguez

STAFF WRITER

Jackson Kurtz

STAFF WRITER

Jasmine Bernal

STAFF WRITER

Cole Howard

STAFF WRITER

Austin Mead

I still remember when I sat down to create my first page with Adobe InDesign. The way the spacing boxes fit into the page like Tetris blocks, the endless possibilities for design and the challenge of finding the perfect font (even within the Gotham HTF font family, there are always too many typefaces to choose from) — it was love at first layout. InDesign soon became my Goliath, a puzzle to solve with each new issue.

With each issue published, I pored over the finished layouts, stories and mistakes with my mom, quizzing her about the contents of my story to see if she actually reads them. After this monthly routine, every issue we’ve published, good and bad, are neatly stacked on our living room coffee table to

olivia barber..........................2

show off to family and friends.

For many of us at The Lancer, journalism has strong-armed its way into every aspect of our lives: Weekends spent at school, eyes red from staring at a screen for way too long and late nights working on our stories, an excuse to procrastinate on other homework assignments. Whenever anything remotely exciting happens in Thousand Oaks, it becomes a game of Can-We-Incorporate-That-IntoOur-Next-Issue?

Though for me, there will be no next issue, as I move onto the next chapter of my life, I know I will always be on the lookout for potential news stories and every publication I read will be scrutinized with an editing eye, looking for typos and misplaced commas.

Though I’m sad to leave behind The Lancer (and my Adobe Creative Cloud subscription), my battle with InDesign is over.

Now, it’s up to the next David to take my place in the fighting ring.

Olivia Barber

Beating to the sound of my own drum: My year helping lead band

It felt like three minutes that I was bent into that bow for the last time.

When I rised after what felt like eternity, with my arms raised in acknowledgment of all the other musicians standing behind me, the smiles and wide eyes of the huge team of staff and technical advisors was the first thing that caught my eye.

About an hour later, we would have gold medals placed around our necks and be named the 2024 SCSBOA 3A Champions. It was everything we could have hoped for as an ensemble and as individuals, and not possible without countless hours of work as well as our incredible new director, Mr. James Rumenapp.

There’s something incredibly special about being able to call people you’ve only known for four months your family. The TO marching band has that effect; spending more than 20 hours a week together will do that to you. From August to November, we work five days a week, every week, including eight-hour Saturday rehearsals, to perfect and perform an eight-minute show, only about 10 times. But there is just nothing like performing under bright lights for a big crowd.

And, in my case, there is nothing like conducting a show and carrying responsibility for tempo changes, cues and cutoffs.

Q&A

What is your most bizarre high school memory?

Bringing handcuffs to school and handcuffing my friends to polls.

Being hated for my car.

The time the fire alarm was tripped three times in the same day.

Talking about doors for a solid 2 minutes with Mrs. Otey.

At lunch when two dudes started having a “your mom” fight but everyone thought it was a real fight and started crowding around and screaming.

Seeing the Christmas special that the senior boys do for the first time last year.

Seeing people sliding across the river that’s made in our halls when it rains.

All of 11th grade Forensics.

The fact that I get along better with teachers than students.

Once, I saw two seagulls having a fight.

The one time us students gave each other saline shots in Dr. Malhotra’s class and nothing happened as a consequence.

Mr. Gemberling pretending to have a heart attack after some kid didn’t do his math homework.

Winter rally, when the boys do the mean girls dance.

If you had a senior quote, what would it be? Q&A

Why fall in love when you could fall asleep It’s over... go home Stay happy be happy love every moment to the best ability and love everyone with everything you’ve got

Chronic Absentee

Focus on the Present, Care about the future

Enjoy it, because it goes by way to fast

All good things must come to an end drive safe, not slow

ONE LINE TO RULE THEM ALL

We asked seniors to tell us the first line of their favorite college essays.

“One’s values throughout their life many times can be reduced to one event, one day, one hour, which reflects true character. ”

— Olivia Barber

“I was ten years old, barely past the jumbled memories of early childhood, when I found that, at some point, I had made a new friend. His name was Fear.”

— Sushanth Engineer

“Make money while you sleep or work until you die.”

— Anselmo Garrido

“Nothing scares me more than first day of school icebreakers.”

— Ava Kramer

“Scooping dog poop. In 98-degree weather. My t-shirt is soaked with sweat and has a tiny bit of poop on it.”

— Zach Lobenhofer

“My best friend and I do not like cake on our birthdays.”

“I was oppressed.”

“To run is to live.”

— Kai Horiuchi

— Jordan Metaferia

— Kassidy Kajita

“I’ve had the same black Jansport backpack for five years.”

— Noelle Macri

“Ten years ago, I was introduced to music performance, and it’s had a profound impact on my life ever since.”

— Sarah Borwick

Being drum major was never something I really planned on and somehow I ended up doing it for two years in a row. Before my junior year, I signed up to do leadership camps with a couple other students, led by one of the staff members. My intention was to get the same instruction as a drum major would, so I could then apply the same principles of leadership to being on the field, up close with other members. By the time auditions were a week away, my name had made its way onto the audition list. My supportive and wonderful parents, long-time mentor and teacher Mike Freed, and best friend and co-drum major that year, Chase Thomas, are to thank for this change. When I was actually chosen, and a month later was running a rehearsal, regret was the furthest thing from my mind.

It was an honor to lead a group of people who are so dedicated and enthusiastic about improving. Whether was the beginning of the season, and we could barely play the right notes while marching, or the day of championships, it seems like somehow everything that could’ve gone wrong, in fact, went wrong. But the entire band was dedicated to competing at the best of our abilities. And now it’s over for me, and that’s a tough pill to swallow.

The TO marching band has given me so much. The majority of my best friends have become just that due to my one simple decision to join. Being drum major was a privilege I will always be thankful for, and I hope that I was able to inspire others to follow in my footsteps and that I had a positive and lasting influence on the program.

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Lancer is the official school publication of Thousand Oaks High School, created and produced by students in Journalism.

The Lancer reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for high school publication. Guest editorials and “Letters to the Editor” are welcome, but must be signed and are subject to editing for length, libel, obscenity and grammar. They can be sent to thelancer.tohs@gmail.com.

The Lancer is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

CONNECT WITH US

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Twitter: @tohsthelancer

www.tohsthelancer.org

Ava Kramer

NOTHING BUGS Benjamin

Junior Benjamin Chung finishes top three in prestigious Regeneron science and engineering competition

spotlights

What it’s like to exit stage left after years in the TO

If you have ever been to a performance, you know that it is common for the opening of the curtains to be delayed a few minutes. What you don’t know is this is because our backstage traditions are running a bit too long.

As an audience member, all you know is what happens on stage, but being in the show, and theater in general, is all about what the audience doesn’t see. Cast and crew often arrive at the theater hours before the performance to get ready. We run through the show, do a mic check, and always leave about a half hour for warm-ups.

These include physical shake-outs and repeatafter-me songs. This is one of my favorite moments because it is when the little bits of panic set in but so does the adrenaline. And no matter how big or small a character you are, we are all standing in a circle together, ready to tell you a great story.

This trend continues even during the performance. While you are seeing beautiful light and sound effects on stage, the booth behind you is a chaotic swarm of bees. Technicians are following the script to make sure all the cues are ready and they are also constantly communicating backstage, where a million other things are happening.

Props crowd the wings of the stage while the cast tries to watch without being seen by you, our audience. Because we have no wall behind the cyc (the screen on which lights are projected), people are running around the back of the stage to make sure they are in place. Five people are trying to help a single person with a quick change, scripts lie open everywhere and then there is always that one stress-free cast member just chilling on their phone waiting for their cue. And after all that chaos, we take our bows with pride and a sigh of relief. And then a realization that we do it all again tomorrow.

While performances are what make me come alive, I find just as much joy in the theater class or the smaller performances. Within a year, the theater puts on about 10 performances from improv to film festivals to movie nights, as well as combined plays with other schools.

Thousand Oaks is also the only school in CVUSD with an improv team. The variety of what I get to do in theater is what makes our program so extraordinary. I’m not just performing in these big productions but in class, I have crafted an awardwinning performance of “Lord of The Flies,” done stop-motion pictures, learned hand-to-hand combat from a college professor, done accent breakdown and performed one-woman shows.

And while the big applause at the end of a show was nice, I had to learn that performing was something I did because it brought me joy. We don’t always get the biggest turnouts but the cast and crew’s energy never falters.

So often theater is about those little moments you share with your cast. It is the last look at each other before the curtain opens, dancing in the wings and making faces across the stage, or the inside jokes referring to an improvised moment or a mistake.

Sometimes when the show is over and the PAC is empty, I will take a moment before wrapping and just kind of look at the theater, normally packed with chaos and movement, and sit in its usual silence, taking it all in.

AANDREA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ NEWS EDITOR

As the student sat hunched over their work bench, surrounded by rows of neatly labeled Petri dishes, the hum of fluorescent lights and fragile equipment served as a reminder of the meticulous work being done.

Still only in high school, the student was in no ordinary laboratory, instead they were working in a prestigious university-level laboratory where precision was paramount.

On the main workstation, under the bright glare of an adjustable lamp, squirming larvae took center stage in the student’s latest project.

For many, this scene sounds like a nightmare but for TO junior Benjamin Chung, it was the key to unlocking doors he never thought existed. As the first The Center student to compete at the Regeneron ISEF Competition, hosted this year in Los Angeles, his project focused on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and was aimed at finding solutions to mitigate the life-altering repercussions that result from TBIs over time by using wax moth larvae as opposed to traditional animal models. Chung soared to new heights and returned home with a 3rd place award in the Biomedical and Health Sciences category.

Chung’s journey defied expectations from the beginning. While his siblings primarily attended Westlake High School, Chung chose to attend TO to join The Center after hearing about its transformative impact on his friends. He hungered for more than just an average high school life, driven by a desire to push boundaries.

“The Center was something I wanted to

take a chance on,” Chung said, knowing that it wouldn’t be easy to face, but realizing that the sting of never trying would be even harder. Little did he imagine that he would soon become the buzz of TO.

With the help of The Center teachers and their resilient commitment to gathering supplies for students, Chung was able to mimic real-life TBI tests and conditions for his larvae. His motivation stemmed from a patient at Westminister Health Clinic who had been directly affected by TBI after an unexpected roof collapse. “I’ve been helping her with physical therapy, and occupational therapy, really helping her get on her feet,” Chung said. “I’ve grown a close emotional connection with her, and how just TBI has affected her life, and I believe that she was the biggest motivation for my project.”

The competition provided an environment for intelligently gifted students to meet and speak with like-minded individuals who knew and respected the hard work and research they each had put in. The seven-day competition was a time for learning, growth, and the creation of lasting memories and friendships. “The most important aspect of ISEF is just making new long-term friends and just having a good time in general,” Chung said. One of the highlight events of the competition is the respected pin exchange, in which students from around the globe take the opportunity to learn about different competitors, who they are, where they’re from etc, while exchanging a pin that represents their country or county. “The first thing I wanted to do was make as many friends as possible, so I could have a good week at ISEF,” Chung said. “The pin exchange gave me the opportunity to

STANDING TALL — Chung presents his official project presentation board

introduce myself and form connections with people around the world, and the amount of people I met was insane.”

As the days went by, the anticipation built until finally, it was the day everyone had been waiting for. The grind was over, the stress was real. “I was with my friends, we were all excited, you could feel that adrenaline rush and we were all sweating kind of and panting just to catch our breath,” Chung said. “We were all huddling together, reminding each other that we would still be proud of each other at the end.”

Chung’s journey through The Center thus far as only a junior and success at the ISEF competition earned him not only a prestigious award but also opened doors to many fruitful opportunities. His story acts as a testament to the power of passion, and the importance of support.

Clubs transition to 2025

Lancer leaders discuss some of the club work done throughout the year

KAILAH SPENCER THE LANCER STAFF

With the school year coming to a close, TO clubs are preparing for next year with elections. Clubs are a huge part of student culture on campus, as they provide spaces for students to come together and create long-lasting communities. Not only is it important to participate, but being involved in the decision-making process is even more valuable.

Junior Chokee Weezer, president of TO’s Asian American Pacific Islander Club (AAPI), shared her perspective as the president and founder of AAPI.

“We didn’t do as much as I wanted to this year, but we definitely started a basis for next year so that we can do more activities,” Weezer said.

When thinking back over her first year as president, Weezer really enjoyed seeing the whole club come together in unity to brainstorm ideas.

“My favorite memory from being president this year was (getting) to be in the front and speak, and everybody just tells you their ideas for the club,” Weezer said. “It’s really fun to see our ideas come into action.”

This February, AAPI shared Lunar New Year traditions with TO by handing out red envelopes, known as “hóngbāo” in Chinese, which are believed to bring luck and good fortune for the year ahead.

OFF-CAMPUS PASS

Donald Trump case reaches close, leaving many confused about the future of the election

On May 30, former president Donald Trump was convicted in New York of 34 accounts of falsifying buisness records. These records were used to cover up $130,000 worth of payments to conceal a sexual affair between him and adult film star Stormy Daniels. Trump is now set for sentencing for these 34 felonies in July, right in the thick of his 2024 presidential campaign. This leaves many confused about the future of the election and a potential opening for president Joe Biden to add a line to his stump speeches.

Mexico presidential election with female candidates running for both major parties

For Key Club president Taylor Eich, senior year was a year full of volunteering. Key Club, which is known for its humanitarian efforts, is an international organization that provides high school students with the oppurtinity to make an impact on their community and develop leadership skills. Eich described some of the volunteer work that the club participates in.

“We go to Wildwood Elementary School and help students out with English and Math homework,” Eich said. “It was just fun being able to talk to them and help them with stuff that, obviously, we know, but they didn’t really know so well. It was fun watching them improve over the weeks.”

Key Club also volunteers at the annual Relay For Life fundraiser, a walk that celebrates cancer survivors, honors people who lost the battle, and raises money for the American Cancer Society. Eich says that helping out at Relay For Life was her favorite club memory this year.

“I was there with the other clubs who I know from previous events,” Eich said. “I got to see different friends from other schools and also hang out with my club, too.” She hopes that next year there will be increased club participation and that Key Club will continue to volunteer at events like Relay For Life.

There is an abundance of clubs to be involved in on campus, ranging from cultural fellowship to community service. Finding a place to belong in at school is sometimes difficult, but with the built in communities that clubs provide, it can be made easy.

Mexico held its presidential election on June 2, with the expection being that they would elect their first female president in the history of Mexico’s independence. The two main candidates from the major leading parties were Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez, both women. On the morning of June 3, Sheinbaum a leftist from the Moreno party, was elected in a landslide vote. The former climate scientist has high hopes for the future of feminism and action against climate change during her six-year term.

Chang’e-6 flight to the far side of the moon sucessful

On June 1, China’s lunar lander Chang’e-6 landed on the far side of the moon with the mission to collect unique lunar samples. Chang’e-6 is China’s fourth successful lunar landing, and it’s second to land specifically on the far side of the moon. The science community sees this mission as the gateway to a large scientific breakthrough in our understanding of the moon. The lander will be used to drill subterranean material from the moon and is expected to begin it’s return to earth after only 48 hours. The mission in total is expected to take 53 days, with the lunar launcher having taken off from earth on May 3, almost a month prior to it’s landing.

AANDREA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ » THE LANCER

QUIET IN THE CLASSROOM

New club, Lancers in Law, creates an opportunity for Lancers to better their knowledge of the court system

GEMMA SPRAGGINS

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

In the hushed environment of a dimly lit classroom, where the sunlight filtered through half open blinds, a spark was ignited within one ambitious student.

It was any other Monday in the midst of an eighth grade, lesson on United States history set a young man found resonence. Finn Kerns, the future Lancer in Law president, found himself unexpectedly captivated by the idea of justice and government. Ever since that history class, the sophomore’s passion only continued to blossom.

Now in his final years at TO, he has dedicated himself once more to other future Lancers in Law.

Along with junior Aiden Light, Kerns set out to create a separate group outside of Mock Trial.

Both Lancers felt that there wasn’t a well-organized club with a good enough standing to represent students truly interested in law, without the commitment of joining Mock Trial.

And, although Lancers in Law is similar to Mock Trial, their purposes differ.

Mock trial not only spends time studying cases, but also goes to competitions against other teams.

Lancers in Law was created as a separate group to ensure that Lancers interested in Mock Trial would have a basic understanding of the justice system and court rules before heading off to competition.

As of right now, they are focusing on cases happening actively, and they plan on having regular meetings and discussing individual law cases once they become an official club for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Lancers in Law co-presidents look up to their supervisor, Eric Kamm, whose personal experience with the justice system will be beneficial for giving clear insight on the often complicated process of law.

Kamm used to work both as an accountant for law firms but also as a paralegal, and with his insight, he knows and understands the role

this group plays in helping Mock Trial become an even stronger force.

“I have a great passion for the practice of law, the legal process, and I’m a firm beleiver in the American system of justice,” Kamm said.

Kamm has been diligently equipping these students with essential insights, emphasizing critical roles within the legal system.

“We focus on why courts need all their aspects and how each aspect contributes to the case,” Kamm said.

This group is the perfect opportunity to learn more about what responsibilities come with working in the legal system.

“This is preparing other Lancers and myself by sharpening our critical thinking analysis skills to one day be able to get up in front of a room of strangers and represent an argument based on the cold ideas and facts,” Kerns said.

Time will tell if their hard work will shine through as they start preparations for the Ventura County Mock Trial competitions again this fall.

ORDER IN THE COURT — Lancers in Law meet every Wednesday in I-1, to discuss the latest updates on laws and mock trial

AP ril studying TO May Testing

AP testing is affecting students in many more ways than simply adding stress to their already full plates

ABIGAIL KERNS ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but as every AP student knows, April brings much more than that. Students sacrifice their sleep schedules, time, sanity and energy to pursue outstanding grades on advanced tests.

“I think the workload throughout the year is manageable but closing in on the AP test and trying to do homework and studying is difficult,” junior Casey Sillars said.

Managing all the work along with keeping up with her regular responsibilities has proven to be a challenge.

“I haven’t experienced an intense burnout yet, but I’ve had little mini burnouts where after a really big test or project I couldn’t do anything for a few days,” Sillars said. “It can definitely get stressful but after AP tests things get pretty low-key,” sophomore Trisha Chatterjee agrees.

She inquires “I feel like because I’m always studying for AP testing and because I’m trying to make sure I know all the curriculum before hand, I have to study in all my other classes and that makes me get behind in all my other classes and then I need to keep studying for those classes and I feel really burned out because I have so much work

to do and catch up on.” Yet again, it as been proven that AP students are falling behind in their regular classes because of the rigorous studying they have to do during exam season.

Chatterjee is studying for AP Seminar and AP European History, stress from those classes has her feeling burned out and she is behind in her non-AP classes because of it.

Many students across TO feel similar to Sillars and Chatterjee. A survey sent out among AP students showed that over 50 percent of responders have said that they have felt burnout at least once because of AP testing. An anonymous student describes the AP exams in nine words as “It’s like getting trampled by a stampede of squirrels.”

Another student, freshman Sophie Bloom said the classes themselves are good, but the exams are unnecessarily difficult and the culture around them is stressful

Bloom is in AP Human Geography (AP HUG) which is considered to be one of the hardest AP exams to take as a freshman coming into high school.

She studies an average of four hours for each exam and often skips her art lessons to study, with permission, during AP Human Geography exam weeks.

She knows the importance these exams will have on her college applications, just as the other students do.

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES

Kai Horiuchi

ETHOS teaches students the ins and outs of the business world, for now and for the future

One question almost every single student has asked at one point in their educational career is, “How will this prepare me for the real world?”

I know that I asked myself this question once I entered high school, now one step closer to this “real world.” Little did I know that, just six short months later, I would find out just how a program I had been introduced to would answer that question for me.

ETHOS is the entrepreneurship academy here at Thousand Oaks High School, and I, along with 50 of my peers, were given the incredible opportunity to join the academy our sophomore year.

Over the next three years, we learned how to build a business from the ground up, build and give professional presentations and make connections that will last a lifetime. That’s really only scratching the surface of what we did in ETHOS.

These are all skills that you will need for the rest of your life, as I was told many times by many different people. But today, three years older and definitely a bit wiser, I am the one telling the ETHOS Class of 2027 that exact statement.

For the past two years, ETHOS has created a student executive team that assists the teacher team with managing the academy. I have always been the person that chases every leadership opportunity possible, and this year I had the honor of serving as the Chief Executive Officer. While being CEO is about learning how to lead a team of full leaders, that is certainly not the most important takeaway. It would be the idea that everyone has something to contribute, and that keeping an open mind to everyone’s ideas is the best way to grow.

You might think that ETHOS teaches real world solutions to real world problems through the power of innovation and entrepreneurship, and it does, but it is not only that.

Some students love group projects, some students hate them. My last three years in the academy have been spent working with nearly all of my peers on numerous group projects.

One of the most “real world” experiences you will ever have while in school, is learning how to work with other people. I definitely found this difficult at first, preferring to be independent, but it is an essential skill to have, a real world skill. You will have to work with people for the rest of your life, so my advice is to embrace it, find your role within a group dynamic that suits you.

I will end with some advice to whoever decides to take it. School does teach you how the real world works through more obvious models like academies centered around teaching you exactly that. But it also teaches you through models that may make a little less sense at first. I contribute all that I have learned to ETHOS, the amazing friends I have made, and the connections that I hope will last forever. Learn to embrace every opportunity and step up wherever you can, because you never know how it will help you in the real world.

PHOTO » GEMMA SPRAGGINS » THE LANCER

BABIES ON BOARD

TO twins Grant and Avery Holmquist have the ultimate fun fact: They both starred as the famous baby, Carlos, in the comedy classic, “The Hangover”

HANGING OUT — Grant and Avery Holmquist co-starred as “The Hangover” baby, Carlos

ALYSSA KIZSZCAK

MANAGING EDITOR

TO twins Avery and Grant Holmquist had numerous opportunities when they were younger to get involved in the acting industry.

Production companies often like to hire twins especially if they look similar, so they can have them switch off the role based on who was crying less in the moment.

That came into play with the generational classic, “The Hangover,” which many of our parents adore.

Avery and Grant portrayed “Carlos,” the lost baby that Zach Galifianakis’ character, Alan, rescues in a particularly hilarious scene.

Although they were mere newborns in the first Hangover movie, which was followed by two sequels, the TO twins have fond memories. Even if they don’t exactly remember filming.

“I was just the baby who cried,” Avery Holmquist said. “They put me in the crying scenes so my crying was my lines.”

Grant remembers when he was filming the third installment that it all came down to a polar bear stuffed animal and snake puppet. He filmed a scene on a set that was designed as a playroom and had dozens

of stuffed animals in the background. As a parting gift, the director let him choose a stuffed animal to take home to remember the experience. He chose a snake puppet for himself and a polar bear for his sister, as he believed she deserved one as well.

“I do remember the stuffed animal and I still have it in my bedroom right now,” Avery said.

Most people watch the movie and assume it’s the same actor playing the baby the entire film, however, Grant and Avery switched off playing the role. The twins find it funny to examine and determine which one of them is in each scene, and sometimes can’t tell who is who. Sometimes, it was neither, as a replacement baby was used.

“Just because I have seen her face and my face so much, I can easily tell which one is which,” Grant Holmquist said. “So it’s funny just to point out which scenes are which baby. In some scenes, it’s actually neither of us because they had to use a different kid for a couple of scenes so that is interesting to point out, too,”

After filming and being a part of the whole Hangover experience, both Grant and Avery decided acting was not something they wanted to continue since they were so young.

“A lot of the time, I just forget that I was the Hangover baby,”

Grant Holmquist said. “It was so long ago and it’s not really permanent in my life anymore.”

“I was just the baby who cried. They put me in the crying scenes so my crying was my lines.

AVERY HOLMQUIST TO SOPHOMORE

Being child actors was an eyeopening experience and steered the siblings away from what they knew they did not want to pursue. Nowadays, Grant wants to get into the music industry, since he has found a passion through the Thousand Oaks High School band program. Avery wants to be an elementary educator as she says she “wants to inspire (students) to be better people because you know the future generation has been questionable lately.”

As the Holmquist twins focus on their high school careers and their futures, they will always remember being the face of the iconic baby in the film.

AROUND T.O.WN

Friday Night Car Cruise

May 4, June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, 4-7 pm, Old Town Camarillo Drive down Ventura Boulevard with your classic car. There will also be craft vendors, face painting. Try some local takeout by supporting the Camarillo Old Town eateries.

Happy Face Music Festival

May 25, 12-7 pm, Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and get ready to bask in the sun, surrounded by breathtaking hilltop views at the Happy Face Festival in Simi Valley. Satisfy your hunger cravings with delicious eats from the area’s best food truck vendors.

Art In The Park

May 25-26, 10-5 am, 113 S Montgomery St, Ojai, CA 93023

Art in the Park has enjoyed a long tradition of displaying quality art. Presented by the Ojai Art Center, the oldest non-profit art center in California, the festival attracts artists from near and far. Everyone is invited to browse, meet the artists, grab a bite and enjoy the weekend in Libbey Park.

Sunsets Summer Concert Series

June 2-Aug. 25, 6pm, Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center at 23400 Park Sorrento

The traditionally private Calabasas Lake opens its doors to concert goers, providing a scenic backdrop and ample field seating for picnickers. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and sweaters. Some fixed seating is available on a first come first served basis.

Summer Movies in the Park

June 8, July 13, July 27, 8 pm, Reyes Adobe Park, 30400 Rainbow Crest Drive, Agoura Hills Free Movies in the Park will take place once again this summer of 2024 at Reyes Adobe Park, 30400 Rainbow Crest Drive, Agoura Hills, hosted by City of Agoura Hills Community Services. Movies start at dusk.

Fathers Day Car Show

June 16, 10am-3pm, Channel Islands Harbor

The Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor on Sunday, June 16, 2024 from 10 am to 3 pm will feature an eclectic mix of custom cars, hot rods, low riders, motorcycles and classics. It is the perfect day to show off your rides and reconnect with friends and family.

BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE

Construction Exploration & Training Camp gives interested students a chance to get their hands dirty ... and so much more

FROM THE GROUND FLOOR UP — Members of the Construction Camp learn about various skills, tools and jobs in the industry

JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ THE LANCER STAFF

With summer right around the corner, students are starting to create their yearly summer plans. For some, these plans might consist of hanging out with friends or going somewhere far from home or seeing family. For others, summer is not only a time to have fun but also to gain knowledge and useful skills for the future.

From June 17-21, the campus will be home to a construction summer camp presented by Construction Exploration & Training Collaborative. The camp goal is to inspire, empower and create a memorable experience for students who attend, learn skills in the following construction trades, carpentry, electrical, heavy equipment, framing and plumbing.

During these seven days, individual trades are split and assigned to a specific day, when campgoers will learn the importance of safety in the process. While learning new skills, the camp will help motivate kids and encourage friendly competitions, forming seven teams of four to participate.

“camp is meant for everyone,” Bennett said.

Bennett stresses that construction is an industry where multiple skills are needed, sometimes unique skills. The industry allows room for flexibility whether that includes responsibility, hands-on work or even overtime hours.

“(There are) so many different avenues that somebody can take in this field,” she said. “Not all of it is dirty, not all of it is you going out and digging a trench by hand. There’s a lot of time where you own a piece of equipment, and if you like to play video games, it’s very similar.”

Bennett encourages other construction owners and bosses to come to the camp to see the campgoers’ skills, characteristics and “‘the spark in their eye.”

[There are] so many different avenues that somebody can take in this field. Not all of it is dirty, not all of it is you going out and digging a trench by hand. There’s a lot of time where you own a piece of equipment, and if you like to play video games, it’s very similar.

LAURIE BENNETT CETC LEADER

Although the camp is built around the construction industry, the opportunity to learn important skills including communication, problemsolving and safety is still available

“That’s the beauty of this (camp),” said camp leader Laurie Bennett, who serves as vice president of construction company Arbee Inc.

This camp can be for those who may have an interest in going into construction, whether they want to be hands-on or want to run their own construction company.

“There is so much to learn, this

With artificial intelligence advancing daily, and along with it, the worry of students’ future career paths being replaced, now not only do they need to put into consideration skills and interests when applying for a job, but also whether it is future-proofed. Construction is one of the few industries that we see today that cannot be replaced anytime soon.

“I see where AI will help supplement the construction industry, but we will always need hands on,” Bennett said. “So we’ve got new pieces of equipment where my people are operating it with the joystick walking behind the piece of equipment. My guys aren’t even on the equipment, or you are using other forms of AI, but as far as the software world or AI in the computation world, I’d say you’re going to have a lot more work being done that way. But you’re always going to have a human eye and human touch on what we do.”

COURTESY » LAURIE BENNETT » CETC

PHOTO » JOSEPH GOODNIGHT » THE LANCER

The Force was with Drama Club

Lancers improv takes on Star Wars while saying goodbye to their fearless leader, Ava Kramer

alongside Ava Daugherty to run future improv shows as cocaptains. This year’s improv show acted as a send-off to their dear captain, Kramer.

On May 3, the Drama Club held the first and last Star Warsthemed improv show of the year. Students embarked on a comedic journey that would unite them in unexpected ways. As the curtains rose on their third annual improv show, the force of their teamwork and talent was palpable, drawing in audiences from across the galaxy.

And it wasn’t even far, far away.

In the months leading up to the big night, the theater buzzed with anticipation as the student improv team honed their skills.

“We started preparations almost two months in advance but the week of the show was kind of a grind time for organizing, finalizing the dates, figuring out showtimes, preparing advertisements and connecting with teachers as well as other staff,” said senior Ava Kramer, the Improv team captain.

Among AP tests, advanced honors classes and other extracurricular activities, Kramer found herself sacrificing lunches and various club activities to prioritize improv practices. The persistent and casual practice schedule was necessary to scare off any nerves that may arise at showtime. Through every practice, the group’s dedication to its craft and each other only continued to propel them forward. Practice also made it possible for students to form a closer and more meaningful relationship with each other.

“The group of students that join are always amazing and full of high energy,” Kramer said.

“During the show, the improv team seamlessly bounced off one another, transforming ordinary scenarios into comedic gold. Whether they were portraying quirky characters or navigating unexpected plot twists, their chemistry on stage was undeniable.

With Kramer at the helm of this comedic journey, her guidance, as well as her leadership, helped the cast embrace the challenges of the improv world with gusto.

“For as long as I’ve known Ava, she has never stopped being one of, if not the, most determined, energetic and enthusiastic person I’ve ever met, that’s just how Ava is as a person, and I think she especially shows it through these shows,” Bergholtz said. “She always goes the extra mile to make our team the best she can, which is something I’ve always admired about Ava.”

The biggest challenge is confidence. A lot of people don’t join improv because they are scared of being up on stage with no script.

AVA KRAMER IMPROV TEAM CAPTAIN

“Improv can be scary and getting a group of kids who dare to do that really just means you have a great group of kids, and it’s fun to teach them.”

During practice sessions, the cast discovered the true magic of improvisation: teamwork.

“We spend practice just playing improv games and kind of getting used to each other and strengthening the bonds within the team,” junior Charles Bergholtz said.

Bergholtz has been a part of numerous theater productions throughout his years at TO and has now been granted the baton

Through her words of encouragement and unwavering support, she fostered an environment where creativity flourished and boundaries were pushed. Every year, since the start of the improv group three years ago, Kramer has identified the challenges that creep on every group thus far.

“The biggest challenge is confidence,” Kramer said. “ A lot of people don’t join improv because they are scared of being up on stage with no script.”

Working around these issues proved difficult but Kramer’s hopes and commitment made them possible to overcome.

“Improv is a big team sport,” Kramer said. “You have to support each other. Ever since this year’s first rehearsal I knew we had a good foundation of teamwork and working around these small issues wouldn’t be impossible.”

As the night of the show arrived, the theater crackled with energy and excitement. The audience, composed of groups, couples, siblings and friends eagerly awaited the spectacle about to unfold.

“I am happy with how everything turned out, there’s obviously always some things after any show that you may

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO

think could have been different,” Bergholtz said. “But, it’s just another way to learn and grow as a performer, so I always try to take those things to heart.”

The show concluded with a dramatic, special tribute to the graduating improv team captain. The scene consisted of Kramer and Bergholtz, in character, fighting lightsaber to lightsaber until finally Kramer was taken down. As she took in her last moments, she told her comrade, Daugherty, to carry on her legacy.

“I don’t think a lot of people know that that was a symbolic way of passing the torch, because the person I told ‘Carry on my legacy’ to, is the person who is going to be captain next year,” Kramer said.

As the curtains closed on another successful improv show, the cast basked in the glow of their accomplishment. Though the night may have ended, the memories and bonds forged on stage would last a lifetime. And as they looked towards the future they knew that the force of their camaraderie would continue to propel them forward, one laugh at a time.

HIKING CLUB STARTS ITS CLIMB

Inspired by her scouting children, teacher Veronica Bass launches Hiking Club

Veronica Bass has always been fond of the outdoors and hiking.

The Spanish teacher believes it is a social yet freeing activity with beautiful views and great exercise.

However, Bass and her daughter, who has embraced her mother’s passion, decided to take their love for hiking further and create a campus club for it.

In the proposed club, students will get to learn about the skills for hiking and take a few trips to use those skills on the trails.

“Four students have completed the interest form, and my daughter has some friends who are joining,” Bass said. “Some adults have already offered to chaperone, as well. The future members are interested in going on hikes and also learning about outdoor careers, including park ranger and wildlife biologist. We might do some trail work, too, depending on the level of interest among the members.”

The interest in hiking is not just climbing on campus, but across the country.

The choice of trails is very difficult depending on the group. They can’t be too scary or strenuous if the club has inexperienced hikers, but the trails cannot be too easy either because no one wants to be bored on the hike. Bass did not struggle with this decision.

“I like the trails around Thousand Oaks because they are close and convenient and you can find trails with different levels of difficulty,” she said. “We are extremely fortunate that we do not have to leave the city to hike in a beautiful place. One of my favorite ones is Mt. Clef Ridge by Cal Lutheran because you can see the Santa Rosa Valley and Thousand Oaks from there.” Bass takes full responsibility of everyone interested and is very capable of the safety of others. She knows how to deal with all wildlife and will teach these skills to protect the other in a situation needed. She carries all essentials needed for any circumstances: water, trail food, first aid kit, whistle, extra clothes, rain gear, sun protection, bug repellent, pocket knife, fire starter, flashlight, map and compass or trails app.

According to a study by All Trails, the number of individual hikers increased by more than 130 percent from 2019 to 2020. Even after the pandemic, hiking remains a popular pastime.

But not only is the hiking trail for finding new heights, but it is also for seeking new friends. Bass discovered her love for the hobby through scouting. In fact, all her children are also in scouts and have found interest in hiking. Bass realized how many relationships one can build if put in a club full of people with the same interest.

She understands that not all hikers who join the club will be seasoned or experienced in the outdoors.

She has been on many hikes and still has not had any difficulties with being lost or having a bad encounter, and even if anyone gets lost she knows exactly what to do.

“If somebody gets lost, the best thing to do is to stay put because the people with whom you are hiking will know to backtrack, and they can find you where they left you,” she said. “You can also blow your whistle so people can hear you. By the way, you should never hike by yourself. If you do, let somebody who loves you know where you are going to be so they can look for you if you do not come back when you are supposed to.”

The good news is that with the start of a new

TO students will always have a new

TO STRIKES BACK — The Lancer Improv team put on a performance of Star Wars, from Luke Skywalker to Darth Vader.

Sophomore

SONG: Play That Funky Music By: Wild Cherry FAVORITE ARTIST AND WHY: Justin Bieber, he can never fail you and someone put me into his songs. Gabe Torreblanca Junior

SONG: Bottle Service By: Shoreline Mafia FAVORITE ARTIST AND WHY: Bruno Mars because he’s so fine and his music is really good.

Deleon

AANDREA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ NEWS EDITOR

CHARLIE BONILLA THE LANCER STAFF

PHOTO » AANDREA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ » THE LANCER

GRAPHIC » JOSEPH GOODNIGHT » THE LANCER

Parting Words

Abel Magana

Metal sparks travel across the room, bouncing from wall to wall, reflecting off newly shined and polished projects. The smell of metal that fills the air is a reminder that it’s a regular day in metal shop.

But for Abel Magana, it’s a lifetime of memories. For more than 25 years, Magana has been a long-time member of the TO community.

Throughout his time as a respected teacher, Magana has come to believe strongly in understanding students’ needs and the power relationships have on student success and achievements.

“Teaching begins with a relationship and that relationship should

Kerry Lyne

JAKE BRADLEY SPORTS EDITOR

For Kerry Lyne, his arrival at TOHS did not mark the beginning of the school, but more than two decades later. he still reflects back onto the school he first saw 24 years ago as if it was a dust bowl and he was a cowboy.

“Honestly, my first impression when I first came up with my wife was kind of a little dusty and a little surprised,” Lyne said. “One thing that’s really grown is that the way the campus has been beautified with all these trees and benches.”

Lyne was born and raised in Massachusetts and headed off to Bowdoin College to play football and wrestle,

GLAUBKE ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

be one-on-one, if possible,” Magana said.

Through a strong teacher-student relationship, he hoped to inspire and provide his numerous students comfort as they navigated their way through high school and transition to a post-high school path, sending them off with a strong foundation in the practical and impractical teachings of metal shop practices. Magana says that one of the most important presences in the room, aside from himself, have been his teacher assistants.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to help my TAs as they take charge of security, safety and procedures of the metal shop,” he said. Teachers assistants aid Magana by answering students’ questions or concerns with procedures or assignments, and most importantly ensure the safety of students and themselves by carefully observing and guiding students in handling equipment correctly. Further advancing their understanding, and problem-solving skills.

Looking back and reflecting on his time at TO, he thinks fondly of his past and present students but just as easily recalls his most challenging students, and suddenly a smile forms on his face.

“Sometimes I’ll get a student that challenges me, and as their teacher, I determine their punishment,” he said. “I try to give them opportunities to change their behavior, rather than initially giving them detention.”

By doing this, Magana believes students have a higher probability of learning to avoid potential risks to themselves and other students. Despite the challenges that arise from different classes every year, Magana said, “I’ll miss my students and the supportive administration.”

The memories and extraordinary experiences that Magana made with the community surrounding him are something that will be cherished in the minds of everyone he has impacted.

“I’ve done what I’ve come here to accomplish,” he said. “I have finished what I’ve started. Now I’m making way for new blood, young blood, young teachers to take over the mantle.”

graduating in 1984, before attending Boston College for graduate school.

Then Lyne was off, moving from the East Coast following his schooling and off to the West Coast where he would begin his teaching career in San Diego before coming to TO in 2000, where he has been ever since.

As Lyne leaves TO as a forever mentor, he reflected on his mentors, as well.

“I would just say a lot of my memories revolve around my time with Coach (Manny) Valdez,” Lyne said. “I’ve worked with a lot of great coaches and a lot of great kids, but him and I have been working together all 24 years. He had the job before me, and he has just become a real mentor to me, and someone I really look up to.”

In addition to his time teaching various history classes over the past 24 years, Lyne was the junior varsity football head coach from the time of his arrival in 2000 until 2005, and he has also been coaching wrestling since his arrival, both in the role of head coach as well as an assistant. In his time as a wrestling coach at TO, Lyne has been fortunate to have coached nine Marmonte League Champion teams.

Lyne has also taken numerous trips to CIF in the last quarter of a century.

“In 2006, with my youngest son, Matthew, at CIF, just coaching with Coach Lyne and coaching Matthew, that was a good time,”

Jaleen Murphy has been a beloved teacher and coach for the Thousand Oaks Dance Department. For more than three decades, Murphy has poured her heart out and shared her wisdom to thousands of people and years of generations.

After 33 years of hard work, Murphy has a few ideas on what she wants to do with her time now that it isn’t being spent in the dance room.

“I plan on being a devoted grandma to my 14, soon to be 15 grandkids,” she said. “Spending a lot of time with them to grow relationships and help teach them values of life. I want to travel as much as my husband and I are able. I have not done very much travel due to the commitment here with the done program.”

And finally, she said, “I plan to devote more service and time to my church responsibilities.”

Over the years, Murphy has spent her time and dedication to multiple jobs inside the dance program. Murphy has served as the head coach of the Varsity dance team as well as teaching different classes of everything she knows, and she knows a lot. Murphy does an endless amount of jobs that probably go unnoticed by most.

“I hope the dancers under my direction and teachings will know

wrestling coach Dennis Ritterbush told the Lancer.

One of Lyne’s several CIF trips brought him the opportunity to coach and work with Ritterbush. who would then take the reigns of the Lancers giving the two the opportunity to reunite.

Lyne and Ritterbush were able to win the last four Marmonte League Championships, which let Lyne go out in the best way possible, with a grand slam of league championships.

“You could always just tell from the start that he would coach you through whatever you needed, and that you would always have him by your side and in your corner,” junior wrestler Atom Wroblewski said.

Lyne was able to provie is trustworthiness and reliability to hundreds of Lancers over the course of his time in Thousand Oaks.

Aside from the hundreds of student lives inside the classroom and inside the gym that Lyne has been able to positively impact as a coach and teacher at TO, Lyne has his own life with his wife and daughter, who Lyne is excited to spend time with in retirement. His daughter just finished her freshman year of college.

“(He is looking forward to) travel, hanging with his family, spending more time on the East Coast when he can,” Ritterbush said. “And coming back here and helping coach wrestling when he’s able to get out here.”

they can do hard things,” she said. “And that any progress takes work, commitment and consistency. They can relay this to any part of their future.”

Aside from all the hardships that pile up from her job, Murphy finds many moments of pride that make the hard work worth it.

“Each concert is a moment of pride as you see the growth of each student no matter the class level they are in,” Murphy said.

“Beginners are a significant source of joy/pride because they have to learn and trust the process so they are ready for performing. Growing the program so we are highly competitive in the dance world and able to take home national titles.”

Tributes to the mentors, the friends and the teachers who’ll be leaving with us

Jen Smith

AANDREA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ NEWS EDITOR

Jen Smith, or Mama Smith, as she is known throughout campus, has been a part of TO for more than three decades and is now approaching her final “senior year.” As we delve into her favorite and least favorite parts of TO, we have to start in the classroom.

Throughout her time at TO as a respected teacher, her classroom has witnessed many passionate and heartfelt moments, ranging from school conflicts to meaningful interactions.

“Being the corner room you hear a lot of stuff going on,” Smith said. “It is just action-packed right on this corner, and the language that comes out of students’ mouths, it’s wild. Whoever gets this room next year will be just interesting.”

One touching experience was her close bond with a student whose mother had been battling breast cancer.

“It’s nice knowing that I put so much of my heart and soul into this school for 31 years, and my family will continue the legacy.

JEN SMITH

“There was this girl, Jenny Kent, and my youngest son was friends with her in kindergarten, and her mom and I became friends,” Smith said.

“When Jenny was in 9th grade, her mom got breast cancer, so her mom called Mrs. Oliveri, and requested Jenny be put in my class, so I could just check in on her once and a while. She became my TA and she would sit right next to my desk and we had a close connection. I felt like a second mom.”

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Smith has touched the hearts of Lancers every day, and she said they have touched hers since the very start of her career. In addition to her classroom duties, Smith has been an active part of programs such as ELD and the Christian Athletes Association.

“I’ve been an ELD teacher for many years,” Smith said. “I like to encourage and just be with those students who are just trying to make it in America by trying to help them personally or academically with their English.”

Next to her students, she takes immense pride in her son, Connor Smith, who is following in her footsteps as an English teacher at TO.

“It’s been fun working alongside him,” Smith said. “What’s cute is, I never say anything like, ‘My son works here,’ but he’s always like, ‘Hey, Mama Smith.’ It’s just funny. He’s a great kid and he reminds me of me when I was young, getting involved. It’s just fun for me leaving knowing that he is going to be carrying on the fun, dedication and care.”

As Smith reflects on her 31 years at TO, she recalls and cherishes the strong bonds among the teachers and the profound connections she has formed with her students.

“It’s nice knowing that I put so much of my heart and soul into this school for 31 years and my family will continue the legacy,” Smith said. “I feel like I’ve just enjoyed the spirit among the teachers and all the fun we have had. I will miss that dearly.”

In her final days at TO, she looks ahead with anticipation to her family continuing her legacy.

JULIA PINEDA-DOMINGUEZ THE LANCER STAFF

BECCA

Jaleen Murphy

PHOTO » TYLER LAPPIN » THE LANCER

PHOTO » KERRY LYNE » COURTESY

PHOTOS » JEN SMITH » COURTESY

PHOTO » TOKI LEE » COURTESY

VALEDICTORIANS

“I used to just be a crastinator, but I got so good I went pro.”

- Brody Manser

“Do or do not. There is no try.” (Yoda) - Dean Harrington

Annika Ekenstam

High school shapes us into the people we’re meant to become

Our high school experience is meant to be unique.

These have been only four years out of decades to come, yet, even at 18 with no way of knowing what the future will look like, I feel confident in saying these years cannot be forgotten.

High school is meant to prepare you for your future, whether that be college, the military, trade school or the workforce, and TO has certainly done just that. TO has provided countless opportunities, from a number of APs to numerous programs and clubs that encourage academic achievement.

I’ve taken my fair share of APs, and these college level classes gave me the skillset to be able to succeed in my future academic endeavors. Programs such as The Center and Majors were an avenue for self-exploration into various career paths and an introduction to professional relationships. These experiences prepared me for college by establishing a strong foundation of knowledge so I can go forth and feel confident in my future. However, academics have not been the most significant aspect of high school for me.

What I find has been more impactful than any number of challenging courses and scholastic opportunities is the personal and social growth accompanying our high school years. Through electives, football and basketball games, dances, rallies, musicals and concerts, TO gave me the ability to meet amazing people and form life-long friendships. My favorite part of high school has been, without a doubt, the people.

The people I met at TO shaped my entire experience. I think my friend group changed every year, either growing or changing entirely. Despite the fluidity of some of my friendships, what remains unchanging is the memories. Over the past four years, I’ve laughed with my friends in class, had 2 a.m. confessions, played every GamePigeon game, went for countless late-night food runs or long beach days, started rather unproductive study groups and probably spent hundreds of hours on FaceTime. Maybe there were days I woke up tired or stressed, but not once have I regretted the time spent with my friends.

Together, we laughed, cried, stressed about an assignment, talked through our personal struggles, danced at homecoming and prom, and lived our teenage years. All these experiences, plus countless more, have shaped me into who I am today, and I could not be more grateful. I still find it kind of crazy how once upon a time, they were only people in my classes who I barely knew the names of. Yet, through all the school events, strangers became friends, and friends became best friends.

While I will always be grateful for the academic experiences TO offered that allow me to pursue my dreams, my high school experience has been made all the better by my friends, new and old, who encouraged me to grow, laugh and live in the moment.

“Reach for the stars, so if you fall, you can land on a cloud.”

- Luke Cole

“Discipline, not motivation.”

- Zachary Lobenhofer

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” (Gandalf)

- Annika Ekenstam

“If it’s true, it’s not gossip, it’s lore.”

- Ava Kramer

“Ponte las pilas y échale ganas” - Ramon Moreno

CADE MILLER

GIOVANNI AGUIRRE SARAH BORWICK JUDE COLE LUKE COLE

SERENA EATON TAYLOR EICH

ANNIKA EKENSTAM GENEVIEVE FOURNIER

ZACHARY LOBENHOFER

SANAA KUENSTLE

AVA KRAMER

DEAN HARRINGTON

KYLIE MARTIN

BRODY MANSER

NACHIAPPAN MUTHUKUMAR

RAMON MORENO

LAUREN OFER

NICHOLAS SCHAAP

SERENA RINEHART

DENVER VAUGHT ANYA SHAH

SPORTS STANDOUTS

Athena Gonzalez

College: Cal State Northridge

Major: Early Childhood Education

Pre-game ritual: Listening to music and having a good mindset

Inspiration: People that I’ve seen growing up

Advice for younger athletes: Don’t let things get you down

Bianca Scally

College: Hood College

Major: Biology

Pre-game ritual: Hyping up teammates

Pre-game meal: N/A

Hype Song: God’s Plan by Drake

Cassidy Kajita

College: UC Davis

Major: Environmental Science

Hype song: Anything by Foo Fighters

Advice for younger athletes: Just keep grinding

Pre-game meal: Pasta nights with team

Elias Chin

College: Amherst

Major: Undecided

Hype song: Anything J-Cole

Pre-game meal: Pasta 3 hours before and a banana 1 hour before

Advice for younger athletes: Stay lifting even if you like your sport

Hanna Denson

College: Cal State Fullerton

Major: Psychology

Hype song: King Never Die by Eminem

Pre-game ritual: Warm up and stretch

Ava Faciana

College: Chico State

Major: Liberal Studies and Marketing

Pre-game ritual: Listening to Drake

Hype song: Best I Ever Had by Drake

Inspiration: Gabby Butler

Blake Lauritzen

College: Northern Arizona

Major: Business

Pre-game ritual: Going to Pieology with Cory McEnroe

Hype song: RIP Roach by XXXTenacion

Inspiration: My father

Dean Harrington

College: San Diego State

Major: Business Finance

Pre-game ritual: Put airpods in with no music playing

Inspiration: Dad

Advice for younger athletes: Work hard

Grace Hunter

College: Moorpark

Major: Communications

Pre-game ritual: Do my hair, do my make-up, listen to music

Inspiration: Coach Bri Martin

Advice for younger athletes: Enjoy what you do

Ivy Williams

College: UC Irvine

Major: Business

Pre-game ritual: Listen to music and get in the right zone

Inspiration: My dad

Advice for younger athletes: Find balance and decide how much you really like the sport

SENIOR SPORTS

Jackson Riggio

College: Moorpark College

Major: Business and Technology

Pre-game ritual: Listen to music

Hype song: Over by Drake

Inspiration: Kobe Bryant

Advice for younger athletes: Stick with it

Katrina Humphrey

College: Cal State Fullerton

Major: Elementary Education

Hype song: Pink Friday Girls by Nicki Minaj

Pre-game ritual: Listen to music and go to Starbucks

Advice for younger athletes: Keep working hard

Matt Siegel

College: San Diego State

Major: Kinesiology

Pre-game ritual: Pace and listen to music

Hype song: Nightcrawler by Travis Scott

Moira Scally

College: Cal Poly Humboldt

Major: Wildlife and Ecology

Pre-game ritual: Listen to music

Inspiration: Dad

Hype Song: September by Earth, Wind & Fire

Nachiapaan Muthukumar

College: UCLA

Major: Civil Engineering

Pre-game ritual: Eat a healthy snack

Hype song: Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

Samantha Forde

College: Colorado School of Mines

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Advice for younger athletes: Put in the work even when no one is watching

Pre-game ritual: Listening to music

Inspiration: Julie Ertz

James Rocha

College: Undecided

Major: Undecided

Pre-game ritual: Music

Hype song: S*** Me Out Two by NLE Choppa

Advice for younger athletes: Keep going

Inspiration: Coach

Liam Papavasiliou

College: Santa Clara

Major: Computer science

Pre-game meal: Eat or drink something with caffeine

Advice for younger athletes: You get out what you put in

Hype song: Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine

Matthew Fisher

College: Ventura

Major: General Education

Pre-game ritual: Drink a Gatorade and hit balls

Advice for younger athletes: Keep playing whatever you like and don’t let people that are better than you get in your way

Morgan Quinn

College: University of Las Vegas Major: Kinesiology

Pre-game ritual: Wear Beats headphones even if nothing is playing

Hype song: Aston Martin by Rick Ross

Rosslyn Gore

College: Penn State

Major: Finance and accounting

Pre-game ritual: Team dinner

Hype song: Not like us by Kendrick Lamar

Inspiration: Ashley Dotson

Advice for younger athletes: Stay focused

Scarlett-Ann Hostetter

College: Cal State Fullerton

Major: Elementary Education

Pre-game ritual: Eating the same meal before every game

Inspiration: The seniors from freshman year

Scott Mahannah

College: Cal Lutheran

Major: Psychology

Pre-game ritual: Pickle juice shots

Advice for younger athletes: Lock in

Thomas McDonough

College: Connecticut College

Major: Economics

Pre-game ritual: Baptizing friend and teammate Dean before every game

Inspiration: Old teammate Quentin Chatman

Sydney Korkosz

College: Trinity College

Major: Biology

Pre-game ritual: Play music and drink a Red Bull

Hype song: Suavemente

Pre-game meal: Elvis Crespo

Tori Masters

College: Texas A&M Commerce

Major: Veterinarian Medicine

Pre-game ritual: Listen to music

Inspiration: My dad and my pitching coach

Advice for younger athletes: Don’t give up and don’t let anyone get in your head

Chin bids goodbye with trifecta of records

JAKE BRADLEY SPORTS EDITOR

Elias Chin will be honored for years to come for his Lancer school records in points, rebounds and assists.

But what about for speaking Greek?

“He’s a nerd, that’s the best way I can put it,” said sophomore Gabriel Chin, Elias’ younger brother. “He loves chess, he’s learning languages, he’s a complete nerd.”

An ideal combination of brains and brawn, Chin ended his career as a Lancer on perhaps the most electric three-year run in school history. In addition to myriad school records, he led the program to the CIF semifinals and also pulled off a perfect ACT score.

Chin’s historic Lancer career was anything but easy.

Despite earning a varsity spot as a freshman in the 2020-21 season, Chin and his teammates were given the task of playing basketball at the peak of a pandemic.

Then. Following a historic run in the CIF playoffs as a sophomore the following year, the school parted ways with long-time head coach, Rich Endres, pivoting to young leader Logan Baltau.

Right as the height of his basketball career was underway, Chin had a critical coaching change.

“It was a big transition, especially the basketball styles,” Chin said. “Our offenses, our defenses, they changed drastically,

and also the composition of the team and the way we interacted with each other changed a lot, too.”

After losing in the opening round of the CIF sectional playoffs in Chin’s junior year under Baltau, Chin strived to bring a drastic change to his gameplay. This year, he was stronger, tougher and better inside en route to season averages of 22.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.4 blocks.

“During the whole offseason, I’d play and lift five-to-six hours everyday, so I think just being in the gym, there’s no secret trick,” Chin said.

for points, giving him the big three of records as well as a 15-point win.

To his teammates, his success was not a surprise.

“He’s a good teammate, point guard, good at talking and getting people’s response,” Lancer star junior Trent MacLean said. “In all the close games, he got us settled in and told us where to go and all our spots.”

That was a career highlight for Chin, but it was not his most memorable moment.

This extra effort was enough to solidify Chin into immortality, as, heading into Marmonte League play, the realization that the school record for points, rebounds and assists, were very much in reach.

On the same January night, Chin was able to capitalize and break the records for rebounds and assists.

Then, in the first postseason game against King High School, Chin was able to break the school record

“My sophomore year, we were playing a CIF game against Brentwood and we had a twominute stretch where Cade Huggins caught an alleyoop and then Jack Munro had a highlight play, and then I made a corner three, and I think it was the loudest the Green Hole has ever been when I’ve been playing,” Chin said. This is just one of the many moments that nearly made the top blow off of the gym during his career. And now he’ll look to do the same thing at Amherst College in Massachusetts.

But Chin’s impact doesn’t end in the classroom or on the court, as he’s been a constantly active buddy for Unified Sports at TO.

“When I first went into that (Unified Sports) it was me thinking, yeah I’d be able to help these people out,” Chin said. “I think they’ve made a bigger impact on me than I’ve made on them.”

Papavasiliou sets record pace

As his chapter as a Lancer concludes, Liam Papavasiliou leaves for Santa Clara University as the new mile record-holder

RUNNING ON FULL — Liam Papavisiliou (right) set a Lancer record for the mile with a time of 4:09.94 at the Ventura County Championships.

JAKE BRADLEY SPORTS EDITOR

With one lap to go in the most important mile race of his career, Liam Papavasilou wasn’t sure if fate was in the cards.

“We came through at 3:07 or so, and I was like we got this, so at that point it was just trying to hold on as long as I could and then coming through, I see the time is 4:09 something,” he said.

“But when you see that it’s usually a little bit off, so I wasn’t quite sure.”

Thousand Oaks High has been around since 1962, and some of the Lancers’ most prestigious records date back for more than four decades, perhaps none more important than the prestigious mile time in track and field.

Arguably the sport’s most coveted record, Steve Fairman established a new best in 1980 with a time of 4 minutes, 12.55 seconds.

So any fade down the final stretch may have cost Papavasilou not only an important first-place finish in mid-April’s Ventura County Championships, but a chance at the record.

“Then I’m laying on the ground after and everyone’s congratulating me, ‘So I was like, ‘Oh, I broke it.’ So there was a lot of emotion because that’s the premier record for distance running, it’s been a long for a while and a lot of good runners have tried to break it.”

Forty-four years after Fairman set the Lancers’ long-standing record, Papavasiliou eclipsed his mark with his 4:09.94 run.

And for his honor, he got quite the prize.

“I think that Liam’s mile was outstanding at the Ventura County Championships,.” track and field head coach Marlene Wilcox told The Lancers. “That record goes way back to Steve Fairman, (and) he came out and met with Liam after he broke the record and wrote a donation check for $409.94.”

Before setting records as a senior, Papavasiliou had a rise to glory that was far from anticipated.

As his freshman year began, there were hardly any cross country meets due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but amidst those struggles, Papavasiliou was able to run a 4:31 mile. However during his sophomore year, as the pandemic was settling down, Papavasiliou took a step back and had worse nutrition and worse times.

Kajita goes the distance for Lancers

Star runner runs into the record books after sensational senior year

GEMMA SPRAGGINS ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

After a terrific senior season and a thrilling career, Cassidy Kajita is off to compete for UC Davis next season. Before she leaves, she caught up with the Lancer to discuss her love for running, the process of getting recruited, how she approached running throughout her career and her inspirations for the sport and during her Lancer career.

The Lancer: What inspired you to start running?

Cassidy Kajita: “Basically, I wasn’t really good at any other sports, that was the main thing. Because as a kid, my mom would put us into little kid’s soccer and stuff but we never really liked to it. I knew from when I was kid that I liked to run, so when I got to high school I was like well they have a cross country team so I might as well join.”

The Lancer: Did you ever envision yourself having a future in cross country?

Kajita: “Not really, at least not initially. Junior year, and this year, too, I realized, ‘Oh, wait, I might be able to do something with this. But up until then it was mostly just, ‘Eh, this is fun.’”

The Lancer: How do you envision your future with running?

Kajita: “I’m not really too sure yet, it’s definitely a much different sort of running scene once you get

to college and beyond because you’re not doing, for track at least, you’re not doing the (3,200) anymore, you’re doing the 3K, and you’re not doing the 1,600 anymore, you’re doing the 15. So it all kind of shifts a little, and of course there’s also like the 5K and the 10K on the track. So it’s a bit of a different scene, I’ll probably have to sort of feel it out for the first few years at Davis.”

The Lancer: Was there anyone that inspired you in your career?

Kajita: “Probably our old senior, Matilda Fitzgereld. She was really a big influence and just really a cool person on the team. She definitely sort of helped me when I was in a few rough spots for the first few years. And just overall she’s just a really good, cool runner and inspirational.”

The Lancer: How was it managing school with cross country and having that pressure?

Kajita: “It was definitely a bit challenging at times trying to figure out how you want to divy up your time and stuff. Because there’s a lot of commitments that you have to make to the teams. It’s running, so you have to really repeatedly hit that every single day. It’s not like other sports where it’s like, ‘OK, yeah, you need a break.’ We’re running like six days a week, so it’s challenging, but I wouldn’t say it’s a burden. It’s kind of a fun little break from school and academics and all of that, you just get a two-hour block where it’s like, ‘Yay I get to run and have fun and do random stuff with my friends. So it’s challenging but fun.”

“I ran 4:31 my freshman year and I didn’t break that my sophomore year,” he said.

The grind that Papavisliou has endured just shows how nothing was given to him and everything was earned, as heading into his prestigious senior season, he upped his weekly mileage by twenty miles.

Track and Field is different from most sports as it is more revolved around individual hopes and responsibilities that carry through a rigorous regular season, as well as an even more taxing postseason.

“I think that Liam’s mile was outstanding at the Ventura County Championships. That record goes way back to Steve Fairman, (and) he came out and met with Liam after he broke the record and wrote a donation check for $409.94.

MARLENE WILCOX TRACK & FIELD COACH

But that’s exactly where stars shine the brightest, and that is exactly what Papavasiliou did in his last race before CIF

This sensational senior season that marked his last hoorah as a Lancer for Papavasiliou closes this chapter and prepares him for the next, as he will be taking his talents to Santa Clara University, where also plans to major in Computer Science.

Almost four decades after her Lancer teammate Fairman set the record in 1980, his fellow star Wilcox was named as the head coach for her own alma mater, and in the five years since her arrival she’s not only been able to coach five straight undefeated Marmonte League Championship teams with the boys, but she also watched as her old teammate’s record was finally broken 44-years later.

And she was the coach of the now record holder.

“This wasn’t handed to Liam,” she said. “He went through hell and back in his previous years struggling to perfect that race. It came together and it was sensational, and obviously it stood for 44-years, that tells you how significant that was.”

Two-sport star Ivy Williams leads the way

KAILAH SPENCER STAFF WRITER

With an incredible 2023-2024 season, senior Ivy Williams made an impact at TO that will last a lifetime.

Serving as captain of the girl’s varsity soccer team, which advanced to the CIF quarterfinals, she proved to be an extraordinary asset to the team. That was enough to get her recognized by colleges, and she recently committed to UC Irvine where she will continue her soccer career.

Between playing club soccer and playing for her school, Williams’ has had a love for the sport for as long as she could remember, and it’s become an important part of her life. So did girl’s flag football, which Williams helped lead in its first year as a program at TO.

“I’ve been playing since forever,” Williams said. “I’ve never had life without soccer, but I just continue to develop more love for the sport and competing.”

Williams has come far in her career and developed as a player, but she didn’t make it to this point alone. She’s received help from teammates and coaches, but one person in particular has supported her the most.

“My main role model is actually my dad,”

Williams said. “He’s the one who trains me and pushes me to be a better player and he’s always out there improving me.”

One major improvement Williams has noticed when comparing her current self to herself during her first season at TO is in her confidence.

“I was pretty timid and wanted to just get rid of the ball and pass it,” Williams said.

She has always regarded herself as an aggressive player, but it wasn’t until senior year that she really gained the confidence that she has now. Being a student athlete isn’t always easy, but Ivy shared how she manages the stress of school and soccer.

“It’s all about balance,” Williams said. “It helps that I enjoy the sport. It’s hard to keep balance when you’re not fully in what you’re playing, but you just have to find something that you can do that’s not soccer because you can’t let the sport define you. There has to be some escape to go outside of the sport you play.”

When looking back over the season, Williams gave props to the underclassmen for contributing to the great success of the team.

Soccer star also helped guide girl’s flag football team

PHOTO » COURTESY » MARLENE WILCOX

INTRAMUR-ALL-STARS

The dream of a handful of TO students, the Intramural Sports Sports club was a huge success in its first year on campus

BRADLEY SPORTS EDITOR

It was April 23, and Gabriel Torreblanca hit the shot of his life.

It was not CIF-sanctioned and did not count for any competitive league, but the enormous crowd that filled the TO football field erupted as Torreblanca celebrated with his team, the Hot Shots.

This is the vision Jose “Queso’’ Hernandez saw when he started the soccer club during lunch last year. It has since evolved into the Intramural Sports Club, and it continues to

grow day by day. As each meeting passes, high schoolers show that the childhood spirit of playing dodgeball and kickball still lives and thrives.

Before there were more than 150 students watching the kickball championship during lunch on April 11, Hernandez was coordinating soccer games at lunch as a sophomore.

“My goal for this club is for middle school kids to see that high school isn’t as scary as they think it is. And that they can have fun playing sports as well as in the classroom.

JOSE “QUESO” HERNANDEZ INTRAMURAL SPORTS CLUB PRESIDENT

“There was a lack of athletic clubs at TO during lunch,” junior Alan Ko told the Lancer. “Queso started the soccer club last year, and I have wanted to start an athletic lunch club since sophomore year.”

From there, Queso and four of his friends, now board members, decided to start up the Intramural Sports Club. The first club meeting was at the tail end of January. It was announced that the opening sport would be dodgeball. The first game day soon followed on Feb. 1.

The game days went on and the number of fans increased, and on Leap Day, the day of the dodgeball championship, 170 students came out to watch. The Powdered Donuts brought home the dodgeball championship with senior Daniel Plascencia being named MVP of the game.

Soon after, it was announced that the next sport would be kickball. This took the campus by storm, catching the eye of numerous students who weren’t already going to the gym for the dodgeball games. The first kickball game-day came on March 11, and the format was simple, two divisions of teams, each team would play four games, two divisional and two nondivisional, and then the best of the best would move onto the

playoffs.

The playoffs consisted of four teams, and the championship would be exactly one month after opening day, the Ice Cubes, the dodgeball runners-up, were able to redeem themselves and take home the kickball title, backed by three-sport junior Zach Reer, who scored the run that earned victory, and the title, for his team.

The title game not only brought nearly 200 TO students, but the district superintendent, Dr. Mark McLaughlin, as well as the TO Acorn Newspaper to watch and support the kickball championship game.

Soccer will be the last intramural sport for this school year, but Queso and Ko look to bring bigger and better things to the club next school year.

“My goal for this club is for middle school kids to see that high school isn’t as scary as they think it is,” Hernandez said “And that they can have fun playing sports as well as in the classroom.”

KICKED OFF — Junior Jack Steinberg attempts to “tag” junior Ray Acosta in intramural kickball

Lancers sound off on what would a live mascot bring to the TO athletics program

LANCER

COLE HOWARD & CORY MCENROE THE LANCER STAFF

From the Philly Phanatic to Benny the Bull, mascots have played an energizing role in bringing an exciting atmosphere to any game they rally around.

The first mascot was Yale’s “Handsome Dan” in 1892, an English Bulldog that brought a fierce and winning attitude to the team’s football games.

At TO, the oldest high school in the Conejo Valley, we could benefit from having a mascot at our football games and other athletic events.

“I think it’s a huge energy booster,” Lancer sophomore and football starting quarterback Jackson Taylor said. “It kind of gives that college football vibe because when you think of college football and college sports, you think of mascots, cheerleaders and hyped environments that make it feel like a lively sport.”

TO already boasts the biggest and most influential student cheering section in the area — the vaunted Green Hole — but even leaders of the group believe a mascot would provide a boost.

“A mascot could make the Green Hole way more exciting, especially during the dull moments,” senior Green Hole leader Emily Bryant said. “(It would) hype everyone up. I believe the mascot could become an icon for the Green Hole.”

Principal Dr. Eric Bergmann supports the idea of a live mascot — Larry the Lancer, perhaps? — especially if student support is behind the idea.

“It depends on the overall support of the school — it’s not really a decision I am going to make on my own — but if ASB says this is something we want to look at and the rest of the student body supports it, I would absolutely be supportive,” Dr. Bergmann said.

CRITICAL MASS-COT

Bergmann does not believe there is a connection between having a mascot to pump up the crowd and success on the field, but he does believe it would enhance the student body experience.

“(Does it) benefit athletes? Not directly. I’ve worked at schools where there have been mascots, and I don’t think there is any connection to athletes on the field or the court,” he said.

“Where you would get the benefit is obviously them hyping up the crowd, and obviously a more excited crowd would support the athletes. But the mascot themself, (there) would be no change.”

Bergmann does offer a word of caution.

“I’ve also worked at schools where there has been a mascot where they just put on the costume and went out

there and stood, and it was almost a joke,” he said. “It became kind of a running joke, so if we did have a mascot, and ASB wanted to go that route, we would have to make sure that the person wearing the costume was animated and they knew how to do a good job.”

If a Green Hole leader or ASB member would step up to be the Lancer mascot, they could help the crowd in leading chants and cheers and energizing the once lively student section of TO.

“It would be a cooler home environment and it would make it tougher for other teams that have to deal with crowd that is more joined together by something,” Taylor said. “It would make it more loud in our favor. As the crowd goes, the players naturally seem to go. If the crowd is hyped, it gives that high stakes environment.”

JAKE

VICTORY! — Junior Zach Reer celebrates after scoring the winning run in the intramural kickball matchup

PHOTO » COURTESY » TOHS INTRAMURAL SPORTS

PHOTO » COURTESY » TOHS INTRAMURAL SPORTS

PHOTO » TYLER LAPPIN » THE LANCER

SWIM WINS FIRST C.I.F. TITLE

A late surge in relays helps propel the Lancers to championship

WE’RE NO. 1 — The Lancers sink their teeth into their medals after winning CIF

RILEY BROWN THE LANCER STAFF

The TO swim team was down six points with one event left in the CIF championships, and the pressure was on.

With one relay race to go, the goal was simple: All they had to do was not get disqualified.

“If we got ninth place in the championship final we still would’ve beaten them, but our kids did not care and swam their best race of the season,” assistant coach Austin Gregory told the Lancer. “They got first place by 10 seconds in that final event.”

This push in the final race of the season propelled the Lancers all the way from the six-point deficit into a 38-point lead, clinching TO’s first CIF section championship.

While Gregory and head coach Craig Rond were on the edges of their seats, the boys swim program, composed primarily

of water polo players, was able to make school history.

“That’s just the new culture in aquatics for us,” Gregory said of embracing multisport athletes. “Last year, there were about four or five water polo players on the boys side that did swim team as well, whereas this year, every single water polo player for the boys side, except two, did swim team.”

The team atmosphere not only carried the program to the CIF Finals, but to the championship itself.

”It was really satisfying,” said Keith Warner, who also serves as a water polo team captain. “I was in two different relays, and they are the biggest point scorers -- for the relay, you get double points -- so I was really happy to be a part of the 200 medley and contribute. But it really adds to a team (when) everyone swims harder when they are individual events because everyone is relying on you.”

The buy-in towards the

CONTINUING Ivy Williams FROM PAGE 13

TWO-SPORT STAR

— Ivy Williams wasn’t just one of the leaders of the Lancer soccer team but a leader for girl’s flag football

“I think it actually helped us that the girls were younger because they’re so open to new ideas, and they’re so flexible, and they look up to you,” Williams said.

She credits not only her talent, but the talent and drive of her teammates for such an amazing season.

It’s always been a dream for Williams to play soccer at the collegiate level, and “senior year definitely re-sparked some admiration to play in college,” Williams said.

“Sometimes [playing is] just okay and you feel a little burnout,” she added, “but this senior season was so good that it just reminded me of the love I have for the game.”

Throughout her career, Williams has had to learn what it takes to be a good athlete. One thing she reminds herself of is that “mistakes aren’t the end of the world and everything happens for a reason,” Williams said.

“If you make a mistake, you keep playing. The world’s not gonna stop because you made a mistake or you did something good. It just keeps going, no one’s stopping for you. I think the main thing is just to keep going and persevere through anything that happens on the field.”

aquatics program has this year’s CIF title looking as just the start.

“Coach Rond’s message this year is that you can do hard things, and (we) showed the kids that it’s possible to do club water polo and swim all in one day and still do homework at the end,” Gregory said.

For the TO coaches, watching the Lancers celebrate was a reward in itself.

“The way the pool was set up, the athletes were below coach and I, and we were on top and just everybody celebrating,” Gregory said. “I wish you could see that moment that en-captures just how excited we were that we had won.”

And for the Lancer swimmers themselves, it is a memory they’ll never forget.

“(It was) pretty sick honestly, just hearing that TO won on the loudspeakers and getting our place and all it’s pretty unreal, honestly,” senior Thomas McDonough said. “But (we were) blessed to be able to experience it.”

FROM PAGE 13

The Lancer: What were the moments that made you realize that running is something you love?

Kajita: “The first year was a little tough, it was a little weird too because it was Covid, but I’d say maybe sophomore year, even though I was injured for most of that year. I guess last year, then, I sort of was able to see all of my hard work finally come to fruition with good times and pretty strong races and all of that. But that sort of was like a signal like, ‘Hey you’re like really good at this, you could actually do something with this. So I’d say junior year.”

The Lancer: What’s your favorite memory from TO?

Kajita: “Probably when we did the Clovis invitational this year or probably state this year as well. Just because with both of those, we got to go somewhere and stay the night and then run later. Probably those, too, just because it was a lot of fun just driving out there and then on top of that getting to race, being able to see the course, because it’s actually a really nice course.”

The Lancer: What made you choose UC Davis?

CELEBRATING

STUNT

HUDDLING UP —

The Lancer stunt team congregates to discuss strategy at a league meet this year

KAILAH SPENCER THE LANCER STAFF

Stepping into the blue and orange gym, the Lancers had one goal – to win.

The suspense built more with each passing second as we went into overtime at Westlake, sealing this season as one to remember. When the referee pointed his hand at our opponents, awarding them the final tie-breaking point, our team felt disappointment, but it also encouraged us to work even harder for our next meet.

As the season continued, our team continued to progress and win meets. Then the season came to a close with a loss against our rival, Newbury Park. Though the season may not have ended exactly how the team wanted it to, we all recognize the work we put in individually, and as a whole, as well as all the accomplishments we made.

CONTINUING Cassidy Kajita

This was my first year stunting ever, and with the help of my coaches and teammates, every practice was an opportunity for me to enhance my skills a little bit more, bringing me to the point I’m at now. I never took for granted any time I was in the air, and I tried to learn something new each time I flew. Not only have I improved as a flyer, but Stunt has also helped me really understand sportsmanship and what it means to be an athlete. Whether I was losing my voice as I cheered my teammates on from the sidelines or I was performing on the mat myself, I learned to always enjoy the game, regardless of the score.

RUNNING WILD — Cassidy Kajita distances herself from the competition

Kajita: “It was mostly between UC Davis and UC Irvine, but since I’m an environmental major, I decided Davis has a much stronger environmental program, and I just really like the campus. I visited both, and Irvine has arguably much better weather than Davis, but something about Davis just kind of clicked when I went there, so I fig-

ured, ‘Hey, I really like this place and I want to see myself here.’”

The Lancer: What was the process of getting recruited/ scholarship?

Kajita: “With Irvine, they actually reached out to me, but with all the other colleges I tried, like UC San Diego and UC Davis, UC San Diego I didn’t really contact them too much, but with UC Davis, then I actually emailed them along with like a bunch of other colleges, being like ‘Hey, I’m Cassidy, this is my time, please let me on your team please.’”

The Lancer: Were there moments where you didn’t feel like continuing or felt like giving up?

Kajita: “There were definitely a few races where it’s just like, ‘Why am I here? Why am I doing this sport?’ I think it was my sophomore year, I was getting back from an injury and it was just like such a huge gap in skill that you need to make up, so much ground you need to make up, that the first few races were definitely having me question why am I doing this, why did I choose this sport. But once you get past that, honestly it gets, not necessarily easier, but definitely a lot more fun.”

PHOTO » TYLER LAPPIN » THE LANCER

PHOTO » COURTESY » CASSIDY KAJITA

PHOTO » COURTESY » AUSTIN GREGORY

PHOTO » COURTESY » STUNT TEAM

From Havarti to history, Lancers embark on an adventure they’ll

never forget

EURO ADVENTURES — TOHS history students leap for joy while recreating iconic movie star poses in front of Big Ben

ALYSSA KISZCZAK

MANAGING EDITOR

The scary sight of the most monstrous cheese you can imagine was sitting in the display case, calling their names.

The stench was wretched, like the whiff of dirty feet and locker room armpits after a long day of football practice. Some were intimidated by the smell and would probably have thrown up if they had a bite, but the long hairy texture was the worst part.They say that there is nothing more memorable than a smell, but this group of Lancer students were scurrying to get the strong scent out of their noses.

History teacher Ryan Geisler’s trip to Europe will create memories that they will never forget. Cheese-tasting included.

Every year, TO offers an international trip during Spring Break, allowing students to learn about some of the area’s most historical landmarks. Geisler’s group of students embarked on a 10-day trip to Paris and Normandy, France, as well as London, England. Although three of the days were technically travel days, they still had plenty of time to see what these countries have to offer.

“Paris and London are awesome because of the various histories that you can see through the ages,” Geisler said. “But I liked the Normandy region just because I am very interested in World War

II history. Getting to go to Pointe du Hoc and stand at the top of the cliffs that the army rangers tried to take. Being able to see Omaha beach, the German guns and all the dugouts, and just being able to walk where history happened, is pretty amazing.”

“I only knew two people going forward and by the end of the trip, we were kind of like a little family which was really fun. We also became good friends with a group of kids from Tennessee and now we all stay in touch.

A lot of new friendships and memories have been formed because of this opportunity we had.

MADDY GEISLER JUNIOR

The trip allowed students to make their own decisions without parental involvement.

These can include going through customs, show their passports, ordering food despite a language barrier, deciding how to use free time and using public transportation.

Another benefit to this trip was the social aspect. Spending 24 hours a day for a whole week with people they may not know all too well means, by the end of the trip,

new friendships were made.

“I only knew two people going forward and by the end of the trip, we were kind of like a little family which was really fun,” said junior Maddy Geisler, who is also Mr. Geisler’s daughter. “We also became good friends with a group of kids from Tennessee and now we all stay in touch. A lot of new friendships and memories have been formed because of this opportunity we had.”

From trying stinky cheese and late-night Uno games to recreating movie poses, they will always remember these events as part of their Spring Break Europe trip.

“I would tell someone debating on going on a trip like this to totally do it,” junior Aubrey Naranjo said. “It is such a great opportunity, and we get to do so much each day. We all learned so much and got to hang out with people we didn’t even know.”

For Mr. Geisler, bringing his teachings to life made for an unforgettable experience.

“The students were able to see a lot of what we talk about in class, either in World History or US history,” he said. “We got to see the Normandy and D-Day experience but we also got to see a lot of French Revolution history and post-French Revolution with Napoleon. Being able to see those things and experience them firsthand is far greater than anything a teacher can give in a classroom.”

What’s up and what’s down with The Lancer? We list the hits and misses of the month.

Compiled by Alyssa Kiszczak

Beter?

Every Lancer Has a Story

If you were a dog, what dog breed would you want to be and why?

“I would want to be a Cane Corso because they are just absolutely beautiful, strong, big and they are just the best.”

If you were to win a million dollars, what would you want to do?

“I would buy a Porsche 9/11 because that’s my dream car, and then I would have like $900k left, so I would buy a vacation home.”

If you could jump into a pool full of anything, what would it be?

“I would probably jump into a pool full of money because you know I would have lots of money available to take.”

Although the DJ played controversial music at prom, the quick bite food options and chocolate chip cookies were the students faves!

Everyone’s favorite, Dr. Pepper, just came out with a new flavor, “Creamy Coconut.” Really Dr. Pepper? What kind of name is that?

Zach Bryan visits the Staple Center, performing his “Quittin’ Time” tour! We are jealous of everyone who attended.

North West takes on Broadway, acting as Simba and performing “I Just can’t Wait To Be King.” Some say she ate, others say she got eaten.

Hosted by

ALYSSA KISZCZAK

Hunter

FRANCO KING JOHN TURK LUC FORKIN

Nike

Pepperoni

Pro Golfer

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