April 2015 Issue

Opinions “Prom culture excludes LGBTQ+ couples” pg. 4

THE

Sports “Equestrian Club takes leap forward” pg. 8

Matador

Volume 60, NUMBER 8

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

Features

“Ramirez leaves a stamp on history” pg.

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S a n G a b r i e l H i gh S c h o o l

801 Ramona St., San Gabriel, CA 91776

www.thematadorsghs.com

Schofield promoted, Stone to become new principal Principal Jim Schofield handles administrative duties in his office. Schofield has been principal at San Gabriel for eight years, and expresses appreciation for the dedication of the student body.

K ri st y Duong

them grow and to see some of the achievements that they have made is incredible [in addition]to seeing the dedication and hard work that is put in by our staff here on campus and all of those who support our students. It’s very humbling to see that.”

Meanwhile, upon her return to San Gabriel, Stone hopes to create “an inclusive community that embraces everyone’s talents.”

“Sometimes what we find is that [we get] so competitive that we feel like we have to beat out other students instead of being a team and bringing others along,” Stone said. “Everyone has a place, something to contribute.”

Because Stone has worked at San Gabriel before, she believes that she is familiar with the culture of the school as well as many of the teachers and staff members. With a similar educational philosophy as Schofield, she thinks “it’s going to be a really smooth transition.”

“I’m really excited to be back at San Gabriel, because I feel that I can continue the work that Mr. Schofield has been doing,” Stone said.

Stone will continue to visit San Gabriel in the coming months to make observations, learn the ropes of her new position, and gain insight from students, teachers, and staff members, while Schofield prepares to take on his new position at the district office.

Principal Jim Schofield will be promoted to the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) as Director of English Language Development in July, where he will be working to help students attain English proficiency. In turn, Debbie Stone will be returning to San Gabriel High School as its new principal after spending one year at AUSD as Coordinator of English Language Development (ELD). Previously, Stone was San Gabriel’s Assistant Principal of Instruction from 2009 to 2013.

After working for eight years at San Gabriel High School, Schofield hopes that he made a positive difference for the school and the students.

“I hope this is a place that people in the community will look at and feel proud to send their students here and a place where I hope when our students leave, they’re prepared for life after high school in both career and college,” Schofield said.

He describes his time at San Gabriel as “a transformative [and] wonderful experience.”

“Our kids come from such a wide range of backgrounds,” Schofield said. “To see

Hillary Clinton announces candidacy for 2016 election

Photo courtesy of Hillary Clinton Campaign

Hillary Clinton’s Facebook cover photo, encouraging citizens to support her campaign.

Ki m P h a m Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has become the third officially declared candidate for president, launching her campaign on Sunday in a two-minute announcement video that portrayed her as the champion of everyday Americans.

In a striking contrast to her 2008 presidential bid, Clinton’s campaign took great efforts to take the focus off of her.

Instead, the video captured messages centered on her campaign by featuring a diverse group of Americans starting new phases of life: a mother going back to work after years spent raising her kids, a

young woman applying for her first job after college, two Spanish-speaking brothers starting their own business together, a couple preparing for the birth of their baby boy, and two men getting married.

“Americans have fought their way back from tough economic times, but the deck is still stacked in favor of those at the top,” Clinton said in the video that was posted on her website, <hillaryclinton. com>. “Everyday Americans need a champion. I want to be that champion so you can do more than just get by, so you can get ahead and stay ahead. Because when families are strong, America is strong.”

Clinton will enter the race as a frontrunner for the Democratic party, with 81 percent of Democrats saying that they would consider voting for her, according to a CBS News poll conducted in February.

That support dwarfs that of her potential rivals for the nomination, including former Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Sen. Jim Webb, and Sen. Bernard Sanders.

This approach is part of a different strategy Clinton is taking from her 2008 campaign, which will focus on convincing voters through small-group settings that she has ideas for helping the middle class and having the skills to govern.

“I don’t foresee anyone challenging [Hillary] from the Democratic party which puts her at a big advantage. She made her announcement electronically before she did it in person, which is going to be interesting [because] you have old school versus new school,” said AP Government teacher Raymond Gin. “It’s going to be fun to watch.”

Clinton will begin her campaign trail with a road trip from New York to small communities in Iowa for roundtable discussions with students and educators in Monticello and small business owners in Norwalk.

Former Assistant Principal of Instruction Debbie Stone will return to San Gabriel as Principal in July in place of Jim Schofield. Stone looks forward to taking up the duties that the role of her upcoming position demands.

Photos by Sydney Trieu

San Gabriel students selected for National Merit Scholarship Program Hanfrey Deng Two students have recently been selected as finalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Seniors Angela Fong and Eric Hong were selected from a pool of 1.5 million other students for their high scores on the preliminary-SAT (PSAT) scores during their junior year.

The National Merit Scholarship Program, funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, determines a Selection Index qualifying score during test-takers’ junior year. The score is designed to net the top 50,000 PSAT scores of the nation. However, each state’s qualifying score may vary, depending on how competitive student scores are within the state. From these 50,000 students, 16,000 eventually move on to become semi-finalists. Semi-finalists must then also score well on the SAT and fill out an application to become a finalist. The application consists of high school grades, extracurricular activities, a counselor recommendation letter, and an essay about him or herself. 15,000 finalists are then selected, of which around 8,000 will receive Merit Scholarship awards.

“College is ridiculously expensive these days,” Fong said, “and I’m glad to have any financial help I can get.”

The seniors can receive three types of awards, a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, a college-sponsored National Merit scholarship, and a corporate-sponsored National Merit scholarship.

The finalists await their results, which will be sent by May 6; however, no matter what the outcome, the two stress that scores do not make the student.

“In the end, test scores and National Merit hardly matter,” Hong said. “What matters are grades, what you do when you’re not doing homework, and what those activities mean to you.”

*The Matador staff is investigating the issue surrounding the mandatory purchase of caps and gowns for seniors to participate in the graduation ceremony; when further information is available, the article will be posted online at <thematadorsghs.com>.

NEWS

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

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Matador advanced band earns ‘Superior’ rating J udy Tang

Photo by Rebecca Lei

The Matador advanced band received their “Superior” rating after performing at the annual SCSBOA district concert at Montebello High School on April 2.

The Matador advanced band (indicated as San Gabriel H.S. Concert Band in the photo) participated in the annual Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) district competition at Montebello High School on April 2 and for the first time in San Gabriel band history, brought home a second consecutive ‘Superior”’rating.

The advanced band won a ‘Superior’ award last year at the district competition, under the leadership of band director Tammy Cognetta.

Upon learning of the good news, Cognetta felt honored to lead a band of talented musicians toward another ‘Superior’ rating.

“I am ecstatic! [The judges] don’t give out ‘Superior’ [ratings] easily. I am very proud of all the kids who practiced hard,” Cognetta said.

Cognetta chose pieces that fully demonstrated the performers’ strengths, all from a variety of genres, including “Dramatic Prelude,” composed by John Kinyon, “Blue and Green Music,” by Samuel R. Hazo, and “Festivo,” by

Vaclav Nelhybel.

The band prepared for the festival by practicing during zero period every morning in order to master the three pieces.

For many veteran band members, a second ‘Superior’ rating was a satisfying mark or end to their band careers. Celine Hui, four-year tenor saxophone player and current band president, felt that being in band has taught her how to work well with other people.

“Getting two ‘Superior’ [ratings] in a row was surprising and satisfying, since it shows how much our hard work pays off,” Hui said.

While advancing to the next level, the regional competition, the band will replace “Dramatic Prelude” with “Flourish for Wind Band,” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The advanced band will continue to compete by participating at the regional competition at Palm Desert High School in Palm Springs, Calif. on May 16, where they hope to earn another ‘Superior’ rating. Because of the regional competition, the band will not be participating in the annual Monterey Park Playdays Parade.

Implementation of SBAC testing sparks change in school curriculum

Graphic by Kelly Ho

Kelly Ho and Thomas Wang The implementation of the Common Core curriculum means the end of traditional California State Tests (CSTs) and the rise of the new computer interface for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), a test that juniors will take at the end of April.

The SBAC measures the achievements of students with methods similar to the CSTs of years past. However, the most defining feature of this free response test is that its questions are not predetermined. Depending on a student’s answers to previous questions, the proceeding questions will increase or decrease in difficulty. The test focuses on critical thinking skills and problem solving, concepts that align with the Common Core curriculum.

“I think bubbling in is advantageous to good test-takers, but if you are better expressing what you know through writing or context, all types of learners have a chance of doing well on the test,” said Assistant Principal of Guidance John Scanlan. “The [SBAC] is in line with what we are doing with Common Core. We ask students to do a lot more reading and writing in the process, versus just finding the answer.”

The data will evaluate what each student has learned over the years and where their strength and weaknesses lie. Results from the testing will then be used to help adjust the school curriculum.

“I think this is a step for [the] better because it gives us access to information a lot quicker, and it gives students a chance to demonstrate what they know,” Scanlan said.

This is not the first year San Gabriel has taken the SBAC, as practice tests have been administered for the past two years in preparation for the future. Senior Chung Au, who took the pilot examination last year, believes that the handwritten aspect of the CST is better than the computer interface of the SBAC. “I think [the SBAC] has a nice concept, but I don’t believe that it was very good to take it on the computer,” Au said. “Reading the passage off the computer was pretty irritating and terrible for my eyes. They also told us to show work for math equations [on the computer], when all I wanted was a piece of paper.”

This year, the SBAC will advance from its pilot stage and current juniors will take it at the end of April. In the future, the SBAC will continue to be administered to juniors at San Gabriel as a testing complement to the Common Core curriculum. Sophomore Justine Ayala observed that class environments and work have changed since the implementation of the SBAC and Common Core.

“We write and do group work more now,” Ayala said. “[Our teachers] have been trying hard. We have some classes we didn’t write so much in before, but now we are.”

Current juniors are scheduled to take the SBAC between April 20-30. Make-ups and additional testing time will be provided one to two weeks after the initial testing period.

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THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

Water consumption in California to be reduced by new state water bill C h ri s t y De n g Governor Jerry Brown has issued an executive order mandating a 25 percent reduction rate of water use throughout California for the next nine months due to the ongoing drought the state has been suffering from for the past four years. The drought has officially reached a critical level after the last winter, which had record low snowfall.

With this new bill, 400 water supply agencies that provide for 90 percent of California residents will have to follow the 25 percent reduction. This will cut back water usage for watering cemeteries, golf courses, as well as farms and other businesses.

“This cutback will help, but it’s all about raising awareness,” environmental science teacher Jennifer Wright said. “It’s mandatory and it’s forcing people to think about and evaluate their water usage.”

The executive order from Brown requires the State Water Resources Control Board to impose restrictions to help conserve water and to help water suppliers to create drought management plans. Water agencies must set up fees for heavy water users and take initiative to replace lawns with turfs.

A statewide rebate program will be created to convince people to purchase water-efficient appliances. Watering lawns will be banned, unless a drip irrigation system is used. There will also be financial aid for families who are forced to search for new housing with access to water.

This is the first time such actions have been taken in order to preserve water.

California is an agricultural state, and the drought will affect other states through the supply of Californian goods. Prices of crops grown in California have already

skyrocketed, and many farms have been without water for extended periods of time.

The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada during the winter season is a main source water for Californian citizens. Now, there should be at least five to six feet of snow.

However, 2015 marks the driest year in Californian history; there is only about one inch of snow in the area.

There are many other factors that are causing the drought, such as the dry climate, farm irrigation, and crops that are grown here that require a lot of water, such as broccoli and almonds. The bottled water industry is also contributing significantly to the drought. According to the International Bottled Water Association, it takes 1.39 liters of water to make one liter of bottled water.

“We need more education on water [conservation] and have students understand how water is used with all the food they eat and the things they use,” Wright said. “The cutback isn’t enough.”

With summer coming soon, the demand for water will be high. Many communities throughout California have already imposed water restrictions and penalties.

San Gabriel High School has also taken measure to cut back the use of water throughout the campus.

“We have shortened the irrigation from three minutes to 1.5 minutes,” Plant Foreman Steve Ballestros said. “Since San Gabriel is the second largest high school in California in landmass, taking back irrigation saves a lot of water.”

Small steps are being taken to mitigate the impact of the ongoing drought.

The 25 percent reduction is merely the first step to resolving the water crisis in California.

NEWS

MCA hosts third annual food fair to promote healthy living among San Gabriel community

Photo by Stacy Chau

MCA students present homemade food dishes for sampling to hungry faculty members during the food fair. Each students’ dish was culturally unique and diverse.

Ying Chow Medical Careers Academy (MCA) hosted its third annual food fair on April 10 during lunch as a way to promote healthy eating with a “Culture and Diversity” theme. The event taught students to mind the calories they consume and maintain a healthy diet, as well as embrace other cultures, races, and customs with open minds.

Students in MCA formed groups of four to come up with a dish that reflected and combined their cultures together. MCA teacher Cynthia Okimura assigned a type of course (entree or dessert) to each group, but the students were able to choose their own recipes in accordance to the level of fats and calories.

“We hold [the food fair] every year to teach about healthy choices for meals,” Okimura said. “Students should know that it does matter what we choose to eat. The sudents did a wonderful job incorporating healthy choices as well as low calorie dishes.”

Through this lesson, students learned that they should not take their food for granted, and that students should not be ashamed of their own cultures, but rather, embrace it. “[The food fair] is a nice way to promote healthy eating and living,” Okimura said.

“It’s also a fun project because the students really get to see a diverse selection of different cultures.”

In addition to learning the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, MCA students were able to come together and connect on a more personal level through their respective traditions. Each group spoke to their families about the different foods symbolic to their cultures, such as Indian curry with rice, che tai (a Vietnamese dessert of fruits mixed with coconut milk), and bionicos (a Mexican fruit salad with cream, granola, and other toppings) and came together to combine the different worlds they live in.

“I thought the food fair was really fun,” sophomore Preet Kaur said. “Our team got a chance to promote our culture, [which was Indian].”

During lunch, staff members walked around the Multi-Purpose Room tasting each group’s dish. After stopping at every table, the teachers voted sophomores Melisssa Cordova, Michael Lam, Melissa Miranda, and Albert Trinh as the team whose food was the most appealing and healthy.

“I loved the food,” math teacher Nicolas Nguyen said. “I also love the idea how students label the calories and ingredients so I know what I’m putting into my body.”

The food fair was deemed a success, as students learned the importance of eating healthy as well as being open to diverse cultures, and faculty enjoyed eating the food made by students.

OPINIONS To be frank Frank Lieu

“Ball is life” Some people know me for my unusual interest in old-school hip-hop, or for my habit of tucking the bottoms of my pants into my socks, or for the time I spent as a kid from Keppel. Most people know me for my addiction to playing basketball. Where other people turn to drinking or smoking to escape reality, I turned to basketball as my way out of having to deal with these struggles of society. And to be honest, basketball is the worst kind of drug on the market, but it was all that I knew. From a young age, I let it consume me. It became all I lived for, all I dreamt about, and all I ever was. Just like every little kid who has ever picked up a ball, I started to envision my future–calculating the odds, arranging my days, evaluating my worth. I was chasing the hoop dream, and I thought I had it all planned out, but this isn’t a story of success, but rather another casualty of a broken man’s dream.

Out of the 1.5 million male seniors who graduate from high school every year, Division 1 colleges offer scholarships to about 4,511 basketball players in the nation.

Filtering out every D1 college player, only 60 people each year make it. 60 people who get the chance to have seven-figure bank accounts, to live lavish lives drowning in luxury, and to do the thing that they love doing the most and my chances were about one in a billion. Well, someone had to fill up these seats and being a competitor, I didn’t care about any statistic. I wanted in.

Needless to say, God wasn’t on my side.

Armed with a scrawny frame, standard height, and slanted eyes, I was genetically doomed. You could have written me off in the beginning, and you’d have been right, but still I risked it. I was a competitor and I had to do what I had to do.

There’s something about getting up with the sun and getting work done. Forget about the odds. I was in my own paradise, living the life. The hours in each day turned into the months of each year, yet you could still hear my ball thumping and the net singing its sweetest sound, doing the same old thing over and over again. Constantly working, I felt unstoppable and undeniable, as if there were a drug that had put me on the top of the world. And each day, I would tell myself, “One day, one day.”

But what has that gotten me? I was fighting for a broken battle in a losing war, and eventually, somebody had to intervene.

It was particularly heart-wrenching having the people who are supposed to be supportive and trustworthy, come down and neglect all those hard years of work all for just one single dream. To come to the realization that you can’t possibly have it all is, to say the least, unnerving. Now, I could have become depressed, because I had every reason to be. To be frank, I didn’t even know who I was. But I am human, and, as humans, we instinctively go back to the place that we know and belong to.

Eventually relapsing with a broken will, a few empty feelings, mediocre handles, an average jumper, and an entire duffel bag of moves, I had to go back to the place I knew.

Because why wouldn’t I? The truth is that basketball and the reality of life do correlate. The same people who would extend their help in the prime of your rise to stardom would also extend their longest fingers towards you when you are at your lowest. One thing that stuck out to me was that some people just don’t get happy endings–but you can either quit on life, or lace up your own future.

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

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Editorial

More counselors needed to service students Counselors: most students know they exist. They see them once a year during registration and maybe a few times in the year if something comes up. However, not everyone is able to get the help they need with the sheer number of students compared to the number of counselors.

With over 2,000 students at San Gabriel, a student to counselor ratio of 520-to-1 for full-time counselors and 300-to-1 for parttime counselors is ridiculous.

Counselors cannot be expected to develop intimate relationships and understand the needs of that many students, especially when some students do not even have the same counselor throughout high school. However, this is no fault of the counselors who are already trying to juggle too many students.

“I have not yet figured out how to effectively counsel over 500 students on my own,” head counselor Devin Vergo said.

However, most students do not see the issue this poses until either a problem occurs or they need to seek recommendation letters in the fall of their senior year. Counselors are supposed to be readily available for students to discuss academics, career options, and personal matters, but with so many students to service, not everyone is able to get the help that they need.

Letter to the editor

“It’s difficult for all of us knowing that students need more time, students need more things, and we don’t have the ability to do all of those things because [there are only five of us],” Vergo said.

The American School Counselor Association recommends at least one counselor for every 250 students, yet the counselor contract for the Alhambra Unified School District states that there must to be one counselor for every 550 students, which is simply impractical and ineffective. With only three full-time counselors and two part-time counselors who only work 30 hours a week for four days a week, San Gabriel has the most part-time counselors of the three high schools in the district.

The solution seem obvious here; hire more counselors.

However, the issue with this solution is likely funding. With the implementation of Common Core standards, funding is likely being primarily directed to academic resources, but the issue with that is that counselors help to support academics in many ways. In this transition period between teaching standards, students are bound to be stressed. Who will they turn towards for help? Counselors.

Yet, as it is, there are not enough counselors to service San Gabriel’s entire population, and that needs to change. While funding is, no doubt, being spent on other necessary resources, counselors cannot be neglected either.

Illustration by Kelly Ho

Prom culture excludes LGBTQ+ couples Engl i sh t eacher K at y Burk hart To be honest, prom season always annoyed me. Let me count out the ways.

What people pay for seems outrageous. And by people I mean girls especially. Expensive dresses, fancy shoes that you only wear for an hour anyway, up-done hair, full make-up, a little tiny purse to match the whole ensemble. It starts to sound a bit ridiculous, right?

And then on top of that are the tickets for the dance/rubber chicken dinner, limo, pictures, tux rental, corsages and boutonnieres (I mean what kind of words are those anyway?), and any extras a couple wants to add.

What message does this send? What are we teaching young people to value but appearance above experience?

And we go through the charade every year, just like we have every year before that going back generations.

And I buy into it too. I’ve chaperoned maybe 15 proms over the years. I’ve sat at that table as you walk through the doors for the first time. I’ve oohed and aahed at your outfits. And I’ve given you your engraved frame/champagne (read sparkling cider) glass as you leave a mere two or three hours later. This is an evening to remember sure.

But it’s just that, an evening. One evening.

And this is only part of what annoys me.

The other part is the pageantry of hetero-normativity that is on display during prom season. The assumption that “straight” is normal and anything else is, well, not.

From the poster and rose “prom-posals” (another insane word), and the Prom Preview with straight couples showing off dresses that girls are supposed to like and tuxes that boys are expected to wear, to the magazines/prom advertisements with the obligatory smiling boy and girl suspended in mid- jump.

This all got old for me twenty years ago when I came out as gay in college. But I’m reminded of it every spring.

When I am sitting there chaperoning this dance, the monotony of male/female couples is depressing. I wait for the rare sight of a couple that dares to be different. Two girls in tuxes. Or two boys holding hands.

I know why I do not see more LGBT couples at prom. I could not have imagined being this courageous in high school. And I am inspired by our LGBT kids everyday. And every year come prom season I feel their pain.

Imagine the girl who finally faces not only her fears of rejection, which straight people face too, but also her own self-doubt about who she is. She’s only just accepted herself for being different and then she has the guts to ask that girl she’s been admiring for years to the prom.

Or the boy who has lived in silence his whole life. Never discussing his crushes with anyone but his own journal. Hiding away while pretending to be okay. He finds a friend who was also “born that way,” and they decide to go the prom—together.

She doesn’t ask the girl publically with bouquets and banners.

He doesn’t have some carefully choreographed plan. No, too many prying eyes. They proceed quietly, but bravely. They have bigger things to think about.

Will their parents approve? Will people laugh? Will they be accepted?

And then the preparations start. Every picture on the internet

during their Google search for outfits reminds them that they’re different. No couple looks like them.

The tux guy looks confused and shakes his head. They have to explain why they want two corsages separately instead of the corsage/ boutonniere special.

And when deciding how to remember the event in pictures of their own, they see an advertisement like this: three choices for picture packages, each with a “boy alone” picture and a “girl alone” picture included.

What about two girls? Two boys? What about us?

What’s “normal” and what’s not is clear here. They get the picture.

They’ve barely admitted it to themselves, and now will they have to explain who they are to the prom photographer? No way. We’ll just stay home.

If you don’t see the big deal here, lucky you. You probably miss all the heterosexist messages on TV, in movies, and in songs too. That’s called straight privilege. And it blinds you to the realities that we in the LGBT community face daily. You don’t see the full picture. A picture that is magnified for us.

I have a son who will be a teenager (God save me) someday. And I hope he goes to his prom. In his pjs. And with a boy. Even if he’s straight.

Just to prove a point. And I hope he takes pictures. Because that’s one picture I’d love to see.

Illustration by Cassandra Chen

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OPINIONS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

Ban on flags brings Banquet dinners are forth fierce backlash worth the expense S i m o n Yung

The French philosopher Voltaire once stated, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” The statement epitomizes the concept of free speech, but directly contradicts the actions of the student board at the University of California, Irvine. On March 5, the board moved to ban the display of all flags, including the American flag in the area surrounding the student government’s offices. This was done purportedly to promote diversity and to address how the American flag “triggered” those who did not hold American citizenship. The board’s motion to prohibit the display of flags denotes a startling lack of critical thinking and, in fact, does the complete opposite of what the motion was designed to do. To believe that it is possible to promote diversity by denying the display thereof is laughable to say the least. If one wishes to live a healthier lifestyle, he or she would not stop eating entirely; why would banning the display of all flags be any different?

The student board drew significant ire over the prohibition of the American flag in particular. The text of the student authored bill highlighted the American flag as a symbol of “colonialism and imperialism.” Those who believe this fail to remember the origins of the country that the flag represents, and the battles that were fought in order to free the United States from the shackles of colonialism and imperialism. It seems that the main issue is not the American flag, but the unsettling precedent that society must neuter speech out of fear of “triggering” someone to the point of banning the display of flags or banners and by proxy, restricting free speech.

If society was to successfully not offend anyone, communication as we know it would not exist. No matter how straightforward or well intentioned it may be, there is bound to be an individual or a group in the wild that will take offense to whatever the subject at hand is. This does not mean that individuals should throw caution to the wind and blatantly disregard the views and opinions of others; rather, people should argue their points as straightforwardly as possible and be prepared to debate and discuss their opinions with others, as that is what free speech is meant to be.

Il eana Perez As the school year begins to wind down, many teams decide to hold banquets to celebrate their group’s accomplishments and to reminisce about memorable moments. Of course, there are the usual individual recognitions, senior and underclassmen gifts, and emotional speeches as they gather one last time as a team to send off the seniors. However, are these banquets really worth it?

Banquets usually consist of dinner, award ceremonies, and time for photos. The majority of banquets are held at school, starting at around 5:00 p.m. and ending around 7:30 p.m. They are a time to bond and create memories together with teammates and fellow club members before they part ways for the year.

Unfortunately, banquets can become quite expensive, especially when they are hosted off campus. The attendees must pay for food, gifts, and decorations for the event. Banquet prices usually range from $15 to $45. Multiply this cost by the number of banquets one may wish to attend, and one can easily spend over $80.

In addition, banquets usually seem like a waste of time to some students, since they often believe they will be like normal team bonding activities. Many students refrain from attending banquets because of this belief that they are wasting their time.

Although banquets are pricey and tend to demand formal attire, the oppurtunity to create memories is worth the price and time. As banquets are usually the last event of the year to spend with the whole team or club, they should not be missed if one looks forward to sentimental times with their comrades.

Additionally, banquets give out awards for team and individual accomplishments. There is no better way to be recognized for your accomplishments throughout the year than in front of you teammates, whom you have spent so much time with. Along with the awards, the senior and underclassmen gift exchange can get very emotional, and it is worth the price to hear all the positive comments teammates have to share about one another.

In the end, it should not matter where the banquet was located, or what you wore, but instead the memories that were made.

Illustration by Emmanuel Maresca

Matador

Editors-in-Chief News Editors

Opinions Editors Focus Editors Life and Art Editors Sports Editors Features Editors Copy Editors

Photo Editor Artists Business Managers Website Editors Multimedia Editors Blogs Manager Adviser

Kristy Duong Rebecca Lei Erin Truong Amy Yee Carolina Garcia Amanda Molina Judy Tang Jennifer Thai Annie Huang Ileana Perez Carolina Loaisiga Justin Toyomitsu Cassandra Chen Chelsey Tran Roland Fang Angela Fong Chelsea Huynh Simon Yung Sydney Trieu Katherine Hoong Emmanuel Maresca Ying Chow Anthony Yang Hanfrey Deng Tran Lam Emmanuel Maresca Anthony Yang Vanessa Huang Jennifer Kim

Reporters: Hellgert Almontes, Stacy Chau, Christy Deng, Kelly Ho, Frank Lieu, Mario Mandujano, Kim Pham, Thomas Wang The Matador is a public forum for student expression and highly encourages responses in reaction to issues discussed in the paper. Submit comments as a letter to the editor, signed (anonymity is guaranteed if requested), to H-2, or Ms. Kim’s mailbox.

The Matador is published monthly by the journalism staff of San Gabriel High School. 1,600 copies per issue are published at J.E.J Print Inc. The opinions and views expressed in The Matador do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the school or the Alhambra School District. The Matador and the Alhambra Unified School District do not endorse the vendors advertised in this paper.

The Matador Bullring

Do you think banquets are worth the time and money?

“

Yes, because it’s especially special for seniors to remember and spend time with the people they’ve met before they leave high school.”

-Lily Gonzales, 9th grade

“

Banquets are definitely worth the time and money.

Banquets create memories that let people bond, making them well worth the time and money.”

-Tom Cheah, 10th grade

Yes, because it allows for the team or club to reminisce about the year, and it’s kind of like a final goodbye.”

-Ruby Leal, 11th grade

“

If we have it at a nice restaurant, yes. But if it’s at school, then no, because it is not as fun.“ -Chris Chuong, 12th grade Photos by Sydney Trieu/Border by Katherine Hoong

“Tran”scending

Chelsey Tran “Always smiling” It was written into the Declaration of Independence over 100 years ago: “The pursuit of happiness.” It was important then and it is just as important now.

There are not many things in this world that people can control; unexpected and unplanned things happen, but what we can control is our reaction to them. That also plays a role in determining what will happen after.

The most interesting question I have been asked this year is, “Why is it important to keep smiling?” I found it interesting because I try to be happy and smile often but I never really thought about why, beyond that fact that it is pleasurable and everybody strives to be happy. However, I do know that the act of smiling promotes happiness even when one is not happy at first. According to the Huffington Post, smiling can boost the immune system and result in better sleep.

I came to the conclusion that there are always moments for sadness. I believe that it is okay to indulge and let ourselves be sad, at least for some time. However, I do not think that it is healthy or productive for anyone, least of all ourselves, to dwell on sadness, which is why I choose to smile and look at the world from a more positive point of view.

Scarlet Witch said, “Everyone’s story begins ‘once upon a time’--it’s up to us to cherish the time we’re given to ensure we live happily ever after.” As far as I know, we only get one life. The world around me will never stop, even when I am sad and want it to pause and acknowledge my sadness. Sometimes, we want it to because our negative emotions feel so encompassing, but the reality is that my reason for being sad probably will not matter to anybody else. Also, I find that most of the time, what makes me sad is not so important in the larger scheme of things. Ultimately, each and every person will face the decision of either wallowing in unhappiness or moving on.

Many people have been hurt by others, myself included. However, it does not really matter or will not matter in the not-very-distant future because unhappiness does not last forever. I have learned that if I can find even one reason to smile, I will have “won,” for lack of a better word.

Those who spread unpleasantness want others to be unhappy, but finding reasons to smile in light of difficult situations means that I have come out the other side a stronger person. People often say that humans are resilient beings; things that may matter now will not matter in the future because I, and everyone who is still alive, will change and grow.

I find that encountering a smiling person when I am sad can lift my spirits.

Smiles are contagious, which is another reason I choose to smile. If by expressing my joy I can affect even one person positively, I think that it is completely worth it.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Folks are usually as happy as they make their minds up to be.” For selfish, physiological, or unselfish reasons, everyone should choose to be happy and smile more, because eventually, the feeling of happiness follows and that is what we all strive for.

FOCUS

THE MATADOR

LOCATION DESTINATION A ngel a Fong San Gabriel High School’s prom will be held at the Aquarium of the Pacific, a public aquarium located in Long Beach, Calif. Upon entering, prom attendees will find themselves in the aquarium’s Great Hall of the Pacific. Dinner will be served buffet-style in the main hall area under the aquarium’s life-sized blue whale model that is suspended from the ceiling. After dinner, attendees will join each other on a designated dance area at the impressive Honda Blue Cavern, a 142,000 gallon, three-story high exhibit that stands at the end of the Great Hall and features ocean life found off the coast of Catalina Island. During the dance, attendees will also be able to visit the plethora of exhibits that the aquarium has to offer, including the ever-popular Shark Lagoon and many more. The Aquarium of the Pacific will lend an aura of class and sophistication to truly make prom an evening to remember.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

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THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

FOCUS

HOW TO MINIMIZE COST Kim Pham

ATTIRE, HAIR & MAKEUP Unless you plan on being a 50-year-old who still wears his or her prom attire to formal events, spending over a few hundred dollars on a dress or tuxedo that will probably only be worn a couple times at most may feel a bit ridiculous. A more frugal option would be to rent your dress or suit. Rental services, such as <RenttheRunway.com>, offer $500 designer items for $70. If you want to keep your prom outfit, vintage or thrift stores offer unique styles at a fraction of the regular price. For hair and makeup, visit a local beauty school to get your face powdered up by student stylists at a considerably cheaper price than normal beauty salons.

TRANSPORTATION There is a wide array of options when it comes to picking a mode of transportation: car, party bus, limousine, horse-drawn carriage; however you choose to arrive to prom, carpool with a large group of friends to save money on gas. Your batmobile will come at a much friendlier price when you get an entourage come with you!

FLOWERS

Flowers are an integral part of the whole prom process, whether they are needed for promposals or as the finishing touch that a corsage provides for prom attire. Although the big and extravagant Hong Kong roses seem to be the popular choice, a half dozen can already amount to at least $50. The same amount could be spent on two bouquets of flowers from the supermarket! For corsages and boutonnieres, bring out your inner Martha Stewart and make your own!

Tutorials online only require a few flowers, floral tape, and fillers such as babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breaths or tiny forget-me-nots.

List compiled by Ying Chow. Quotes by Stacy Chau, Katherine Hoong, and Judy Tang. Photos courtesy of Junior Class Council.

SPORTS

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

2015 Spring Sports Scoreboard BOYS BASEBALL

BOYS VOLLEYBALL VARSITY 4/2 vs. Bell Gardens 4/7 vs. Montebello

3-0 3-0

W W

VARSITY 4/3 vs. Alhambra 4/7 @ Mark Keppel

3-2 4-3

L L

JV 4/2 vs. Bell Gardens 4/7 vs. Montebello

3-0 3-0

W W

JV 4/3 @ Alhambra 4/7 vs. Mark Keppel

10-0 13-8

L W

CO-ED SWIM VARSITY 4/2 vs. Schurr JV 4/2 vs. Schurr

Girls 122-45 Boys 93-77 Girls 119-35 Boys 109-43

FROSH 4/2 @ Bell Gardens

L L

VARSITY 3/17 @ Rosemead 3/21 @ Whitter Tourney

15-3 12-3

W W

JV 3/17 @ Rosemead

14-1

W

CO-ED TRACK VARSITY 4/2 @ Bell Gardens

L L

GIRLS SOFTBALL

Girls Boys

Girls Boys

8

BOYS TENNIS VARSITY 4/3 @ Duarte 4/7 vs. Maranatha JV 3/31 vs. Alhambra 4/3 vs. Duarte

12-6 13-5 9-9 11-7

W W T L

CO-ED BADMINTON 76-51 79-48

L W

85-42 69-59

L L

VARSITY 3/12 @ Mayfield 3/17 @ Webb

21-0 13-8

W W

For more game recaps and sports content visit <www.thematadorsghs.com>.

Athlete of the month: Janette Nguyen I l e a n a P e rez

Question #1: What sports have you participated in throughout high school?

Answer: “Freshman and sophomore year I played soccer, and then sophomore year up to senior year I did track and field, and in [my] junior year I started cross country.”

Question #2: How has your participation in these sports changed, shaped, and influenced you?

Answer: “I became more social, and I met people with the same interest. It also made me feel more outgoing.”

Question #3: What is your favorite memory from any of the sports you have participated in?

Answer: “When I got my first medal in track and field, it was during the Rosemead Invitational.”

Question #4: Have you gone to CIF in any of these sports?

Answer: “I qualified for triple jump in track and field.

Even though I [did not] place first in league, I was second place, but my mark qualified for the CIF qualifying mark, so I got to [participate].“ Question #5: How was your experience competing in CIF? Answer: “When I competed in CIF, it was intimidating. I was actually second to last in CIF, but it was a nice experience.“

Equestrian club takes leap forward C arol i na Loai si ga

cover` all members, but none of the money will directly come out of the members’ pockets.

“The money that is needed is not going to be taken “We fear what we do not know” were the first words directly from the kids; we are going to fundraise for Roman Hernandez, president of the Parent Teacher Student it. What is great about this is that the $350 includes all Association (PTSA), said as he spoke to the Alhambra Unimembers; [there] can be up to 100 kids and it still covers fied School District Board of Education on March 10. their membership and The reason behind insurance,” Hernandez Hernandez’s words and said. approach to the district Hernandez knows was to propose an anthe risks and uncertainnual membership to the ties accompanied by Interscholastic Equeshaving kids participate trian League (IEL) for in the equestrian sport, San Gabriel students–in but also understands other words, a horse the danger of any other club. sport.

The proposal of the “ T h e s e k i d s a re IEL started with 20 only going to compete signatures and continin four events a year. ued increasing as HerThere are always risks, nandez spoke with his just like any other sport; daughter.

Photo courtesy of Roman Hernandez it does not even be“My daughter [sophgin to accumulate to omore Eva Hernandez] attends San Gabriel and Sophomore Eva Hernandez prepares to jump over an what many other conher hobby in horse rid- obstacle with her horse during an equestrian practice. tact sports have to go through during pracing has sparked interest tices, especially games,” Hernandez said. amongst her friends and classmates. We both decided to Hernandez remains hopeful that the school board bring something new that interests students on campus,” will approve the proposal and expose San Gabriel to Hernandez said. a “world class sport.” Interested students can contact Hernandez explains that there are costs, including a Hernandez at eva.bb@att.net. $150 membership fee and also a $200 insurance fee that will

Weight room lifts quality of San Gabriel sports Mari o Mand uj ano

Question #6: What are your athletic plans after high school?

Answer: “Depending how well I do at the end of season, I will think about joining a sport at Cal-State Pomona.”

Senior Janette Nguyen long jumps during a track meet.

Photo by Sydney Trieu

When it comes to competitive sports, weight training is a necessity. San Gabriel High School provides multiple weight rooms with machinery that is not state-of-the-art, but does not fail to offer student athletes adequate and sufficient training.

The two main weight rooms are connected to the boy’s locker room in the big gym. One room is used especially by the boy’s basketball team and the other by the football team.

A problem with this is that the room used by the basketball team specializes in static and isolation exercises while the ‘football weight room’ provides the equipment necessary for full-body, Olympic exercises such as deadlifts and clean and jerks.

Corner, safety, and wide receiver for the football team, Gerardo Aguirre lifts in the “football weight room.”

“There is a lack of cardiovascular machinery in the room, and the lack of grip in the room is dangerous to the team,” Aguirre said.

The most obvious solution to this would be to allow equal access to both rooms to both and or all other sports teams.

However, both rooms provide the equipment that fits each respective sport.

Pictured above are the tricep machine and the incline bench press. Pictured below are the bench presses and squat racks.

Photos by Mario Mandujano

LIFE &ART

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

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THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

Physics Matadors utilizes forces of teamwork in High School Starleague T h o m a s Wa n g Each Sunday, five juniors represent San Gabriel in the High School Starleague where they face off other high schools in the game League of Legends.

Physics Matadors, San Gabriel’s own League of Legends team, is curre n t l y c o m peting in the ten-week long group stage for the High School Starleague (HSL).

The all-junior roster consists of Steven Chhor, Jimmy Ha, Courtland Khuu, Eddie Ly, and Tony Tran.

After nine weeks of playing, their record is currently 5-2-2 in the best of two round robin format. Thus, they are currently tenth in their group out of 84 teams.

“A tie is a win and a loss,” Khuu said.

“So we have 12 wins and four losses.”

Their journey began when Khuu was stumbled upon the HSL. Upon finding out about the league, he was inspired to form a team for San Gabriel. In his physics class, Ly, the top laner, or the most defense-focused player, joined Khuu’s effort. Later, Chhor became the midlaner, or the secondary damage dealer, while Ha became the jungler, the player that provides buffs for the rest of the team, and the main coordinator. To round out the roster, Tran became the attack damage carry, or the main consistent damage dealer. Finally, science teacher Alan Tran agreed to coach the team.

“The deadline was five days [after] the day I found out about it,” Khuu said. “So

I came to school on a Monday, and I asked Mr. Tran if he was interested in coaching a league team, and he agreed. [For the rest of the team], it wasn’t really a discussion, and it was more of a ‘let’s do it’ situation.”

The team cites communication as the most important factor in the game. The ability to effectively coordinate is key in t h e g a me . I n addition, it is necessary for the team to be calm and collected during Photo by Sydney Trieu the heat of the game. Communication can mean the difference between a victory over a team filled with highestranked players, the Challengers and the Masters, or a loss against the weakest team. “[Two weeks ago], they got into a game one day with no practice, and they got destroyed,” Tran said. “ [In] game two, they smashed those kids. We won every single lane, every single fight, and every single objective. And why? Because they talked.”

Over time, the structure of the team solidified. They became more organized. Each week, they would research the teams they would compete against by reviewing their picks. The members of the team have also picked up new champions and strategies under the guidance of their coach.

“Our key players are everyone,” Khuu said. “We all play a role in this team.”

Even if the team does not make it to the playoffs, the all-junior roster plans to compete in their senior year. *This article is abridged. To read the full article, visit thematadorsghs.com

FEATURES Kenny makes a “Yeung” Lt. G Carolina Garcia Junior Kenny Yeung brings a “Yeung” face to the District Executive Board of Key Club as the new Lieutenant Governor (Lt. G) for this coming year. He began his journey as a sophomore, holding the position of treasurer for San Gabriel Key Club as well as Division Board member for the district. Following his junior year, Yeung obtained the presidency for San Gabriel’s Key Club and continued his role within the Division Board.

Positions in Key Club range from the school’s club board positions to ones found in the Division which govern chapters that fall within it, the District that is in charge of and composed of several Divisions, and the International Board that oversees the Districts and clubs. In order to run for a position, a member has to pay their membership fee and submit necessary forms to run for that position. Obtaining a District position allows members to influence not only their own high school’s Key Club, but also all of the chapters within the division.

Yeung was inspired by the people around him to join Key Club, which resulted in his meeting new people who encouraged him to run for a leadership position.

“Alumnus Stanley Ho was the one who really got me to join,” Yeung said. “I like being in Key Club because of the people I get to work with and also the impact I am able to make in the community.”

As an Lt. G, Yeung’s job is to lead and represent the Division; he also serves and acts as a liaison between clubs in the Division and the District Board. His duties include visiting each Key Club, publishing monthly divisional newsletters, holding regular Division Council Meetings, and keeping contact with the clubs and the District Executive Board. In addition, he initiates community service projects and division events to help members of the division become more involved in their community.

Yeung is hoping to see members gather more service hours and also to provide more opportunities to do unique services in his local community. Lastly, he hopes to inspire members to do more for their community and in the club.

Photo courtesy of Saimas Phoenix

Instagram “Happiness Foundation” promotes positivity among students Judy Tang While many smartphone users create Instagram accounts to sell clothing or beauty supplies, the “Happiness Foundation,” started by a senior at San Gabriel, dedicates her account to giving items away for free, to bring hope and happiness to meet people’s needs with no added price tag.

“I believe that I am giving away things that I was blessed with, yet no longer need,” she said.

She posts a variety of items, including clothing, accessories, and books, as well as beauty supplies, and believes that her free items would help her achieve her intention for the foundation, which is helping people seek ways to be happy, grateful, and hopeful.

“I feel like when anonymous people do kind things, people realize that the world is an opened land full of happiness and opportunities anywhere they come,” she said.

The “Happiness Foundation” was created anonymously to spread an overarching message about faith and that good people exist. She believes that her account and give-aways serve as a way to start a chain reaction of kindness and community support.

“There have been moments where I’ve lost hope in myself, but soon found things and people who have made me hold onto finding happiness. For those who are now lost, I want to be their force and power, for them to have faith in themselves,” she said.

While the “Happiness Foundation” account fares well on its own, she feels

The “Happiness Foundation” aims to raise faith through its Instagram account. like she wants to do more for her community and the people she wishes to inspire.

“I really want to create charities or some free programs to help animals and people in need. I don’t have the resources to make them yet, but the ‘Happiness Foundation,’ was the closest thing I could think of!” she said.

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FEATURES

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

Tell Me

what’s the

WORD. Famous Hallway quotes, Volume Seventy-one

“5 seconds of summer? That’s not very long.”

- Teacher perplexed at band name.

“I hate it when it’s really crowded at parties and my hair gets stuck in people’s sweaty armpits.”

- Student expressing the struggles of her height.

“These are such wise words from this class, [a class] that I did not think was wise at all.”

Fresh talent from freshman Brizeth Lomeli S t a c y C h au and K el l y H o A New Jersey divorcee, an owner of an art gallery, a narrator, a detective—you name it, and Brizeth Lomeli can play it.

Lomeli began acting during the seventh grade, where she started out by playing minor characters as a hobby. Although she never expected drama to become a big part of her high school career, she decided to continue acting in high school after discovering what drama teacher and director Patrick Posada had to offer. After auditioning for Hide and Seek, Lomeli became an understudy for the role of Vicki Bennett. Never expecting to actually take on the role, Lomeli took notes diligently and carefully studied the part. However, in a turn of surprising events, Lomeli was given the opportunity to play the part and exhibit her natural talent for creating accents.

“I was just sitting there and taking notes and [I discovered one day that the lead] quit. Then Mr. Posada said, ‘Get some heels on this girl, and get her on stage!’ so I performed,” Lomeli said. “When I first did my accent, everyone was surprised. It came out of nowhere—it was a shock for me and everyone else.”

In her first year of drama, Lomeli has astounded many, including Posada, by exhibiting many strengths as both an actress and a member of an ensemble.

“Brizeth has a lot of confidence and stage presence. She doesn’t go half-heartedly, and she gives her 100 percent to what she’s doing

Top photo: Freshman Brizeth Lomeli, acting as Olive in The Odd Couple, learns that her ex-husband does not need her anymore. Bottom photo: Olive is arguing with her best friend and fellow divorcée, Florence Unger (not pictured), about dating again.

Ramirez leaves a stamp on history

- Student reading senior quotes.

A nni e Huang

“I want to hear the aws from miles away!”

- Student planning a promposal.

“Socks with sandals.”

Photo by Sydney Trieu

- Teacher explaining why he is in Student Services.

“Somebody call Assistant Principal John Scandalous!”

- Student comments as friend takes off jacket.

“I put on my mom’s 20 years younger face cream. I hope my face goes away.”

- Student being witty while touching face in the lunch line.

All quotes overheard

by The Matador Staff.

Photos courtesy of Jonathan Hurtado

on stage,” Posada said. “She [always] works to make sure that everybody is having a good time. In The Odd Couple, Brizeth really made everybody around her much better. ” To Lomeli’s surprise, she has been able to continuously showcase her talent as Vicki Bennett in Hide and Seek, Detective Hubbard in Dial ‘M’ for Murder, and Olive Madison in The Odd Couple during her first year of high school. Amongst them all, Lomeli considers her lead role in The Odd Couple to be her greatest accomplishment.

“I was able to [take on a bigger role] and meet new people and actors; all of them are so talented and good to work with,” Lomeli said. “Everyone was doing their parts well, and [the energy] of the audience was great.”

As an actress who has experienced many new things this year, Lomeli believes that aspiring actors and actresses should take a chance and audition for available plays.

“I originally started acting for fun, so just try new things,” Lomeli said. “You never truly know what you are capable of.

Anybody [has the potential] to be an actor.”

Lomeli’s journey as an actress does not stop here. In the future, she hopes to meet new actors and actresses, share her experiences with others, and take on a new perspective in her acting.

“I [wish to] continue doing my plays and trying my best. I want to take on smaller roles so that the incoming freshmen can shine just as I did, because you never know what they are capable of doing,” Lomeli said. “I hope there are a lot more actors who come in and really want to do it.”

Photo courtesy of Andrew Ruiz

Top photo: Junior Andrew Ruiz admires his great-great-great grandfather’s stamps.

Middle photo: One of the five stamps from the collection of “Forever” stamps. Bottom photo: The stamps are displayed at the Ricco/Maresca Gallery in New York City.

Most high school students do not even know the names of their great-great-great grandfather. On the other hand, junior Andrew Ruiz can do more than just give you the name of his great-great-great grandfather, Martin Ramirez. In fact, he can name most of Ramirez’s many paintings, five of which recently became United States Postal Service’s newest release of “Forever” stamps.

A 30-year-old immigrant from Mexico during the Great Depression, Ramirez arrived in California with hopes of earning money to provide support for his wife and three children living in Mexico. However, he was left homeless with no work years later. Coupled with little knowledge of English, he was forced to spend the following years of his life in mental hospitals after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, though the family disagrees with the diagnosis.

As a self-taught artist with no resources, Ramirez used his own spit mixed with crushed crayons and color pencils to make paint, matchsticks as paintbrushes, and table papers as canvases. “He never intend for it to become famous; they were only gifts to people who come to visit him,” Ruiz explained.

Ramirez passed away at DeWitt State Hospital, Sacramento, Calif. in 1963. According to National Public Radio (NPR), by that time, many of his paintings had been destroyed, while others were taken by a psychologist studying mental illness and art. Eventually, most of his works went to private collectors.

As of today, 19 of Ramirez’s works are now on display at the Ricco/Maresca Gallery in New York City, where 14 members of Ramirez’s family, including Ruiz, attended during Ruiz’s spring break.

“The Ambassador of Mexico was there. She told my family that she was honored to represent Mexico on such an important day in Mexican history,” Ruiz said.

Currently, Ramirez’s Madonna, otherwise known as the Virgin Mary, can be found in the Library of Congress. Four works are held by the Guggenheim Museum and one painting is in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Many of Ramirez’s paintings show life as a Mexican with details such as animals, horses, and churches; they also show the struggle of trying to live the American Dream. As a result, Maria Reyes Ramirez, Ruiz’s grandmother and Ramirez’s granddaughter, can relate to these paintings and be reminded of her childhood as a Mexican immigrant.

Ruiz, along with members of his family, as well as the staff at San Gabriel, such as choir teacher Cecilia Revilla and Guidance technician Beda Ramirez, are thrilled to witness a Mexican immigrant in the U.S. to be recognized and honored by his artwork.

“I can really relate to [the] story of struggling to be an immigrant and artist, while trying to do something better for his family,” Ramirez said. “His work is very passionate and innovated. I feel very proud that his works are being honored.”

The five Ramirez “Forever” stamps are available at post offices and are considered collector’s items.