The Matador: May 2017

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THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

NEWS

April lockdown: a look across campus J e n n i f e r C h eung

Photo courtesy of ABC7

Police make a barricade on Ramona and Mission.

San Gabriel High School (SGHS) went under an almost threehour lockdown on April 11 as an escaped convict, identified as 39-year-old Benedict Romero, was spotted near campus and caused an uproar among the community.

The sighting of an “armed and dangerous escapee” caused police forces to place SGHS, Martha Baldwin Elementary School, Granada Elementary School, and Emmaus Lutheran on lockdown, reported KTLA5. San Gabriel city officials initially tweeted that SGHS was not directly related to the search and warned people to avoid the area. Soon after, it was learned that Romero actually entered SGHS’s campus. The lockdown began at 10:48 a.m. and lasted until 1:28 p.m.

Police tried to apprehend Romero outside of campus on Mission Road and Almansor Street. He fled and was seen near the train tracks, hopping the fence between Mission Road and the softball field, according to Sgt. Steven Carr of the Alhambra Police Department. Romero hid in the bushes near the softball field until a police dog bit him. He was arrested, and the lockdown ended shortly after.

Eyewitness reports, however, said that Romero ran down SGHS’s service road north of campus and through the Teacher Training and Certification Center bungalows, and then likely jumped the fence to the softball field.

BAND ROOM

Romero was closest to the north side of campus, where the Pbuilding, SA-building, and band room are located. Band teacher Tamara Cognetta believed that the lockdown could have been carried out differently.

“I felt we just didn’t get enough of the information—it was coming rather slowly from the office,” Cognetta said. “We were under the impression that the suspect was not on campus; that he was in the area, so it was awhile before we really knew he was on the campus, making everyone a little more nervous.”

Some teachers, such as Cognetta, got more information from students on their phones instead of the office. She suggested that the best thing would be an update every 15 minutes, even if the update said “‘Same situation, nothing new to report.’” She also said that being on the football field during a lockdown was a whole other situation that needs to be discussed since there is “very little protection” and bells cannot be heard from the location.

“I just hope this never ever happens again, but I was with a great group of kids that handled it well and there was no panicking or getting sick,” Cognetta said.

members are informed about the situation at hand. We should not have to rely on outside sources for vital information. We need to reexamine the Comprehensive School Site Safety Plan.”

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS Although Morales and her class did not have direct contact with Romero, girls basketball Head Coach and physical education teacher Jordan Franey and her class did near the north parking lot.

“We were about 10 minutes into our walk and a couple kids saw him,” Franey said. “We saw the cops trying to go after him and then I had a couple officers tell me to go into lockdown, so I was probably first one to know that it was a lockdown situation.”

She and her class took shelter along with the students in the woodshop classroom. She told others nearby that there was someone on campus.

“A couple of [kids] were apprehensive, especially when the San Bernardino elementary school shooting happened the day before, so everyone was a little bit more on edge,” Franey said. “My kids and the woodshop kids did a great job. Everyone just seemed calm and they had questions, but I think everyone handled it really well.”

SA-BUILDING: Students awarded for bravery English teacher Sabrina Morales and her freshman class were in SA7 near the band room in their class watching a movie, when they heard police sirens for ten minutes. Morales went outside to check, and freshman Timothy Tran received a text from his sister, saying that a lockdown would happen. Tran went outside to tell Morales. Both returned to class quickly. Suspicious of the noises, Morales and her students locked and barricaded both doors. The commotion was finalized with the lockdown bell.

E-BUILDING RESTROOM Students handled the situation differently depending on where they were located on campus. Sophomores Julia Banuelos, Cindy Alvarez, and Ana Garcia were not in a classroom during the incident.

“We were in the [E-building] restroom and we did not know what to do, so we closed the door,” Banuelos said. “We were in a corner, not in a stall, and sat in front of the door.”

The students were “scared at the moment” and unaware of the circumstances. The group was alone in the restroom for approximately half an hour to an hour until sophomore Allison Moreno notified a school official with her phone. Campus supervisor Pete Gomez came to the site and placed them in a classroom in the Ebuilding that had students and was supervised by a teacher.

Banuelos felt that the situation could have been handled differently. “If we knew what was going on, we could have been able to tell someone quicker,” Banuelos said.

COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER

The Matador staff reporter sophomore Kayla Tang was in the College and Career Center (CCC) during the lockdown.

“At first, I admit that the other 16 peers I was with, along with myself, did not take the lockdown seriously because we thought it was only a drill,” Tang said. “However, once the campus supervisor [Gomez] came in, and we heard his walkie talkie, we found out it was not.”

Students were split into groups—girls hid behind the counter, and boys under the computer desk. Gomez separated the students because if Romero saw all 17 students clumped together, they would be “sitting ducks,” vulnerable to being attacked at once. In addition, he gave students instructions on what to do if they heard a door open: lay on the ground and wait until he gives them a signal to run out the exit.

“The ladies at the [CCC] took good initiative and made sure we understood it was important to remain silent as possible,” Tang said. “All in all, I applaud the way the lockdown was handled—at least in the [CCC].”

Photo by Jennifer Cheung

Left to right, top to bottom: Keven Araujo, Jason Preciado, Darwin Sayas, Michael Munoz, Joseph D o l l o w a y, L e i l a n i Tr i n h , D i l l o n M a k , S o k h s a n Penh, Brian Pham, T imothy Tran, Melvin Loc. “[The man] did try to open the [front] door twice,” freshman Keven Araujo believed. “We had desks near the sides of the door and I had my head under them. Next thing you know, I heard shaking [from the door].”

Morales was proud of how her students conducted themselves.

“Students took immediate action to secure the room and safeguard the perimeters,” she said. “They were checking local police stations and television news sources to get updated information. Helicopters were providing aerial views and students were online viewing the footage so we could reassess our situation in the classroom.”

Morales awarded her students with certificates of recognition for their “outstanding acts of bravery, courage, and alertness.” Two different certificates were handed out—Post I and Post II—each post representing which door each student was guarding. Those that received awards for Post I (front door) were: Kevin Araujo, Darwin Sayas, Leilani Trinh, Dillon Mak, Brian Pham, Timothy Tran, and Melvin Loc; Post II (hallway door): Jason Preciado, Michael Munoz, Joseph Dolloway, and Sokhson Penh.

Similar to many others, Morales believes that there were flaws in the methods used to communicate with staff during the lockdown. “[Teachers] need constant communication as it comes in, so we can make better informed decisions to ensure the safety of our students and community at large,” Morales said. “It is vital that staff

Photo by The Matador Staff

Students in H2 barricade the door using a bookcase and other miscellaneous items to prevent a break-in.

AFTER THE LOCKDOWN Principal Debbie Stone held an opportunity for staff to debrief and give input the next day after lockdown.

“When a situation like this happens, it is unfortunate, but an opportunity to reflect and to make adjustments and to be as best prepared as we can be,” Stone said. “If teachers see or hear something, they need to make the best decision to insure the safety of their students.”

Stone admitted that there are things that can be improved the next time a lockdown occurs.

“We need to give our substitute teachers more information about emergency protocol,” Stone said.

Prior to the lockdown, staff members were invited to attend an intense simulation of a lockdown at Alhambra High School on Sep. 10 and 17. This was a three-hour simulation and practice rehearsal, followed by a review of the procedures. It was not mandatory to attend, but teachers who were present appreciated the experience, Stone said. Additionally, all staff members attended a critical incident training session during their conference period in November.

“I am very proud of how our staff and students handled the situation,” Stone said. “The outcome is exactly how we want; everyone is safe, and we proceeded with the rest of the day.”

NEWS THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017 THE MATADOR

Buchicchio finishes her final run at San Gabriel High School

Photo by Anny Li Wu

A n n y L i Wu Physical education (P.E.) teacher Michelle Buchicchio is retiring after 33 years of working at San Gabriel High School (SGHS), from 1984-2017. During Buchicchio’s tenure at SGHS, in addition to teaching P.E., she was the coach of the cross country and track team for 13 years, chair of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges committee

for nine years, and a work-experience teacher for 14 years.

Now that the SGHS school year starts earlier in August, it is difficult for Buchicchio to commute to school everyday due to the the long distance drive from Long Beach in the heat of early August.

“P.E. in the heat is a killer,” Buchicchio said. “I’m not going to miss it.”

When Buchicchio coached the cross country team, one of her students, Angel Martinez, won 4th in state cross country, double state champion in the 2-mile division, and the state cross country championship. “[A highlight of SGHS] is coaching because I had great cross country and track athletes,” Buchicchio said. “They were wonderful to work with.”

Now that Buchicchio’s daughter and her husband are planning to start a family, she wants to take time off to take care of her grandchild.

“I’ll be changing diapers and warming up bottles of milk,” Buchicchio said.

Buchicchio also offered advice to all the students of San Gabriel.

“Really take advantage of all the opportunities that San Gabriel offers, whether it’s sports or any after school curriculum, band, clubs, drama, being in plays,” Buchicchio said. “Whatever your interest is, there is a way to be involved and it will make high school a lot more fun.”

Buchicchio will miss the people and the students at SGHS, but she said that it is time for her to retire.

Performance groups display their talents in Spring Dance Showcase

Photo by Sunny Chen

K at hy Q uach

All ale and Choreo pose for a group photo after performing at their dance showcase.

On April 28, performance groups Choreo, All Male, and Colorguard livened up the Matador Arena during the Spring Dance Showcase. The showcase exhibited the skills of many dance virtuosos from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Choreo was first in the lineup and presented their Fall Rally routine, decked out in the same outfit and enthusiasm. Following them, All Male and Colorguard respectively performed their Spring Rally routines with similar vigor.

Once all three groups had gone up, solos, duets, and smaller units followed with just as much spirit. Many of them choreographed their own pieces or worked together to figure it out.

“For my group routine, my friends and I met up and chose the songs that we liked the most,” junior Mandy Liu said. “Then we each took a song to choreograph so the process was simpler.”

Despite “feel[ing] a little bit nervous whenever [he] performed in front of a group,” junior Anthony Ly does his best to showcase his skill during every act.

After a 10 minute intermission halfway through, the dances continued and even featured alumni of San Gabriel High School.

When the Choreo’s last performance concluded, the teams were introduced and seniors were presented flowers and sashes in recognition for their hard work. The showcase ended with an announcement of the new leaders of Choreo and tearful embracing.

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Non-profit LEAF organization helps underprivileged students

Photo courtesy of Brian Diep

Brian Diep gives advice to incoming UCLA students through LEAF program.

The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming for some students.

The dramatic change in lifestyle can have a wide array of effects on people, inducing potential social and academic problems for those unprepared. San Gabriel alumnus Brian Diep, now a student at UCLA, recognized this as a problem and helped establish the Leadership and Education for All Foundation (LEAF) to reach out to high school seniors and help prepare them for the move to college.

LEAF provides help to incoming underprivileged college freshman in two main ways. Their scholarship program provides funds to mentees to help pay for tuition and the cost of living, among other things. Their mentorship program consists of student mentors, chosen and trained by the LEAF leadership staff, and mentees, incoming freshman who would benefit from the aid of a mentor. The mentorship program provides those enrolled not only with mentorship but with lifetime access to services such as test preparation and the LEAF professional network, which, when fully developed, will have leaders in a myriad of fields prepared to assist the mentees.

Diep, the Vice-President of LEAF, specifically wants to reach out to students from the San Gabriel Valley. Having been one himself, he feels that students from this area are at a big disadvantage when it comes to transitioning to college.

“I wouldn’t necessarily put students in our area in the most at-risk category, but I think that our students are underprepared compared to more elite high schools,” Diep said. “While I believe everybody in SGHS is capable of achieving anything, I feel like we have to play catch up for a year before we can compete with our peers.”

Senior Thinley Huang, who plans on applying to the LEAF program, hopes that she can ease her transition into college by spending her freshman year at UCLA as a mentee.

“I eventually decided that I wanted to apply because it was really cool to me how they had mentors to help students adjust,” Huang said. “One of my biggest fears about college is that I will fall behind or not be able to adjust well, so I felt like this would be pretty good to help me adjust and receive whatever help I need.”

Although the program is currently only for incoming UCLA freshman, the organization intends to expand to other universities in the near future. Incoming college freshmen attending UCLA can apply to be mentored by LEAF at www.leafnp.org until May 31.

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THE MATADOR

Uncertain “mas”ter plan Thomas Wang Future Tense

I like to think that I am pretty cool and level-headed, but I know for a fact that I can be a pretty anxious person. I get nervous when I have to make decisions that remotely affect my life or when it comes to talking to people I barely know. I get nervous when I enter a freeway on-ramp and on balconies. I get nervous when I don’t know what to do.

When I lose my sense of control.

When it comes to the future, I have always put it on the back burner. Like my copy of The Price of War collecting dust on my bookshelf, I have always promised I would get to it eventually. Seeing that I’m a senior, that eventually is now.

If you asked me what I wanted to be when I was in the third grade, I would say that I wanted to be a wildlife biologist. In middle school, I would have told you the same thing. I would have told you that I wanted to plunge into a forest to study ecosystems and life-forms. I would have told you I wanted to see Northern Lights, that I wanted to feel real snow with the shifting of my feet. I would have told you I wanted to do something great for humanity—to win the Nobel Prize. I would have told you a dream.

Now, I’m not sure anymore.

After experiencing so many different activities and learning about the harsh realities of the job market, I don’t know what I want to do. It feels like following the same routine for the last four years allowed me to forget about the most perplexing questions.

Like whether I should ask that girl out or what to do with my life as an adult. It gave me an excuse to be stagnant and to focus on the minor details of my daily life. I got too comfortable in such a temporary place and forgot that this bubble will pop.

Now, I’m stuck at a crossroad. I don’t think my passion has gone away, but as I color in my dreams with reality, I realize that there isn’t an optimal decision for me.

I can’t plug my life into an equation and derive it for an optimized number; I simply don’t know anymore.

I guess there is beauty in spontaneity and uncertainty, but when there are too many variables to account for, I feel lost. I lose the feeling that I am on solid ground, that I have sense of security. Like I am in free fall.

Maybe, that’s why I am scared of heights.

Despite my anxieties, I know that I am capable of figuring something out in the end. All I can really do is learn more about the world, so the unknown won’t be as scary.

That’s how I tackle most problems, anyway.

I don’t know what the future entails. Despite my constant desire for answers, all I can really say for certain is that I’m unsure.

Hopefully, that’s okay for now.

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

OPINIONS

Letters from the editors I had no idea what was waiting for me when I walked into H2 for the first time.

I was only a freshman, jittery at the thought of my first interview. I remember tripping over my words, internally crying as I scrambled to decide what song I’d sing if I was on American Idol. Fun times.

I doubt I’m any less of a mess now, but I find comfort in the fact that I’ve grown through the words I’ve written and photos I’ve taken while on staff. Somehow, the awkward freshman became the still awkward but more socially-acceptable senior. Somehow, I managed to convinced the entire class I was worth the occasional bad pun and never-ending memes. Some-

how, I ended up leading an army of my peers and underclassmen with Thomas to massproduce the paper every month. Who knew?

I wish I could say my three years in newspaper were smooth sailing, though it was definitely anything but. Too much has happened—the endless board meetings of summer 2015 were only a portion of the battle. Finding myself at the head of the staff this year was another struggle in itself.

To my newspaper staffers, I want to say that I’m thankful you’ve all given me a chance to be your Editor-in-Chief. I’m thankful for every issue we turned out, every moment of collective suffering, every sick roast and inside joke we shared. But most im-

portantly, I’m proud our staff was one that, despite our first-year inexperience, could push itself to the finish line. I’m not big on awards, but I almost cried at ELAJEA with every name announced—and even more so when I found out we took 2nd in News Sweepstakes and 1st in Super Sweepstakes with yearbook. I wish I conveyed that the day of, on the bus or after we got off. I didn’t, but I hope you all get the idea now.

It’s been an honor to be Editor-in-Chief for such an incredible staff. And though I won’t admit it aloud, I’ll miss the time we spent together.

I cannot comprehend that I will be leaving The Matador after I graduate. After being a part of the newspaper for the last three years, the end seems surreal.

I remember hearing about newspaper from a former copy editor freshman year. Out of curiosity (and possibly impulse), I applied. I got in, and I met some of the most brilliant and creative people in that class.

Personally, I was a terrible staffer my first year. I wrote junk articles and gave my copy editors something to complain about. I remember getting my drafts back painted with red ink.

Thankfully, I would learn to care a

bit more and put more effort into my craft.

I feel like there is a certain irony that I became Editor-in-Chief. It was wild during my tenure. Whether it was staying up late to finish a paper in less than a week or spreading the gospel of gossip in class, I could not have asked for a better team of journalist.

Despite the (monumental) stress, being a part of The Matador staff was one of the most transformative experiences I have ever had. From investigating the circumstances of former English teacher and debate coach Andrew Nguyen’s dismissal to getting hours of sleep totalling in the single-digits over three days

before an issue came out, I could not have asked for a more challenging yet exhilarating ride (Yes, this is advertisement for the newspaper).

To the Matador staff inheriting the paper, I know this was not the smoothest year, as there were not many returning staff members and many of you were new writers. However, there is potential and talent in every one of you, and you have all grown so much since you came in August. I know for a fact that with this year ’s experience under your belt, you will produce an amazing paper.

Sydney Trieu 2016-2017 Editor-in-Chief

Thomas Wang 2016-2017 Editor-in-Chief

Los Renombrados award loses original meaning Ei l een O ng As a prestigious honor traditionally presented to the top four percent of the San Gabriel graduating class, the Los Renombrados (LR) award seems to have lost its original meaning.

According to LR committee member and English teacher Jordan Vogel, after the initial qualifications, the committee looks at a combination of factors including the student’s personal statement, growth, and extracurricular activities. Chemistry teacher Ryan Wong, also on the committee, said that the judges have moved away from heavily weighing GPA into the decisions.

Although the shift to a higher emphasis on student involvement on campus is reasonable, it undermines the academic honor of the award and devalues the academic excellence of the students who have placed at the top of their class ranks.

It is unfair to the students who have a GPA well above the 3.0 quota but barely fall short in the high level of involvement of some of the other applicants. Applicants with a higher priority on extracurricular activities are often preferred despite scoring comparably lower in the academic field.

While it is understandable that the change is intended to help diversify the LR recipients, the merits of the students should be equally based on the two factors.

Moreover, despite the blind application process where the students’ names and IDs are removed before review, bias is still inevitably present. The LR committee consists of teachers and staff members who invest their time and energy into helping

students. When they review the students’ list of activities, it is likely that they can identify who is who based on what the student is involved in. For instance, if a student was a president of a certain club, there would be only a few possibilities for whom the student may be.

Furthermore, the application given to the 50 semi-finalists consists of two short answer questions; this does not leave much room for applicants to truly express themselves. When the LR tradition was first established, interviews were a part of the selection process but has been opted out for a completely supposedly blind application process. However, in many selection processes, like job recruitments, interviews are a vital part in getting to know the applicant. Interviews allow the committee to get to know the applicant in a way that cannot be done through paper.

Although subconscious bias cannot be eliminated, measures can be taken to help level the playing field for everyone.

Aside from the baseline requirements of having at least a 3.0 GPA, being a SG student for at least five semesters, and having no behavior contracts or suspensions, a set of specific criteria should be established. This will allow the LR committee to fairly judge students with different merits on a common rubric. It is hard for the committee to measure every applicant to the same standard if it is not explicitly written out, especially with so many students to review.

The LR selection process should be revamped to give every applicant a fairer chance at earning the distinction.

Illustration by Vincent Maresca

OPINIONS THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

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THE MATADOR

Schools should be equipped to handle emergency situations Ke v i n C ont reras The bell rings, but it is not the normal bell. This one is not telling you to go to your next class. This one is far longer and far more serious. This one tells you that the school is in a lockdown. You hear that someone has broken onto campus. You then begin to ponder whether or not schools, and especially teachers, are prepared to handle situations like these; are they ready to be first responders in any given situation?

On April 11, San Gabriel High School (SGHS) went on lockdown in which an armed escapee was roaming through the north side of campus during fourth period. Officials searched and eventually brought him into custody in approximately an hour and a half. Thank God, no one got hurt. Yet, if such a situation were to repeat itself, would teachers be prepared? Would other members of staff know what to do? Do students understand the gravity of this situation?

In response to the outcome of the lockdown, Principal Debbie Stone acknowledged the efforts of the staff.

“Staff responded and reacted the way that was needed during our lockdown,” Stone said.

In these situations, teachers need to maintain a cool state of mind. They must be able to efficiently assess the situation. In these very fluid situations, teachers must know what to do. Keeping students safe is the top priority, but they must know how to do so.

Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) held two critical inci-

MATADOR Editors-in-Chief News Editors Opinions Editors Focus Editors Life and Art Editors Sports Editors Features Editors Copy Editors Photo Editors Artist Business Managers Website Editors Multimedia Editors Blogs Manager Community Editors Adviser

Sydney Trieu Thomas Wang Joanne Chau Nathan Ta Sunny Chen Eileen Ong Karina Matias Kim Pham Lu Yue Wang Jennifer Cheung Jessica Tran Uyen Sy Kim Ta Michele Thai Selina Han Kelly Ho Shirley Dinh Eva Hernandez Andy Yung Sunny Chen Michelle Ho Vincent Maresca Anny Li Wu Christina Lov Tom Cheah Kathy Quach Kevin Contreras Michelle Ho Vivian Wong Carlos Carillo Virginia Situ Jennifer Kim

Reporters: Nian Capilli, Lucas Jorgensen, Chelsea Li, Vincent Maresca, Kayla Tang The Matador is published monthly by the journalism class of San Gabriel High School. 1,600 copies per issue are published at J. E. J Print Inc. The Matador is a public forum for student expression and highly encourages responses in reaction to issues discussed in the paper. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, not the faculty or administration. Articles without bylines are the opinion of the staff. Submit comments as a letter to the editor, signed (anonymity is guaranteed if requested), to H-2, or Ms. Kim’s mailbox.

Dear Ms. Kim, As our cat- and meme-loving adviser, you’ve been the life and driving force of our newspaper.

Thank you for sticking with us through every monthly deadline despite your incredibly busy schedule and law classes (good luck on finals!).

These past nine issues wouldn’t have been possible without your support, guidance, and, of course, existential jokes.

Sincerely, The Matador Staff

dent training sessions last September, where a police officer posed as a transient breaking onto a school campus. Though teachers were recommended to participate, attending these training sessions was not required. Sessions like these are now needed more than ever. Teachers, as well as staff, should attend in order to efficiently contain these situations and the district must ensure that attending these sessions are a priority. For more information on the way these sessions are conducted, you can watch the critical incident training videos on the AUSD YouTube channel.

In recent years, the amount of guns fired from assailants on a school campus has increased significantly. According to <everytownresearch.org>, the number of school shootings has gone up from about 3 in 2013 to approximately 16 times in 2015. In California alone, the number of school shootings has increased consistently.

The latest shooting happened in San Bernardino at North Park Elementary school just over a month ago. In 1988, San Gabriel experienced a former student who held his classmates hostage with an assault rifle, which was fired twice.

Events like these are becoming more and more frequent, especially in cities where this was once uncommon and even unheard of. At San Gabriel, schools, teachers, and staff must learn how to efficiently handle these situations. Attending these sessions could one day save not only your own life, but the lives of students. Districts must educate the schools, schools must enforce the protocol and educate the teachers, and teachers must be able to be there for their students.

Illustration by Jennifer Cheung

The Matador Bullring What is your favorite memory from this past school year?

“

Trying out for the basketball team because I met a lot of people and made many friends. The sport has been a big part of my life since.”

-Damien Liang, 9th grade

“ “

“

Going to the homecoming game was the best memory of this year because I got to experience it with all my friends.”

-Cindy Alvarez, 10th grade

Going to the BTS concert because I recently got into the group and seeing them perform live was pretty unreal.”

-Seena Nghiem, 11th grade

“

My favorite memory from this year was APR because it was the last pep rally of high school.”

-Cecelia Campos, 12th grade

Helping out at the snack bar for the first time was an important experience for me because I’ve been involved in PTSA for the longest time and it felt like a great way to end.“ -Derek Toyomitsu, 12th grade Photos by Sunny Chen

“Trieu”thfully told Sydney Trieu Moving On I’ve always considered myself a bit of an optimist.

I believe in the good of people. I believe in (feasible) wishes coming true, in little victories, in the small steps that seem to lead nowhere but always bring you back home.

It’s not supposed to be a naïve point-of-view.

I know the worst can happen. I know the worst does happen. And I know that what’s best isn’t always a reality, as sad as that may be. But I stick to the belief everything will work out somehow, in some kind of way. It’s a sort of confidence more than anything else; it’s knowing that no matter how bumpy the road is, no matter how terrible the other drivers or how gruesome the roadkill, the road still exists and leads somewhere.

That confidence has carried me through most of high school—really, it was how I pushed myself through the horrors of teenage angst.

I told myself that tomorrow would always be a new day. I told myself that better days were sure to come. But eventually, that belief began to wear at the edges, tearing with every lash of wind from the passing storm. And no matter how hard I tried to slap on a smile and tough it out, the wounds cut deeper, one by one, until I felt lost. Like I had nothing to ground me. Like I was the shell of someone who once believed but never could again.

I lost hope when I found out Mr. Nguyen wasn’t returning to Speech and Debate. I lost hope when I heard Mr. Kanow was retiring.

Heck, I lost hope when the eggs from the bird’s nest on Ms. Tran’s door splattered on the ground. I lost hope countless times, with every passion I sacrificed to school, with every book left unread and game left unplayed because I never found the time.

I lost myself. And yet, I find myself here today.

I still believe in brighter days. I still believe in the light at the end of the tunnel or however else you want stereotypically phrase it. But somewhere along the way, I found it difficult to understand why I wanted these things and what purpose I’d have when I achieved them.

All I know is that I’ve kept going even though I have no idea what I’m doing. And it’s a frightening thought, to continue onward so blindly. If you can’t see, how are you supposed to know if you’re moving forward in the first place?

I don’t. I don’t know. Frankly, I may have just been walking in circles the entire time.

But I think I’ve learned to be okay with that.

To wander, to stay lost—it’s an admittedly sad and resigned kind of optimism. Because at least I know that there’s a path for me somewhere, as tired as I am now.

I’m sure my high school woes will be the least of my problems one day, but for now, I’m just glad it’s almost over. As for the future, well, I guess we’ll have to see. Tomorrow’s a new day.

So we keep moving, and we move on.

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THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

Fidget spinners become trending cycle

LIFE & ART

Molina wins automotive scholarship

Photo by Michelle Ho

Junior Ryan Lin holds one of his many fidget spinners that he brings to school.

Joanne Chau For those who tend to tap their pencils in class or just want to jump on the bandwagon, the fidget spinner has quickly taken trends to the next level and can be seen all around school.

The fidget spinner is a handheld gadget designed to help those with ADHD, improve focus, or calm anxiety in general. It consists of two to three circular prongs rotated around a bearing, usually made of plastic, stainless steel, copper, titanium, or brass. When rotated between the fingers, usually the thumb and first or second finger, the spinner gives a satisfying, sensory feeling. “[Fidget spinners] are a huge trend because they are a cheap, small, and convenient toy,” sophomore Shawn Ho said. “It is my distraction from class and from falling asleep. I recommend it to those who get bored or fall asleep in class, or if they just wanna join the fidget spinner squad.”

Since the fidget spinner has appeared all over social media, people have become creative with different designs of spinners and in creating

cool tricks.

“You basically can spin the fidget spinner in many different styles,” junior Ryan Lin said.

“There are tricks, such as the one hand spin,the two hand spin, and many more.”

However, this gadget has become more of a source of entertainment rather than for therapeutic use.

“I bought a spinner to use in class, but mine is too loud,” freshman Jessie Li Wu said. “I think students buy it mainly to use it in class and not because of [ADHD].”

Fidget spinners have widely become available in various colors and styles at toy stores and on Amazon.

“I think fidget spinners would become more durable in the future, as most of them are cheaply made and not built to last,” junior Chris Luu said.

“However, a good tip is that cheap spinners are usually very customizable with many at home materials such as paints.”

Overall, fidget spinners have become popular with those would fidget a lot during class, or those who just like trendy new toys.

Matador Muse

Molina holds certificates of his All Auto automotive scholarships.

Kevin Contrer as With his dad as a mechanic and a problematic car being the reason his parents met, Junior Rodrigo Molina has been fascinated by cars his entire life, so it is no surprise that he has gotten a scholarship for automotive excellence.

“I was pretty excited,” Molina said. “I was actually really happy.”

Molina has loved cars since he was a child.

He began working on cars with his father and has always enjoyed working on a car.

However, it was until this year that Molina started looking at the automotive industry as a potential career option.

“I started at a young age liking cars and working on [them],” Molina said, “but I didn’t actually start looking into my career until about this year.”

A nearby company by the name of All Auto awarded Molina with the scholarship.

The banquet was held on April 26. The whole night was a mix of emotions for Molina; he was invited to the banquet and thought he was

going to get the same reward as everyone else.

“They kept calling everybody’s name.

They would come up and pick up a little set of wrenches… then when they called out my name for the one hundred dollar scholarship… I was really happy and proud of myself,” Molina said.

As he looks to the future, Molina wants to receive a scholarship and attend Wyotech—a trade school in Wyoming that specializes in the entire automotive industry. He plans on coming to school during the summer to work on an automobile donated to the school, as well as returning to autotech next year.

“I’m not that much of a book person, I’m more of a hands-on [person],” Molina said.

“That’s why I find the automotive industry more interesting.”

Molina has found joy in the art of working on a car, and would like to encourage anyone who has not found a career yet to look beyond the basic college majors.

“For a lot of people out there that are like me that don’t like writing and reading all the time: look into the trade jobs,” Molina said.

Marching band prepares for regionals

Ode to Laundry The cantankerous buzz lifts my spirit from orbit With each revolution, the serenity washes over me Purifying the stench of my garments.

Thursday night, and I’m wearing the same shirt thrice In a row. Because I was too tired to move.

Because I was too caught up in the riptide, Flowing endlessly, Unapologetically.

As life erodes the banks of all things clean, I forgot what it meant.

The color of a clean white T-shirt.

Without Cheetos stains Without the mustard stain from squirting the bottle vigorously

Photo courtesy of Rodrigo Molina

Without the sense of shame and desperation As fresh as the idyllic morning I first laid my eyes on it Before I slept through sunrises When sunset wasn’t shielded behind glass and metal bars With T-shirts as white as the playground chalk With each clink, my clothes are become a new, Reborn and pure for the world to see Breaking the flow of the main current, Before the cycle repeats.

A reset button to our entropy, Laundry, you have rebuilt what I have destroyed.

-Thomas Wang, 12

Kathy Quach After receiving superior and excellent ratings on their performance on March 22, Marching Band members have been preparing for their regional festival which will be held May 20 at Palm Desert High School.

They will perform two pieces from the previous festival and one new piece.

After that, they will be evaluated by three judges who will determine whether their overall score is poor, fair, good, excellent, or superior. Since they had received two superiors and one excellent previously, their overall score of superior allowed them to move on to the regional level.

“We’ve been practicing all three pieces and working on the things that the judges had critiqued us on previously,” senior band president Lisa Nguyen said.

Marching Band adviser Tamara Cognetta gives them pieces to play and they choose the ones that they like and that matches their level.

“We practice in class during zero period and sometimes we get into sectionals to practice only within our sections to perfect areas in the piece,” junior Roxanne Fong said.

Marching Band members are looking forward to the regional festival after having worked hard to get to the point they are at.

“I’m hoping for the best for a superior but I’m really just glad we got this opportunity to perform at regionals,” junior Christian Le said.

On May 18, Instrumental, Concert, and Marching Bands will be holding a Spring Concert in the auditorium with Choir where they will play the pieces that they have been working on and many more.

LIFE & ART

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

Afters offers diverse flavor range

Photo by Christina Lov

Left to right: jasmine milk tea, cookie butter, and jasmine milk tea with mochi.

C h ri s t i n a L o v I have always wanted to try Afters ever since I saw cute pictures of the ice cream and logo on Instagram. Disappointed that their locations were far away from San Gabriel, I was ecstatic about their opening in Alhambra. Although the interior was not yet completed, the ice cream store was open to customers.

Located on Main Street and surrounded by many parking structures, Afters was easy to access. I parked in Alhambra Place, the shopping center with Blaze Pizza and Wingstop, and walked a block, arriving around 4 p.m. on a weekday. I immediately noticed the blank, white walls and the basic layout. Unfortunately, I would not get my perfect Instagram picture here.

Upon entering the store, the employee was attentive and prompt to take my order. He was very friendly and gave me the opportunity to sample all of the flavors Afters had to offer, from Madagascar Vanilla and Banana Walnut Fudge to Churro. My personal favorites were Frozen Hot Cocoa and Jasmine Milk Tea. I also liked Acai Blueberry and Peachy Mango as they tasted like refreshing flavored teas you can get from teahouses.

The flavor Triple C’s was decent as well, but the chocolate chips were too hard to chew. The rest of the flavors tasted like what you would expect, but a sample is not enough to define a flavor’s overall likability. After a sample of Cookie Butter, I thought it was top three worthy and got a scoop. The cookie bits meshed well with the vanilla, but after eating a whole scoop, I got sick of it. Still, I recommend trying a scoop of each flavor; you never know what you might like or dislike.

In addition to a variety of flavors, Afters offered a wide range of toppings, from different cereals to gummy bears. Instead of scoops, you can also get the ice cream in a cone or between two glazed donuts, called a milky bun. I never tried the cone, but the milky bun is super sweet and filling. Although it felt as if every bite clogged my arteries, it was worth getting.

Despite Afters’s somewhat expensive prices compared to other stores, their handcrafted flavors make up for it, and sharing a double or triple scoop among friends is a decent way to save money. I would come back to try each flavor and experiment with different toppings.

Hello Kitty Café overprices menu items

Photo by Michelle Ho

Senior Senh Chong drinks her strawberry mint lemonade at the Hello Kitty Café.

Michelle Ho Hello Kitty was never that much of an important character in my childhood, so naturally, when I scrolled through my Facebook newsfeed and discovered that Hello Kitty Cafés opened, my inner child was intrigued. The closest café is located in Westfield Santa Anita. I arrived at the café at 5:27 p.m. on a Thursday with a friend only to discover that the café was really just a pop-up stand. It was easily spotted compared to all the other shops around it due to the overwhelming colors of pink in the food display, menu, and overall appearance of the place. The atmosphere was gentle and pleasant, and for a school day, there were a lot of people.

The menu was limited to desserts, drinks, and espressos with the cheapest thing being a Hello Kitty bow bottle water, which is basically water in a bow-shaped container. The first thing about the menu that caught my eye was how unreasonably

overpriced everything seemed to be for some generic fruity flavored drinks. I thought to myself, “Wow, this better be some good iced tea and cookies.”

As I approached the cashier, she greeted me with a smile and politely asked me what I would like to order. I ordered two drinks, peach iced tea and strawberry mint lemonade, with two desserts, a sugar cookie and a Hello Kitty pocket pie. Everything cost about $19 with the drinks both at $4.50 each, the sugar cookie at $4, and the pocket pie at $4.75.

When I received the drinks, I was a bit disappointed to see that the cups were regular plastic to-go cups with three mere words on it: “Hello Kitty Café.” The peach iced tea tasted like any other ice tea that I have ever had. But the two things I was let down by was that it tasted like it could be made with an instant powder and that a majority of the drink was ice. The Hello Kitty pocket pie was a doughy pastry in the shape of Hello Kitty’s head with strawberry jam on the inside and white icing with sprinkles on top.

The sugar cookie came in three different shapes, and I tried two of them. The dough had different textures, but the icing on both cookies left an artificial color on my tongue. The strawberry mint lemonade was mediocre, but the strawberry chunks and mint leaves gave the drink a better flavor.

Although Hello Kitty Café sounds like an interesting place, it really is just some other typical café. I personally would not go here again, but this is the place to go for aesthetic Instagram photos.

7

Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Photo courtesy of The Independent

Lucas Jorgensen Marvel Studios is famous for making remarkably successful superhero movies. In 2014, they released the second Captain America feature and followed this with quite possibly the most unexpected film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): “Guardians of the Galaxy”. The Guardians were a never before heard of team of criminal aliens who would unexpectedly become heroes. They were still very different types of superheroes, who introduced not only an intergalactic aspect to the MCU, but also more good-natured cursing, innuendos, and a vintage taste in music.

The sequel to their first excellent adventure follows the same fantastic pattern as the first film. The Guardians had to fend off yet another evil alien race of an unnatural skin tone, all the while jamming to Star-Lord’s (Chris Pratt) “Awesome Mix Volume 2.”

In the middle of fleeing these beings, they encounter Star-Lord’s father, Ego (Kurt Russell). Continuing in their attempts to save the Galaxy and themselves from their new foes, the team adds more members and enemies

as they blast, shoot, and joke their way out of yet another mess.

It is obviously another hit for Marvel Studios, but the problem is that it is a very similar hit. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 plays to the theme of another awesome mixtape left by Star-Lord’s mother for him and has more mature attitudes, humor, and violence.

A noticeable difference is that Groot is not some big tree man; he is a baby — cuter but not as useful this time. They once again run from an alien race that they angered, as they are pursued by Yondu Ortega’s (Michael Rooker) Ravagers. It is the same movie that is disguised as a sequel (a sequel with a minor plot hole), but that does not mean it is bad or worse than the original: it is a convincing disguise.

Like the first movie there is a lot of new material brought to the MCU, but much of it goes deeper. It features not just one or two post-credit scenes but five, and over 30 easter eggs and cameos—Stan Lee included. So in a galaxy full of superheroes, what Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 lacks in originality, it makes up for in being a great adventure.

LA screams for ice cream museum

Photo courtesy of ABC7

This artwork takes a sweet spin on the classic Hollywood sign.

Vincent Maresca Los Angeles has recently obtained the sweet surprise of a museum that showcases everything about ice cream. From popsicle jungles to banana vines, the Museum of Ice Cream pulls out all the stops and recreates childhood dreams that people of all ages can enjoy. Unlike other museums, this museum focuses solely on the childhood antics of young minds and also gives adults a chance to relive these once “impossible” memories, so do not expect long lectures on the history of anything around here. Imagine it as an ice cream convention more or less. Ice cream is also not the only option, despite the name.

Attractions include banana streamers, fruity breakfast, popsicle jungles, and even mochi. This only scrapes the tip of this very sweet iceberg.

To say this is a traditional museum where the history of ice cream is revealed is far off from the truth. To say it was an artistic and tasty experience wrapped in pink exteriors is a better description. However, such entertainment is never free, going for a whopping $29 for one adult ticket and $18 for one child ticket with the tickets being online-only purchases. But with such hefty prices, they promise not to disappoint by providing trampolines for airborne selfies, mint farms, and Seth Rogan’s voice (they cannot deny that it is not) to accompany you through a tour of the museum. Overall, this is not some kind of revolutionary idea, nor a lesson in ice cream history. It is simply an attraction made to idolize the very idea of ice cream and sweets, and the ones behind this clearly know what they are doing.

8

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

BOYS VOLLEYBALL TRACK AND FIELD VARSITY 5/2 vs Schurr 5/9 vs University (CIF) JV 5/2 vs Schurr FRESHMAN 4/26 vs Damien

3-0 3-1

2-0 N/A

W W

W

VARSITY

4/13 vs Mark Keppel (B) 75-48 W (G) 72-54 L

4/27 @ Montebello (B) 55-54 L (G) 77-47 L

FROSH/SOPH 4/13 vs Mark Keppel (B) 80-47 L (G) 74-53 L 4/27 @ Montebello

BASEBALL VARSITY 5/5 @ Mark Keppel 6-2 1-0 5/9 @ Montebello 5-1 5/12 vs Montebello

SWIM

SOFTBALL

W W L

JV 5/5 vs Mark Keppel N/A 11-1 L 5/9 vs Montebello 29-0 L 5/12 @ Montebello

SPORTS

VARSITY 5/4 @ Bell Gardens 5/8 vs Mark Keppel 5/10 @ Montebello

12-10 W 14-4 W 2-0 L

JV 5/4 @ Bell Gardens 5/8 vs Mark Keppel 5/10 @ Montebello

N/A N/A 16-6

L

VARSITY 5/5 @ Schurr (League Finals) JV 5/5 @ Schurr (League Finals)

(B) 3-3 4th (G) 3-3 4th (B) 3-3 4th (G) 3-3 4th

BOYS TENNIS VARSITY 5/2 vs Schurr

10-8 L

JV 5/2 @ Schurr

12-6 L

BADMINTON VARSITY 4/5 @ San Marino

11-10 W

JV 4/3 vs Mark Keppel 16-5

(B) 51-50 W (G) 67-55 W

W

Senior athlete of the month: softball player Marissa Cordova M i c h e l e T h ai During her freshman year, senior Marissa Cordova joined softball and has not looked back since. She has been on the varsity team all four years of her high school career and has been recognized for her outstanding performance on the field. Her love for the game has led her to become the diligent player she is today, proving that hard work and dedication does pay off in the long run.

“I enjoy everything about it,” Cordova said. “The thrill of hitting, running, and making a good play.

Being able to play with girls that are sisters to me [who] always have my back. Softball is my escape from reality [and has allowed] me to show people what I could do and helps me clear my head when needed.”

Cordova’s participation since her freshman year has helped her grow as a versatile softball player as she can handle playing different positions on the field. Her commitment to the sport finally paid off

once her coach recommended her as MVP for this past spring season.

“I think my coach chose me because he can use me anywhere [on the field],” Cordova said. “This year, we needed a pitcher, and I was able to step up and go out of my comfort zone in order to pitch without complaining about it.”

Despite her outstanding performance, being on the varsity level does bring some hardships, but Cordova soon defeated those struggles once presented with an opportunity to do so.

“Softball has taught me how to help people and how to be a leader,” Cordova said. “Softball has helped me with everything in life, and it is my passion.”

Although this season will be her last, she has appreciated all the opportunities softball has offered to her, including being in Division Ⅴ All CIF and an all league player.

“Softball has given me a place to call home,” Cordova said. “No matter where I play or who I play with, I always feel a sense of home.”

Photo courtesy of Marissa Cordova

Senior Marissa Cordova catches the thrown ball with her gloves.

Staff conquers senior class in annual, competitive basketball game N i an C apili

Photo by Nian Capili

Senior Jennifer Yan shoots a free throw after her foul as her opponents line up to get a rebound.

From the staff members showcasing their solid skills on the court to the seniors responding with their own techniques, the staff versus senior basketball game was an intense, fun, and competitive game hosted by the Senior Class Council (SCC) on May 10. The Matador Arena was filled with students and staff supporting their colleagues on the court throughout the game. With a final score of 67-62, the staff prevailed, emerging victorious.

Senior Deanne Dinh said that they underestimated the staff and was a little nervous at first because they saw them dunking during warm ups. Senior Tach Chong also said that they had a lot of fun even though they lost by five points and got dunked on. “I think we did really good, we played hard,” Chong said.

The first half was full of energy and excitement as the staff members started off strong in the first quarter with a 10-0 run. The clock ticked down under five minutes, and the seniors were still scoreless until they made adjustments by substituting in five varsity girls basketball players who were able to score nine points, hyping up the crowd full of students on the bleachers. The score remained at 18-9 with the staff leading as the second quarter began.

The second quarter was amusing as the staff continued to bully the courageous seniors. Rules were broken for fun as the seniors tried putting a stop to the staff’s scoring run by substituting in seven players on the court. Both teams consistently scored the ball, unable to put a stop to one another as the score shifted to 28-17 with the

staff still in the lead.

The second half commenced with a more confident, pumped-up squad for the seniors as they cut the staff’s lead into single digits, 34-30. However, the staff was not going to allow the seniors to heat up and take the lead. They put a stop to the seniors flow and built their lead back to double digits, finishing the quarter at 48-38. The fourth quarter was more competitive than fun for the players and was by far the most extraordinary quarter throughout the game as both teams remained consistent with their scoring rhythms.

As the seniors began inching closer to the staff by only eight points, volleyball coach Joshua Anderson exposed his vertical jump, rocketing up for an alley oop and slamming it into the basket, increasing the staff lead back to double digits. The seniors continued to battle their way and expanded the score into a three-point deficit, with the staff up at 65-62. Unfortunately, as the quarter ended in under 12 seconds, the staff sealed the deal with Khary Lands, also known as Coach K, who exploded off of the floor for a monstrous slam dunk defeating, the seniors at 67-62.

Chong and Dinh both claimed that the seniors want a rematch against the staff and also shared some advice for incoming seniors who want to participate in this event. “Don’t underestimate the teachers at this school, play hard, have fun, and always block Ms. Wu,” Dinh said. Chong also advised the incoming seniors to have fun and give everyone a good show. “Watch out for [math teacher Ronnie] Woo. He always says ‘bow them up, take them to school’,” Chong said.

FEATURES

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

9

Daniels, Ramsay, Rubio bid farewell to San Gabriel Silvia Rubio

A n n y L i Wu

Silvia Rubio is retiring on her fourteenth year of working at San Gabriel High School’s (SGHS) attendance office as a manager.

Working as an attendance office manager is not an easy job, as SGHS has a bigger campus, more teachers, and students older than what she was used to in her previous school. Rubio wishes good luck to the future manager of the attendance office.

“There are changes every year, and I hope the next Office Manager will have an easy transition,” Rubio said.

Rubio started working for the Alhambra School District at Garfield Elementary School as a librarian. After coming to SGHS, Rubio missed the kids that would visit her during their recess and lunch hours.

“I loved when the primary grades would sit in a circle on the rug while I read stories to them,” Rubio said.

“It was very hard to leave the those little kids.”

At the beginning of the 2003 school year, Rubio transferred to SGHS from Garfield.

“After a few years [working at SGHS], I saw the name of a substitute teacher that looked familiar and

Georgia Daniels

Kelly Ho

Dancer, US Navy attorney, assistant county council, and substitute teacher—English teacher Georgia Daniels has served as them all. After 13 years of teaching English at San Gabriel High School, she will now be moving on towards the next chapter of her life as a fulltime, self-employed conflict mediator.

Before becoming a teacher, Daniels served as a lawyer at both the government and private level; her transition from practicing law to teaching was far from smooth sailing. However, what began as a struggle slowly evolved into a fulfilling journey where she was able to educate and push her students toward “finding their own power.” “[Teaching] wasn’t a very good fit at first.

When I started, I had only taught for three to four weeks and had one training program. I didn’t have any idea what I was doing, and I made some mistakes with discipline,” Daniels said. “But it grew into something more. After I started teaching English Learners and AP, my goal was no longer to get out as soon as I could because I really enjoyed it a lot.”

From there, Daniels’s passion for teaching grew as she saw her students “develop into capable writers, speakers, and thinkers.” As

was surprised and delighted to see my little library friend, teacher Stephanie Boettcher,” Rubio said. “She’s now on staff in the history department.”

Aside from her work, there are many stories that Rubio said she would never forget.

“Three of my four kids attended SGHS,” Rubio said. “My son, Morgan Kadoya, was a four-year band member.

He graduated in 1999, and when he married in 2013, he reached back to his band days here and asked [band teacher] Tammy Cognetta to play at his wedding.”

Beda Ramirez, a guidance technician, has worked with Rubio for fourteen years, both at Garfield Elementary School and SGHS. “Silvia has wonderful stories, and she is such a character. She is so funny, and she is a traviesa,” Ramirez said. “I will miss her.”

Rubio also said that she will miss those whom she worked with as well.

“They are like a second family to me, and I hope to keep in touch,” Rubio said.

With her retirement, Rubio plans to return to school and get involved with volunteer work, possibly at animal shelters, in the future.

she shared her ideas with her students, she also learned from them, and for Daniels, that reciprocity is the most important to her. Teaching provided her with not only the pleasure to educate others, but the opportunity for learning experiences as well. “[Students] have the sage-on-the-stage and the guide-on-the-side. The more I stay on the side, really, the more I like it, because then the kids really have the chance to shine,” Daniels said. “If I quit learning, then I would definitely think it’s time for me to stop teaching. But I’m still learning from my students.”

For Daniels, one of her greatest learning experiences was developing the ability to see a gift in each of her students.

“I don’t think that I was necessarily a very respectful person when I first started. When you’re in the Navy, you’re an officer, and you’re a lawyer, sometimes you can get delusions of superiority,” Daniels said. “But everybody is worthy of respect. [After teaching], I think I’ve learned to abandon that because I’ve really learned that everybody has some kind of strength.”

This kindness and compassion allowed Daniels to foster close bonds with both her students and colleagues. Mathematics teacher Pek Lee was among those companions; in 2014-15, they frequently went on walks and did yoga

Michael Ramsay

Nian Capili

Coming out of the University of Arizona majoring in aquatic biology but ending up taking a history course, history teacher Michael Ramsay will retire after 30 years of teaching at San Gabriel. Ramsay has been involved with the school as a teacher and coach, enjoying what he does for his students and colleagues.

Back in Arizona, Ramsay did not favor his major as an aquatic biologist, and a history professor intrigued him with the course.

“Someone suggested teaching so I observed it, tried it, and fell in love with it. I never turned back and found my calling,” Ramsay said.

Since then, Ramsay decided to teach in the social studies department for San Gabriel High. Within those 30 years, Ramsay has been active outside of the social studies department as a coach for multiple sports such as volleyball, swim, and golf.

Ramsay participated in sports back in Arizona such as volleyball and

swim, which encouraged him to coach for those sports in San Gabriel. At first, he coached for the junior varsity girls volleyball team alongside former science teacher Larry Kanow back in 1988 for 13 years. Ramsay did not know much about coaching until Kanow taught him everything he knew. Along with volleyball, Ramsay also coached for the swim team with his assistant at the time, Tamara Cognetta.

After coaching for both those sports, he carried on his coaching skills for golf with Coach Keith Jones.

Ramsay has had a great career for teaching and coaching. He said that he will remember all the good and bad that has happened throughout his tenure, such as the Jeff Cox shooting in 1988, football and swim winning CIF, and many more. He believes that he has been here long enough and that it is time to move on with his life.

“I went under reconstruction spinal surgery. I have a lot of metal in my back and I hurt all the time but it’s not that bad,” Ramsay said. “I put in my time and want to enjoy my retirement. My wife, and other people have been bugging me to retire for 30 years, so I want to enjoy my retirement and cruise around the country for a year.”

During his retirement, Ramsay plans to get an RV sometime in late June or early August to go out and explore the country with his wife.

“I want to tour, visit every place not knowing where to go until I’ll find a nice place to settle down,” Ramsay said.

However, Ramsay will definitely miss many aspects of San Gabriel such as the social studies department, coaching, but what he will miss the most are the students.

“They’ve been fantastic. They can converse, laugh, and joke on the same level. I had a great time with them and never had a problem with them which I had a lot of fun with,” Ramsay said. “I always looked forward to coming to class and teaching stuff I never regretted.”

Photos by Michelle Ho

after school to relieve stress. With her exercise partner leaving, Lee said that she will “miss [Daniels] a lot.”

“It wasn’t just about walking or doing yoga.

We actually talked, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot from her. Sometimes when I was stuck with some kind of problem, I asked for her advice and opinion,” Lee said. “To me, it’s something that’s really different because I’m in the Math department and she’s in the English department. I always felt like being a math teacher was the most difficult job because you have to get students motivated, but I found out it was really similar for English classes too.”

Senior Minh Bach, who entered San Gabriel only two months ago and attended Daniels’s Structured English Immersion class, said that he feels “so lucky to [have] learned in her classroom.” Upon entering her class, Daniels personally helped Bach with his English skills after school.

“Thank you for everything, [Ms. Daniels]. I only had two months with you, but I had many memories with you, and I am very grateful for all that you have done for me,” Bach said.

Although her teaching career has come to an end, Daniels’s experiences have undoubtedly given her the power to touch the lives of those around her, and her profound influence will continue to live on beyond the classroom.

Photo by Michelle Ho

FEATURES

10

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

Seniors awarded for excellent performance Phoenix Award The Phoenix Award was presented to seniors Armando Alvarado and Danielle Morales for overcoming academic and personal obstacles. Despite their difficult circumstances, they persevered through many challenges.

Alvarado started his high school career with little effort; he failed every class except physical education in his freshman year. After he lost his grandmother, Alvarado decided to remove himself from the negative influence of some of his friends. He stopped ditching classes and started to attend class on time.

“I wanted to make [my grandma] happy,” Alvarado said. “That’s when I started to get everything together.”

From an early age, Morales suffered from depression. She received help during her freshman year but lost several loved ones since then, with the passing of her grandmother, uncle, and father. She fell in and out of depression again. However, with the support of her friends and her mother, Morales was able to get through her difficulties.

“I lost a lot of loved ones, but losing my dad was especially hard because this is such a crucial moment in my life and not having him here is really hard,” Morales said. “He was like my best friend. [But] now I really got it together for my dad.”

Alvarado and Morales are now continuing to work towards a brighter future.

Armando Alvarado

Danielle Morales

Athletic Scholar Award The Scholar Athlete Award was given to seniors Vicky Ong and Jarett Tan. The award acknowledged them for their outstanding achievements in both the academic and athletic fields.

Ong played volleyball as a varsity member for three of her four years on the team; she led the girls varsity volleyball team as the captain in her final year of high school. Later in the year, Ong also became jumps captain for track and field.

Jarett Tan

Vicky Ong

“I was so happy,” Ong said. “I feel that there [are] a lot of people that deserved [the award], but I’m really glad I got it.”

Tan participated on the basketball team for all four years of his high school career. In his senior year, he became captain of the boys varsity basketball team.

“I learned that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to become a student athlete,” Tan said. “It took hours of studying and working hard at practice.”

National Merit Scholar Renaissance Award Valeria Duran

Dang Lam

Seniors Valeria Duran and Dang Lam received the Renaissance Award for their contributions and dedication to their extracurricular activities. They demonstrated academic success while striving to make a positive impact on the school community.

Duran is involved in Courtesy Committee, Motivating Matadors (MoMa), National Honors Society (NHS), Red Cross, Senior Class Council (SCC), and swim, but she is most proud of her achievements in the Latino Academic Alliance and Working Towards the Future club.

“I learned that life can be very enriching,” Duran said. “[Academics] are really important, but at the same time, look for the things you really care about and the issues you care about. I think that makes high school itself more enjoyable.”

Lam participates in badminton, Giving Society, Key Club, Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement, MoMa, NHS, and SCC. “By interacting with people, like helping my teammates on the badminton team or helping out freshmen in the MoMa group, you feel like a part of this school,” Lam said.

“I learned to be a leader and how to care for people without expecting anything in return from them.”

Duran and Lam felt honored to be recognized for their hard work.

The National Merit is a scholarship program eligible to students who qualify based on their PSAT/ NMSQT scores. Seniors Eva Fong and Thinley Huang have gone from being semifinalists to Merit scholars in the widely acknowledged contest, with the score of 1480.

“I was happy and shocked when I received the award since it was something so recognized,” Huang said.”I feel proud of my achievement,” Fong said.

Both believe they could not have achieved their success without the help of those that have guided them with support and encouragement.

“My counselor, Ms. Vergo, and my friends, shoutout to [my] lunch squad, I love y’all! They were really helpful, even though they had other responsibilities, they were always happy and quick to help me with whatever I needed.”

To current underclassmen, Fong and Huang gave similar pieces of advice. Fong’s advice to future test takers is to “study hard, do not worry about it too much, and eliminate choices that you know are wrong.”

Eva Fong

Thinley Huang

Perfect Attendance Award The baseline for a strong education is school attendance; students who attend school consistently are more likely to perform better academically. This year ten seniors exceeded this expectation and achieved perfect attendance for their four years at San Gabriel High School. Seniors Vanessa Duenas, Kairu Han, Raymond Hu, Aung Kyaw, Edmond Lam, Caitlyn Luu, Kelia Ly, Aron Tran, James Tsai, and Evelyn Zamarripa attended nearly 720 days of school; they have not missed a single day in their high school career.

Briefs written by Chelsea Li, Eileen Ong, and Kayla Tang / Photos by Sunny Chen and Michelle Ho

WILLS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

HELLGERT ALMONTES Future Plans: To become an avionics electrician and MV-22 Osprey pilot in the United States Marine Corps.

Will: I, Hellgert Almontes bequeath my pet rocks Pedro and Pedro the II to Rebekah Carrillo. And I bequeath my collection of memes to DeMourney Washington.

Quote: “It’s not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” - JFK Memories: Volunteering at the snack bar during football games with Derek.

Predictions: Derek Toyomitsu will become a Samurai.

ASHLEY ARCE Future Plans: Major in Psychology at UC Irvine Will: I, Ashley Arce, bequeath my punctuality skills and lunch table spot to the underclassmen.

Quote: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” - C.S. Lewis Memories: Walking with Marilyn to all my classes, Choreo practices with Susan and Danielle, Sofia tripping over everything, laughing at Temo, hearing chisme from Jackie, Emily zoning off into space, Xiadani’s crazy laughs, and driving everywhere with Jess.

Predictions: Susan will become a computer whiz and Danielle will become a makeup artist.

Thanks To: Ms. Parra, Mr. Nguyen, my Choreo teammates, and to all my friends who have made these last four years memorable.

MAN LING (CHERYL) AU Future Plans: Study at Mt. San Antonio College.

Will: I, Cheryl Au, of happiness, bequeath my happiness to every Matador.

Quote: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Memories: Every single day with my friends, painting the lockers, math project, and silly jokes in class.

Thanks To: Mr. Woo, Ms. Chai, Mr. Hinojosa, Mr. Lemoine, Ms. Keller and my friends Erica, Kiki, and Howard.

DAVID AUYEUNG Future Plans: Enlist in the Marine Corps and see where life takes me.

Will: I, David Auyeung, of ambition and playfulness, bequeath my speed to Guomin Tang, my horrible eating habits to Annie Ruan, my adult humor to Ryan Lin, my work ethic to the track team, and my gratitude to all the staff and teachers at SGHS. Quote: “Whenever people say bless you to me after I sneeze, I wonder why. I’m already a God.” Memories: The blood, sweat, and tears made on the track field.

The hours spent grinding with my teammates. The track meets, bonding with the track family, learning from the track family, laughing with the track family. All four years of track are my memories.

Predictions: Kevin will continue to suck at basketball. Shirley will never stop overthinking. Draco will make the Chen family known in the U.S. and play professional football in China. Winston will become wealthy and live the life he envisioned.

Thanks To: All the people I’ve come across during my high school experience, especially to the track team for shaping me into the man I am today. Special thanks to Crystal for making my senior year lit! (: KATHY BACH Future Plans: I, Kathy Bach, bequeath my love and wisdom to Heidi Chow, Xareny Rodriquez, Sally Tran, Kelly Tran, Genesis Avila, and Claudia Hernandez.

Quote: “Don’t judge any woman until you have walked two moons in her moccasins.”

Memories: Ada’s deviled eggs from our potluck. An falling asleep everywhere. Genesis ripping her pants. Senh’s monstrous burps. Heidi doing homework during practice. Claudia stressing over math. Xareny hiding our backpacks. Kelly never being late to practice.

Predictions: I predict Kelly Tran will become a lawyer, Sally Tran, a doctor, and Genesis Avila a pharmacist.

Thanks To: Claudia Hernandez, Heidi Chow, Xareny Rodriguez, Genesis Avila, Sally Tran, and Kelly Tran for always being there when I needed them the most and for the laughs and love they

always gave me.

MINH BACH Future Plans: Study as much as I can to become the most successful chemist, find the best girl in the world, buy myself a Lamborghini.

Will: I, Minh Bach, of happiness and kindness, bequeath my height to Minh Ly and my awesomeness to everyone in Viet Club.

Quote: “Everyone comes to your life for a reason.”

Memories: I’ve just come here for 3 months, but I’ve already received the happiest moments with my Viet Club and everyone.

Predictions: Bao Duong will have his own barber shop, Phu will become a chemist, Minh Ly will become a rich man, Song Y is going to have his own business.

Thanks To: All members of Viet Club for guiding me a lot, Ms. Daniels for being so kind to me, Mr. Lemoine for his funny lessons, and especially Mr. Hinojosa for his life lessons.

THUAN BUI Future Plans: Starting a bakery with Anne, traveling the world with Di and trying to not drop out of college.

Will: I, Thuan Bui, of smiles and sunshine, bequeath my memes to Roxanne Fong Quote: “Words build bridges into unexplored regions.”

Memories: David- Waking up at 5 a.m to go to the gym, Anney- Our late night video chats & stress about chem, Diana- Polar Bears & Drawing games, Char- The most amazing 6 days of AP art, Vicki- Sitting in the parking lot of au79 to avoid our sick families Predictions: Y’alls gonna be famous and I’ll cater to your weddings.

Thanks To: All the people who pushed me to where I am today & all the two people who brought me to the lowest point of my life so I could jump back up again.

JUAN CAI Future Plans: STEM field.

Quote: “Que viva la Raza!”

KAYLLY CAI Future Plans: Figure out what I want to do.

Quote: “It may have just been a moment to you, but it changed every single one that followed for me.” - Iain S. Thomas Memories: Walking 8 miles in flat sandals, walking to Chipotle, sudden 9 p.m outings, ranting and venting at Starbucks, staying at Shirley’s house, karaoke, and baking.

Predictions: Michelle will open a bakery or a restaurant, Shirley will marry the man of her dreams, and I will mooch off of Shirley and be Michelle’s #1 customer.

Thanks To: Madame Rose, morning squad, my suffering buddies Mei, Mandy, and Kelly, my best friends Shirley and Michelle (and the others, William, Sylvia, and Emily).

AN CHAC Future Plans: Major in Nursing Science in UCI while becoming the world’s greatest rap star. See y’alls at Show Me The Money 6 with Jay Park & Dok2!!

Will: I, An Chac bequeath my monochrome fashion sense to Kelly, my love for GFriend & Twice to Anthony, my calculus brains to Claudia, my purple and green bruises to Genesis, Heidi, Xareny, Michelle, Ezra, Sally, and all my fellow future kiddos.

Quote: “I got this. I’m truly fine. I think I know a little bit about myself now.” - IU Memories: Getting scared over NoSleep with Annie & Kathy. Bus adventures with Kathy. Getting low at prom. Cooking & sleeping at Tim’s house. Falling flat on my butt & getting wet while hiking.

Disappearing pep flags during Spring rally late night practices.

Predictions: Kathy will cruise down the driveway rolling down her windows and eating tacos, Ada So will marry the guy with blue eyes who works at Baskin Robins, Annie will marry Izumi, Timothy will build my future mansion, Michael will be salty forever.

Thanks To: A. Lam, S. Wu, M. Lam, T. Heng for dragging my lazy butt places, ColorGuard bbys for filling my empty half of my life, K. Bach for all the adventures, Madame Rose for the last minute helps, Ms. Bassette for catching up on life & those who wave and smile @ me.

11 GEORGIANNA CHAN Future Plans: Major in Economics at UCLA. Enjoy getting freshman 15. Hope McDonald’s will sponsor me.

Will: I, Georgi, of great jokes and lover of food, bequeath my McDonald’s and puns to Ryan Lin. I, Georgi, victim of conditioning for track, bequeath running to my fast little, Sylvia.

Quote: “If the Dodgers win, you can get 6 piece nuggets with any purchase. Buy a cookie and they’ll both be under 50¢. Go download the app.”

Memories: Early volunteer events and free stuff with my lunch squad. McDonald’s runs with Ryan after practice. Taco truck runs after track. Walking to Starbucks freshman year. Spending way too much on boba and food. Taking the train to Koreatown.

Predictions: Ryan will stay pudgy. Ivy will still love Kermit. Sylvia will be captain. Thinley will get too many sugar highs from red vines and boba. San will dye her hair every color imaginable.

Eva will go broke over makeup. Jessica will go visit Korea again.

Thanks To: my chingus for going on spontaneous LA trips. My lunch squad for always having my back. Track for giving me a family. Ryan for always being there no matter what and for always going on food runs with me.

KENNY CHAN Future Plans: I’m going to be a United States Marine and earn my degree in Business Quote: “Pain is a down payment for success.”

Memories: Playing football, running track, hanging out with my friends, making new friends along the way, and going to fun field trips with M.C.A. Thanks To: Mr. Morales for being such a great coach, Mr. Kong for being a great coach, My friends: Ryan Lin, Kenji Toyomitsu, Hellgurt Almontes, David Auyueng, Draco Chen, Yazmany Pulido, Carlos Carrillo, etc...

REBECCA CHAN Future Plans: Major in Urban Studies and Planning at UCSD, start my own urban design firm/agency, become successful, rich, and happy to travel the world leisurely Will: I, Rebecca Chan, bequeath my bedroom, restroom, car, singing skills, and love for K-dramas to Alanna, widely envied scoop shot and horrible fashion sense to Lucy, my unlimited spin moves to Xue, my handles to Christine, and my jumper to Kaylee.

Quote: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” - Dr. Seuss Memories: Basketball practice without water, post-game dinners with Coach Honda, CIF losses, MESA & FBLA competitions, how Mr. Johnson who always remembers and knows me as “Kimberly”” and the long yawn-inducing talks by Coach Franey Predictions: Kitty will become a P.E. teacher, Michell will become a renowned neurosurgeon like in the ones in K-dramas, Jen will never receive foot surgery, Anita will be my millionaire best friend, and Alanna will cry her eyes out when I leave for college.

Thanks To: my parents for dealing with my mood swings and laziness, Alanna for being my sister, the basketball program in its entirety, Anita for everything, lunch squad for being the only people I hang out with, and Melissa for college advice.

ALEXIS CHAPA Future Plans: Major in Criminal Justice at Mt. San Antonio College and persue a career in Law Enforcement.

Will: I, Alexis Monique Chapa, from cleats to heels, will ALWAYS have determination with a positive attitude and know that the sky is the limit.

Quote: “Ain’t a women alive that can take my mama’s place.” - 2Pac Memories: Many memories that I’ll be leaving here at SG and of course with me forever; how can I forget all the pep rallies, games and school activities that I participated in. I bleed red & blue...

MATADOR 4 LIFE! Predictions: Valeria Duran, the queen of SGHS, will become president 2024, Vincent Nguyen will continue on being a successful rich young man, and Mia Rodriguez will become a model or, better yet, become a famous dancer.

Thanks To: Ms. Stone, Mrs. Gutierrez, Mrs. Beda, Mr. Nong, Mrs. Chung, Mrs. Tom, Mrs. McPherson, Mrs. Bishop, Mady someone I now consider a sister, Mrs. Parra, Mrs. Becky, Mrs. Jill, and last but not least, my mother the best gift God will ever give me...MY BEST FRIEND!

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THE MATADOR

CASSIDY CHAU Future Plans: Major in Business at UC Irvine.

Quote: “Our entire universe is probably in a tiny glass jar somewhere, placed on a shelf in an alien child’s bedroom as a science fair project that got a C-.”

Memories: Taking 45 minutes to get the mail during my TATutor period, watching friends play UNO, concerts, sleeping during zero period, and Gatsby.

Thanks To: Me TOM CHEAH Future Plans: Take over the world.

Will: I, Tom Cheah, of tacos and League clown fiestas, bequeath my calculus skills to Kathy and Christina, my speaking skills to my Extempers, and MESA to the next generation.

Quote: “Homies help homies, always.”

Memories: Taco runs with extempers, Speech & Debate practices, tournaments and team dinners, North Cal debate trips, building projects in Thomas’s room, MESA competitions, Ms. Tran’s savage calculus lessons, trigger circles, and lunch times with the squad.

Predictions: The Sydney Trieu Fan Club will balloon in membership. Sydney will release a best-selling book and become rich and famous. Kathy will finally fall in love.

Christina will learn how to turn on her brain. KT will continue to disappoint Thomas.

Thanks To: Andrew Nguyen and Extemp squad for debate experiences, Mr. Nguyen for MESA, Ms. Tran for drilling calculus into me, Ms. Kim for journalism, Ms. Cha for college apps help, and my upperclassmen, underclassmen, and friends for supporting me.

BIN CHEN Future Plans: Business Law major at ASU Will: I, Bin Chen, the bipolar and awkward me, bequeath my badminton skills to Simon Ma, my no eyes smile to Selina Han, my perfect Hainanese to Xue Fu. Quote: “Sometimes the most interesting and meaningful moments we have are the everyday happenings that are easily forgettable.”

Memories: Back to back badminton league champions, reciting poetry, taking naps in Mr. Wong’s room during 6th and secretly “steal” all his snacks, boba runs afterschool, volunteering with Red Cross and Interact. Ms. Mar class, and lunch squad.

Predictions: Aron Duong will become a world class history professor, Aron Tran will be in the NBA all star, Ryan Tang will become a well-known K-pop star, Eva Fong will become the coolest girl, and Alex Zhang will stop roasting Aron Tran.

Thanks To: Mr.Wong for listening to my complaints and lame jokes, Jordan T. for being the best coach I can ever ask for, Aron D. for giving me great advices, Aron T, for roasting me everyday, Vicki Lei for AP Lit, and Mr. Gin for the awesome gov class :) CHRISTOPHER CHEN Future Plans: Undecided in Major and College Will: I, Christopher Chen, emperor of the Chen Dynasty, bequeath the throne of my Kingdom to my little seastar, Sunny Chen.

Quote: “Wait ‘til the dreat bops.”

Memories: The wild Tuesday and Thursdays with BBB. Leaving for at ER4 for lunch with Aaron. The first hangout with Gilbert and Kimberly. Fishing in the middle of the night with the squad Jon, Tach, and Jessy. Bokchoi boyz night outs.

Predictions: Sunny will become an vegan. Bim will become a journalist. Kimberly will become a photographer.

Thanks To: Jannkyim, Bokchoi Boyz, Tach, Jessica, Ashley, Gilbert, and especially Kimboslice.

SUNNY CHEN Future Plans: Work a job I love, make enough money, travel the world (not necessarily in that order).

Will: I, Sunny Chen, of that weird weird, bequeath my amazingly terrible Mandarin to Virginia Situ, last-minute efficiency to Eileen Ong, and all my empathy and silliness to my Interact family.

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017 Quote: “Life happens for you, not to you.”

Memories: Souplantation, Trigger Circle™, too cool for schoo, Jannkyim’s iconic jr year Halloween costumes, Palm Springs x2, Disneyland, Big Bear, RYLA, vball craziness, the chismosas, photo shoots and being super grateful that I have amazing photog friends.

Predictions: Jaz will meet Lana. Kimberly and Chris’s home videos will go viral. Kim will continue to barf in people’s cars. Uyen’s bedtime will become 2 a.m. in college. Twenty tacos will be a snack for Vicky. Jannkyim will continue to love each other longtime.

Thanks To: Ms. Lee and Mr. Nong for all of your support and dedication. Ms. Kim for staying late hours and for those chocolate covered raisins. Chris for being a great big brother. Jannkyim, you are three-fourths of the person I am today. Sue. ZHIHAO CHEN Future Plans: Hopefully double major in Economics and Sociology at UC Davis, then I’ll transfer to private schools.

Master my English communicative and analytic skills to be understandable. Build up my athletic quality to try out for a football quarterback in China.

Will: I, Zhihao (Draco) Chen, of your swords and shields, pass down the courage to every Matador who hesitates at their unknown moments. Live strong and smile, take my words I’m still with you, god knows all I wish my friends are strength and guidance.

Quote: “The worst thing you could ever do is not to give it a try.” - My audiologist, Karla Ramirez.

Memories: My brothers held my hands tightly in football game, my second run passed the baton to me in track relay, my teammates cheered for me in swim-meet day. I was supported by my companies, elected to be club president, rejected by the girl to homecoming.

Predictions: David Auyueng will become a responsible man after his service in Marine. Juan Cai will be a reputable technical magnate. Draco will be a big shot in business or political field. David will be the first one to get married with a lady who loves him more.

Thanks To: My mother. My best companies David and Juan.

My audiologist Karla Ramirez and the teacher Vanessa Van Niman. Ms. An, Ms. Ochoa, Ms. Marquez, Ms. Serrano, Ms. Gutierrez, Ms. Stone, and all the teachers who have helped me get through the challenge.

CRIS CRUZ Future Plans: Famous Sports Announcer or Radio Personality Will: I, Cris Cruz, bequeath to Brian Maldonado my extreme coolness and my football locker. Also, to the Administration here at SG I leave my sense of humor so they can laugh sometime and not be so serious.

Memories: Football games, going to Nationals with Cheer and hanging out with my awesome girlfriend Kathy.

Thanks To: Ms. Nielsen for always helping me to be the best I could be!

HANDERSON DANG Quote: “The world is yours to travel, the wheel to life is in your hands and no one else. Go on, get out there, and make a name for yourself.” - Handerson Dang Memories: Anime Cafe as a part of the kitchen staff, hanging out with my friends by the lunch tables, and being part of the awesome Business and Technology Academy.

DEANNE DINH Future Plans: Major in Pharmaceutical Science at UC Irvine.

Will: I, Deanne Dinh, leave behind my amazing shot to Leah Tan, my love to Sarah Cao and Xue Fu, and my trust to Kaylee, Krissy, and Kailah Situ.

Quote: “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” - Robin Williams Memories: Basketball practices and games, AP Friday mornings, and drawing on Mr. Wong’s whiteboard.

Predictions: Andrew and Angel Canizal will become SG Splash Brothers, Sarah Cao will follow me to UCI, and Xue Fu will be an Adidas model.

Thanks To: Mr. Wong, Mr. Kanow, Ms. Parra, and all of my

WILLS

coaches throughout these four years.

SHIRLEY DINH Future Plans: Travel around the world, try different foods, marry rich.

Quote: “What time do we get out again?”

Memories: Talking and laughing with Michelle and Kaylly for the past four years, fangirling with Maliyah and Vy, and embarrassing dance sessions in the morning.

Predictions: Michelle Meng will build her own family of dogs, and Kaylly Cai will start driving at the age of 30.

Thanks To: Maliyah, Kelly, and Vy for being my concert buddies, and Kaylly and Michelle for being my best friends.

EMILY DONG Future Plans: Nap as much as I can until I go to UCLA and regret my decision to major in chemical/bioengineering Quote: “Chicago is a planet.”

Memories: Countless failed attempts to plan anything for 12 people Predictions: Anita’s eyebrows will be on fleek, Phuong and I will start a comedy show, San will burn her dorm down while trying to make ice, Thinley will eventually get her last NomCat, Johnathan will learn to spell his name correctly Thanks To: lunchsquad2k16-2k17 BAO DUONG Future Plans: Open up my own barber shop and name it “The Paw,” and major in digital photography at the Art Institute.

Will: I, Bao Duong, of craziness and loudness, bequeath my voice and tendencies to yell in the cafeteria to Van Tang, my parking lot to whoever doesn’t want to pay for a parking permit and my sharp, smooth fading skill for anyone who needs it.

Quote: “No money, no honey.” - Max Hinojosa.

Memories: All seniors that I met at prom were very beautiful and my guys at PE class and my Vietnamese Club, who makes me laugh and want to see you everyday.

Predictions: Ryan will become a senior, Phu will own a pharmacy, “Coming Back” will drive a Lamborghini at Lompoc, Linh will be my tax worker, Khai will be a CEO at a computer company and Minh will be a designer.

Thanks To: Rebecca, Phu, Khai, Linh, Minh, all my friends and teachers for giving me a good time at high school and especially to Mr. Hinojosa for your advices to prepare myself after high school.

VI DUONG Predictions: I will become a millionaire and work at NASA as CEO. Thanks To: BTA, Ms. Lee, Ms. Manalang, Mr. Nguy.

VALERIA DURAN Future Plans: Double Major in Applied Math and Anthropology at my dream school, save the world from injustice, and travel across the world with Sophia Duran Will: I, Valeria Duran (not Valerie), of wokeness and Mexican summer flings, bequeath my math skills to David Gomez, my Latinx pride to Manny, Martin, & Miguel, my swimming to Fatima, Daryl, & Ashley, and my college app stress to the ONE & ONLY Kevin Chai Quote: “She was warned. She was given an explanation.

Nevertheless, she persisted.”

Memories: Making a family in Spanish class, traveling Europe and Mexico, ASB laughter with Daniel and Chapa, Angie and I swimming faster than Alhambra, studying calculus with the twins, Mel, Gilbert, and my sissies, guac parties, winning prom queen, senior APR Predictions: Mia Rodriguez will become a loving dog mom, Victoria Vu-Mendes will become a millionaire coder, my Latinx calculus babes will learn to get along, David Gomez will make CIF, AP Spanish Literature will rise again, and Vicky will remain D1 for eternity Thanks To: Ms. Deniz for exposing me to a love for my culture, Mrs. Tran, Mr. Burbois, & Mrs. Haslam for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself, Mrs. Bishop for being an amazing human being, and Angela, Victoria, & Mia for their unconditional support

WILLS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

CUAHUTEMOC FLORES MARTINEZ Future Plans: Attend Humboldt State University to major in environmental studies and minor in wildlife.

Will: I, Cuahutemoc Flores, bequeath the illness of senioritis to the following senior classes to come. Good luck.

Quote: “Someday...” - The Strokes Memories: Bowling at the golden mile. Factory Tea Bar with my friends. Horror Nights with Emily and Sofia. Getting pulled over with Emily and Sofia. Ramen at Benten. Surprise birthday parties. Missions to In-N-Out. Daily roasts at the lunch table.

Thanks To: Savannah Laverne, Sofia Library, Jaxsters, Xiadanky, Lil’ Zotty, and Doynielle for being okay. Ms. Parra, Ms. Deniz, Ms. Burkhart, and Mr. Hinojosa for teaching. Jack Hughman and Avril Laveety. Why do they mean? Word fpr worf that’s what I heard. :) GABRIELA FLORES Future Plans: I’ll let the future me worry about my future plans.

Will: I, Gabriela Flores, will learn how to swim.

Quote: Disfruta las cosas buenas que tiene la vida.

Memories: My favorite memory in high school was when I scored for the opposite team during a basketball game haha.

Predictions: I predict the world will end in 2020.

Thanks To: SHOUT OUT TO BTA!!!

JENNIFER FLORES Future Plans: Major in Biomedical Engineering: Premed at UC Irvine, rule the world, marry rich, eat, and survive med school Will: I, Jennifer Flores, of “weaboo-ness” and unbelievable amounts of sass, bequeath my Anime Anonymous presidency to Kelly Loc and Tryphena Elliott, short legs to Vannak Vong, my always on fleek brows to Mina Lam, and my awkward dance moves to Amy. Quote: “Now you’re gonna learn what it really feels like to miss me.” - Beyoncé Knowles Memories: Crying over procrastinating on calculus homework, showing off my dance moves at Maid Cafe, always wanting to go out but just end up watching anime instead, my awk attempts at ditching class, trash talking with Shequila and Nikki (best girls ever ;)) Predictions: Hue and Mina will grow taller, Vannak will grow shorter, Michael will become the best rapper and fanfic writer of all time, Justin Nguyen will never get longer marching pants, and Vanessa will wear a black dress and combat boots at her wedding.

Thanks To: Hue, Michael, Nick, and Amy for nights of never ending games of Cards Against Humanity, Nick and Kelly for those after school food runs, Mina for them weeb talks <3, and all the office ladies for the daily chisme.

HAOXIN FU Future Plans: College, part-time job, work-out.

Quote: “Trust myself, believe in myself, I can!”

Thanks To: ALL MY TEACHERS, ALL MY FRIENDS, MY PARENTS AND ALL MY FAMILY MEMBERS. GILBERTO GALLEGOS Future Plans: Major in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Astrophysics at UC San Diego. Learn two more languages (German and Japanese) and live in another country for a couple of years.

Will: I, Gilberto Gallegos, of 2657 Earle Ave bequeath my Saints to Tom Quach, my rudeness to Nicole Nguyen, my design skills to Jacob Rodriguez, my calc skills to Maxwell Wong, and my annoyed face to Khang Ho. Quote: “Complaining all day, but in the same condition. If you wanna make change, it’s going to take commitment.”

Memories: Playing NBA 2k in Mr. Kanow’s class, random talks about anything instead of the lesson in Mr.Gin’s class, stopping Ms.Kim from eating cookies, getting kicked off the putting course with Bok Choi Boys.

Predictions: Aaron will be buff, Jimmy will move to New York ‘cause he loves the skyscrapers, Robinson will become a rapper at Taco Bell XD (jk professional rapper albums), and Vincent will be a pro esports player.

Thanks To: Bok Choi Boys truly grateful to have you guys as friends thanks for making senior year a blast, Victoria and Kim for being the best co EIC’s, Ms.Kim for being a great yearbook

adviser and life mentor EVAN GARCIA Future Plans: To get that szechuan sauce Morty Will: I, Evan Garcia, write this will to myself, I promise to skate fast and eat as many vegetable as I can so I can live a long and healthy life, get that szechuan sauce Morty, and to punch God in the face.

Quote: “wubalubadubdub.” - Rick Sanchez 2016 Memories: I remember I saw a bug in my salad, a guy making a sub cry.

Predictions: It’ll take 9 seasons, Morty.

Thanks To: my mom, dad, grandma, sisters, family, Bob Ross, David Bowie, Birdman, Scwanchy, Johnathan, Joseph, Jotaro, Josuke, Giorno, Jolyne, Jonny, Gyro, Gappy, Filthy Franku, Mama Mercy OMAR GARCIA Quote: “It’s not destiny, we make it.”

Memories: At the beginning of the year, I did not know anything about this country. This school showed me how to be a good person and how to communicate with the people. The love for my friends has grown in a different country with different people and different culture, but just one thing is the same: the love for these people.

ANGELA GOMEZ Future Plans: Become Director of Vibes and find my happiness somewhere outside of the 626.

Will: I, Ange, of sarcasm and vibes, bequeath my strength and love to Erika BBQ Duran, my happiness to the deserving Christina Yuan, yerdiness to Jacob, Khang, Syd, and Nicole, and all my perseverance to everyone who thinks they’re not going to make it.

Quote: “I will remain grounded in love and the belief that everything I want for myself is attainable.”

Memories: YBK camp/potlucks/chisme, walking around during 5th w/ my YBK squad <3, my english table freshman year, Ms. Kim’s craziness, Venice beach w/ Amanda and always meeting in Manalang’s, vocabulario in Deniz, + everything else I can’t remember right now Predictions: Vicky will finally find a man good enough for her, Erika will remain the queen of horoscopes and poetry, Khang, Jacob, Nicole, and Syd get into their dream schools, Christina remains a lil ball of sunshine, every1 who slept on me and Vicky wakes up Thanks To: Sam Wu and her mom for always treating me like their own, Ms. Kim for keeping my curiosity alive, Hendrickson for reminding me why I love school, Vergo for the unwavering support, and finally Rose and Manalang for, literally, everything.

TATIANA GOMEZ Future Plans: Major in Family Psychology at Cal State Sacramento.

Will: I, Tatiana Gomez, leave my retired pom poms to the love of my life Alyssa Martinez, my sass to Jordan Phan, and my strength & sympathy to Nicole’s new base.

Quote: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - Winnie the Pooh Memories: Friday Night Lights with my favorite cheer sisters, staying in with my ASB family, Ms. Deniz’s stories about herself, and spirit weeks with my spirit children and their father.

Predictions: Kiana will become a professional singer, Sydney will be my personal chef and marry an older guy, and Manny will become Shimmer Poppin.

Thanks To: Ms. Parra, Ms. Deniz, Ms. Johnston, Ms. Revilla, my spirit babies Mel, Cindy, and Fabi, my cheer sisters Haley, Nicole, Alyssa, and my best friends Kiana & Gabby.

PHUONG HA Future Plans: Opening a food stand with Thinley Quote: “Goat yoga in the park.” - Georgi Memories: Gossiping with the Sacramento group, hanging with the lunch squad, psych table conversations, volleyball/football games with Michelle, losing brain cells because of San and Eva, 5th period Spanish class Predictions: Thinley will marry someone who will love her as much as she loves red vines. San Diem Vu will finally accept that

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she is allergic to sugar. Emily will deep clean her house. Anita will break out of her shell and meet a cute boy.

Thanks To: Lunch squad, Sacramento group, tennis gang, memes

WINSTON HAU Future Plans: Pursue Accounting at University of California, Berkeley Will: I, Winston Hau, bequeath my legendary trombone skills to Tom Quach and Varathon Thach, my no-stress mentality to Vincent Tieu, my freshness to Kelvin Huynh and Ricky Jiao, my hair game to Justin Phan and Wilson Tran, and my nasty crossover to Ryan Lin. Quote: “I want it so I’mma go get it (skr skr).” - Madeintyo Memories: Side View in Gin’s all day, knocking out in classes, 36 hours awake from Bishop annotations, late night $1 Boba Ave. runs, spontaneous hangouts, 6-piece McNuggets, the formation of Nintendo Diez, transforming into a different person, and finding love Predictions: Kevin will become captain of Underground dance team, Bob’s belly will pop from food overload, Chris will become the Drift King, Calvin will take over Android, Brandon will love kids, Thomas will drop a fire mixtape, and Uyen will stop taking L’s.

Thanks To: Mrs. Bishop, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Wong, Nintendo Diez, Wangerson Boyz, Kevin Huynh, Bob Teehee, and my sweetheart Uyen Sy. TIMOTHY HENG Future Plans: Major in Civil Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona and ultimately enjoy life to the fullest.

Will: I, Timothy Heng, bequeath my good grades to Brian Tong, my remaining passion (fruit tea) to Clara Quach, and my chill pills to Cathy Do. Quote: “Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder.” - Hamilton: An American Musical.

Memories: Late nights with my friends, countless Speech and Debate tournaments, hanging out during my free periods, Little Tokyo, Speech overnight, that one awesome sleepover at my house, and the Joshua Tree camping trip.

Predictions: I predict that Raymond Hu will become the model that everyone knows that he is, Dion Jiao will become mother to all, and Kelly Ho will be the anomaly who retains her high school friendships.

Thanks To: All of my friends for making school and life enjoyable, food for being there for me all the time, all of the hardships in my life for keeping me humble, and my teachers for caring about me and educating me.

EVA HERNANDEZ Future Plans: Become a writer/editor at a big publishing house; live in a tiny house with my three dogs and two cats; collect mountains of books to keep me company in my spare time; become a fairy and live in Velaris (some people might get this someday).

Will: I, Eva Hernandez, of fab hair and humor, bequeath my sarcasm and wit to Wendy Z. and the rest of the baby hurdlers, my love of books to Alyssa R, my stamina to the rest of the XC team, and my caring nature to any underclassmen I’ve cared for (you know who you are).

Quote: “To the people who look at the stars and wish... and to the stars who listen—and the dreams that are answered.” Sarah J Maas Memories: Laughing at nothing with Alyssa, late night conversations with Nick, mispronouncing my name, witty conversations with Aron, sweating in track/cross practice, my dad being a track dad, reading during lunch, and Mr. Whitman’s water filter (lifesaver).

Predictions: Aron will look less “ew” with time, Wendy and Sally will become Olympic hurdlers, Huong and Jefferey will last through college, Nick will write a book about dad jokes, Alyssa will take my “lessons” to heart, and Wendy will do stand up comedy.

Thanks To: Nick Ly and Alyssa Rosas (my best friends), the hurdle kids for cheering me through the stutter steps, the distance kids I practically grew up with in H.S, Andy Beirsack’s music that I can relate to, Mr. Tran for being a friend/mentor, and my papá.

16

THE MATADOR

KELLY HO Future Plans: Continue going on crazy adventures with Thomas and Sydney, play MapleStory and scream HSM/throwback songs until I die, and figure out what to do with my life at Pomona College.

Will: I, Kelly Ho, of bad puns and street Cantonese, bequeath my senioritis and love to Joanne, theme songs to Ivan, MapleStory obsession to Ernest, raisins to Lucas and Nian, seen-zoning to Matthew, old age to Virginia, and energy to the Extempers.

Quote: “It is in you to carry on, … it is in you to find your way home.”

Memories: Speech and debate friendships, Berkeley trip, K-drama binges with koreamigos, Maple discord calls, trigger circles, weird birthday videos, uno truth-or-dares, sick Thomas, K-town/food bus adventures, Six Flags death, car ride karaoke, HSM sleepovers.

Predictions: Tom will find shoujo romance, Dion will go pro autoracing, Ai will find Peace, Calvin will become a potato, Tim will find happiness, Thomas’s dorm will be next to rot in Random Hall, and Sydney will continue to empower others and follow her dreams.

Thanks To: Ms. Kim for inspiring me with her passion, Mr. Woo for helping me love math again, Mr. Hendrickson and Mrs. Vergo for always believing in me, Leon and Andrew for teaching me the joys of life, lunch squad for their craziness, and the Memesketeers for their patience and unconditional friendship.

CHI HOANG Future Plans: Get LIT anywhere and everywhere XD Will: I, Chi Hoang, bequeath my photo skills to Leo Yue, my K-pop addiction to Khang Ho, my lunch to Jenny Luu, my stories to Peter Chou, my fashion sense to Christina Yuan, my HOSA spirit to Catherine and Tiana, and my chisme to Nicole Nguyen :3.

Memories: Bus Ganq sitting together, watching Unsolved Cases with my yerds, listening to Nicole’s chisme, making fun of Peter for everything, eating Victoria’s leftovers, making dad jokes so Cocoa can steal them, talking about Big Bang with Jeanie and Eva. Thanks To: Giang, Tiana, Catherine, Johanna, and Richard for dealing with me in HOSA, all the Yerds, Jamie Yang for taking care of me in MESA, Mrs. Wu, Ms. Kim, Mr. Nguyen, and BUS GANQ for being there for me and dealing with all my extraness.

DAVID HOANG Future Plans: Attending UCI as Undeclared but hoping to transfer into Computer Science. To become a professional Smash player and top 100 in Osu! xD. Go to PAX, E3, Anime Expo. Hopefully travel a lot too.

Will: I, David Hoang, of tilt and memes, bequeath my calc knowledge to Henry Vuong, my knees to Jerome Ee, my hops to Matthew Chow, my memes to Jordan Ballesteros, my mentality to Ethan Chan, my Osu! skill to Jerrick Ee, and my Overwatch rank to Bryan Lam Quote: “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.” - John Wooden Memories: Each volleyball CIF run every single year, #keepkwan, numerous food adventures with my friends, the almost monthly KBBQ runs, numerous all nighters to finish assignments, late night gaming with the squad.

Predictions: Raymond shall be my next physical therapist, Lin will become the next top photographer, Jeffrey will do my taxes for me, Derick will create the next trending dance, Nick will hit a total of 1200, and the team next year will make a great CIF run.

Thanks To: Coach Chris and Mr. Kanow, along with the whole volleyball program, the lunch squad for being the realest, and Thuan, Liz and the Luuser xd for being the real MVPs throughout the past 4 years.

AI HONG Future Plans: In the near future: enjoying what little remains of my youth and studying. In the far future: hopefully handling something dead. Bonus points for rotting flesh. In the far far future: not die yet.

Will: Ai bequeath my chill to dongsaeng Emily, my stress tolerance to Shirley, my Nyas to Jasmine, my math blessings to Jonathan and eternal Freshman Alice, my freedom from art blocks to Lu and Ashley ;), and my luck to all my other kouhais.

Quote: “Dying robotic screeching of terror.” - Pokemon Games Predictions: Emily will become a world famous K-drama director and actor, Shirley will find inner peace as a crazy cat lady, college becomes free. (One can hope.)

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017 Thanks To: All my wonderful teachers who made school an amazing experience, all my cool friends, and all my underclassmen who let me help them out. Y’all made the 4 years of educational prison worth it!!! :) JACK HOU Future Plans: To become a doctor for internal medicine.

Will: I, Jack Hou, of America, bequeath my smartness to Jocelyn Mora, my fast typing skills to Kaitlyn Huynh, and my kindness to everyone.

Quote: “Life is better at the beach.”

Memories: Eating lunch alone, doing homework, making my online portfolio, annoying Kaitlyn in class, giving people gum Predictions: Jocelyn will become an okay nurse. Kaitlyn will be an amazing nurse and come work at my hospital.

Thanks To: Kaitlyn Huynh, Jocelyn Mora, Ms. Loggins, My parents, and the internet.

RAYMOND HU Future Plans: Major in Undeclared.

Will: I, Raymond, of PERFECT attendance, bequeath my recognition to Jennifer Smith, Michael Johnson, Erik Handy, Jonathan Scipio, Henry Lee, Wendy Chan-Miller, Alex Jackson, and Tomás Wang.

Quote: “Confidence.” - Raymond Hu Memories: Erik H. picking up my textbooks as they fell from my arms, it was romantic. Jennifer S. getting that D in Calculus. Tom W. picking me up late to prom. </3 Aron D. driving me home in his beat-up truck after the stars fell ~~~ Thanks To: Joy for remembering my oranges. Thomas for promoting senior wills in Lit. Thomas for copy-pasting my senior will for me.

Thomas for helping me pass Lit. Thomas for.... Patrick, Tommy, Alex, Joel, Char, Vicki, Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, and YOU. AMY HUA Future Plans: Chemistry Major at UCI (unless UCLA somehow takes me off the waitlist) Will: I, Amy Hua, will bequeath the following to my lovely underclassmen friends: The lunch spot near the A building and MPR, all of my puns (even the most cringe-worthy ones), my British accents, and my abuela voice.

Quote: “Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.” - Isaac Newton Memories: Getting up at 5 AM for Science Olympiad competitions, power-walking from my history classes all the way to the cafeteria, staying up until 1 AM to write lab reports Predictions: I predict that everyone’s futures will flow smoothly like the rivers and seas.

Thanks To: My Spanish teachers (¡Gracias por todo!), ... Oh, who am I kidding? I thank all of my teachers! Also: Mr. Whitman for his Sci Olympiad dedication, Mrs. Vergo for answering all of my questions, every classmate I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in SG AMY HUANG Future Plans: Major in Accounting at Cal Poly SLO. Will: I, Amy Huang, of smiles and golden retrievers, bequeath my craziness to my lovely Kaylee Situ, my loudness to Christine Nguyen, and my pencils to Natalie Li. Memories: Basketball games, exploring with Michelle Tran, food adventures with Lynh Luong, secret santa gathering with the squad, and fun times at Kylie’s house w/ Daniel Phan and Winnie Pan. Predictions: Tam will become a Youtuber, Michelle Tran will be my best friend for the rest of my life, and Lynh will be my Buu forever.

Thanks To: Mr. Wong for always giving advice inside and outside of school, my best friend Michelle Tran for supporting me through everything, Rebecca Chan, Tiffany Wang, Tam Ngo, Michelle Lam, Michael Nguyen for all the drop offs and the love of my life, Lynh Luong.

KEVIN HUANG Future Plans: Professional LOL player.

Quote: “Don’t be shy and just do it.”

Memories: Playing LOL with my friends during the evening everyday.

Predictions: Sam Y. will be a Challenger LOL player, Dylan L. will be a game designer.

Thanks To: All my friends for always staying by my side.

THINLEY HUANG

WILLS

Future Plans: Drink lots of boba and take a picture with Aaron Yan and JunCurryAhn and find a guy with a great per$$$$$$onality Will: Well check the technique, yo! There’s a traffic accident I have to mention at the intersection of 10th Avenue and the Jacob Javitz Convention Center. And check it, don’t get stuck in the rubberneckin on 192nd ‘cause there’s a double-decker bus wreck Quote: “Gotta boing!!!”

Memories: Georgia and her CHONS that got me through Sumi’s class. Cup noodles and football under the stars, rejecting Elaine’s love, and going to Asian American Expo for goodies. Skipping school for FBLA trips. Remember, if you broke-ah ur Broca it’s no good!!

Predictions: Sonam’s going to become president of everything.

Sacramento gang will continue to gossip. San Duy Diem Vu will find out she actually is allergic to sugar. Anita will get a bae. Phuong will become a motivational speaker. Lunch squad > Bus gang always.

Thanks To: MOMA, FBLA, Ms. Perla, Ms. Patti, Mr. Jung, Ms. Jung, the nurse, Sanna Duy Diem Vu even though she sucks, Lunch Squad, and Sonam but not really for a great(?) 4 years.

JUSTIN HUYNH Future Plans: Serve in the United States Army and major in Nursing.

Will: I, Justin Huynh, of smiles and laughter, bequeath my high jump skills to Ryan Lin, my basketball and guitar playing skills to Brandon Solano.

Quote: “Don’t worry about those who talk behind your back, they’re behind you for a reason.” - Pravinee Hurbungs Memories: Hanging out with lunch squad, Cavan, Jenny, Derek, Jordan, Omar, Matthew, Crystal, Nick. Sushi at lunch with Nick. Car meets to beaches, movies. Snapchats with Dan Dan, 3rd period fam Ivy, Aaron. Fresh cookies to Ivy, playing scratchers, pool to Aaron Predictions: Cavan gets a Gtr, Jenny’s CEO of Victoria Secret, Derek’s a model, Crystal, Jordan, Matthew are in the Olympics, Nick has a big sushi restaurant, Ivy’s a professional choreographer, Aaron becomes a millionaire, Omar has a mixtape with Kendrick Lamar Thanks To: 3rd period squad, Ms. Tom, lunchsquad, Daniel Phan, Mr. Hendrickson, Khoa Huynh. I thank you all for always being there for me through the ups and downs in my life. P.S. I’ll never forget you all. And I love you guys!

KAITLYN HUYNH Future Plans: Major in Nursing at UCR Will: I, Kaitlyn Huynh, of Alhambra, bequeath my money for chips to Paul Ponce, my writing skills to Alexandra Michelle, my understanding between smart and not to Jack Hou, and all my amazing memories to this school.

Quote: “It never hurts to be sweet in a world so sour.” - Myself Memories: Spending endless hours trying on new clothes, eating lunch with all my friends, hours of laughing and smiling over quirky jokes, staying up late to make plans for the weekend.

Predictions: Jack Hou will become a doctor. Jocelyn will become a somewhat good nurse. Nicole will become an orange farmer with her 5 kids. Alexandra will become a super amazing model.

Thanks To: Ms. Morales, my amazing and supportive mom, my helpful and funny dad, my annoying yet loving younger sister, and my best friend who’s been there for me through nearly everything.

KEVIN HUYNH Future Plans: Part time student, part time worker, and part time dancer Will: I, Kevin Huynh, bequeath my hat-wearing skills, my leadership, and my patience to Thomas Chung.

Quote: “We chillin bro.” - Kenny Ung Memories: Roast sessions with the guy squad, last minute hang out plans with my mains, daily driving to UCI for practice, and late night chicken nugget runs.

Thanks To: Bob TeeHee, Winston Hau, Uyen Sy, Kevin Yan, Kenneth Lee, Rithy Leap, Jonathan Ly, Sheng Huang, Jessy Truong, Tach Chong, and my high school sweetheart Sharon Lee DION JIAO Future Plans: Buy all Dole pineapple plantations in Hawaii. Marry a cute Shanghainese squirrel that’s much smarter than me. Open a bakery/boba store.

Will: I, Dion Jiao, queen of pineapples and bagels, bequeath my HI skills to Ricky Le, my sass to Melody Zhang, my bad mouth to Cathy Do, my baking skills to Christina Lov, my trumpet skills to Maris, and my adequate intelligence to Justin Phan.

WILLS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

Quote: “Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.”

Memories: Long Speech and Debate tournaments filled with quesadillas, road trips to Berkeley, crying over the lack of pineapples on my pizza, Pan Pan hangouts.

Predictions: Seena Nghiem will attend the same college as me. Lopez will become a dentist. Thomas Wang and Calvin Phung will miss my curry. Brandon and Char will get married. David will continue to fuel petty Dion.

Thanks To: My parents and brother, my HI family, my lunch squad, Mr. Nguyen, Leon Chan for always being a shoulder to cry on and caring about me despite my stubbornness, and Andrew Nguyen for being the best Momma anyone could have asked for.

ISHATPREET KAUR Future Plans: Major in Biochemistry at UC Riverside, travel the world, move to London, buy a house near the ocean, become a pediatrician because children are evil and giving shots is fun.

Will: I, Ishatpreet Kaur, of everything that is poetic and sassy, give my amazing flirting skills to Guomin Tang because she needs them more than anyone, my sassiness to Angelica Medina because she is too nice.

Quote: “Work smarter, not harder buddy pal.” - Mina Lam Memories: Stories with Katy, talking about chicken with Emittzi, after school dates with Nadia and Angelica, fangirling about hot guys with Guomin, flirting with Kitty, Antonette’s poetry, Sandy and us stressing together, coming out to Mina and stair talks.

Predictions: Sandy will be a loving nurse who does theatre, Mina will still be weird, Kitty will be a horrible physical therapist, Guomin will be a bad doctor, Katy will marry Spanish dude, Stephanie M. will become a dancer Thanks To: Katy, Emittzi, Antonette, Ingrid: always being by my side, Sandy: believing in me when I didn’t, Mina: always giving the best advice and wiping my tears even when I was being stupid, Guomin: the bestest friend ever, Angelica: shoulder to cry on.

COCO KONG Future Plans: Graduate and find a job.

Quote: “You do you, boo.”

Memories: going out and taking the bus with my squad, the Broad, Lemonade, birthday surprises, #dontgetjealoussn Predictions: my squad will come together once again :) Thanks To: Bus Ganq: Eva Loc, Jeanie Vo, Cindy Lam, Chi Hoang, Dang Lam; my boo Steven Nguyen; everyone else in my life DIANA KOU Future Plans: Major in whatever makes me happiest, make new friends and remain tight with old ones, travel the world, cope with homesickness, live as unforgettably as possible Will: I, Diana, of sleepiness and chronic tardiness, bequeath my FBLA presidency to Roxanne Fong, the craziest and sweetest lil mango out there Quote: “Everything has changed and yet, I am more me than I have ever been.” - Iain Thomas Memories: Blowing up my microwave the morning of Vidcon, FBLA overnight trips & cab meetings, group projects & visiting San Diego w/ Kate, play rehearsals & talent show w/ Anne, studying at boba shops, roaming LA, pulling all-nighters, annual secret santa Predictions: Anne - have 30/80 fish, Kate - be a potato, Vicki & Kyle - be renowned artists, Char - be a cheese critic, Sam - forever be a real one, Viv - deliver our babies, Brandon - be the best farmer, Thuan - run a bakery, Thomas & Calvin - rule the world Thanks To: Mr. Nguy for being the most dedicated & genuine advisor, Ms. Jung & Mr. Wong for always inspiring me, Mr. Nguyen & Ms. Tran for believing in me, my numerous calc tutors, my AP Lit table for the laughter & stories, Mom, Dad, Jessica, & Richard JANET KUK Future Plans: Major in Biology at Cal State LA

Will: I, Janet Kuk, bequeath my love of poke to Darlene Kiem and my love for green to Pearl Tu. Quote: “You’re not down.”

Memories: OMFG Day 3 with Kevin Long, car accident, and getting lit Predictions: I predict that Linda Luong will finally be able to perfect and master the skill of eyeliner, Amy Hunyh will finally get her first kiss at the age of 23, and Austin J Lai will stop owing people money.

Thanks To: Linda Luong, Amy Hunyh, Pearl Tu, Darlene Kiem, Austin Taco Lai, Vincent Nguyen, my lover Kevin Long, and my sister Joyce Kuk ANTHONY KUO Future Plans: My future plans are to become a Chef at East Los Angeles College.

Will: I, Anthony Kuo, of happy and hope, will learn how to cook and put ingredients to the food and clean dishes in restaurant.

Quote: “If you want to become a great chef, you have to work with a great chef. And that’s exactly I did.” - Gordon Ramsay Memories: Learn cooking in food class, clean dishes, Uplift Club, and prom Thanks To: Thanks to teachers, speech, counseling, speech meeting teachers, churches and my friends who encourage when I was depressed in senior year.

AUNG KYAW Future Plans: Going to Cal State LA and majoring in both Physics and Film.

Will: I, Aung Kyaw, of hard work and dedication, bequeath my hard work to to everyone in San Gabriel High School.

Quote: “No matter what happens, you keep finding something to fight for.” - Neil Druckmann Memories: Track and Field, Senior year Homecoming Football game, and Film Club.

Predictions: Breanna will get taller. Lily will become a great artist that anyone could ever imagine. Bastian Mendez will memorize every film that ever existed.

Thanks To: Breanna Le, Lily Lam, Rashall Zamarripa, Tammy Dam, Mrs.Vicky and office staff, Linh Lieu, David Auyeung, Livia Duong, Mr. Posada and all of my friends that I didn’t get to mention.

ANNIE LAM Future Plans: Major in Pharmaceutical Science at UCI, be financially stable, not cry over anime character deaths, complete that Izumi shrine Quote: “I’m not your daddy.” - Me @ Ai Hong Memories: Dying over Izumi rank, adventures with the Calkillus squad, HOSA Bowl stress studying, stopping Michael from his addiction of claw machines, chaperoning with Sharon to pick up Joshua from tutoring, math class shenanigans with Tim and An for 4 years Predictions: Michael will still be salty as ever, Sharon will fulfill her dream of being one with an attack helicopter, Ai will find a new daddy to end my misery, Hokke rank card so Kaylly dies, Izumi rank card so I die Thanks To: Ms. Wu, Ms. Loggins, Ms.O (you will be forever missed), Ms. Tran, and all my friends for dealing with me. love you xoxo MICHAEL LAM Future Plans: Graduate with a bachelors in memeology.

Take the MCAT. Go to Med School. Residency. Practice medicine. Study for Jeopardy. Beat Ken Jennings record.

Maybe conquer the world, win a Nobel prize, and start a family, either by marriage or adoption.

Will: I, Michael Lam, of puns, punishments, and puny punches, bestow my medical prowess to Johanna Ung, my cram/guessing C skills to Mellony Li, my Aca/weeb powers to Benson Vuong, and my cat/meme obsession to Iris, Kathy, and the rest of the Acaditchers.

Quote: “Can you hear my heartbeat? Tired of feeling never enough. I close my eyes and tell myself that my dreams will come true. There’ll be no more darkness when you believe in yourself, you are unstoppable.” - Yuri On Ice

17

Memories: Breakfast Morning Club, Dr. Wang’s & Mr. Myer ’s puns, MCA Trips, Acadec Regionals & Awards, HOSA SLCs & Award, Lunch Afternoon Club, Ms. Wu’s room, SAMTA meme squad, Lit gang, hanging at FTB, endless LOL, lunch table nonsense, and following senpais Predictions: Someone will best me in Acadec, but not in HOSA. Hua Chen will rule parts of Cali, Grace Li will win the Fields Medal, Winnie Liang will win a Nobel Prize, my MCA:MASA squad will all end up becoming doctors, and Ms.Wu will rise to head of the board Thanks To: Ms. Vergo, Ms. Wu, Mr. Ma, Ms. Sumi, Mr. Gin, Winnie Liang, Grace Li, Hua Chen, Albert Tran, Timothy Heng, An Chac, Annie Lam, Sharon Wu, Aca-senpais, and special thanks to Ms. An for all the scholarship/college advice.

MINA LAM Future Plans: Major in Nursing at Cal State LA, growing multiple succulent plants without any major casualties, and save all the senior dogs I can possibly handle.

Will: I, Mina Lam, of gay and more gay, bequeath my truancy to all incoming seniors and my inability to walk straight to the underclassmen who don’t watch where they’re going during passing period.

Quote: “Do I want to be him, or be with him?” - Me watching 13 Reasons Why and commenting on Tony Memories: Sunsets after practice, the multiple bruises from being in the play She Kills Monsters, the long line to the student bank, the long walk from the band room to the field, and Kitty Lu always nagging me to do my homework.

Predictions: Angela Lee will become a millionaire, Tam Ngo will forever be 4 feet tall, Jennifer Flores will always have the cutest dimples, and FTB will be open on Mondays starting 2020.

Thanks To: Ms. Jung, Joe and the other custodians, Mrs. Bishop, the coyotes and snakes on campus, and those Oh so beautiful little yellow flowers by the office.

SUSAN LAM Future Plans: Rule Silicon Valley Will: I, Susan Lam, of splits and humor, bequeath my likeliness to Anny Li Wu, my turns to Sara Hang, and my ability to fake cry to Xotchitl Flores, my determination to Queenie Hua, and my weirdness to Nicole Nguyen Quote: “Nothing good ever comes easy.”

Memories: “I hate you’s” with Jess, making Ashley laugh and squint, unconditional support from Marilyn, getting pushed out of my seat by Mia, and nonstop practices and performances with Choreo Predictions: Jessica will become a creative director, Marilyn will become successful and happy. Ashley will continue to stun the world with her beauty. My best friends will continue to make me proud.

Thanks To: my best friends for always being there when I need them HAZEL LARIOS Future Plans: Double major in Business and Psychology, have my own business, marry my best friend Jonathan Moreno Will: I, Hazel Larios, bequeath my pettiness and sarcasm to Yamile Monroy and Selena Farris, my senioritis to Samantha Padilla and Mari Cespedes, and my patience for teachers to my sophomore babies Yannet Martinez and Ruby Lucero Quote: “Finished 4 years of school to go to 4 more years of school.”

Memories: Friday night games w/ Yami Mami, softball games w/ Sache, jnutts, and Jenny, enviro class w/ Mari, Yannet,and Ruby, making it through senior year w/ Jonathan Predictions: Sage Coronado will have holy children (sophomore joke), Jazmin will finally show up somewhere on time, Angela will have regular colored hair again, Michael will be on the Dodgers and get squad season tickets to watch him.

Thanks To: Mr. Whitman, Ms. Kim, Mrs. Manalang, Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Romero, Mrs. G, yearbook Squad, my squad, and Jonathan

18

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

BRANDON LAU Future Plans: Major in Computer Information Systems Will: I, Brandon Lau, bequeath my tan to Carlos Carrillo, my Chinese knowledge to Roxanne Fong, my manliness to Vincent Tieu and William Tsai, my photography to Leo Yue, my Mars Bars to Kevin Tang, my cork to Justin Nguyen, and my car to Virginia Situ.

Quote: “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” - Albert Einstein Memories: I am grateful to have had the chance to get close to PFL, achieve CIF with my Cross Country team, compete with my relay teams, enjoy those long bus rides for band, annoy and get annoyed by Johnny, and spend 4 years of band and sports with Kylie.

Predictions: Carlos will top Kevin in math, Vincent and Jeffrey will live a happy life together, Robinson becomes a poet, Jimmy and Jack will get really lucky in life, Johnny will serenade a girl with his guitar, and Vicky will take down an entire army.

Thanks To: Coach Morales for training me all these years, Ms. Tom for always offering help, my upperclassmen for giving me advice, Johnny for being such a ridiculous friend that I relied on too much, and Kylie for just being an amazing friend.

I ever met.

MINH DANG LE (KARA) Future Plans: Major in Public Relations and minor in Entertainment at University of Southern California (USC).

Job Goal: Intern and work for Dolce Gabbana or Victoria Secret or Warner Bros. Car Goal: BMW/Mercedes/Maserati Will: I, Minh Dang Le (Kara), the troublemaker in my squad, will drive my buddies to LA when I pass my DMV test, cook for my best friend Linh Lieu, drive to Gong Cha with Bao Duong, go to Banh Mi Che Cali with Phu Le, and keep fighting with Khai Nguyen.

Quote: “But don’t difficult situations light a fire in you? The possibility of victory is only 0% when all the players give up.

No matter how impossible it may seem, I refuse to make it 0% myself.” - Tetsuya Kuroko Memories: Knott’s Berry Farm with Viet Club, Prom 2017 with Linh Lieu, Bao Duong, Khai Nguyen, Nancy Ngo, and Yazmany Pulido, and lunches with best friends <3 Predictions: Bao Duong will open a famous barber shop in L.A. and purchase a Lexus car. Linh Lieu will work for a finance company in L.A. Phu Le will become manager for Banh Mi Che Cali. Khai Nguyen will be a CEO in the company he will work in.

Thanks To: Mrs. Lee, Ms. Revilla, Mr. Tran, Mr. Wong, Mr. Vogel, Mr. Gin, Ms. Kanik, Ms. Vicky, Mrs. Vergo.

SHARON LEE Future Plans: Major in Economics at UC Irvine and join a dance team that makes me as happy as Choreo.

Will: I, Sharon Lee, of tears and laughter, bequeath my turns to my slacker, Cindy, my zumba skills to Carmen, my confidence to Diana LaLa, my talent to Peter, my leadership and love for makeup to Sara and Anny, and my spirit and love for dance to Choreo.

Quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

And then go home and secretly cry yourself to sleep.” - Me Memories: Long hours of Choreo practice in preparation for rallies & competitions, our first Nationals, watching Buzzfeed Unsolved w/ my corner yerds, dramatic fights w/ Gilbert, yelling at April and then crying with half of VJAMS right after, prom w/ hun.

Predictions: Vic will marry Shawn. Jamie will marry Christian.

VJAMS will be bridesmaids. Lenan will start Chinguism. Viv Ma will become THE Trap Queen. April will work at Baskin Robbins. Michelle will open an Aesthetic store. Kevin will master voluminous hair.

Thanks To: Coach Rose and my amazing Choreo girls, Lenan, Victoria, Ja My, April, Michelle, Viv Mama, Mandy, #ASKJIM, #JIMSVB, my corner yerds, Anny, Sara, Peter, and my one and only hunbun, Kevin Huynh.

RITHY LEAP Future Plans: My future plan is to become a super good dancer. I got 1000 views on Insta so why stop there?

Will: I shall give my dancer skills to everyone in All Female.

I believe that they can become the best All Male team in the San Gabriel High School class of 2018.

Quote: “Focus more on the amount of effort you put in and less on the result.”

Memories: ALL MALE IS THE ONLY MEMORY I GOT. DANCE IS LIFE Predictions: I predict that I will be in Choreo Cookies or Brotherhood lol jk.

Thanks To: Jessica Sokchea, Mia Rodriguez, Kevin Huynh, Jonathan Ly, Kenneth Lee, Kevin Yan, and of course myself for being there.

VICKI LEI Future Plans: Adopt all the dogs. Learn to play the saxophone.

Go hiking more and wake up early enough to see the sunrise.

Take my grandma out for dinner. Figure out what I want to do with my life. Drink more water. Continue to insult Thomas and his bananas.

Will: I, Vicki Lei, of excessive napping and love for McDonald’s chicken nuggets, bequeath my senioritis to Christina Lov, my bad tans to my XC family, my sarcasm to Liza Coe, my procrastination to my brother Jacwa, and all my love to Emily Phu. Quote: “zzzzzzz” - me everyday Memories: Losing my ID too many times, spontaneous plans, AU parking lot sessions, jamming at Guitar Center, restroom trips in 4th, Souplantation in the rain w/ Jamie, FBLA SLC, exploring SF, driving freeway + parking badly, enlightening talks w/ Lit group.

Predictions: Anne buys more bandaids. Sam becomes a soccer mom. Kate tags me in HP memes. Char becomes broke from PAD and gambling. Viv gets perfect attendance in college.

Diana works at TBS. Thuan gets oil paint. Calvin steals my food. Raymond rules the world.

Thanks To: Kelly, my Red Cross advisors, XC coaches, Mr. Osborne, Ms. Parra, Ms. Burkhart, Ms. Vergo, Mr. Nguyen, Ms. Mar, Mr. Wong for saving me from tardiness, Ms. Jung for bickering with me, and Mr. Hendrickson for his lame jokes + for checking up on me.

JOHNNY LEE Future Plans: I have plan to study computer science in college and then get a job.

Will: I, Johnny Lee, of happiness, bequeath my love to everyone.

Quote: “No pain, no gain.” -antiquity?

Memories: I remember running to the lunch line and falling down.

Predictions: In about ten years from now, California will build a machine to desalinate water from the Pacific Ocean and have enough water.

Thanks To: all my teachers for being the most positive people

KENNETH LEE Future Plans: I will: Travel the world and eat all their food.

Specifically go to Vietnam and Japan for noodles. Join a dance team. Finish college and get a job. Become ruler of the world.

Meet new people. Grow a banana tree. Eat a pineapple on the moon.

Will: I, Kenneth Lee, the genius and noodle connoisseur, bequeath my sleeping habits and laziness to my brother, my dancing skills to everyone in All Male, and my positivity to every single person.

Quote: “I like noodles.” - Kenneh Le Memories: Seeing an ant during practice and petting it.

Surviving off of Haribos for a week. Jumping fences and becoming Usain Bolt. Launching my phone from my pants.

The girl that farted. Having narcolepsy whenever the teacher talks. Breaking my ankle.

Predictions: All Male will be ten times better with Thomas Chung. Wilson better join back. Yan will stop tilting and become the next Christopher Martin. Rithy will get his dream jawline. Kevin H. will have the biggest full moon.

Thanks To: Everyone, I love you all. Except Bob, you’re alright.

WILLS

HOIKI LEUNG Future Plans: Major in Architecture Will: I, Kiki Leung, of beauty and beast, bequeath my good grades to Norma, my stupid ways to Haoxuan, my interest in science to Bob. Quote: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” - Thomas Edison Memories: Coming to school late, the traffic jam in the parking lot, laughing with Carmen and Carissa on campus.

Thanks To: Mr. Li, Mr. Hinojosa, Ms. Chai, Mr. Romero, Mr. Ma, and the Hongkongers: Carmen, Carissa, Cheryl, Howard, Norma, and Johnson, Duncan, and whoever helped me before.

ANITA LI Future Plans: Drink boba and eat strawberry shortcake Blue Bunny ice cream and yogurt as much as possible. Go on food runs and try all the insider foods.

Will: I, Anita Li, bequeath my (nonexistent) knowledge of calc to my calc squad (Lexie, Sydney, Natalie, & Catherine).

Quote: “ayiahhh.”

Memories: Sitting at the lunch squad table during lunch everyday. Rarely be able to plan out lunch squad events.

Going out with part of the squad (bc we can never get everyone to go). Lunch Squad Christmas Party.

Predictions: San will no longer be allergic to sugar and finally go on MasterChef. Phuong will accomplish her lifelong goal to be a soccer mom. Thinley will meet her fated one. Emily D. will forever remain the same height as me. Lunchsquad will remain in contact.

Thanks To: All of Lunchsquad. Rebecca. San’s constant puns; Thinley’s attempts to storytell what she thinks is funny; Eva’s cluelessness; Mandy’s roasting; Ivy & Georgi dissing each other. The Bus Gang for thinking they were good enough to be our rivals.

HOLDSON LIANG Future Plans: Major in Biochemistry at Cal Poly Pomona Will: I, Holdson Liang, bequeath my brain to Meiyin and Michael because they need it most.

Quote: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” - Steve Jobs Memories: P.E. classes, running 15 laps, S1 for 3 periods per day, learning how to be a good person, raining, love, Small Gym. Thanks To: Mr. Wong, Brother Tien, Mr. Lemoine, Ms. Chai, Mr. Nong and all of my teachers WINNIE LIANG Future Plans: Going to UCI and accepting whatever comes my way.

Will: I, Winnie Liang, captain of the swim team and selfproclaimed laziest student in SG, bequeath my room to Julia Liang, my legacy (500) as varsity swimmer to Joyce Wu, and my senioritis to all future seniors of 2017-2018.

Quote: “The difference between the novice and the master is that the master has failed MORE times than the novice has tried.” - Koro-sensei, Ansatsu Kyoushitsu Predictions: The swim team will survive, my underclassmen will understand the hardships of those before them, and future seniors will contract senioritis.

Thanks To: All of the teachers that have nurtured me, my friends in swim and those in my group of nerds, geeks, and weebs, and last but not least, my little sister Julia Liang who’s been with me through all of my stressful days.

LINH LIEU Future Plans: Major in Accounting at Cal Poly Pomona.

Will: I, Linh Lieu, will leave behind memories of unforgettable friendships and the best experience that was made in SGHS, to all underclassmen.

Quote: “Whatever you do, do it well.” - Walt Disney Memories: Having Starbucks in the morning, taking bus to Long Beach with my friends and going to AMC at midnight.

Predictions: Bao will stay single and become a photographer.

Khai will have a new girlfriend. Yazmany will start a relationship. Minh will make it to USC, and Aung will become a scientist.

Thanks To: Mrs. Lee, Ms. Boettcher, Ms. Ulloa, Ms. Cognetta, Ms. Jong and my friends.

WILLS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

ANNEY LIN Future Plans: I will be attending UCR next fall as either a Sociology or Pre-Business major. Not really sure what the future has in store for me, so I’m just going with the flow. But, I dream to open my own daycare one day and watch my little beans sprout!

Will: I, Anney, of hugs & dyed hair, bequeath my umbrella to Randy for shelter from the rainy days, cat videos to Roxanne for the stressful days, sc streaks to Jacky, bear hugs to Tracy, Randy to Kelvin, and blood, sweat, & tears to my Red Cross family.

Quote: “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s me, trying to outrun my feelings. There I go...”

Memories: All Red Cross has given me, Class Council, FBLA state, lunches in with ASBuds, tennis matches in the dark, the HC experience, deep talks with my flashlights, singing in the talent show with dibean, crashing kate’s casa daily, and spontaneous trips!

Predictions: Di & Kate will find happiness in everything they do, Vicki will become a nugget, Char will have a house of cheese, Viv & Sam will tolerate me for 4 more yrs, Cass will own all doggos, Thuan will open a bakery w/ me, and Nick & Brando will be swol.

Thanks To: Mr. Wong for the unconditional support, Ms. Tran, Ms. Wu, Mr. Woo, and Ms. Lin for being the best advisors, E-board for being my support outside of school, the underclassmen for all the love, and all the seniors for being on this amazing journey with me.

MINQUAN LIU Future Plans: My future plans are hopefully to graduate and then go to college, get a degree in Pharmacy, and get a job at a hospital.

Will: I, Minquan Liu, bequeath my math talents to my friend Zihan Peng.

Quote: “Not everyday is a good day, but there is something good in everyday.”

Memories: Everyone I knew in SGHS, you will always be in my memories.

Predictions: SGHS will be better than last year and I’ll pass all of these classes, then graduate.

Thanks To: All of the people that I have met in my high school life and all my teachers for supporting me. You guys helped me a lot and taught me how to be a nice guy.

KITTY LU Future Plans: Major in Kinesiology at Occidental College, follow after Obama’s footsteps, marry Zayn, buy my mom a house with a gigantic yard, become physical therapist so I can try to soften Jenny’s back Will: I, Kitty Lu, of rainbows and all things gay, bequeath my flirting skills to Guomin, my ballin skills and portable charger to the bball team, all my love to Christine, my great dancing to Lucy, and the way of band geek life to Will.

Quote: “Do what you love and you’ll never have a problem with Monday.” - Coach Franey (when she’s not telling us to do better) Memories: Learning how NOT to play basketball and volleyball, finally making a 3-pointer in front of Coach Ari, watching Jen and Leah Naruto run everywhere, constantly telling Mina to do her homework.

Predictions: Becca will become a K-pop choreographer, Tiff will be a math teacher in Korea, Mina will continue to kill all of her succulent plants, Jen Yan will never get surgery for her foot, Lynh will become a pro baller, and Michell T. will open up my brain.

Thanks To: All of my coaches for making me a better player and runner, my teachers for always giving me homework but teaching me academics and life lessons, my teammates for being the reason I’m weirder than I already am, 4th period for buying my supplies.

LYNH LUONG Future Plans: Major in Economics at UCR and attend as many Lakers games as possible Will: I, Lynh Luong, of big smiles and indecisiveness, bequeath my iMessage game skills to Kaylee Situ, my handles to Christine Nguyen my Physics skills to Jessica Huynh, and my artistic skills to Xue Fu. Memories: Basketball practices, tournaments, and games with the team, ER5 adventures with Senh and Ada, The Broad adventure with Jiying, prom with Stanley, talking with Mandy about our problems, and passing periods with Tiffany.

Predictions: Ada will still procrastinate, Senh will finally meet Cameron, Jiying will find ways to stalk me, Michell will become a billionaire, Christine will break some more ankles, and Kaylee will be a shooter.

Thanks To: Coach Honda, Coach Franey, Coach Am, and Coach Ari for teaching me everything I know in basketball, Senh and Ada for dealing with me for 4 straight years, and Jiying for driving me insane everyday.

TRUC LUONG Will: I, Truc Luong, bequeath my section to Elaine T, my nosiness to Kevin C, my cluelessness to Peter K, my pbj’s to Tracy L, my designing skills to Khang & Jacob, my love for Riverdale to Christina L, my rap songs to My H, & everything else to my sis Tam Quote: “It’s trook, not truck.”

Memories: Chisme w/ the yerds I watch unsolved mysteries with, playing paranoia with my section during football games, roast sessions under the umbrella with the nerds, ybk camp, band trips w/ April, Kylie, & Lisa, mornings w/ Katie, Diana, & Michelle.

Predictions: Elaine will be president, Phuong will have all the Asian sesame dressing in the world, Anita won’t be OCD, Sharon will be a famous dancer, Chi will cont. to slay taking pics, Socheata will move East, & Mandy will open a kbbq place.

Thanks To: the clarinet section for the gossip and fun-filled year, the yerds by the back door for all the laughs, TALK for the good times, and lunch squad for the support.

CASSANDRA LUU Future Plans: Major in Civil Engineering at Cal State L.A. Will: I, Cassandra Luu, bequeath a better fashion sense to Brandon Chow, my huge appetite to my friends, my metabolism and cooking skills to Lena, and my love to all my friends. <3 Quote: “Sometimes you have to fight for the things that are worth fighting for.” - The Secret World of Arrietty Memories: Procrastinating and getting lectured by my friend, helping set up a promposal, going to recycling for environmental club with my friends, meeting new people, and chilling in Mr. Tran’s class.

Predictions: Lena will get triggered when I procrastinate, Tina will open up more to us, and my friends and I will make plans with each other from time to time in the near future. :) Thanks To: Mr. Tran for letting me chill in his classroom after school, Mr. Whitman for getting me more interested in environmental science, Tina Tran for being our sunshine in my group of friends, and Lena Nguyen for always being there for me!

IVY LY Future Plans: Major in Biology at Cal State University, Long Beach Will: I, Ivy Ly, of a strong mind & loving heart, bequeath my trolling, choreography/hip hop/leadership skills to Anny Li Wu, my passion for dance, flexibility, & skedaddles to Taylor Hoang, my sass/techniques/unconditional love to Fionna Lu & Queenie Hua Quote: “What seems hard now will someday be your warm up.”

Memories: Saturday practices, pep rally performances, football games, basketball games, competitions, nationals, dance showcase Predictions: Sara Hang will compete with a jazz solo next year, Choreo will attend and place in the Small Female Hip Hop division at Street Dance 2018 and at MDDTUSA Nationals 2018 Thanks To: Rosalee Cabral, Alex Cabral, Sharon Lee, Vivian Ma, Deanne Dinh, Justin Huynh, Aaron Lam, Monica Tan, Ivy Thong, Derek Le, my bigs Andrew Chen and Sheng Huang, my best friends Caren Ly and Michelle Lam, and my boyfriend Jonathan Ly. NICHOLAS LY Future Plans: I’m gonna continue pursuing the countless art forms in life, become a successful IT guy or mess that up, do something with my life that improves the world as a whole, and finally stop procrastinating these types of things until the last second.

Will: I, Nicholas Edmond Ly, Lerry of the Unicorns, noob of Overwatch, bequeath my saxophone skills and passion to Angel Valadez, my stubbornness in perseverance to Russell Ly, my Tootsie Roll jar to Ryan Ly, and my books to Eva Hernandez.

19

Quote: “Life is a story and you are the author. When you’re on your rocking chair or levitating recliner as an old badger, telling your story to your little ones, what kind of story will it be?”

Memories: I have too many to count. So many of them consist of the 4 years of field shows during football games, talking late at night with friends, playing too many video games, playing music, and most importantly, talking to Eva. It’s all been amazing.

Predictions: I think our president is going to have a totally fine resume by the end of 2020. Kanye is gonna take over, politicians won’t cheat or lie, and the Kardashians will definitely gain ungodly amounts of talent.

Thanks To: Eva Hernandez for being the best friend I could ever have, Russell Ly for being a hell of a brother, the Bassline for being the most diversely insane people to hang out with, and Brianna Ly for guiding me through most of Freshman and Sophomore year,

JEFFREY LY Future Plans: Will start up Tran and Ly CPA with Robinson Tran.

Will: I, Jeffrey Ly, bequeath my selflessness to Kevin Tang, 3 mango slushes to Jenny Lam, my pizzas to Carlos Carrillo, my track dedication to Maxwell Wong and Tom Quach, and my bowling skills to William Tsai, Vincent Tieu, Justin Phan, and Christian Lopez.

Quote: “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” - Thomas Aquinas Memories: Sax and chill and Brandon’s house, running laps on the track in the rain, messing around in the band room, and talking for countless hours with PFL. Predictions: Jimmy Vuu will become a ruler of a nation, freshmen will always fall for William Tsai, Vincent Tieu will become a manly man, Carlos Carrillo will beat his record of 7, Justin Quach will always say DANG, and David Hoang will always be a meme.

Thanks To: the homies Brandon Lau, Johnny Lam, Carlos Carillo, Vincent Tieu, William Tsai Jack Li, Robinson Tran, Jenny Lam, Derick Lee, Phi Gin, Anson Qi, David Hoang, Lin Myint, Jimmy Vuu,and Joakim Nguyen.

CHRISTOPHER LY Future Plans: Major in Computer Science at a college that shall not be named.

Will: I, Christopher Ly, bequeath my serves to James Choy, volleys to Anson Lai, ground strokes to Danny Su, reaction time to Richard Phung, and roasts to Jimmy Ly. Quote: “The Kings won today? Free Big Mac at McDonald’s for me!” - Christopher Ly Memories: Playing Yu-Gi-Oh with my friends, tennis matches against schools and my teammates, the amount of shoutouts I made, hiking to the Hollywood sign with BTA Predictions: Tommy Le will be the president of BTA. James and Anson will win all their doubles matches. Danny will win against Hellman in a singles match.

Thanks To: Ms. Lee, Ms. Manalang, Mr. Nguy, and my best friends Andrew Zhou and Benson Lu. VIVIAN MA Future Plans: Major in Biology at the University of California, Irvine, become an ABG, travel, get 2 dogs, eat acai bowls everyday, live life, and be happy.

Will: I, Vivian Ma, of jokes and craziness, bequeath my shopping addiction & music taste to Christina Lov, Red Cross Public Relations to Kelly Yu, dance moves to Kevin Chai, and my serious case of senioritis to Henry Vuong.

Quote: “The key to life is confidence, hard work, and heart.” My dad :) Memories: FBLA Section, APRs, Prom, The Weeknd concert, snack parties in Gin’s, hangouts w/ Kevin, Chi, and Anney, Blackout, Sac trip, tastea/boba every week, late nights & long talks, meeting amazing people, and falling in love.

Predictions: Amy Huynh will always be lit, Kelly Tam will find a Korean bf, Diana will build all our houses, Char will be broke bc of pad, Anney’s hair will become a rainbow, Uyen will finally pull an all nighter, and Kevin will become the Flash.

Thanks To: My best friend, Uyen for being a gma with me, Ivy for being savage with me, Sharon & April for all the laughter, tears, & jokes, Frankie Zhuang for all the adventures & literally everything, and my parents & older brother for always supporting me.

20

THE MATADOR

LILA MACIAS Future Plans: My future plans are to attend college, study criminal justice, and after studying, have a good career and make lots of dough to travel across the world.

Will: I, Lila Macias, leave my leadership and procrastination to my sister, Summer Macias.

Quote: “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” Unknown Memories: Becoming the captain of the cheer team, performing at pep rallies with my cheer sisters, and hanging out with my close friends.

Predictions: Donald Trump will force us into WWIII. Thanks To: My parents, my sister Summer, my boyfriend Joshua Giron, Eric Nunez, and the BTA teachers for helping me get through these four years of high school.

SHYANNE MACIAS Future Plans: After high school, I plan to go to college at Cal State LA and pursue my career of becoming a business marketer and along with child development. I plan to be successful and show my parents that my hard work will eventually pay off.

Will: I, Shyanne Macias, of smiles and fun, leave behind siblings capable of accomplishing just like I did, and I leave 3 great friends that I will always be here for, along with missing all the chips I bought...

Quote: “Sometimes you have to give up on people, not because you don’t care but because they don’t.”

Memories: I will forever cherish my lunches and morning breakfasts with my best friends Selena and Xochitl, along with the many laughs and good times we shared, and I will always remember prom.

Predictions: Next year’s seniors aren’t gonna be the way class of 2017 was!

Thanks To: Mrs. Lee, Mrs. G, Mrs. Wright, and Ms. Deniz for never giving up on me and pushing me to the best of my ability.

WINSTON MAI Future Plans: To be what I want to be.

Will: I, Winston Mai, of sweet and savvy, bequeath my high school to all the Matadors.

Quote: “Know what you want and go for it.”

Memories: The lunch tables in cafeteria and the time with my friends.

Thanks To: Everyone I met.

ESSENCE MARTINEZ Future Plans: I plan to attend Pasadena Community College and major in Computational Biology—or Bioinformatics.

Quote: “Four years felt too short, but I’m ready for what’s next.

The best feeling I felt was knowing I made it to the end and the people who I have been in school with are here with me. I’ll always be a Willard Wildcat, Temple Knight, and San Gabriel Matador.”

Memories: My best memories are hanging out in Ms. Lee’s room with my friends. Talking about random stuff in class, joking around in class with the teachers and students. Playing cards and Exploding Kittens during lunch.

Thanks To: Mrs. Wright, Ms. Burkhart, Mr. Nong, Ms. Larson, Ms. Blackwood, Mr. Hinojosa. My friends throughout high school Evelyn Z., Jenny T., Sarah L. The “Breakfast” club who I met every morning in the cafeteria.

NOHEMI MARTINEZ Future Plans: A chef with my own restaurants and a famous writer.

Will: I, Nohemi Martinez, bequeath my seat in the shade to Raquel, and Raquel to Raul and Jose.

Quote: “If you really want to do something, you will find a way.

If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”

Memories: Every morning when I got to school I would stare at my crush even though he never noticed me, my first school dance, and being part of ASB and going to Knott’s for the very first time.

Predictions: I predict for my friends the following, Raquel will be a poet and nurse, Jose and Raul will sell pupusas, Jose and Raul will also master the language of English.

Thanks To: All the people who didn’t help me and didn’t believe in me—because of them I did great things on my own. My fake friends, my incredible and crazy friends, Raquel, Jose, Raul, and ASB for giving me an opportunity to be a part of them.

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017 STEPHANIE MARTINEZ Future Plans: I’m still figuring out my future plans, but I am positive I would like to continue in the medical field.

Will: I, Stephanie Martinez, bequeath all my heart, love, and beautiful memories together to Alfredo Esquivel, Nazlie & Jose Figueroa, David Marrs, Sam R, Matthew P, Bruce H, Mirain S, Katie P, Alina H, Angel M, Sasha, She Kills Monsters Cast, & many more.

Quote: “Don’t be sad because you are saying goodbye, you should be happy because you have all the memories to cherish, and remember, goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end, they simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again…”

Memories: All the great moments we had in rehearsal, the dumb jokes we made, the demonic stories we talked about, all the heartbreaks we tried to get over, all the singing and dancing, and all the one-on-one heart connections I made with the people I love.

Predictions: Alfredo will become an actor, Matthew will become a director, Nazlie will fight back the early stages of senioritis, David will never stop eating McDonalds, and all my loves will be very successful.

Thanks To: Alfredo will become an actor, Matthew will become a director, Nazlie will fight back the early stages of senioritis, David will never stop eating McDonalds, and all my loves will be very successful.

MICHELLE MENG Future Plans: Have 2 dogs that are best friends.

Will: I, Michelle Meng, of dogs and chubby cheeks, bequeath my sleeveless shirts to Kylie Chow, Catherine Huang, Tiana Chung, and Erica Wo. Quote: “We’re so dumb, but we havin’ fun.” - Kaylly Cai Memories: Crying about graduating 3 years before it even happens with Catherine, Cajun fries, and I love you two pieces too, Kaylly.

Thanks To: Coach Marcela for everything, literally. Coach Steve and Coach Jen, love you.

MELISSA MIRANDA Future Plans: Human Biology major at Biola University Will: I, Melissa Miranda, bequeath my beloved Drill Team to Angelique Villanueva, Yannet Martinez, and Emily Valentin and my endless calc studying to my Latino Academic Alliance babes.

Memories: Extended drill practice before rallies, playing tag in the gym with my girls, and Medical Careers Academy field trips to John’s Incredible Pizza.

Predictions: Valeria Duran will be president of the United States, Melissa Cordova will be bigger than Dr. Miami, and Vivian Fernandez will have her own line of makeup.

Thanks To: Mrs. Haslam, Ms. Parra, Mrs. Wu, Mr. B, Mrs. Dena, and Mrs. Tran for their help. Most importantly to my best friends for their support!

GEORGETTE MORA Future Plans: Major in English or Communications at Cal State Fullerton.

Will: I, Georgette Mora, bequeath my fire GPA to Samantha Rodriguez, my leadership skills to my brother Max, my partying side to Fabiola, and my random bursts of laughter and pretending to be working hard to my little, Krystal.

Quote: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

Memories: Endless hours spent in the ASB room, early mornings on the football fields for homecoming, setting up for the academic pep rallies, school dances, and hanging out with everyone I’ve become close with over the course of these four years.

Predictions: Max will be on the ASB executive board and will conquer the SAT, Wendy Bui will become a model, and Valeria Duran will become the president of the United States.

Thanks To: Ms. Revilla, Ms. Parra, Ms. Deniz, Ms. Jong, Ms. Lopez, and my other half, Sydney Nomura, for sticking by my side.

DANIELLE MORALES Future Plans: I plan to attend makeup school. I want to learn it all. Example: beauty, theatre, film, special effects. I know it will be hard, but it’s something I really want.

Will: I, Danielle Morales, will leave a school that has left myself with memories. A school where I created many friendships, tried new things, and accomplished things I never thought I could.

Quote: “Keep pushing yourself, because the only way out is through.”

WILLS

Memories: I will always remember the many laughs, tears, and light-hearted arguments I shared with my friends at our lunch table.

Predictions: I think San Gabriel has a bright future. All the underclassmen I know have a bright future.

Thanks To: My friends Xiadani, Cuahutemoc, Sofia, Jackie, Ashley, Emily, and Edwin for always being there for me and never failing to put a smile on my face.

ANGELICA MORQUECHO Future Plans: Get a job at Cold Stone for the summer then attend UC Santa Barbara and live my life as it comes at me, man. Oh! Also learn how to swim because...yeah, dude!

Will: I, Angelica Morquecho, of hoodies and comfortable clothing, bequeath my magnolias to Bri and Gen, my flexibility to Dominique, my brilliance/quirkiness to Matthew P, my physio skills to Joanne, my sarcasm to Kelly Tsan, & my confidence to Alina H. Quote: “I’m not superstitious...I-I am a little stitious.” - Michael Scott Memories: Hours of rehearsal in the Little Theater, Cards Against Humanity pre-rehearsal-games, XC/Track Distance training, Mrs. Wu’s anecdotes, lunch in the office w/ P and the gang, lunch at The Wall w/ my main ladies LOBW, mistaken beans for lunch.

Predictions: Angela will marry a caramel-skinned CostaRican, Amanda will be the next G. Steinem, Ivy will move to Europe, Socheata will still be the BB, Michell will create an artificial brain, Bri will get into NYU, Dominique will do a split.

Thanks To: My LOBW ladies, I love y’all; my drama bb’s for being a second family and home; Mr. Hendrickson, Ms. Wong, and Mrs. Wu for always encouraging me; Mr. Posada for believing in me, mentoring me, tolerating me, and always pushing me to be better.

TAM NGO Future Plans: Attend Cal State LA and switch to biology/ chemistry major.

Will:I, Tam Ngo, will Joyce Bo the tendency to get through every test without actually studying for it and the ability to whip in the middle of every choir song.

Quote: “You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” - Michael McMillian Memories: Sacrificing my voice at every basketball game, lit bus rides with the basketball girls, hanging with the squad next to the famous brick wall, and finishing last minute HOMEwork in class.

Predictions: Cindy Quach will become famous on Youtube, Eva Loc will work for Banh Mi Che Cali, Amy Huang will open a zoo in DTLA, Tiffany Wang will own the Quickly near SG, and Michelle Lam will become the CEO of Starbucks.

Thanks To: Ms. Parra for guiding me through the process of college applications, Ms. Revilla for dealing with me for 4 years straight, and Mr. Nong for being so kind and patient with my craziness, all my basketball girls, my closest friends/squads, and Google.

TIFFANY NGO Future Plans: Going to college to become a TA Pharmacist and a singer Will: I, Tiffany Ngo, of singing love bequeath my positivity to the SG staff Quote: “You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.” - George Michael Memories: All those laughs minimum days and hanging out with my friends Predictions: That SG will have new students that will spread positivity just like I do Thanks To: SG staff and my best friends DAVID NGUYEN Future Plans: I plan to go to UC Merced and major in Computer Science/Engineering. I also want to get a job relatively fast, so that I can start a savings account for my future.

Will: WHAT?!

Quote: “Everyone is allowed to live, but everyone must realize life is merely a benefit that was given.”

Memories: Joining BTA Predictions: SGHS Matador Marching Band will get more superior ratings in the future, SGHS sports will improve, and the lunch might get worse?!

Thanks To: All my friends, family, and teachers.

WILLS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

ELIZABETH NGUYEN Future Plans: Definitely meet new friends in college, step out of my comfort zone more, learn to read, write, and understand Vietnamese and Hangul, hopefully find myself, be happy, create some YouTube content that’ll bring out my creativity, and hustle.

Will: I, Elizabeth Tran Nguyen, of laziness and love, bequeath my amazing driving skills and RBF to Christine Doan and my dependent food deliveries to Steven Nguyen :) Quote: “Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise.” Frank Ocean Memories: Volleyball, Caramel frappe with EXTRA caramel, spontaneous night runs with my friends, busting a mission, entering the Korean phase and possibly not getting out, food and movie runs with my sisters, AP finish hw the night before it’s due, senioritis Predictions: Christine Doan will find the one, my sisters Natalie and Katherine will enjoy high school more than I did, Katherine will be involved in school activities, Natalie won’t be shy, all my friends will be married, I’ll live in Korea and find my boo Thanks To: Mr. Kanow for always being so kind and coming to our vb games, Mr. Wong and Mr. Diep for listening to my weirdness and helping me with college, Leann for being amazing, volleyball for being a home away from home, and music for getting me through it all JONATHON NGUYEN Future Plans: Majoring in Biological Sciences at UCI! Yay....Doctor route Will: I, Jonathon Nguyen, of memes and more dank memes, bequeath my driving skills to Jenny Luu, my spotty time management to Elame Tran, my little K-pop knowledge to Vivian, the Scrub, Nguyen, and my sleep schedule to Siena Nghiem (you need more sleep).

Quote: “Can we graduate already?” - Every High School Senior now and forever Memories: Many many parades with the marching band, competing at speech tournaments, joining many clubs and then complaining about having no time, sleeping at 4 AM to finish homework, and volunteering with friends at random events.

Predictions: Jenny will become a evil mastermind, Elame will become a crazy cat lady, Vivian will become a trumpet, Scott Ho will be a meme, Seena will be a marshmallow, and Emily Dong will be a Lame potato Thanks To: my teachers, Brandon G., Vivian, Elame, my doge Bella, Matthew, Mrs. Keller, Mrs. S, San, Dion, Emily D., and Kenji!

JULIA NGUYEN Future Plans: Travel to every continent, drive a Tesla, own Disneyland.

Will: I, Julia Q. Nguyen, of pugs and pizza, bequeath my glittering skills to PR, my senioritis to Maggie, and my love for oldie music to Mel. Quote: “Being honest may not get you many friends, but it’ll always get you the right ones.” - John Lennon Memories: Playing hours and hours of candy crush in class, marching in -10 degree weather, marching in 100 degree weather, swimming in -10 degree weather, swimming in 100 degree weather, ditching band and swim, not zipping my backpack unko Predictions: KANYE 2020 Thanks To: Drumline ‘14-’15 for making zero period bearable, AHG for encouraging me to “just keep swimming”, M&M for all the beach hangouts, and kennito burrito for being my loyal companion throughout these 4 long years <333 LENA NGUYEN Future Plans: Major in Psychological & Brain Science at UCSB Quote: “If you run into a wall and pretend it doesn’t exist, you’ll never make any progress. The wall will never change. So you’re the one who has to change.” - Hijikata Toushirou Memories: Hanging out with friends and lots of laughter.

Thanks To: Cassandra Luu, Cassidy Chau, Tina Tran, Giang Nguyen, Mei Chau, Anthony Lien, Timothy Tran and the other guys in our lunch group, Mr. Woo and the other teachers I’ve had, Rosy Son, Sunhi Nguyen, Celine Fung, and Tina Chuong.

LISA NGUYEN Future Plans: Major in Business Administration/Physician Assistant

Will: I, Lisa Nguyen, of sarcasm and laziness, bequeath the altos to Vincent and Anthony, my sarcasm and savagery to Elaine and Kelsey, my procrastination and dark circles to Christina Lov, my height to Justin Phan, and my love for BTS to Jocelyn.

Quote: “Don’t be afraid to touch the butt.” - Finding Nemo Memories: Football games, parades, procrastinating everyday, stressing and complaining about calculus, wild Wednesdays in conflict, late night taco and boba runs, band tour, and doing dumb things with my band friends.

Predictions: Jenny will finally make decisions, Katie will become a potato luh mao, Elaine will finally stop stressing, and Christina will get some sleep. Everything will work out in the end.

Thanks To: Jenny G, April V, Kylie T, Sydney T, Elizabeth N, and Mandy Z, for always being there for me, my band friends and Ms. C for everything these past 4 years, and Ms. Burkhart and my conflict mediators for making school more bearable.

VINCENT NGUYEN Future Plans: Attend CSULA Will: I, Vincent Nguyen bequeath my time after school to Carmen N and Jon L, my boba runs to cuz liz. I leave a trace of food for my fellow peers that will want it. I leave my multiple portable chargers to all those who asked me to let them use it.

Memories: school after. boba. after school. bus. park. shrubs. sky. black.

Predictions: New buildings Thanks To: my twin Marilyn Nguyen, Leann Tang, Cindy Tran, Lauren Vasquez, Jonathan Lam, Spencer Tang, Khoa Huynh, Jessica Sokchea, Ethan and Thomas, Señora Deniz, Ms. Boettcher, Mr. Nong, Mrs. Keller, Erica Duran, Johnny Tran, Carmen Nguyen, Elizabeth Nguyen.

SYDNEY NOMURA Will: I, Sydney Nomura, bequeath my chair in ASB to Roxanne Fong and my sarcasm to Fabiola Vega and Wendy Bui. Memories: All the laughs in 5th period and waking up at 5am to be with my second family and set up for school events. Hearing Jordan compliment something I was wearing almost everyday.

Seeing Sherrie sleep in every class I had with her.

Predictions: Melanie and Maggie will continue on with their craziness. Sarah will dance the night away to any song that’s playing. Roxanne will mess up introducing herself at the first pep rally of the year. Tatiana’s sass and neediness will only get greater.

Thanks To: Ms. Revilla, Mr. Gin, and all the people in the office who I probably bothered way too much throughout my 4 years here at SGHS. Also thanks to Georgette for sticking by my side and making memories that will last a lifetime.

ADRIANA OLMOS Future Plans: Major in Business at Rio Hondo and then transfer to Cal State LA Will: I, Adriana Olmos, of love and kindness, bequeath my sense of fashion to Savannah Olmos, my stupid jokes to Alonie Johnson, my dorkiness to Victoria Bui & my kindness to Kennedy Olea Quote: “I figure life’s a gift, and I don’t intend on wasting it.” Jack Dawson Memories: Friday night lights, cheer practices with my friends, laughing so hard in ceramics I would cry, but most of all having the experience to spend my sister’s first year and my last year in high school together.

Predictions: Lila will become a forensic officer & Miriam will have a job working with animals Thanks To: all my real friends in high school that were always by my side through thick and thin, Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Nguy, & of course my sister VICKY ONG Future Plans: After grad school, I will finally live up to my title and become a soccer mom, with a full-time job, and enjoy some baseball games or piano recitals (whatever my kids like) with my husband. Will also have a rainbow family.

Will: I, Vicky Ong, of savagery and tacos, bequeath my D0 volleyball skills to: Christina Y, Virginia S, Nicole N, and Christine D, sass to CY & K. Chai, weird humor to Jackson P and Patrick M, happiness to Ryanthony D, and sisterly love to Benny Ong Quote: “In everything you do today, in all the spaces you move in, in all the energy you surround yourself with, choose yourself.”

Memories: #thanksdebby, #keepkwan, volleyball practices/

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games, CIF, track, co-roasting Raymond with Sam, Amy’s quest, studying with my sissies, hc, wttf, sharing chisme w/ Uyen and Sunny, THE GRIND, kanowism, MS building, puma <3 Predictions: Angela will finally be bougie & have brunch everyday, Sam will be immune to colds, Kylie will finesse her way to success, Dang will find his man, Valeria will sue someone for all they’re worth, Victoria will stop pressing foreheads Thanks To: Mr. Wong, Mr. Kanow, Chris Kwan, Mr. Hendrickson, Ms. Suñe, Andrew, Tiff & Man, debs, laura & ausd, Coach Morales, Ms. Bishop, Mr. Dultz, Ms. Jong, Mr. Whitman and his humor, friends since the beginning, and friends that I wish I had met sooner

MALIYAH ONG Future Plans: Attend Cal State Fullerton, save up enough money to travel the world with Sherry, meal prepping and working out with Vivian, attending all of BTS’s concerts next time they come back with Vy, Shirley, and Sherry.

Quote: “Sorry I fell asleep.”

Memories: Lunch with Monica, going to the talent show to laugh with Shirley, eating hot cheetos for lunch everyday, meeting Vivian because my pad dropped onto the floor in Spanish class, breakfast with Vy, catching catfish and snakes with Tiffany Predictions: I fix my sleeping schedule, Ashley will be a successful doctor, Vy will still be an ARMY, Vivan will be a pro baker Thanks To: Monica Tan for being my sister who showers me in unconditional love and having the best sense of humor, Vivian Wong for weeding out all the snakes for me, Vy Tang and Shirley Dinh for being dedicated ARMY, Ashley Del Rio for always supporting me MEILI OU Future Plans: Majoring in Business (Accounting) at University of California, Riverside.

Will: To all the people who love me and I love: I will you the courage to grow stronger from failure and to have happiness always around you. Be in love.

Quote: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” - Thomas A. Edison Memories: joined the Girls Tennis family in junior year, backstage for ‘17 SGHS Chinese Drama, amazing times with my 6 besties, best talk with Wendy at Boiling Point, Catherine had my first cry in public besides in tennis, interesting internship with Kylie Predictions: My lunch squads will be business people Thanks To: my parents for always being there and supportive, Coach Steve, Coach Marcela, and Coach Jen for teaching me how to hit tennis, Coach Jen for providing college information, all my friends AZUCENA PACHECO Future Plans: become a physical therapist and help clumsy people like me recover from injuries.

Will: I, Azucena Pacheco, with much love, leave my poetic words & “walk up to the stage” to Erika Duran, my makeup tips to Tabatha Perez, my love for helping people & my little sister to take care of to Javier Rodriguez and happiness to everyone else.

Quote: “You have to get through it, to go through it.”

Memories: Crutching around for 1/2 of my high school experience, and falling all over the place, which caused me to be on crutches.

Predictions: Erika Duran will be an amazing famous person who loves Pocky & wears pink eyeshadow.

Thanks To: Ms. Burkhart & Mr. Vogel for always believing in me, helping me find myself when I felt the most lost, for always making me feel at home when I hated my own.

CASSIDY PHAM Future Plans: to be able to afford Hot Cheetos, boba, and tacos whenever I want in a house where I can play Just Dance in the living room, dance under the sprinklers, and have cooking experiments in the kitchen (maybe like a swimming pool and an inside dog too) Will: I, Cassidy Pham, of random noises, bequeath my surprise plans to Buttbae, my contagious energy to Roxabae, my legacy & looks to Hanson poop, my calc skills to Elaine calc baby, my love of dogs to Wendy as-baby, and my harsh words & smile to Worm Boy Quote: “If you don’t like the road you are walking, pave another one.” - Dolly Parton

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THE MATADOR

Memories: Frozen fingers during zero, rain on Halloween game, APR, speaking at my first rally, ‘he was eat’, losing my bangs, staying out til 6, countless lectures, singing over the train, falling at Matador Showcase, and meeting the friends of a lifetime Predictions: Randy is gonna be my bgf forever, Roxanne is gonna be greater than she already is, Hanson is gonna win Homecoming King, Jordan is gonna sneak out more, Anney is gonna have more raindrops, Wendy is gonna get her pug, Elaine is gonna do great Thanks To: Ms. Revilla, Mr. Gin, Ms. Parra, Mr. Vogel, Ms. Larsen, Ms. Mar, Ms. Tran, Mr. Nguyen, Ms. Lapi, Mr. Kanow, my friends, my family, buttbae, Roxabae, Anney Lin, Hanson Pham, and Jordan Do ALEX PHAN Future Plans: Major in Electronic System Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona Will: I, Alex Phan, bequeath my watering techniques to Jackie Huynh, my BTA hour powers to John Chen, my jump skills to Victor, and my gardening bed to the next group of BTA seniors.

Quote: “Are you a FAN of Alex Phan?” - Mr. Olivos Memories: Coach Washington helping me reach 19.6 feet in long jump, meeting the next jump crew, hearing Bhone’s interesting stories, Ms. Sune making a speech about being proud of me, and having fun moments playing games with my gaming group.

Predictions: John Chen will become the next Ben and the next BTA cabinet member, and the next generation of jumpers (Roger, Victor, Yayi, Naomy, Demourney, Nicki, J.R., Stephanie, Leyna, Rai and Ryan) will SET UP the jump pits and jump far Thanks To: Ms. Muniz-Lee, Ms. Manalang, Mr. Nguy, Coach Sune, Coach Morales, Coach Rosa, Coach Washington, my junior friend Breanna Le, BTA gardening teacher Jessie and my gaming group Jia, Steven, Albert, and Vi DANIEL PHAN Future Plans: Major in Computer Science/Accounting in Cal State Northridge.

Will: I, Daniel Phan, of Starbucks and Chipotle, bequeath my funniness to Joey Hua and coolness to James Choy.

Quote: “If you are feeling down, don’t worry your biggest PHAN is there for you.” - Daniel Phan Memories: Track & Field events, prom with my date and my friends, celebrating Kelly’s bday party, and winning homecoming prince.

Predictions: Sandy Ip and Tam Ngo will become famous youtubers.

Justin Huynh becoming an Essential Alkaline Water cooperation manager.

Thanks To: Joey Hua, Kylie Tran, Sandy Ip, Ms. Vicky, and Kelly Nguyen.

HUONG PHU Future Plans: Major in Nursing at University of California, Irvine Will: I, Huong Phu, Lost Princess of Disneyland, bequeath my royalty status to my littles, Henry Nguyen & Kyle Lam, my Disney obsession to Vanessa Hoang, my cross country suffering to Jenny Lam, my gossip skills to Joyce Bo, & my confidence to my hurdlers.

Quote: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney Memories: Performing at rallies with my drill girls, track meets, cross meets, school dances, hanging out after school, Disneyland trips, meeting Jeffrey Fong, getting my friends lost, and just being with my friends.

Predictions: I predict that Henry will go to CIF, Jenny will grow taller, Vanessa will stop stressing, Emily will finally come to practice regularly, Kyle will get better and make CIF too, and my hurdlers will get their three steps.

Thanks To: My littles for always supporting me, my hurdlers for making practice fun, my ducklings for making me a proud momma, friends for making school fun, drill and track team for being an amazing family and Jeffrey for being the love of my life.

CALVIN PHUNG Future Plans: Major in Computer Science or EECS at MIT and become Robert Ford from Westworld Will: I, Calvin Phung, of awkwardness and tiredness, bequeath my sleepiness to Elaine, my last-minute case building skills to PuFo, my poker face to JP, my “ideas that are never written down” (and basically everything else) to Maxwell.

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

WILLS

Quote: “So the secret to good self-esteem is to lower your expectations to the point where they’re already met?” - Calvin and Hobbes Memories: Being a professional baker for a day, going on taco runs to Macho Café, camping at Joshua Tree, crushing the dreams of opponents in PuFo, the “Wangerson Boys” projects, getting catering from Chef Dion every day.

Predictions: Brandon will one day become a beautiful butterfly.

Kelly will become a little kid when she grows up. Thomas’s room will eventually be cleaned. Jamie will still have boy drama. Diana visits every place on earth. MESA will continue to take all medals.

Thanks To: Nice Nick, Andrew, and all my teachers for pushing me academically, Ms. Ochoa for keeping me company, counselors for address-ing my problems, and the best lunch squad for dealing with my perpetual tiredness and never-ending sarcasm.

Will: I, Angela R. H., of The Wall, bequeath The Wall to Matthew P., The Gum to Dominique, my soccer defense to Ariana and the soccer team to the Juniors.

Quote: “I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.” - (Bilbo Baggins) J.R.R. Tolkien Memories: Angelica bringing beans to lunch, Michell looking completely done with us, Socheata sassing everyone, Amanda spilling water, Ivy never wanting to help me, making Mathew cry, and teaching Dominique about bubbles.

Predictions: My friends will become my future providers and will pay for my retirement in Switzerland.

Thanks To: Myself for not giving up, the soccer team for making me laugh, The Wall for having my back, and my friends for dealing with me since elementary school.

JOY PORTINGA Future Plans: Become an alfredo sauce dancer to pay for college.

Marry a rich hot hapa and continue a line of mixed children. Learn how to surf. “Become a governess (governor) of a midwestern state” -Josef. Earn the affection of my speech idols.

Will: I, Joy Portinga, bequeath my frequent tendency to freak out to Angela and BTS, need for water to Tina, garlic bread to Chingying, pure ruthlessness to Amanda, humor that is quite at odds with Cindy’s .. to Cindy, administrative influence to Elaine.

Quote: “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done today.” Mark Twain Memories: Raymond’s orange juice. District fun. Point Doooom. Pan pan runs. Lonely Club meetings. Learning how to be photogenic.

Singing in all of the cars. Hotel rooms like apartments. I’m a Golden God. Late night tourney dinners. Denny’s. MCing Summit.

Predictions: Tina will meet her fine specimen. Mei will become grammar Hitler and achieve world domination with munchkin cats.

Seena will grow eyebrows. Genna will become a street pharmacist.

Somebody will tell Alex the world is going to roll him.

Thanks To: My parents. Jasmine?? Ms. Sandercock and her unmatched enthusiasm. Ms. Tran for “I believe you can get an A.” but really saying “You better get an A.” Mr. Jung, Ms. Patti, Ms. Perla and Ms. Beda who make MoMa possible. Ms. Amy for her wise words.

GABRIELA ROMERO Future Plans: I plan to attend Rio Hondo and later transfer to Cal State Fullerton where I will be majoring in Criminology.

Quote: “We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” - anonymous Memories: There’d be times where Kimberly and I would laugh so much that we’d be sore for hours. There were also times where we’d be sitting down so quiet, that the only sound was our hearts beating.

Those were the best, because at that moment, we were infinite.

Thanks To: my brother Efrain Romero for ending this experience right by my side. Love you freshman! Also shoutout to the ‘squad’ in PE (Elizabeth, Anay, Freddie, and Jerrio). Shoutout to Ms. Deniz as well!!

JIZELLE RIOS Future Plans: I plan to major in child development at CSU Monterey Bay. Will: I, Jizelle Rios, of doughnuts and Disney, bequeath my fry light, box of doughnuts and gansitos to Claudia.

Quote: “I never look back, darling. It distracts me from the now.”

- Edna Mode Memories: greatest memory is when I met Janet Kuk. Predictions: I predict that Tam Ngo will become a famous vlogger.

Joyce will become a crazy dog lady. Cindy will travel everywhere.

Janet Kuk will have the nicest eyelashes.

Thanks To: Thanks to my BTA teachers, Gaby Flores, Christopher Lan Ly and Vi Duong MIA RODRIGUEZ Future Plans: Major in Psychology at Cal State LA. Will: I, Mia Rodriguez, of chipotle and laughter, bequeath my leadership to Carmen Liang, my playlists to Kevin Chai, my arrowhead to Selena Farris, my humor to Christina Yawn, my dance moves to Xochitl Flores, and my love for food to Yamile Monroy.

Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou Memories: Long and tiring competitions with Choreo, Guac parties with Val and Vic, Noodle World with the Dance Snakes, ER5 with April and Kathlene, and cutting the lunch lines.

Predictions: Valeria will become President. Susan will become CEO of Apple Inc. and reconnect with beans. Rithy will be a part of Choreo Cookies. Victoria will marry Shawn Mendes. Jessica will finally meet Drew. Kylie will finally know how to dance.

Thanks To: Valeria Duran, Victoria Vu, Susan Lam, Jessica Sokchea, Rithy Leap, Kylie Tran, Kevin Chai, Christina Yawn, Carmen Liang, Ms. Bishop, Ms. Jung, and Ms. Parra for making my high school experience memorable.

ANGELA RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ Future Plans: Travel the world and retire in Switzerland.

JOSIE RUIZ Will: I, Josie Ruiz, of smiles and (sometimes) sunshine, bequeath my love for coffee, woke-ness, & positivity towards life to my beloved son, Erika Duran, my lunch spot to Cindy Tran, and love for cheerleading to Diana Reyes.

Quote: “I don’t need an inspirational quote, what I need is a cup of coffee.”

Memories: Attending nearly every football and basketball game, hanging out with friends at lunch, doing the mannequin challenge with everyone, and hiding from Mr. P in theatre tech with friends Predictions: Dominique Bell will become a young marketer, Mya Hernandez will become a fitness trainer or fashion critic, Danica Hacbang will be a successful pharmacist.

Thanks To: Mr. Ramsay for scaring me everyday, but also making school a little less sucky, Mr. Whitman for teaching me so much about the world and giving back my cellphone, and my friends for all the advice and laughs.

IVY SAN Future Plans: Become a panda caretaker and be the first person to walk on the moon while holding a panda. Before that, I will dabble with hyperpolyglotism, quantum physics, and ending palm oil usage, all while being lazy and incompetent.

Will: I, Ivy San, of mint, matcha, and messing things up, bequeath the greatness of 1st period peer counseling to Xochitl, The Wall to Matthew, The Gum to Dominique, and my room to Emily.

Quote: “From what I know, I don’t know.”

Memories: Receiving my Hogwarts acceptance letter the summer of 2010.

Predictions: Michell will be the best neurosurgeon, Angela will support me, Amanda will win the Nobel Prize, Angelica will win the Oscars, Matthew will win some, Kelly will hire me as a janitor, Socheata will sass to the top, F. Douglass will resurrect.

Thanks To: Mr. Myers for not being poisonous, Mr. Hendrickson for Gasolina and the greatness, Mrs. Vergo & Ms. Wong for being like peers, Mrs. Wu for all the help, the newspaper staff for clearing my debacles, and my ma and ba for being hĕn hăo.

JOHN SAN Future Plans: Mechanical Engineer and/or Physics Teacher at Cal State LA; own a Track car, Luxury car, Daily car, and Super car within 6 years; hopefully stop watching IDubbbz and making myself more of a loser Will: I, John San, of swag John Jia Jia John-ness?, pass down my game skills to Jia “Genghis Khan” Mao and GameGod (Dale_Ly_ Gamer), my trumpet blasting to Andy Lam and Jenny Luu, and lastly, my amazing driving skills to Emily Lam and my best friend, Jenny Luu

WILLS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

Quote: “Good luck planning socials and stopping russ from roasting y’all when I leave, also invite me to future socials because I have no other friends” - Me to my stupid but amazing bassline section Memories: Going through the forest (SG) with all you snakes, losing certain positions to underqualified people, teaching Jenny Luu how to drive, Jenny almost wrecking my car, Jenny scratching my front bumper, Jenny using my windshield wipers instead of turn signals Predictions: Dale Ly is gonna become the real game god, Jia will relive freshman year again, Angel and “Teeth” are gonna get together, Andy will become a trumpet god, Christian will make his mommy proud which is worth more than a dollar Thanks To: My teachers for dragging me across school, and for few, trolling me along the way; Whitman for making me want to become a physics teacher so I can replace him; my best homie Jenny Luu for being there and giving me the best year of high school ever :) JERRY SANCHEZ Future Plans: Business Will: To all the dope teachers & all the homies Quote: “In the end we all die, so live your life.”

KIANA SAUCEDO-MORENO Future Plans: After highschool, I will be attending Cal State LA where I will be studying music. Music is a big part of my life and hopefully I am able to find a career in that field.

Will: I, Kiana Saucedo-Moreno, bequeath my backstage dance moves to Brizeth Lomeli, and my seat on the bus to Bryan Alvarez.

Quote: “Be kind to one another.” - Ellen Degeneres Memories: My favorite memory would have to be the “walk-out” that happened this year. Some of you may not agree with it, but for once, a diverse group of students stood up for something we believed in TOGETHER. I’m honored to have been apart of that.

Predictions: Hopefully y’all get a little pep in your step and get some school spirit next year and more years to come!

Thanks To: My old/new friends for allowing me to be myself around each and every one of you and helping me be the person I am today; my BTA family for being like an actual second family to me; my Drama Nerds for giving me a 2nd home in that theatre.

PRESTON SAYAVONG Future Plans: Steady Grinding.

Quote: “I push myself because my family is what motivates me.” - p.s.

Memories: Vibratorboyzzz Thanks To: My mom , dad, cousins, vibratorboyz, & my girlfriend.

QICHAO SHEN Quote: “Be positive, be happy!!!”

ADA SO Will: I, Ada So, of awkwardness and cluelessness, bequeath my love for helping others to Michelle, Calculus anxieties to Anthony, deadly routine-making to Ezra, and random bruises to my Guardies.

Quote: “The only competition you have is yourself.” - Joyce Bo Memories: Late night practice, Christmas potlucks, squirrels, football and basketball games w/ Color Guard, HC w/ the squad who called me a grandma after, ER 5 adventures w/ Lynh and Sehn, 1800GETPEER and “Keep it 100” w/ Peer Counseling family.

Predictions: Michelle and Ezra will light up dance floors and bring laughter to wherever they go. Sally will one day be arrested for her extreme flag stabbing. Anthony will break more streaks and one day reveal his alien form. Sehn’s loud burp will be undefeatable.

Thanks To: Lynh, Sehn, and An for dealing with me all these years.

Color Guard for the memorable high school experience and all the laughter.

JESSICA SOK-CHEA Future Plans: Major in Communications and work for ID or Vice as an executive producer.

Will: I, Jessica Sok-Chea, of fits and smallness, bequeath my jazz shoes to OG freshmen, my poms to the underclassmen of Choreo, my rose water to Sara Hang and Anny Li Wu, and my sense of style to Xochitl (bet you can rock anything).

Quote: “Drink your water. Happy skin, happy life!”

Memories: Josef freestyling to any song, seeing Rithy dance during passing period, asking Marilyn if she has 40 cents for my lunch, Anson rapping to Uzi, and going to competitions in my car with Ashley, Susan, and Mia. Predictions: Susan will have her own tech company, Ashley and Marilyn are going to have the time of their lives in college, and Rithy will be recruited by Choreo Cookies or Brotherhood haha.

Thanks To: Mr. Nong, Ms. Boettcher, my besties, my dance snakes, and my dance team.

SOCHEATA SUN Future Plans: Attend and finish college, get a great job I love (hopefully), retire early and travel the world.

Will: I, Socheata Sun, of smiles, laughters and sassiness, bequeath my sassiness to Jacob, Sydney, and Khang, my generosity to Peter, my smiles to my sister (Solida), and my laughters to Catherine and my love for Marvel super heroes to Matthew Perez.

Quote: “Just take it one day at a time. “ Memories: Sitting and laughing by the brick, gossiping in yearbook with Chi, Truc, Sharon, and Victoria, and helping Ms. Vicky in the office with Winnie and Michelle.

Predictions: Truc would recover from trucitis and become a nurse, Chi a world famous photographer, Sharon a dancer, and L.O.T.B.W would be able to beat the system and change it for the better.

Thanks To: My Loners of the Brick wall, my yerd family, and my SCC family.

UYEN SY Future Plans: Major in Business Administration at UCI and get rich to repay my mommy back for all her love and hard work.

Will: I, Uyen Sy, bequeath my kindness and sweetness to my nephew Virginia Situ, my food addiction and clingy girlfriend symptom to Michelle Ho, my independence and strength to Kayla Tang, and my chill senior year to my co-editors Michele Thai and Kim Ta. Quote: “It’s past your bedtime, why are you still awake?” - friends who talk to me at 10 PM Memories: Spontaneous summer hangouts, car karaoke, T-Pump Tuesdays, weekly errands to mall with Vivian, APR, SophCC, JCC, prom 2k17, HC, volleyball, gossiping with Vicky & Sunny, beach days, trigger circle, re-meeting Winston & falling in love with him.

Predictions: Winston will have a flat tummy, Kevin will be a famous dancer, Bob will eat good food everyday, Vivian will own all the makeup at Sephora/Ulta, Amanda will taste true happiness, Vicky will find a bf as extra as her, Sunny will still be a boy magnet.

Thanks To: babe for his unconditional love & cute outfits, Kevin & Bob for sticking with me through thick & thin, bestie Viv for always being there for me, Amanda for truly caring for me, Kelly for 6+ years of friendship, & all my teachers for being amazing, especially Ms. Kim. JOSHUA SYCIP Future Plans: Major in Industrial Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona.

Will: I, Joshua Sycip, slacker, bequeath my room and everything I don’t take with me to Jonathan Sycip.

Quote: “Felix culpa.” - St. Augustine Memories: Various lunch shenanigans, totally not slacking off on Fridays, fitness Mondays, meeting new people, Speech & Debate, tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursday, and having Mr. Woo for 3 years.

Thanks To: Mr. Woo, Ms. Wu, Ms. Wong, Ms. Perla, and Lunch Squad!

NATHAN TA Future Plans: Study Chemsitry at University of the Pacific Will: I, Nathan Ta, of pain and suffering, bequeath all of my pasta to Eileen Ong, and my guacamole recipe and trackstar legs to Selina Han. Quote: “My entire life revolves around dank memes and ice cream.” - Me Memories: The only good memory I have of this place is leaving it.

Predictions: Selina Han will place first in track with my trackstar legs, Eileen Ong and Virginia Situ will continue to do AP Friday mornings, Kayla Tang will still have boy problems, and Chelsea Li will continue to deal with Selina Han.

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Thanks To: My two anti-depressants Selina and Eileen. Despite me saying Eileen is better all the time, both of you are equals. The next two years are going to be tough, so help each other. You two better behave because ore wa coming in hot soon!

KELLY TAM Future Plans: Major in Business Administration and/or Economics at UC Berkeley Will: I, Kelly Tam, bequeath my excessive gestures to William Kwoon, my sugarcoated sarcasm to Cindy Chau, my stress coping skills to Elaine Tran, my perfect Spanish to Melva, my strength and tenacity to Kenneth Kim, and all my good traits to Benny Tam. Quote: “What are you trying to accomplish?”

Memories: Roadtrips and other spontaneous plans w/ Judy, Georgi, and Ivy, 1 a.m karaoke at Yale with Amy and Katie, tricking Jonathan into eating wasabi with Isabella, Skype emoji imitation contest with Alex, having perfect attendance until my senior year.

Predictions: Ivy will reinvent her style in college, Vivian will dye her hair and get more piercings, Amy will brew me some tea, Kylie will love kpop, Michelle will date a surfer dude, Cassidy and Monica will continue giving me advice that I won’t follow.

Thanks To: My “chingu” and “Han Dynasty” chat, Katie, Amy, Jonathan, Michell, Justine, the Peer Assistant family and Peer Counseling program, Ms. Perla and Ms. Patti, State Council, and SGVB for giving me my first group of friends and sense of belonging at SG. MONICA TAN Will: Nicole H: my sarcasm, Christina Lam: brow pencil, Jake T: my shyness, Anthony A: my shoes, Priscila G: my hugs, Xareny R: my stomach, William K: art history skills, David G: my socks, Anthony R: my flannel Quote: “Nobody move! I dropped me brain.” - Captain Jack Sparrow Memories: All of the Conflict Mediation senior banquets and when Cassidy and I would cut peoples’ hair Thanks To: Maliyah Ong, Jenny Gip, Amanda Molina, Cassidy Chau, Ivy Thong, Emily Truong, Mandy Zhao, Ivy Ly, Nicole Hernandez, Priscila Garcia, Ms. Burkhart, all of Conflict Mediation AMY TANG Future Plans: find me a cute college boy man Will: I, Amy Tang, bequeath my humor to Nicole, photogenicness to Liza, cheerfulness to Christina and Joshua, non misspelled name experiences to Vion, senioritis to Rebecca, driving skills to Sylvia, ER 4 life to Vincent and William, enthusiasm to Ry, ability to lie to Tiffany.

Quote: “CocA cOLa pEPsI” Memories: I have been spelling sophomores as sophmores until senior year Predictions: Vicky: kick her husband out to make room for her dogS, Georgi: become vegan bc she’s tired of asking if there’s dairy in it, Leo: become a world renowned photographer, Wendy: dominate hurdles, Victor: dominate jumps, Junior: become valedictorian.

Thanks To: Mr. Kanow, Ms. Sune, Mr. Gin, Ms. Keller, Mr. Wong, Mrs. Tran n all the other ppl LUV U ALL IVY THONG Future Plans: Feel the excitement for my girls going off to college, cough UCLA cough. Attend UCI with my girlies, y’all already know. Reunite with all 12 of my girls one day, as a reminder that you choose your friends and I chose the right ones.

Will: I, Ivy Thong, bestow my chinguism to William Kwoon because he requested that I do.

Quote: “mianhae soondubu kimbap patbingsu xD.” - Thinley Huang, 4/18/17 Memories: ASB @ 5 in the morning. Spontaneous trips with Em & Mandy even though we broke. Arguments over calc with the nerds I eat lunch and hang out with; I’m not even taking calc.

One time I hung out with Georgi and she accidentally called me babe lol.

Predictions: Lunchsquad will see the world together. Em, Mandy, and I will be tgt 4evr xD. Georgi will let me pet her doggo one day. Also, I’m rushing Sigma Chai Latte.

Thanks To: Thinley Huang, ASB, LS, Daddy Bae, Kermit, Daniels as founder of LS, all the homies who made SG just ight.

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THE MATADOR

SERENA TIEU Future Plans: Major in Design at UC Davis (why did Trump have to cut educational funds?!). Become a designer of some sort (most likely a fashion designer). Make memes and more jokes as I wing everything at life.

Will: I, Serena Tieu, of puns, bequeath my sass to Jenny Lam and Michael Wang, my puns to Ai Hong, all of my chores & homework to my beloved bro, and my art skills to Art Club. Above all, I bequeath my leadership to Jocelyn Phung and the new Art Club cab.

Quote: “Fries before guys!”

Memories: AP Spanish raps and skits, Mr. Gin’s roasts, rants to and

by Jenny, getting noticed for my art in stats and physio class (thanks Ms. Wu and Jonathan), getting the Untucked internship, and most of all, getting accepted into UC Regina—I mean UC Davis, ahem.

Predictions: Ai will become a wonderful forensic pathologist at some point of her life. An will finally tell me about her European dog date at her prom in the U.K. Jenny and Michael will continue to find ways to suffer for their grades but still complain about their hard lives.

Thanks To: Angela Lu for giving me the opportunity to collaborate with her on selling buttons (visit canpeach.tictail.com if you’re interested in buttons about memes, K-pop bands, and anime)!

CINDY TRAN Future Plans: Attend ELAC for 2 years then transfer to UCI to major in Criminology.

Will: I, Cindy Tran, of absence and tardiness, bequeath my senioritis to KC Lau, my 50 free to June, and my position in Kahana Kai to my kk babies.

Quote: “Swim it off.” - Ms.Cognetta Memories: Ditching school to sleep in my car, getting a 28.9 on my 50 free, and dressing up as Guy Fieri for Halloween Predictions: Tommy will become the new Michael Phelps, Kailah will have quadruplets, Vincent will become a priest, and Jarett will be the next Kobe Bryant.

Thanks To: Swim, Kahana Kai, Daddy’s girls, Leanbean & Juju, Vincent, and Katie & Michelle.

DANIEL TRAN Future Plans: I plan to pursue a major in Computer Science, get some mad gainz because I’m still too small.

Will: I, Daniel Tran, of all swagger and class, bequeath my hurdle skills to Henry Nguyen, my eating and math “skills” to Vanessa Hoang, my charm to Vinny Thai, my jumping skills to Ryan Lin, and my cramping sensitivity to Eddie Thai.

Quote: “I used to have a fear of hurdles and jumping, but eventually I got over it.”

Memories: Dying on the track with my homies, walking down main street craving for a bite with friends, getting roasted by underclassmen, AP lunch, hanging out by the MS building, super lit bus rides to meets, tilting Discord and Skype calls.

Predictions: Henry is going to stop being a monkey, Vanessa will stop being a stressball and will accept the fact that she’s an egghead, and Sherrie will do 405, 315, 225 in her lifts.

Thanks To: Jonathan for being fat with me all four years, Henry for hurdling alongside me, Sherrie for letting me drive your car, Vanessa for untilting me and being able to tolerate my tilt, and Nathan Ta for giving me carrying workouts.

DYLAN TRAN Future Plans: Major in Biology at UCSB and party there. Go to Columbia for grad school because I LOVE New York.

Will: I, Dylan Tran, bequeath my math skills to Miguel, my college knowledge to Ada, my basketball skills to Humberto, my Chinese skills to Jonathan, and my kindness to Annie.

Quote: “Life’s simple. You make choices and you don’t look back.”Han from Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift Memories: Practicing and playing basketball, going to pep rallies, getting stressed out, taking AP Calc, going to New York, field trips, taking Mandarin, making new friends, studying hard for exams, going to basketball games, Conflict Mediation, going to prom Predictions: Lakers will make the playoffs for the 2017-2018 NBA season and will get Lonzo Ball. I will live life to the fullest.

Thanks To: My friends for making my life fun, basketball for making me physically stronger, Ms. Tran for making me mentally stronger, Ms. Mar for helping me in Calc, Ms. Burkhart for being a caring teacher, and everyone else who I have met in my life

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017 JOHNNY TRAN Future Plans: Major in Nutrition, own a house with dogs, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Will: I, Johnny Tran, of positivity and respect, bequeath my money to Vincent, my gym pass to Brandon, and my boba to Jimmy.

Quote: Hanging out with friends, track meets, and staying home on weekends studying.

Memories: Hanging out with friends, track meets, and staying home on weekends studying.

Predictions: Vincent will become a celebrity, Brandon will make it into UCR, and I will own 2 dogs.

Thanks To: My alumni friends, Kenneth, Brandon, Anthony, Cornelius and the Weight Training homies.

KYLIE TRAN Future Plans: Major in Human Biology and annoy Katie at UCSD, open a doctor’s office in the SGV area, and have weekly crepe adventures with Sam and Vicky.

Will: I, Kylie Tran, of smiles and sunshine bequeath my love of ice cream to Vannak and Jean, strength and ballerina skills to my throwers, accelerating at yellow light powers (skrr skrr) to Joey, xi dau to Roxanne, and charm and good looks to my son, Leo. Quote: “Why you care?” - Leyna Tran Memories: Waiting two days with Crystal Lam to eat crusty kbbq tacos, BSFGFFAE with Victoria and Katie, Payaso de Rodeo at BG with Vicky, and all the band trips with Truc, April and Lisa, my loves.

Predictions: Brandon will move back to China and send me hargao in the mail, Winnie will buy a million-dollar mansion which Daniel, Amy and I will move into, and Char will end up getting sponsored to play competitive PAD. Thanks To: Ms. Wong and Ms. Vergo for always believing in me, Ms. Larsen for always making me laugh, Mr. Nguy for being the best advisor EVER, Throws for giving me confidence in my strength, and Band for letting me sing Kids at the top of my lungs.

MICHELLE TRAN Future Plans: I will major in English, become a professor, make enough money for both my parents and little brother, and live life with bundles of happiness.

Will: I, Michelle Tran, of laughters and huskies, bequeath my silliness to June Lin, my exhilaration to Joey Hua, my amusing laugh to Yanet Aparicio, my love for sushi and Bdubs to Osman Nguyen, and high school life to my liddo brother: Timothy Tran.

Memories: Exploring the streets of Los Angeles with Amy Huang, going on plenty of sushi dates with VJAMS, going to Dland with Jamie, secret santa parties, taking thousand of pictures on the famous brick wall, and trying new food on the daily.

Predictions: Amy Huang will be my best friend for the rest of my life and will marry a lovely man. Cindy and Katie Tran will remain to be my LA sisters. VJAMS will grow old together. I will go to Brandon Lee’s farm to ride on the horses.

Thanks To: Ms. Parra, Ms. Wong, Ms. Deniz, Ms. Bishop, Mr. Wong, Ms. Vicky, J. Tan, M. Chau, B. Lee, D. Phan, C.Tran, K. Tran, S. Sun, T. Ngo, T.Wang, R. Chan, M. Lam, A. Huang, V. Vu, A.Vuong, S. Lee, and J. Yang for being apart of my high school life.

ROBINSON TRAN Future Plans: Start up Tran and Ly CPA accounting firm with Jeffery - Let us do your taxes! Start a photography business with Brandon Lau. Become a rapping duo with Gilbert Gallegos. Never run ever again. Lastly, I look forward to tackling life with Jenny!

Will: I, Robinson Tran, of laziness and fast food, bequeath my driving skills to Vincent Tieu, my running career to Roger Tran, my turtles to Ryan Lin, and all of my love and advice to Jenny Lam. Memories: 4 years of doing questionable things with my guys.

Wendy’s runs and basically everything with Brandon and Jeffery.

Ditching practice this whole year. Making Daniel stay up late to help me with calculus. All the best memories were with Jenny though!

Predictions: I predict Roger to be the next 400 god and one of the top students, Vincent Tieu to be a success in the future (KEEP DOING YOU MAN!!). Eddie and Eric to be D1 runners, and Jenny to be the laziest person ever.

Thanks To: Jenny, Michael, both Brandon’s, Jeffery, Aaron, Gilbert, Vincent 1.0 and 2.0, Chris, Eric, Eddie, and the whole Fiesta Squad!

You guys are truly the best!!

WILLS

TINA TRAN Future Plans: Become a magical unicorn Will: I, Tina Tran, of kindness and innocence, bequeath my weirdness to Kenny Tran.

Quote: “There is no angry way to say bubbles.”

Memories: Lots of tripping and falling, 6th period with Mei, playing UNO with my friends, and getting lunch with the lunch buddy on Thursdays.

Predictions: Mei will be a farmer, Cassandra will become an engineer, Lena will be a walking bush, Giang will become the next Princess Jasmine, Cassidy will own 27 guinea pigs, and Brandon will be an astronaut Thanks To: Mr. Wong, Cassandra L., Lena, Giang, Cassidy, Mei, Dion J., Winnie L., Huong P., Tiffany W., Ivy L., and extra credit SYDNEY TRIEU Future Plans: Write my godforsaken trashy YA novel. But if nothing else, live, grow old with a certain cat, and die.

Will: I, Sydney Trieu, of edginess and androgyny, bequeath my passion fruit tea to the orators, savage one-liners to Jo, outfits to Michele, Shreks to Jennifer, waifus to Andy, mild extroversion to Lu, Froggit to Brandon, love to Seena, and miracles to Kat. Quote: “All is well, all is well, and all shall be well.”

Memories: Ms. Tran branding me a traitor, the Motherland and the Conquest, Berkeley trips, summer 2015 aka fallout, (late) birthday vids, bus adventures, Friday hangouts, bad puns @ department stores, oratory chisme, trigger circle, camping trip, deadlines.

Predictions: Tom will find his Haas girl, Calvin will wake up, Tim won’t throw away his shot, Dion will stay queen of everything, Ai will suffer less, Thomas will part-time MMA and slam poetry, Kelly will save the world—but more importantly, find contentedness.

Thanks To: my family for their roasts and unconditional support, Ms. Kim & journalism for A+ commiseration, Leon & Andrew for being old, my children for being good noodles, lunch squad for daily memeries, and the Memesketeers for being the greatest friends I could ever ask for.

BRANDON TRING Future Plans: Major in Chemistry at UC Berkeley Quote: “Sometimes people write novels, and they just be so wordy and so self-absorbed. I am not a fan of books. I would never want a book’s autograph. I am a proud non-reader of books.” -Kanye West Memories: Having to eat lunch without any lunch tables, nights of AP homework, FBLA state, camping trip Thanks To: the Wangerson Boyz and the Bok Choi Boyz for taking care of me.

ALBERT TRINH Future Plans: Eventually get my license to drive, I will be going to Cal State LA and majoring in Civil Engineering. Try to do anything for the school and still stick to playing games right after I get off school. Probably find new friends to be with at school.

Will: I bequeath the lunch spot near the library and the beautiful smiles everyday.

Quote: “Pain is temporary, victory is forever!” - Aatrox from League of Legends Memories: The fun times in Mr. Nguyen’s class in the elective, Math in Engineering. Getting hit by an orange.

Thanks To: Christopher, Benson, David, and Alex. The teachers, Mr. Nguyen and Mr. Nguy.

EMILY TRUONG Future Plans: Attend UCI and graduate.

Will: I, Emily Truong, bequeath the Fantastic 4 club to Tho and Carie and my awesomeness to Raymond.

Quote: “By chance, do you like Messi?” -Kim Bok Joo Memories: Dancing on Mr.Wong’s tables on no-theory days, away games, kbbq on minimum days, Wild Wednesdays in Conflict, volunteering with Monica and Jenny, runs to Dingle Berries, secret closet meetings, intense bash sessions with lunch squad, winning league.

Predictions: Mandy will open up her own restaurant, Ivy will marry Kermit the Frog, Dang will have his own reality show, Michael will become a professional b-boy dancer in college, LunchSquad will reunite.

Thanks To: My besties Mandy and Ivy, LunchSquad, badminton team, Ms. Burkhart, Fantastic 4, and Mr.Wong.

WILLS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

JESSY TROUNG Future Plans: Major in Computer Science at Cal State Long Beach.

Quote: “Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” - Bruce Lee Memories: Bball @ Garvey Park w/ KYan, KHuynh, Sheng, Tach, Winston, Bob, & sometimes Kenneth, Jon & Rithy. late night fishing @ the pier thanks to Chris, junior year history w/ KYan, Juan, & Tania, countless nights of tilt after playing League w/ the squad.

Predictions: KYan will dunk, KHuynh will buy a new ankle, Sheng will never like A1, Tach will become a SEAL, Winston will make millions, Bob will find true love, Kenneth will become a hacker, Jon will become a pro fisherman, Rithy will never stop dancing.

Thanks To: Marty for coaching me not only in basketball but in life, Ms. Wong for guidance throughout high school, Mr. Whitman for the great class, and the squad for always showing me a great time!

JACQUELINE VELASQUEZ Future Plans: Major in Psychology or Social Work and graduate from a good college.

Will: I, Jacqueline Velasquez, leave my favorite lunch table by the cafeteria, to whomever chooses to claim it. My friends and I have made a lot of memories together sitting there and hope that you will do the same.

Quote: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh Memories: Experiencing high school with my best friends will be my greatest memory. Football games, club events, classes, (etc..) wouldn’t have been the same without them. We’ve had our best memories durning lunch & I’ll probably miss that the most.

Predictions: I predict that my friends & I will continue to stay connected during our college experience. Although it’ll be kind of hard due to the fact we’re all going to different colleges, I believe we would all make time for each other no matter what.

Thanks To: Ashley Arce, Emily Alvarez, Cuahutemoc Flores, Sofia Liborio, Jeanette Michel, Danielle Morales, Xiadani Ortega: Love you guys NIKOLAI VELIS Future Plans: Major in Kinesiology at Cal State East Bay Will: I, Nikolai Velis, will grant Jason Padilla and Abel Sotelo, the baseball team and baseball lunch to them.

Quote: “I swing with everything I got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can.” - Babe Ruth Memories: Playing baseball with friends that I can call my brothers, chilling the team by the Career Center, and Game Days.

Predictions: Jason, Abel, Mikey, and Rolando will take baseball as their career choice.

Thanks To: Ms. G, Ms. Parra, the office staff, and to the past and present baseball team and coaches.

SHERRIE VIRAPHANDETH Future Plans: Major in Kinesiology at Cal State LA and die running Track & Field there.

Will: I, Sherrie Viraphandeth, pass down my attitude to Vanessa Hoang, my determination to Jenny Lam, my Track legacy and fatness to Sylvia Son, my hamstring muscles to Eddie Thai, and my bad jokes and puns to Emily Phu. Quote: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.

Only through experience or trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” - Helen Keller Memories: Early mornings for ASB, Thursday Track meets and socials, sleeping in class almost everyday, awkward hello’s in the hallway, and hosting rallies with ASB Predictions: Vanessa Hoang will become a shiba owner, Huong Phu will be a princess (although she kind of already is), Sydney Nomura will be a better cook than Gordon Ramsay, Daniel Tran will become a gym god, and Rebecca Ung will become my wife.

Thanks To: Coach Morales, Track Family, my best friend Huong Phu, my little Vanessa Hoang, my step little Emily Phu, ASB Fam, and coffee.

TOMMY VO Future Plans: Major in Kinesiology at Cal State LA. Become a rich starfish and settle down in a mansion near the beach. Have unlimited supplies of mc chicken and nuggets and hopefully meet the special girl :3 Will: I, Tommy Vo, of positivity and strength, bequeath my swim

skills to Calvin Kang, Derick Pan, Dale Ly, and Kai Alcayde, and Marco Zhong. My captain spot to David Gomez and Bryan Lac, and my prayers to next year’s varsity swim team... LMAO Quote: “I think that everything is possible as long as you put your mind to it and you put the work and time into it. I think your mind really controls everything.” - Michael Phelps Memories: Great memories I made in the swim team, countless hours of training, and how it changed me mentally and physically throughout high school. I’ll miss my varsity senior teammates who I love very much. I’ll miss everyone shout out to my dudes c/o 2017 Predictions: David Gomez and Bryan Lac will lead the boys to end the league title drought. Valeria Duran will become our first woman president. Ronald Young will stay in SG because we need him.

Thanks To: My parents and grandma for always taking care of me.

My realest homies that I annoy everyday and still love me hehe.

My cousins who always support me. Jimmy Nguyen my boi that really taught me how to be confident and live life with no regrets.

CHARLENE VONG Future Plans: Eat. Convince everyone that mac and cheese is good for your health. Get everyone addicted to Puzzles and Dragons.

Will: I, Charlene Vong, of all things cheese, bequeath my P&D addiction to Scott Ho, my six star PAD rolls to Ernest Tse, my Texas Hold’em luck to Matthew Luu, FBLA duties to Justin and Lilian, and my love for cheese and food to the Tu cousins.

Quote: “I love you so, I love you, so I love you so. Please don’t go I’ll eat you whole.”

Memories: FBLA trips with my friends, Vicki’s daily mints and weirdness, Thuan and Vicki slowly becoming the same person.

Spamming “U right” and “TM” all over the place, a single rose and mac and cheese promposal, cool physics labs, and never titrating correctly Predictions: Vicki and Thuan will be too hard to tell apart. Anney hoards fish, naming each after lyrics of “Bad & Boujee,” starting w/ Raindrop. Diana builds stuff, Vicki cluelessly becomes a millionaire, Thuan finds happiness. Brandon will find cures by mixing chemicals.

Thanks To: DASVVCCK, Speech, and FBLA for four great years, Brandon, Truc, Chi, Chris for math help, Mr. Wong and Mr. Nguy for chill classes, Thuan Bui and Vicki Lei for introducing me to poke, naruto, and PAD, and Brandon for being my #1 co-op partner for PAD. SAN VU Future Plans: Major in Biological Sciences at UCI. Will: I, San Vu, of master dabbing, spread my great pun skills to all my underclassmen and my love of aesthetics to the future aesthetic generations to come.

Quote: “San kills my brain cells.” -Phuong, probably.

Memories: being annoying in bio h, eva drawing green eyeliner, gangsta emily, the room next door yelling at us at 2 am at ldi, walking 3 miles for tacos, friendsgiving, christmas party, sac, TUBA NOISES, that time jo screwed up on a joke, painfully fun times in stats.

Predictions: Eva will finally catch on, Thin and I—bffles, Anita will go raving, Georgi will be Georgi, Ivy be #1 on ig, Phuong be hella popular, Jessica will evolve, Mandy and Emily will meet oppas, Emily will calculus, and Truc will still be the only sane one.

Thanks To: lunch squad for a great senior year, tennis for introducing me to great friends, Jonathon for lowkey being there for me, Thinley for just being the mvp of my life and for more years to come, and everyone for dealing with me in general!!!!

VICTORIA VU Future Plans: After becoming the most successful woman in the tech industry, I will buy my parents a mansion where my dad can have all the dogs in the world and my mom can have her own mall. I will, finally, move to Canada and live with my husband, Shawn Mendes.

Will: I, Victoria Vu, of busy schedules and allergies, bequeath my kindness to Christina Yuan, my sass to Sara Hang, my optimism to Kevin Chai, my chin hairs to Peter(Jimmy) Chou, and my scare tactics to Sydney Tran, Khang Ho, and Jacob Rodriguez.

Quote: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” - William Shakespeare Memories: Mornings in my car with my two best friends, skype calls with my BeeFFL, chilling at Jamie’s with VJAMS, going to Urth Cafe with my bbys, Yearbook camp with my snakes, afterschool

25

deadlines with NWA, and Starbucks dates with my calc sisters.

Predictions: Valeria will be the first female president, Mia will become Beyonce, Brandon will be the richest farmer, April will still laugh too loud, Jamie will take over Spacex, Michelle will marry Arthur, and Sharon will play Moana in the live action movie.

Thanks To: Ms. Parra for opening P109 up to me as a 2nd home, Ms. Bishop for supporting me, Ms. Marilyn for all the love, Ms. Tran for tutoring me, Ms. Kim for the care and laughter, and Mia, Valeria, Brandon, VJAMS for being the best of friends to me.

APRIL VUONG Future Plans: working at baskin robbins for the summer LMAO. No joke I actually want to, but for the rest, just stick around and find out ;) Will: I, April Vuong/Jie/Big, of laughter and smiles, bequeath my love for ice cream and my spirit to Sara, my toe touches and ability to mispronounce words to Anny, my moves and loudness to my flute babies, and my love for dance to all of choreo.

Quote: “Enjoy high school because you’re going to blink twice and you’ll be in your cap and gown staring at your class wondering where time went.”

Memories: A few memories I cherish are games with fluteflock, shenanigans at choreo practices, dance comps, wild nights w/ KDAB, adventures w/ amanda, being emotional w/ sharon, birthdays w/ VJAMS, walks w/ brand, and days in the PA office with Azucena.

Predictions: Vic marries Shawn Mendes, Jamie will meet McCaffrey, Michelle will meet Jeff Atkins, Sharon and I will still be bickering when we’re grandmas, littles will be great captains, flute babies will be Ms. C’s fave section LMAO, & Brand and I will go North.

Thanks To: VJAMS for the love, Kat for being my boo, Brand 4 being a real1, wives for being you, Nick for the headaches & laughs, TALK for a g8 3yrs of band, flutes for being the best section, lils for our unbreakable bond, & Amanda for all that you do for me.

THOMAS WANG Future Plans: I will somehow not die at MIT, go down a career path that seems interesting and rewarding, have a mid-life crisis, adopt a dog and relocate into the taiga of Alaska.

Will: I, Thomas Wang, of terrible time management and room cleanliness, bequeath The Matador to the future EIC’s, Christmas to Chris, my flow to Britney, my love of unsuccessful League teams to Maxwell, and my environmental devotion to Vincent and Tom. Quote: “If I told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it?” - Kendrick Lamar Memories: Summer of 2015, taco runs, stressing over deadlines, the best Lit group ever, the Wangerson Boyz, Debate trip to NorCal, procrastinating on MESA projects, the camping trip, trigger circle, becoming Hatsune Miku, being graced with Dion’s cooking, curry Predictions: Sydney becomes rich, Kelly will be cool, Tom will find love, Calvin will eat tacos daily, Dion will continue feeding the hungry, Winston becomes fresher than mint, Brandon becomes a social butterfly, Vicki will learn to love bananas and her siblings.

Thanks To: Ms. Kim for being the cat-crazed newspaper adviser, Mr. Nguyen for his guidance and his stories, Mrs. Tran for destroying me inside out, Mr. Osborne for being the Ace, Leon for sitting on me, and Andrew Nguyen for getting me into college.

TIFFANY WANG Future Plans: Major in English at UC Riverside Will: I, Tiffany Wang, of awkwardness and laughter, bequeath my chips to Alyssa Yip, my stalking skills to Jessica Huynh, my carrying skills to Maxwell Wong, and my generosity to Alanna Chan.

Quote: “Vat.” Memories: Warming up the bench for my bball mates, doing 43 dives because one of us was 43 min late, hanging out with my OG lunch squad, walking to FTB with my friends on every minimum day during freshmen/sophomore year, late night bus rides after a bball game Predictions: Rebecca C. will become an entrepreneur, Michelle L. will develop the most popular game, Tam N. will become a selfmade millionaire vlogger, Amy H. will be my banker, Michelle T. will become a top 10 make-up artist, and all the snakes will be exposed.

Thanks To: Mr. Wong, Mr. Myers, Mr. Kanow, Interact Club, my mains Rebecca Chan, Michelle Lam, Tam Ngo, Amy Huang and Michelle Tran, my long-lasting homies Tina Tran and Ivy Ly, my trumies Maliyah Ong and Lynh Luong, and my fav basketball fam.

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THE MATADOR

KATIE WONG Future Plans: Attend UCSD, travel with my family, build many many Sims households, and become the godmother of Diana’s children.

Will: I, Katie Wong, of poke and potatoes, bequeath my humor to Tracy Tran, my derps to Jocelyn Kha, and everything else to Roxanne Fong.

Quote: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

-Albert Schweitzer Memories: Check-ins and Wild Wednesdays with Conflict, Prom ‘16, FBLA State ‘17, watching every pep rally with Die, calc and lang projects with Die, boy watching with Victoria, sheltering Anne, meeting Truc and Michelle Meng, and snapping Uyen every morning.

Predictions: Diana will be stuck with me forever, Anne will get a bird, Viv will be a shopaholic grandma, Lisa will meet BTS, Vicki will get a dog, Sam will marry a rich boy, Char will try every type of cheese, and Kylie will have Pubby forever.

Thanks To: Sam, Vicki, Char, and Crystal for eating lunch with me, Die, Anne, and Viv for taking me out, Kylie for being weird with me, Michelle Lam for ranting with me, everyone in my calc groups for carrying me, and Conflict for always brightening my day.

KIMBERLY WONG Future Plans: Major in Culinary Arts with an Emphasis in Hot Cheetos at Some University Will: I, Kimberly Wong, of Hot Cheetos and Tajin, bequeath my infamously unhealthy eating habits to everyone who wants to live a short and happy life.

Quote: “Tell me I’m not down.”

Memories: JANNKYIM, Buhris, H2 drama, and Hot Cheetos on fried rice :3 <3 Predictions: Christopher Chen becoming a drift king. Gilbert Gallegos forever being known as “Gibby.” Victoria Vu spreading sunshine and happiness around the world. Jannkyim still being Jannkyim (-: Me still eating food off the floor.

Thanks To: Mr. Wong for providing a sanctuary for me during passing period and listening to whatever I had to say. Ms. Kim for teaching me how to ship packages and making Gibburz, Vicki, and me laugh so much during class.

SAMANTHA WU Future Plans: Become a pharmacist. Make enough money to buy the highest tier pass to Disneyland. Travel the world.

Will: I, Samantha Wu, of Converse and hoodies, bequeath my ability to sleep early to my little brother Shane, sass to Vion, volleyball skills to Becca, sarcasm to Jackson, math skills to Austin, and ability to be on time to school to Nicole.

Quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” - Nelson Mandela Memories: Tag team roasting Raymond with Vicky. MS building lunch spot. The babes Ange and Vick. Volleyball practice. Football games with Amy, Vicky, and Angela. Cheesecake Factory with Christina, Nicole, and Virginia. Christine Doan’s snapchat stories.

Predictions: Vicky and Amy will finally meet the man of their dreams. Raymond will finally stop eating soggy waffles out of a plastic bag and grow a real beard. Diana will be a millionaire, and Anney will own an aquarium. Nick will have a regular sleep schedule.

Thanks To: Mr. Wong for letting me keep my lunch in his class, letting us crash there every morning, and for all the advice he has ever given to me. To everyone who listened to me rant. You know who you are! Ms. Wong for helping me throughout my last year.

WILSON WU Future Plans: I have no future plans.

Will: I don’t know, I have no friends :( Quote: “Bye.” Memories: Memories. Memories are nice.

Predictions: I am optimistic for a better future.

Thanks To: Thanks to me, myself, and I. ERIC XIE Future Plans: Major in music, be a successful songwriter, guitarist, and singer in different music style.

Will: I, Eric Xie, bequeath 1 percent of my luck to Ben Xie, my master drawing skill to Meitong Wang, my challenger rank of LOL

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017 to Ziyuan Cen Cen. Quote: “Eat good and sleep good.”

Memories: Night of the talent show, everyday walks to school, every show that I performed at SGHS. TIMOTHY XU Future Plans: Be a music teacher.

Will: I, Timothy Xu, of funniness and niceness, bequeath my music skills to my friend Xi Hang Pang.

Quote: “Never give up until the end.”

Memories: My music teacher said that music class is too easy for me, that shocked me.

Predictions: I will have lots of money.

KEVIN YAN Future Plans: I plan to go to college and transfer into a Cal State or university, and also plan to dance my heart out every single moment I can.

Will: I, Kevin Yan, bequeath my “copping” skills to Thomas Chung to find and replicate or recycle every move possible by Chris Martin.

Quote: Ain’t no better dancer than MistopherCartin himself. Ain’t no better popper than Kenneth Lee. Memories: When they always catch you slippin’ in rally photos.

Predictions: I predict Wilson Tran will become the leader and inspiration of all-male.

Thanks To: All my friends, girlfriend, and dancing to help me become the person I am today.

JAMIE YANG Future Plans: Marry Christian McCaffrey and attend all his football games. Watch Brian Puspos perform live.

Will: I, Jamie Yang, of corgis and football, bequeath my knowledge of football and calculus to the next generation.

Quote: “Sometimes all you need is someone to believe in you.” Christian McCaffrey Memories: Hangouts with VJAMS, attending my brother’s graduation, watching football games, procrastinating on MESA projects, making jokes in Kanow’s classes, pulling all nighters to finish homework, Homecoming Predictions: Christian McCaffrey will win a Super Bowl and the NFL MVP award. Stanford will beat Cal in the Big Game. Thomas will fall in love and not know what to do, so he’ll ask me for advice.

Thanks To: Ms. Wong for all her help, Mr. Hendrickson for all the talks, Mr. Woo for teaching me math, Mr. Kanow for the fun classes, VJAMS for all their love, my brother for annoying me, Tom for being my bear buddy, and all my friends for their support.

RAYMOND YIP Future Plans: Attend CSULB majoring in Kinesiology to become a physcial therapist. I will one day marry the girl of my dreams, drive the car of my dreams, and live in the house of my dreams.

Will: I, Raymond Yip, of food and hype, bequeath my Conflict Mediation skills to David Gomez, my love for chips to Nicole Nguyen, my float serve to Jackson Pham, my libero position to Cedric Casino, and my hype and last name to my lil bro Randy Yip. Quote: “Grind it out now, so you can have fun later.”

Memories: Wild Wednesdays and 2 day check ins in conflict, bus rides to volleyball games, early morning tournaments, late volleyball practices, CIF, and late night shenanigans with the homies.

Predictions: April Vuong will finally get me a birthday gift, and Vicky Ong will be a star on The Real Housewives of San Gabriel Valley.

Thanks To: Derick, Situ, and Nick for being the homies, the volleyball program for being my family, and Conflict Mediation for helping me grow as a person. Thank you Ms. Burkhart, Mr. Kanow, Coach Chris, and everyone else that has impacted my life.

STEVEN YU Future Plans: mainly focus on graduating from any University in the next 4 years from now and then completing my major in Biology, so that I can achieve my goal on becoming a doctor.

Will: I, Steven Yu, bequeath my trumpet “blowing” skills to Christian Lopez, and Andy Lam, letting the inner weeb out of Justin Phan, giving my great “advice” to Jenny Luu, the voice of an angel to Wilson Tran, and my league skills to Brenner Sayavong.

Quote: “Believe What You Want.”

Memories: I will always remember the memories I had during my years in Band with my entire Trumpet Section, especially when

WILLS

we had after school practices, games, socials, and messing around during band class when Ms. C was teaching and none of us were listening.

Predictions: I predict that Christian Lopez and Andy Lam will become the best players at “Blowing” the Trumpet, Justin Phan on becoming a major weeb, Jenny Luu giving out great advice towards “acquaintances, “ and Wilson Tran singing and dancing his life away.

Thanks To: Christian Lopez for giving me The “Best” Trumpet Section Ever!!!, my friends and acquaintances for giving me so much laughter and happiness in all my years, and most importantly especially to me...VERY FOND MEMORIES I WILL NOT FORGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVELYN ZAMARRIPA Future Plans: Going to Cal Poly Pomona and major in Electrical Engineering.

Quote: “Have fun and live the moment.”

Memories: Playing cards and Exploding Kittens with my friends.

Eating candy and chips. Being part of the BTA family.

Thanks To: BTA, all of my teachers, Essence Martinez, Jenny To, Sarah Law, the breakfast club, my family, and my sister, Rashell. c: ALEX ZHANG Future Plans: I plan to go to UC Berkeley to major in Chemistry.

After that, I’m not entirely sure.

Will: I, Alex Zhang, of sarcasm and satire, bequeath my unhealthy affection towards cats to Elaine Tran, my unprecedented use of memes to Joseph San, and a pop quiz to Ryan Lei. Quote: “There are no mistakes—only happy, little accidents.” - Bob Ross Memories: Calculus.

Predictions: I predict that Joy Portinga will accidentally steal someone’s man, Mei Chau will drop out of college and adopt 473 cats, and Thomas Wang will join a frat and start a career in crossdressing.

MANDY ZHAO Quote: “Welcome to the real world! It sucks. You’re gonna love it.” - Monica Geller Predictions: Emily Truong will probably become a famous Youtuber or Kpop idol. Ivy Thong will be opening her second Kermit the Frog Art Exhibit.

Thanks To: LS for making my last couple years in High School somewhat bearable.

YUZI ZHOU Will: I, Yuzi Zhou, bequeath my seat in the cafeteria to other Matadors.

Quote: “Do what you want to do, say what you want to say, because those who matter don’t mind, and those who do mind don’t matter.”

Memories: Studying in SGHS, watching dramas with friends, having fun with Lydia in ceramics class, chatting with my friends in PE class, and attending summer school in 2016.

Thanks To: Ms. Chai, Mr. Lemoine, Ms. Keller, Ms. Franey, Mr. Hinojisa, Ms. Kanik, and everyone I met in SGHS. especially Cheryl and Kiki. :) MICHAEL ZHU Future Plans: Study Computer Science at Cal State Pomona and hopefully one day open a League of Legends Internet Cafe.

Will: I, Michael Zhu, of funniness and handsomeness, bequeath my smiles and badminton skills to my badminton teams, my tolerance to whoever is taking AP Chinese, and my dancing skills to all males.

Quote: “Don’t be sad because we lost, be sad because it is over.”

- Mr. Wong Memories: My biggest memories are every time we practice, run, exercise, dog pile, play matches, league finals, team CIF, CIF individuals, laugh in the bus or silence in the bus, and all the moments when we smile and cry together.

Predictions: Win C level or above in any badminton tournaments.

Class of 2017 will all be successful people in the future.

Thanks To: Ms. Wong, Ms. Vicky, Ms. Dena, and Mr. Dultz for an amazing senior year TA. Mr. Li, Mr. Woo, Ms. Chai, Mr.Hinojosa and all my teachers. Mr. Wong and Jordan Tien for coaching. All my friends, classmates, badminton family, and last but not least, Shelly Shen.

WILLS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017

27

Seniors recognized at Los Renombrados Every year since the school’s founding in 1955, a small number of students from the graduating senior class receives the prestigious Los Renombrados award, which honors individuals who excelled both in academics and extracurricular activities in their four years at San Gabriel.

This year’s 23 recipients included seniors Juan Cai, Rebecca Chan, Tom Cheah, Valeria Duran, Eva Hernandez, Kelly Ho, Thinley Huang, Michael Lam, Vicki Lei, Anita Li, Kitty Lu, Daniel Magana, Melissa Miranda, Angelica Morquecho, Vicky Ong, Cassidy Pham, Joy Portinga, Nick Salcedo, Uyen Sy, Kelly Tam, Sydney Trieu, Thomas Wang, and Raymond Yip. These students were recognized after a selection process, which included a teacher nomination, an application, and a final committee decision. Each student received a commemorative pin, cord, medal, sash, certificate, and a list of their fellow awardees.

Despite being the first ceremony in recent years that was attended by seniors only, the award was still important to those recognized. For senior Nick Salcedo, it was an honor to be selected from such a competitive field and served as validation for four years of hard work.

“Receiving this sort of acknowledgement from the teachers, administrators, and my peers has proven to me that my hard work throughout high school has paid off,” Salcedo said.

“Being part of such a respected group is definitely humbling.

It has shown me that sacrifices are necessary for any success.”

Fellow recipient Vicki Lei was also proud of having won and acknowledged how strong the field was.

“It was humbling to be recognized, but I feel that many other individuals who weren’t selected were just as deserving of receiving an award,” Lei said.

Furthermore, she also urged underclassmen to not overemphasize the importance of awards.

“Don’t do things for the sake of being recognized,” Lei said. “Don’t dwell on all the superficiality–just focus on doing what you love, and whatever happens, happens.”

Article by Carlos Carrillo

Photo by Sunny Chen

The 2017 Los Renombrados winners take a picture in the MPR after the awards ceremony.

“As True As It Can Be” Prom 2017

Photo courtesy of Furious Photographers

Back (Left to Right): Kevin Huynh, Kevin Yan, King Vincent Nguyen, Brandon Lau, Derek Le Front (Left to Right): Sharon Lee, Kitty Lu, Queen Valeria Duran, Kylie Tran, April Vuong

THY STATELY WALLS, DEAR ALMA MATER RISE PROUDLY IN THE GOLDEN WEST, INSPIRING ALL THY SONS WITH COURAGE TO MEET EACH CHALLENGE AND EACH TEST. TO THINE IDEALS WE SHALL BE FAITHFUL; OUR LOYALTY WILL NEVER DIE. WE LIFT OUR VOICES NOW IN TRIBUTE TO THEE, SAN GABRIEL HIGH.