Johnny Buchanan & Chase Eisenberg

Connor Davis

Q: You composed all the songs in “Illusive Impression.” Can you explain what that means? A: So Mckenzie wrote the lyrics. I took the lyrics and the emotional content of what she was trying to get across and put it into music. We would literally sit down at the piano, go over the song and try to come up with things that would have a melody, have emotional content. Sometimes we would change lyrics to fit the music, but it was Mckenzie’s writing, and I just put music to it.

Q: You have an amazing voice; have you taken singing lessons? A: Not really. I just grew up singing with my family and at church and stuff.

Q: Who do you look up to? A: To be honest, I look up to Mr. Leff a lot.

Q: Do you want to pursue composing, songwriting and singing in college? In your career? In other aspects of life? A: I think so. I think I would like to keep writing music throughout my life, even if it’s just a hobby. Some kind of music — I want to keep it in my life.

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do? A: It’ll never sound perfect to you, so just be creative. It’s your own unique original creation. Similar to Mckenzie, be open to changing things a lot because to make things better, you have to be willing to change things.

Arnold and Davis

Q: How did you meet? Arnold: I had the idea of the show and I started writing it out. I got my two friends Eva and Becca to help edit what I’m writing, because sometimes I don’t make sense. And then sophomore year, they introduced me to Connor, because they were friends with him, and I was like A‘wow you’re good.’ And we’ve just stayed together since. Davis: I remember “Once Great Man,” Arnold: Yeah, the jazzy version! Q: Do you have a favorite part of the play? Davis: Mine is the last song. When everyone sings on stage together and when after bows, they come to the front of the stage, and we all sing together out of character… that was my favorite. Arnold: That moment was powerful. It brings the message from the show outside of the characters and to actual society. The show is all about ‘don’t aimlessly follow your emotions because it will lead to destruction,’ so that’s what the lyrics at the end are talking about. I don’t know. It’s just like a really nice moment. It’s a sad moment, but it’s a nice moment. Q: How did you celebrate after the show was over? Davis: We went to In-N-Out, and we had a giant cast party. Arnold: And it was like speech night, so everyone had a turn giving emotional speeches, and it kept going until midnight, and it was super sad but super great. Despite the play’s title, the talent behind West Ranch Theater’s latest production is no illusion. The thrilling, immersive production is the child of hard work and bold creativity. Arnold, Davis and the entire cast have an exciting future in store! Arnold is currently working through copyright laws so that larger theaters can showcase her spectacular creation.

NEIKO NEIKO NEIKO PITTMAN PITTMAN PITTMAN

Story by Alyssa Troung and Jessica Son Photo provided by Neiko Pittman

Whether it’s on WRTV or around campus leading ASB activities, many students have seen the familiar face of Neiko Pittman at West Ranch. Well-known for being kind, outgoing and active, Neiko spends his days meaningfully pursuing his passions. As a senior, he hopes to follow his dream as a “director/producer/ content maker.” Neiko is part of the incredible team behind ASB’s events, such as the rallies and dances. After a term as ASB Vice President in 2019, he has brought many ASB activities to life. His favorite memory was being crowned King at Homecoming his senior year. “That entire week was so fun and so awesome to see how many of my peers really loved, supported and looked up to me to nominate me and then make me king,” Neiko commented. “I was also really honored to be representing people of color and LGBT+ kids at the school.” Not only is Neiko a major part of ASB, he is also a member of WRTV; his video production skills can’t be forgotten. He plans to major in video media arts at Emerson College and is excited to continue his craft. “I enjoy every aspect of film and television production,” he adds. “I want to impact people in the way they think about the world. I plan on making people ride their waves of emotions and proving all my haters wrong by really making it big one day.” Neiko also enjoys volleyball and being a part of school clubs. One of his greatest accomplishments, he says, is “the community of people I’ve been able to foster and bring together for certain things with the different programs” he is in. As a senior, Neiko will soon be leaving high school behind to move onto bigger things. Looking back on his four years at West Ranch, he states, “I’m going to miss the people the most of course: teachers and staff. It’s everyone that I’ve grown up with my entire life, and they’re the people that have shaped me into who I am today. I’m definitely not going to miss the stress that comes with trying to accomplish everything that you are expected to in high school.” Neiko has advice to offer for underclassmen on how to enjoy their high school life: “GET INVOLVED! In any way you can and as soon as possible. Find what makes you passionate. Find your niche of people. The more involved and dedicated you are to high school things, the way more you’ll enjoy your experience. Clubs have been an awesome part of how I’ve met new people and created my smaller environments of people passionate about and wanting to accomplish some of the same goals as you.” To Neiko, high school has been “The best and worst journey of self-discovery, self-love, stress, adventure, fun, leadership, learning, and friendship.” As he leaves for college, it’s clear that his legacy at West Ranch High School will remain, as well as the positive influence that he left on campus. The Paw Print cheers him on as he accomplishes his goals in film and video production!

CHASE EISENBERG

Story by Jasleen Arora Graphic by Timothy Kang Photo provided by Chase Eisenberg

Chase Eisenberg’s fun-loving and carefree personality definitely showed throughout her high school experience. Not only did she dominate on the tennis court, but she also kept up with a rigorous school schedule. As a result of her strong tennis skill and passion for medicine, Eisenberg ultimately found the perfect match at The College of New Jersey, where she will be playing NCAA Division III tennis and majoring in nursing.

Eisenberg has been playing tennis ever since her dad introduced her to the sport at the age of four. She fell in love with the game and has always tried to improve her game.

“Once I turned ten, I began to play competitively and started playing tournaments and being on teams,” disclosed Eisenberg. “Leading up to high school, I played around 6-8 hours a week. Being on the West Ranch tennis team was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

The West Ranch tennis team is one of the most accomplished sports teams on campus, winning the first place CIF title for all four years of Eisenberg’s high school career. However, even with their rigorous practice routine, Eisenberg still kept close with her teammates, often getting lunch or hanging out with them outside of their normal practice schedule. Eisenberg also has her own fair share of individual achievements, being awarded All-League First Team her sophomore and junior year and ending her high school career with the second best singles record in SCV. Even with these awards, Eisenberg says it was a big honor for her to become varsity captain and become a mentor to her younger teammates.

“My advice to younger teammates is to enjoy it as much as you can and be as involved as you possibly can because it goes by so quickly,” exclaimed Eisenberg. “I know representing your school and your teammates can be stressful, but never forget to have fun because you will never forget your experiences here.”

High school in itself is full of good moments and some moments where students make mistakes and learn from them. Being on the tennis team has allowed her to figure out her own strengths and weaknesses and also make memories she will remember for the rest of her life.

“My favorite memories on the team were playing and beating Valencia because they were our biggest rivals, so we always have so much energy and intensity when we played them,” revealed Eisenberg. “I also loved the tournaments where we went to San Diego.”

Congratulations on your achievements! The Paw Print wishes you the best of luck in the future!

johnny buchanan

Multiple gold medals, All Tournament MVP and Foothill League Player of the Year are just some of the awards earned by Boys Volleyball Senior Captain Johnny Buchanan.

Despite having his senior season cut short, Buchanan has accomplished more than many athletes hope to accomplish in a full high school career. Having been a vital part of the team’s current four-year undefeated streak, it is not surprising that Buchanan’s natural talent for volleyball stems from passion at a young age.

“I first got into volleyball because my mom coaches my sister’s team, and I would go play at their practices back when I was in 6th grade, and I fell in love with the sport,” remarked Buchanan. “I started in 7th grade for the first time on an actual team, playing for Legacy Volleyball Club. I’ve played there every year since.”

In boys’ volleyball, a sport where most players have no prior experience heading into high school, Buchanan’s early start translated into success. He made the varsity team as a sophomore and took over the starting role in his junior year, leading the Wildcats to a 10-0 league record and the CIF-SS Division 2 semifinals, the team’s best season in school history. After the season, Buchanan was named 2019 Foothill Player of the Year, as well as being named the All-CIF first team and the Daily News’ All-Area Team.

Buchanan spoke fondly about the sport, revealing that “volleyball has always been a love of mine since I started playing. It’s always been something I can look forward to. After a tough day, going to practice and leaving all the drama of life off the court is always relieving. I can’t even begin to describe the bonds and friendships I’ve made over the years with countless teammates, and that will be with me forever.”

As such an accomplished athlete, these past four years have been filled with many exciting memories and record breaking moments, but Buchanan has a few in particular that he believes to be the highlight of his high school career.

“One of my favorite memories has got to be beating Punahou, a national ranked team from Hawaii, in Hawaii at the beginning of this season,” said Buchanan. “Last year during playoffs, we got to play two teams we had lost to in preseason play, Thousand Oaks and Alemany, and we beat them both in playoffs to end their seasons.”

After numerous years as a competitive athlete and a successful volleyball player, Buchanan plans to attend the University of Hawaii in Manoa. West Ranch is excited to have had the opportunity to witness the passion and dedication of Johnny Buchanan. Good luck in all your future endeavors, and remember: Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!

Story by Harneet Arora and Noah Neri Graphic by Timothy Kang Photo provided by Johnny Buchanan