Senior 10

Seniors

The Westlake High School ARROW Presents

PHOTO BY LISA BATTAGLIA

2010

SENIOR ARROW STAFF: TOP ROW: Sam Wexler, Becky Sadwick, Marika Price, Katie Roughan, Sofia Talarico, Annie Gerlach, Jared Erman. BOTTOM ROW: Rachel Bernstein, Iris Yan, and Tiffany Loh.

Seniors Ready for Commencement Nearly 550 students to receive diplomas at ceremony

Katie Roughan Feature Editor Family and friends will gather together to watch the Class of 2010 mark their commencement from high school at the ceremony to be held June 10 at 5:00 in the Warrior Stadium.

The ceremony will begin with the WHS Instrumental Ensemble playing the processional as graduates are seated on the field.

Brittany Perry will sing the national anthem and proceed with the WHS alma mater.

Speakers at graduation will be Senior Class President Nicole Stelmar, followed

by Principal Ron Lipari and seniors Becky Sadwick and Nik Crain.

A Class Act will sing “Bridge over Troubled Water.”

In addition, Mindi Carpenter,

accompanied by her father, Richard Carpenter, will perform “Who I Was Born to Be.” The final performance will feature seniors McAuley Cahill and Tim Witwer who will sing a duet.

Assistant Principal of Instruction Jason Branham will introduce the valedictorians who will receive their diplomas first.

Following the valedictorians will be the rest of the graduating class in alphabetical order.

After they accept their diplomas, seniors will have a picture taken with a teacher as they step off the stage.

Seniors who are not attending grad night will receive their diplomas after graduation.

However, seniors who are attending grad night will not receive diplomas until the following morning at the senior

breakfast.

Seniors are expected to arrive back from Grad Night between 6:00-7:00 a.m.

Then, they will be served breakfast by administrators Lipari, Branham, and Assistant Principal of Athletics Phalba Thomas. Seniors can look forward to a pancake and egg breakfast.

The annual Baccalaureate service will take place on June 6 at the United Methodist Church in Westlake. It is a nondenominational service for graduating seniors.

Seniors must arrive at 1:30 in their caps and gowns in order to participate.

Speakers include seniors Megan Winer, Miranda Fang, and Lauren Noyes.

Performers in the ceremony will include seniors Hayley Sherman, Crain, Witwer, and Cahill.

Seniors will be given two

complimentary tickets for the graduation ceremony and may also buy up to ten more tickets at $10 each.

Tickets for graduation are available in the student store, as well as the online student store.

Seniors are advised to have their parents drop them off.

Parking will be crowded; parents are advised to arrive early and carpool.

The Verizon parking lot will be open for parking.

If there are handicapped persons that need assistance, they should contact Tina Wheelock in the attendance office in order to arrange a shuttle to pick them up and transport them to the stadium.

Graduate call time will be at 3:45 in the gym, and students will walk up to the stadium at 4:25. On the day of graduation, gates will open at 3:15.

2

FEATURE

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

The World According To...

PHOTO BY IRIS YAN

Class of 2010 WORLDLY SENIORS: (from left to right) Nicole Burns, Colin Fan, Sasha Richman and Kyle Holden share their perspectives.

Julia Model Feature Editor

careers shape who they are today, their personalities, beliefs, and goals for the future.

“I feel that the fault of many highschoolers is that they try too hard or too little,” Fan said. “It’s necessary to find a delicate balance between work and play in order to

fulfill a wellrounded and accomplished experience.”

Richman looks at high school as the one way that she was able to see the mistakes she’s made, accept them and learn from them.

“The only effect of high school is that it serves as a transition period into adulthood,” Richman said.

“When I think back to my high school experience, I am going to think of its trials and errors, and how much I learned not only academically, but also as a person.”

M a n y

seniors would agree that the heavy homework load and everyday stress will not be missed, but what everyone will surely long for is the security that the WHS atmosphere provides.

Richman said, “I’m going to miss the simpler life, when all I knew was the student parking lot and old orange carpet.”

H o p e f u l l y, the Class of 2010 will take along the lessons learned and memories made to their respective college lives and never forget the place that helped shape them into who t h e y a r e today.

CARTOON BY KRISTEN AUGUSTYN

As we say goodbye to the glorious high school days, we reflect upon what we have learned and how we have grown into the more mature version of ourselves: the soon-to-be college students, the Class of 2010.

Recall that 90’s tune by Vitamin C replayed at every graduation, goodbye, or farewell ceremony? “As we go on, we remember all the times we had together and as our lives change, from whatever we will still be, friends forever...”

As senior year comes to a close, it is time to recollect the memories and friendships that were made, but it’s also time to step out into the dangerous, unpredictable place that we call “real life”.

Students will no longer have their parents around to guide them through the stages leading to adulthood. Therefore, no one but themselves can determine the fate of the future.

2010 graduates Kyle Holden, Colin Fan, Sasha Richman, and Nicole Burns reflect on global issues, future aspirations, and discovering who they are.

On the issue of technology, the Class of 2010 seems to agree that we are all extremely dependent on texting, emailing and instant messaging. This is the age of booming technological advances, and we continue to sacrifice personal interaction.

On communicating non-electronically, Holden said, “People don’t even make eye contact anymore; they’re too used to squinting at a phone screen and sending eerie smiley faces back and forth to realize how socially awkward they’ve become.”

Others believe that technology is “a double-edged sword because although technology allows for ease of everyday tasks, personal privacy and interpersonal relationships are being compromised,” Fan said.

Debate over technology is not the only issue that seniors feel the need to share their opinions about. Healthcare and drugs are also topics that tap into students’ beliefs.

On the issue of healthcare, Richman

commented on how it is truly becoming an unaffordable necessity for most Americans.

“I believe that all U.S. citizens should be entitled to afford healthcare.

However, due to the large amount of government funding necessary to implement such a program, it is unrealistic for every American to get affordable care,” she said.

We are all well aware that drugs have been a problem for a while now, but the government could be legalizing marijuana in order to help stimulate the United State’s s a g g i n g e c o n o m y.

Citizens will always find a way to obtain drugs, no matter what the time and age.

“High school life is changing at a fast pace,” Burns said. “Students are, and will continue to be, put on a tighter leash: its heading straight towards 1984.”

As a result, “it may seem taboo today, but in a decade from now, it will seem tame compared to what people will be smoking in the future,” Holden said.

The four seniors reflect on how their h i g h school

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

3

FEATURE

Valedictorians

PHOTO BY SAM WEXLER

THE BRAINS OF THE BUNCH: Gao and Jin take a break from their studies and pose together for a photo.

• Megan Aguilera • Nikhil Crain • Nora Darago • Matt Dushkes • Miranda Fang • Lucy Gao • Brian Grubbs • Kimberly Ha • Jessica Jia • Tony Jin • Tiffany Loh • James McAfee • Adam Raudonis • Lindsey Rytterager-Nickel • Vivian Shi • Micah Smith • Dillon Wexler • Iris Yan

BATTLE OF THE A-LISTERS Seniors to Take Flight atAir Force One

Of approximately 550 students in the Class of 2010, 18 “A-Listers” made their way to the top. do. If I have something in mind, I carry it through, and I remain steadfast to personal goals, joys, and plans,” said Gao about her Eighteen seniors qualified as the Class secret to success.

Although Gao plans to major in Bioof 2010 valedictorians, each maintaining at least a 4.65 GPA or above by the end of medical Engineering, her interest in art allowed her to start the Art Club. “We (Vivtheir high school career.

Tony Jin and Lucy Gao placed num- ian Shi and Gao) began as a relatively quiet ber one and two respectively in their class, and shy group, but through the Art Club, we were forced to open up, take initiative, taking the top valedictorian positions.

Headed to Stanford University, Jin and make ourselves heard,” she said.

Gao and Shi plan biannual art shows participated in a number of activities including Math Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Aca- at WHS, a “reflection of their hard work.” demic Decathlon, Science Olympiad, Phys- Commenting on her greatest challenges, Gao said “staying awake in class, figurics Club, and National Honor Society.

However, his most meaningful extra ing out what I wanted to do, running an -curricular activity was being involved in art show on a rainy day, and struggling Wikipedia. “I am an editor and adminis- against procrastination were my greatest trator of this free online encyclopedia,” challenges.”

Other valedictorians share advice with said Jin. underclassmen.

Jin’s intended “Enjoy your last major is Mathematics “I just do what I want year because it goes and his main reason for choosing Stanford to do. If I have something by fast, and take advantage of your sewas the ideal location.

As Math Club in mind, I carry it through, niority,” said Nik president, Jin said and I remain steadfast to Crain. he had to “organize Crain decided meetings and plan personal goals, joys, and to attend UC Berkefor the annual Pi day plans.” ley because it is in event. It was necesCalifornia. sary for me to know Also, Crain what tasks to assign to Lucy Gao said that learning others and what tasks to have fun while to do myself, includworking hard at ing how to keep track of time.” the same time was his hardest challenge to “In life there is no good without the overcome in high school. bad, or bad without the good. Expect both “Remember to prioritize your activiof them at every turn,” said Jin about his ties, work hard until the end, and find a secret to success. passion to dedicate yourself to,” said ASG “In ten years, I see myself working President Miranda Fang. Bound for Coras a financial analyst on Wall Street. In 20 nell University next fall, Fang’s greatest years I see myself as a professor at a uni- challenge was “time management.” versity,” said Jin. Although Jin managed to “With my academic work, my family achieve a GPA of at least 4.72, Jin said the responsibilities, and the several organiza“most important challenge was my speak- tions and extra-curriculars I am involved ing ability and social skills.” in, it was definitely hard to balance things “Through Aca Deca speeches and per- out,” she added sonal interactions, I have improved signifAnother valedictorian, Brian Grubbs, icantly,” he said. “Another challenge was also plans to attend UC Berkeley, but remy tendency to make careless mistakes mains undecided about his major. Grubbs on math problems, but I then would list said that he decided to go to UC Berkeley my common mistakes and practice those because of his sense of belonging at the areas.” campus and city in general.

Gao, who stands as number two in her With their strong work ethic and deterclass, plans to attend Johns Hopkins Uni- mination, the Class of 2010’s valedictorians versity next fall. “I just do what I want to will continue to pursue their dreams.

Max Avruch Copy Editor

‘Fly Me to the Moon’ will be the theme for this year’s prom at the Reagan Library Katie Roughan Feature Editor Prom will be held at the Ronald Reagan Library at the Air Force One Pavilion.

This year’s theme is inspired by the classic Frank Sinatra song “Fly me to the Moon,” which thematically ties into the venue that features Air Force One. Decorations will use dark navy blue, silver, light blue, and white colors.

Students can look forward to music from DJ Money and the dance floor.

A dinner of chicken, bread, salad, and vegetable lasagna, among other foods, will be served and topped off with dessert.

Senior Class President Nicole Stelmar said, “We really want to make the most out of the space. We want to make it different from last year. We want to make it classy and elegant and ultimately go out with a bang. I really hope everyone has a good time.”

This year’s prom king nominees are Tim Witwer, Zach Stark, Micah Smith, Thomas Ziccardi, and Mark Friedman.

Prom queen nominees are Jess White, Lauren Noyes, McAuley Cahill, Roseann Zhong, and Julie Millet.

Prom court winners will be announced at the dance.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and close at 8:00 and students must present I.D.

upon entry into the dance.

Students arriving after 8:00 will not be let in to the dance. Once students leave they will not be allowed back into the dance for the remainder of the night.

The dance will end with a memorable final song at 12:00 a.m.

“I am really looking forward to seeing everyone together. It a cherished last bonding experience for this year’s seniors,” said Miranda Fang, ASG President.

Students must be present in class on June 4 in order to attend prom the next day.

Students may bring guests between the ages of 14-20 years old with proper guests passes.

Prom is a school-sponsored event; no illegal substances are permitted, including alcohol or drugs.

Students who fail to comply with school rules put themselves in jeopardy of being exempted from this year’s remaining senior activities, such as grad night and walking at graduation.

Students are warned not to show up to the dance intoxicated since breath tests will be administered at the dance.

Consequences for failing the breath tests could lead to exemption from senior activities, possible suspension or expulsion.

Boys and girls must follow dress code and dress in appropriate formal attire.

A complete list of prom rules is available at the Student Store.

4

SENIOR STANDOUTS

MOCK TRIAL

ACA DECA

Berkeley-Bound Crain Leaves Law for Biology Lisa Battaglia News Editor

“concentrated on being excited for competition, rather than nervous.”

He suggests to underclassmen pursuing this activity to observe the case packet from “many angles and different perspectives.”

Crain’s biggest achievement was being the prosecution team captain his senior year and leading the team throughout the five months of this past year.

“In four years on the Mock Trial team, Nik grew as an outstanding attorney and stands out as one of the best attorneys we’ve ever had,” said Harrison.

Crain had many interesting roles on the team including bailiff freshman year, expert witness IN HIS DEFENSE: Nik Crain will attend UC Berkeley to study Molecular Environmental Biology. sophomore year, and prosecution attorney junior and senior year.

As he moves on to UC is “the time spent working and hanging Berkeley, Crain said that he wants out with teammates,” said Crain. “to attain a better understanding of the Although the competition week was complex legal system and constitution Crain’s favorite part of the Mock Trial and consider the prospects of attending experience, he wishes he would have law school.”

PHOTO BY LISA BATTAGLIA

After four years of arguing trial cases, performing at the Ventura County courthouse, and studying legal systems on the WHS Mock Trial team, senior Nik Crain will attend UC Berkeley, studying Molecular Environmental Biology and Forestry, and will continue to learn about law throughout college and hopefully continue on to law school.

From being a bailiff as a freshman to being the prosecution team captain his senior year, Crain has enjoyed the experience of playing all types of roles throughout his four years on the Mock Trial team.

During his high school years on the team, Crain says he has learned the “importance of cooperation and working together as a team.”

Crain credits his success on the team to his coaches, Christina Harrison, Julia Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. Gray, and his teammates and appreciates their cooperation and guidance for the past four years.

The highlight of his years on the team

June 1,2010 • THE ARROW

CHEER

Seniors Open Next Chapter in Life Brian Chang Feature Editor Academic Decathlon advisor Joe Nigro recognized that the success of the 2009-10 team was a group effort.

As a result he wanted to acknowledge the contributions of all the seniors for their dedication and success. Many won awards, and the team also placed second overall in the county competition.

Behind the success of the team is the experience and skill of the senior class.

Joe Nigro praised the graduating class, stating that “there were veterans who helped new people” on the team. He also said that “the new seniors on the team did just as well.”

Graduating seniors on the academic decathlon team are Ariana Barton, Kimberly Ha, Jesse Hu, Tony Jin, Vivian Shi, Goldie Shih, and Logan Stokols.

Tsai will be attending University of Michigan in the fall. “As a senior, it was different because part of my job was to help lead the team,” she said.

“We helped each other and encouraged new members to build a good team for next year.”

ASG

Levine’s Spirit Heads to Chapman “Jessi never gives up, and when something doesn’t go as planned, she keeps trying new ideas until it goes right.”

“I am most proud of being a leader A spirit cheerleader at WHS has dedication, a positive attitude, and an and someone that the underclassmen look uplifting spirit that is contagious to up to,” says Levine.

Zuckerman also commented that Jessi all students. Senior Jessi Levine has displayed all of these qualities, and has “is able to guide the newer girls to excel to learned to be an influential leader to all of their full potential.”

“All of the girls have been my strongest her teammates.

Levine has dedicated all four years to influences because they have motivated me the Spirit Cheer team, and her hard work to do my best and be successful. We always give each other and devotion support in earned her whatever we an athletic do and that award in her contributes to sophomore my drive to be year. successful,“ C h e e r Levine said. coach Missy During Zuckerman L e v i n e ’ s said, “Jessi is a commitment natural leader. to the spirit She is a strong cheer program, stunter and she has made always excels numerous in leading memories. the crowd. “ T h e Anytime we highlight would practice, she be performing always puts in BLUE, ORANGE, AND WHITE: Jessi Levine will atin the 110%.”

Homecoming S i n c e tend Chapman University.

Rally my senior her freshman year, Levine has stood out for her strong year with the football boys. It was the leadership qualities, and even though she first rally the senior class had won and “would try and be less bossy” if she could everybody loved it,” Levine said. She also have a do-over, the team has always looked loved performing in football half-times and rallies. up to her and appreciated her help.

This fall, Levine will attend Chapman “As a coach, I depend on her experience and leadership to help the University with a major in psychology. Her team to achieve success,” said Zuckerman. experience on the cheer squad has helped In addition to the coach’s reliance on her her choose her future educational pursuit experience, her teammates also depend on because “the girls have made me realize her for help and support. Jennifer Seltzer that I love being a leader and helping ‘11 appreciates Levine’s help, saying that everyone.”

Fang to Lead at Cornell

Jamie Mark Feature Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

LEADER OF THE PACK: Miranda Fang (center) is pictured with her friends.

Marika Price Feature Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

Leadership, a critical management skill, is the ability to motivate a group of people toward a common goal. Studenyt Body President Miranda Fang ‘10 not only motivates the ASG, but also serves as a role model to Westlake as a whole, proving commitment and initiative are the keys to success.

Involved with ASG for four years, Fang worked her way up from feeling like she “did not belong” freshman year, to class Secretary and Student Recognition Commissioner sophomore and junior year, and to Student Body President senior year.

Striving to help committees achieve their goals, she draws inspiration from past presidents Rachel Borowski ’08 and Claudia Lopez ’09.

She said, “They encouraged me in taking more leadership positions and being more involved in ASG. Most

importantly, they believed in me.”

Continuing her education at Cornell University, Fang is majoring in Policy Analysis and Management, and minoring in Human Biology and Health and Society.

With experience in event planning, organizing, and leading, combined with a kind nature, Fang’s ultimate goal is to help nonprofit businesses in project management.

Her passion, inner sense of drive, and vision contributed to Fang’s accomplishments in Student Government.

But ASG has also proven to be beneficial to Fang for many reasons. “I never thought I would have reached this far. ASG has taught me many important life lessons and has helped me mature as a person,” said Fang.

Setting an example for underclassmen, Fang will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on ASG and Westlake High School. “Give your best in everything you do, take initiative, and dedicate your time in whatever you commit to,” she said.

5

SENIOR STANDOUTS

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

Binsley to Attend USC Jared Erman Feature Editor

Jared Erman Feature Editor

environment provides a different dynamic, but it’s also a good experience for those interested in taking on a teaching job.”

Next year, Woodward plans to major in Popular Musical Performance at the University of Southern California.

He described this program as “an industry of touring and playing with people professionally.”

Woodward believes that the people in his major will play a vital role in the future of the music industry.

Woodward has played with many in-school groups, including the WHS Wind Ensemble, Studio Jazz Ensemble, and Combo I group. His extracurricular performance groups have included the Young Artist Ensemble, Ventura County Honor Band, All-State Jazz Band, and the James Junior Band Band.

“I also attended the audition-based Grammy Camp Ensembles,” explained Woodward. This camp gave him the opportunity to work with people within the music industry.

He plans to attend again this

On the drum set, the triangle, and all the percussion instruments in between, senior Brandon Woodward has proven himself to be a very knowledgeable and skilled percussionist.

“My earliest memories are with music,” explained Woodward. He was born into a family of musicians, and “grew up watching them and listening to them.”

Woodward found his passion for percussion by watching The Beatles feature movie, Help! “I was intrigued by the high-hat on Ringo Starr’s drum set,” he explained. After learning the basic drum set parts from his uncle, Woodward began to take lessons in percussion.

In eighth grade, KEEPING THE BEAT ALIVE: Brandon Woodward rehearses with the Woodward joined the Studio Jazz Ensemble.

Regiment. He explained that “it was weird to be committed to two schools at once, but gives me an opportunity to focus solely on summer.

Woodward believes that percussion the experience created a foundation” and the drum set,” he stated.

Woodward has also received many instruments provide “so much to learn that facilitated his transition into high school.

Another major focus of Woodward’s opportunities to teach percussion to other one can never really be done with them.”

“Start looking out for my name,” music career has been the jazz band. “I students, both in a classroom setting have seen different settings of jazz, and it and in private lessons. “The classroom Woodward added.

PHOTO BY: JARED ERMAN

Josh Komie: Guitarist on the Stairway to Success Jared Erman Feature Editor Guitarist Josh Komie’s ‘10 arsenal of skills is represented by his ability to play powerful chords, intense solos, and a variety of complicated rhythms.

Komie has been the guitarist in the WHS Studio Jazz Ensemble for the past three years. He has also played in the school’s Lab Jazz Ensemble and Combo I group, and extracurricular bands including Renegade, The Bluez Boyz, Widow’s Waterfall, and The James Junior Band Band.

Komie picked up the guitar around age nine and became dedicated to learning the intricacies of the instrument in seventh grade. “Originally I played the drums. I switched to guitar when I realized how cool it was,” explained Komie. He also plays the tenor saxophone and bass guitar.

Komie’s parents encouraged him to follow in their footsteps and become a

musician like them. Additionally, “listening to different artists such as Led Zeppelin for rock and Lee Morgan for jazz” fueled his desire to become a professional musician.

One of Komie’s fondest musical memories was attending a summer jazz camp run by Matt Fenders, the trombonist on The Tonight Show. There he had the opportunity “to learn from many great musicians.”

This year, the Studio Jazz Ensemble has been working on a piece that Komie arranged. “’Most Like Lee’ was written by one of my favorite trumpet players, Lee Morgan,” explained Komie. He enjoys playing this piece because it has a minor vibe. “It worked well when I arranged it for big band,” he added.

Next year, Komie will continue to study guitar at the University of North Texas. “My goal is to play music in any way that I can in order to make a living,” said Komie.

PHOTO BY SAM WEXLER

It often takes a bigger body to play a bigger instrument. Paige Binsley ‘10 breaks this generalization through her ability to play almost any brass instrument with ease despite her small size.

Binsley began playing trumpet in fourth grade. She explained, “when I was choosing which instrument to play, my favorite movie at the time was The Aristocats. I wanted to be like that cool cat that played trumpet.”

She continued with trumpet through middle school, and played it in the Wind Symphony and Lab Jazz Ensemble her freshman year.

For Marching Band in ninth grade, Binsley switched over to low brass because “the Regiment needed baritone players.” Her sophomore year, she began to play euphonium in the Wind Ensemble and trombone in the Lab Jazz Ensemble, and still participates in both groups.

“I want to be a well-rounded low brass musician,” explained Binsley.

“I played tuba with the Moorpark Community Orchestra for a little while, so now I can play and teach all the low brass instruments.”

The Regiment has also been a large part of Binsley’s music career.

She believes that it helped her “grow as an individual and as a musician.

It’s also a great place to learn about music.” She described being this season’s low brass section leader as “inspirational because [she] worked with the younger musicians.” It allowed her to “discover a passion for teaching music.”

Next year, Binsley plans to attend the University of Southern California to achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a music educator. “I also want to serve my country by being a musician in a military band,” she stated.

Binsley’s largest inspiration has been her sister and WHS alumnus Erika Binsley ‘08. “Erika has always been there to tell me that I can do anything that I want to do,” said Paige.

“She’s a good role-model because she’s a very well-rounded individual and an advanced musician.” Erika currently studies French horn at USC. The Ventura County Honor Band, California Band Directors Association (All State), the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra, and the SCSBOA AllSouthern band have all included Binsley in their programs.

Woodward's Got The Beat

JAMMIN’: Josh Komie performs with the James Junior Band Band at Senior Showcase.

Harrison Conducts Her Way to Future As Band Director Jared Erman Feature Editor

PHOTO BY JARED ERMAN

MASTERING THE BATON: Sally Harrison leads the WHS Wind Symphony in “Voices of the Sky.”

Clarinet player Sally Harrison ‘10 has been a member of the WHS Instrumental Music Program for her entire high school career, and plans to attend California State University Northridge next year in order to become a band director.

After beginning piano lessons in kindergarten and participating in her church choir since elementary school, Harrison picked up the clarinet in seventh grade at Los Cerritos Middle School.

“My grandmother was a band director for 50 years, so I wanted to follow in her footsteps,” explained Harrison. Being a versatile musician is a major component of fulfilling her dream.

Harrison feels that Anne Fruehling, the

band director at Colina Middle School, has inspired her the most towards becoming a band director.

She explained that “by helping Mrs. Fruehling with beginning bands at Colina, [she] discovered [her] passion for teaching music.”

Her freshman year, Harrison played clarinet in the Symphonic Band, and was promoted to the Wind Symphony for her remaining three years.

Harrison has also participated in the Regiment for all four years, and spent the past two as the Clarinet Section Leader.

“My favorite thing about Regiment is that as freshman I had friends who were seniors and as a senior I have friends who are freshmen,” explained Harrison.

She fondly remembers making finals

at the Bands of America and Western Band Association competitions during her junior year.

For the June concert, Harrison is preparing the Wind Symphony to play a piece called “Voices of the Sky.” She often spends rehearsal time on the podium conducting the band and finetuning the intricacies of the piece.

Harrison has also performed with the Ventura County Honor Band for the past four years. She enjoyed learning from the guest conductors, including band directors John Carnahan from California State University Long Beach and James Mooy from Santa Barbara City College.

“Dr. Carnahan was very animated as a conductor and a skilled clarinet player,” Harrison added.

6

A

I, Lauren Aboytes, of big mind and lazy body, will all my sleeping and junk food to Rachael Blaznek.

I, Nasser Abu Gheida, of brilliant mind and brown body, will my soccer skills to Reid Glaser and Nick Saremi.

I, Amanda Ackourey, will my shopping ability and sense of style to Taylor Vandemark.

I, Megan Aguilera, of indecisive mind and sleep-deprived body, will my amazing procrastinating skill to Javier Aguilera.

I, Josselyn Aguirre, of anatomical mind and unmistakable body, will my wiseful use of procrastination and G3 ownage to Kelly Blake.

I, Kelsey Alban, of satirical mind and vertically-challenged body, will my daily naps to Elizabeth Barham, Olympic Dreams to Lindsay Appell, and my dry humor and insane running skills to group 4 girls.

I, Molly Alderete, of Disneyobsessed mind and erratic body, will my awesomoe swerving skills and “slong-ing foreva” to Sonia Barrad.

I, Conrad Aleks, of athletic mind and bronze body, will my cockiness and good-looking body to Hunter Householder.

I, Derek Andrzejewski, of great mind and agile body, will my chair and place in Hronek’s class to Daniel Short.

I, Erin Apregan, of spirited mind and midget body, will my OCD and awesomeness to Sam Gilbert, Siara Behar and Taylor Rieger.

I, Kristen Augustyn, of dirty mind and baritone-buff body, will my crazy antics and trombone skills to Little Nugget.

B

I, Brett Baldwin, of strong mind and able body, will my car and all my times being called into the office to my little brother Bryan.

I, Abby Barry, of grumpy mind and pale and freckled body, will my ability to tan and Eddie the Explorer to my sister, Maddy Barry (aka Baby Bear), and all my love to the Fab 5.

I, Kelsey Bartlett, of sarcastic mind and strong body, will my impressions and sense of humor to Nick Saremi.

I, Ariana Barton, of impartial mind and relaxed body, will my unwillingness to debate over trivial things to next year’s Academic Decathlon.

I, Joe Belzberg, of ironic mind and Picasso-esque body, will my tortured genius and inability to spel to Philosophy Club.

I, Michael Bennett, of pale body, will my laziness, bari skills, and physics success to Drew, Tim, and Aleia, respectively.

I, Bridget Berman, of witty mind and bronze body, will my nutrition table to the “Colina girls,” hallway stares to Moriah Jenkins, and my own goals to the girls varsity soccer team.

I, Rachel Bernstein, of limitless mind and succulent body, will my work ethics to J.T. Bernstein and my communication skills to Alex Biston.

I, Alex Biersch, of hair spray saturated mind and sun tanned body, will my stoop kid hair and constant stoopyness to Sarah Mendiaz.

I, Paige Binsley, of focused mind and euph-wielding body, will my N.B.S, breathing exercises, and grapes to E.K, A.P, M.R, and S.W. I, Matthew Blanchard, of simple mind and strong body, will my everloving heart to Jennifer Moore.

I, Hayley Blatt, of a fashionista mind will my amazing wardrobe to Alexa and Nicolette Blatt.

I, Aaron Bloch, of questioning mind and healthy body, will my lessons learned in high school to Gabrielle Bloch (and anyone who needs them.)

I, Jordan Briers, of restless mind and pale-white body, will my water

06SrArrowWillsp1

SENIOR WILLS polo #7 to Courtney Febres and chemistry skills to Andrew Stone.

I, Nicole Burns, of simple mind and feeble body, will my Westlake spirit to Douglas Walsh.

C

I, McAuley Cahill, of distracted mind, will my cheer shoes and uniform to Taylor Kennedy and Mallory Ferguson, my “McAuley” smile to Jamie Mark, and Jenny Seltzer, my awkwardness to Sam Gilbert, and my Fibber’s key to Emily Turner.

I, Carolyn Canzano, of artistic mind and ballet body, will my toobusy schedule and diplomatic nature to Amy Counts.

I, David Cao, of resolute mind and intrepid body, will my good grades, SADD morals and CSF powers to Connie Sun. I, Shannon Carder, of sound mind and sexy body, will my vocal position to Gillian Miller.

I, Michelle Carney, of spontaneous mind and fishnet-clad body, will my dry wit and sarcasm to Sonia Barrad and my thrifty fashion sense to Natalie Green.

I, Mindi Carpenter, of mindless mind and lazy body, will my obnoxiously bad attitude to Gillian Miller, Neda Hajian, and M. Preston’s 3rd period class.

I, Kim Champion, of a blonde mind and daddy long leg body, will my bad attendance and laziness to Michelle Champion.

I, Stephanie Chinn, of decent mind and smallish body, will my smiles and happiness to Christophe Bonnefoi.

I, Sean Chiu, of crazy mind and rock-hard body, will my crazy mind and rock hard body to Elliot Chiu.

I, Kristi Choi, of faithful mind and perishing body, will my learned wisdom and experience to Erin Watson.

I, Dallas Clayton, of a trained mind and amazingly fit body, will my good looks and popularity to Zane Spruce and Justin Moore.

I, Matthew Cole, of charismatic mind and olive body, will my procrastination and sense of humor to Brittany Cole.

I, Kevin Commons, of interesting mind and sturdy body, will my sarcasm, love of theatre, and maturity to Jake Hollander and Travis McCahon.

I, Nik Crain, of mysterious mind and caring body, will my messy handwriting and courtroom class to H.G., L.G., D.W., and M.A. I, Andrea Cruz, of intelligent mind and hungry body, will my bad grades and sleepless nights to Hannah Schuett.

I, Cameron Cuneo, of sensual mind and sensitive body, will my soul, spirit and scholastic ability to Alex Daley.

D I, Andrew Dana, of sarcastic mind, will my facial hair to Ricky Davies and Fred Siegle.

I, Nora Darago, of indecisive mind and tan-lined body, will my ability to somehow pull out an A to my little sister Maggie and my perfume of chlorine to the girls on the swim team.

I, Xueqiao ‘George’ Deng, of insignificant mind and rotund body, will my muchos fracasos en la clase de fisica to Ashley Lim and Helen Szeto.

I, Christian Dib, of awkward mind and awkward body, will my artistic abilities and sleeping habits to Valerie Armstrong.

I, Robert Dillon, of absent mind and ‘it is what it is’ body, will my Chi Chi poop duties to Alice Dillon I, Chris Doyle, of big egocentric mind and athletic body, will my legacy and car to Brandon Shaw.

I, Zach Drost, of stable mind and rock-hard body, will my golden locks and severe case of senioritis to Mitch Krems, Richie Greentree, M.S., S.K., and Z.S.

16

I, Marika Dundore, of unfettered mind and enervated body, will my lack of study skills and passionate love of learning to Jason Dundore.

I, Matt Dushkes, of skilled mind and capable body, will my Anatomy prowess to Josh Peng.

E

I, Drew Edell, of analytical mind and little body, will my giggles and skirt suit to Lisa Battaglia and Max Avruch.

I, Natalie Edell, of determined mind and strong body, will my amazing life and bright future to my friends and family.

I, Matt Eggleton, of Asian mind and white body, will my mental running skills to Michael Chang.

I, Jose Ermac, of obsessive mind and compulsive body, will my hand sanitizer and OCD to my little brother Carlos.

I, Jared Erman, of obsessive compulsive mind and hungry body, will my monkey Bubbles, Gregory the Cricket, and Bojack the Intergalactic Space Pirate, to Ross Eckley and my insane parking skills to Sean Eckley.

I, Rebecca Esquivel, of musical mind and sun-tanned body, will my sunflower seed obsession to Sammy ‘Sprout’ Judd.

I, Bronwyn Evans, of bizarrely quirky mind and petite body, will my immortal soul and frequent spaz attacks to Katie Wurtzel.

F

I, Colin Fan, of swole mind and yoked body, will The Fan Dynasty to Max Winsberg and Randy Sue, and my great looks to Jamie Mark and Jenny Seltzer.

I, Miranda Fang, of ambitious mind and healthy body, will my great high school times and the car keys (but not when I’m home on break) to my wonderful sister, Stella Fang.

I, Victoria Fealkoff, of spirited mind and freckled body, will my study skills to Jose Muguerza and Sam Gilbert.

I, Eric Feinstein, of brilliant mind and sexy body, will my pure awesomeness to Hanna Feinstein and Zachary Skovold.

I, Julia Foley, of musical mind and little body, will my study habits and good grades to Sam Di-Bene Groger.

I, Hayden Fongheiser, of delusional mind and muscular/ tan body, will my good grades and sense of humor to Aaron Jassenoff.

I, Mark Friedman, will my everything in the world to Ricky Davies and Adrian Powditch.

I, Tom Gantt, of superior mind and chilling body, will my anything-goes attitude to Connor Gantt.

G I, Lucy Gao, of superfluous mind and super-heroine body, will my status of Pokemon Master to Julia Lin. I, Jessica Garnett, of outgoing mind and athletic beach body, will my perseverance and social skills to Alex Torso, Lisa Mayerson, and Trever Wood.

I, Annie Gerlach, of procrastinating mind and lazy body, will my Harry Potter marathons to Meagan Salmon, journo gossip seshes to Jake Cavanah, my bad parking jobs to Alex Biston, and all my love to Sarah!

I, Charlotte Gibson, of loving mind and healthy body, will my strong work ethic and caring ways to Ruby Gibson.

I, Nicole Gilbert, of spacey mind and sloth body, will my great last name to Samantha Gilbert and my chitty chitty bang bang skills to the girls soccer team.

I, Shane Giraldo, of swole mind and yoked body, will my laziness to Colton Hoffmans.

I, Dante Goglia, of astute mind and powerful body, will my beard, swag, and everything good to Nick

June 1 2010 • THE ARROW Saremi.

I, Natalie Gonzalez, of beautiful mind and strong voila body, will my cute clothes, jail free card, and my parking spot to Alexis Corelli.

I, Bree Greene, of sarcastic mind and stubborn body, will my awesome parking and driving skills to Sam, my friend who was there, a true friend.

I, Katie Gregoire, of strong mind and bodacious bod, will my lifelong legacy of straight sass to Emile Nelson.

I, Katelyn Grossman, of slow mind and tan body, will my morning Starbucks runs and extreme procrastination to Brittany Dickinson.

I, Lindsay Grossman, of forgetful mind and clumsy body, will my dancing skills and my goofy humor to Zoe Steele, Makayla Yoshimoto, Sedona Kolodney, Danielle Ferrari, and Alexa Tracy.

I, Brian Grubbs, of large mind and small body, will my ability to jump over tall buildings in a single leap to Laura Weintraub.

H

I, Kimberly Ha, of chill mind and tan body, will my awesomeness to Helen Szeto, Vivian Shen, Ashley Lim, Michael Chang, and Hannah Barrett.

I, Tess Hannel, of witty mind and lazy body, will my excellent singing voice and buff arms to Jordie Hannel.

I Sally Harrison, of musical mind and out-of-shape body, will my clarinet section to JR, KW, OR, JB, JK, Th, AH, HB, ER, DN, JW, ZC, and CM, and my love to all of the above and CB, JB, AR, AF, AS, and BA. I, Michelle Harvey, of tired mind and chlorinated body, will my “creepy smile” middle name and swim skills to Savannah (spud) Miller and my intense case of senioritis and crazy senior year schedule to Catherine Gebhardt I, Jesse Hecht, of creative mind and celestial body, will my laziness, drama, and complaining to my high school friends.

I, Lauren Hennessy, of carefree mind and strong body, will my laziness and spontaneity to Malinda Praham.

I, Kate Henry, of intelligent mind, will my time management and tardies to Natalie Henry.

I, Kyle Holden, of eccentric mind and Madonna-toned body, will my electrifying dance floor body convulsions to Sabrina Sommers.

I, Skyler Horton, of relaxed mind and bodacious body, will my perfect schedule to Steve Jones.

I

I, Julianne Insogna, of stubborn mind and clumsy body, will my good judgment and determination to Gianna Insogna.

I, Cameron Irmas, of stoked mind and lean body, will my ninja skills and intense gnarlitude to Nick Doder.

I, Big Mike (Italiano), of flowing mind and smooth body, will my good luck pre-race handshake and mad beat boxin skills to Martin Arreola and Dylan Leung.

J

I, Amanda Jacobson, of outspoken mind and bodacious body will my better attendance and country music to Alex Corso.

I, Marley Jaffe, of thoughtful mind and excellent body, will my witty witts and exuberant hair and eyes to Brigette Jaffe.

I, Abhi Jairam, of goofy mind and gumby-like body, will my swagger, crispy kicks, and spirituality to Dylan Walsh, Juana San Martin, Lisa Battaglia, Lauren Greg, and Max Avruch.

I, Cryschelle Jeffery, of distracted mind and weary body, will my English class nap-time to Katie Wurtzel.

5/26/10, 8:26 AM

I, Jessica Jia, of limitless mind and ethereal body, will my good luck and conservative style to Connie Sun. I, Tony Jin, of trivial mind and insignificant body, will my piathletic ability to Hannah, Michael, and Joyce.

I, Kevin Johnson, of elite mind and bodacious body, will my laziness and lack of school attendance to Emile Nelson.

I, Melissa Johnson, of stubborn mind and athletic body, will my lluscious hair and procrastinating tendencies to my sister, Brianna Noelle.

I, Bryan Juarez, of great mind and feeble body, will my leather jackets and vintage shirts to Alexys Correlli.

K

I, Taylor James Kahanowitch, of beautiful mind and dreamy body, will my good looks, baseball hats, centerfield spot, and batting stance to Ryan Kort, Michael Miller, Troy Beltran, Zach Daniels, and Paul Cipriani.

I, Kevin A. Kaproff, of unsound mind and foreign body, will my oddity and Nature Shows to Gabriel Poissant.

I, Greg Karakashian, of functioning mind and able body, will my Phire and Explorer to Steve Jones.

I, Jake Katz, of course knowledgeable mind and volupuous body, will my sub 72 scoring average to the little kiddies on the golf team.

I, Travis Kelley, of critical mind and strong body, will my awesomeness and wonderfully bad grades to Kye Porter.

I, Courtney Koeritz, of endless mind and athletic body, will my amazing running skills and happiness and sportsmanship to my awesome amazing XC girls!

I, Amanda Kolodney, of passionate mind and dancing body, will my 3 am Hector Ihop visits to Sedona Kolodney, Rachel Fictum, Easton Stanley, and Gienna Gueiner.

I, Josh Komie, of musical mind and semi-athletic body, will my last minute test-taking skills to Arielle Komie.

I, Boss Konenakeaw, of spontaneous mind and tan body, will my friendly smile to my former football players.

I, Tatiana Koutcherenko, of peaceful mind and athletic body, will my troublemaking skills and good llooks to Brittany Dickinson and my French influence and Russian roots to Jacob Howell.

L

I, Lauren LaFountaine, of sound mind and sound body, will my lame jokes and amazing social networking skills to my brother Luke.

I, Marcus Lam, of multifarious mind and ostentatious body, will my garish unpretentiousness and ubiquitous tenacity to Randy Torch, Dam Bro, Mg, Cheddar Pickles and Shorty.

I, Sean Lampe will my musical talent and rhythm to Dylan Leung.

I, John Lampos, of cynical mind and body, will m cynicism to anyone who wants it.

I, Cassidy Lang, of a pondering mind and athletic body, will my determination and willingness to stand out to my Mormon Buddies.

I, Clyde Lee, of humble and selfless mind and big, bored and big body, will my laughter, average looks and big bones to RG, ML, SH, WC, and HC. I, Nicole Lee, of sound mind and patient body, will senioritis to Parastoo Lalezari.

I, Amy LeFevre, of rational mind and sleek, tan body, will my water polo skills and stealing techniques to Savannah, Heather Courtney, Katie, Kris, and Maddy.

I, Jessi Levine, of confident mind and athletic body, will my patience, loud laugh, long and luscious hair,

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW I, Casey Levitt, of vibrant mind and able body, will my sarcasm, procrastination, and volleyball skills to Hannah Schuett, Nick Kevorkan, Courtney Birkett, and the rest of the girls.

I, Amanda Levy, of cat-like mind and immortal body, will my black trench coat, vampy, my brother, and pumpkin to Lindsay Appell, Brigitte Empey, Katie Keane, and Andy Macat.

I, Karina Lopez, of distracted mind and Latina body, will my editing skills and position to the future yearbook editors--in-chief.

I, Pamela Lopez, of intellectual mind and nimble body, will my senioritis to Jake Snyder, my joie de vivre to Tammy Lee, my love for music to Tylar Nichols and lurve to Fabiola Lopez.

I, Tiffany Loh, of despotic boot camp mind and caffeine-addicted body, will my journalism prowess to Max Avruch, hazelnut creamer to Joyce Shi, tennis tan lines to Ashley Chang, and my ability to pull consecutive all-nighters to my little bro Alex.

M I, Emilie Maddison, of positive mind and aching body, will my excessive singing and oversized backpack to other awkward people.

I, Arinjay Madhav, of solid mind and spicy body, will my dissection skills to Nikesh Patel and Sejal Patel.

I, Allison Martin, of quick mind and powerful body, will my softball knowledge and love of the game to my fellow teammates.

I, Jordan Marvasti, of exhausted mind and eager body, will my ability to do all little as possible to get by to Mady “Maddog” Marshall.

I, James McAfee, of modest mind and simply stunning body, will my ability to run, think and play Pokemon to Martin Arreola.

I, Kathryn McElroy, of free mind and able body, will my attitude and care free personality to Taylor Nelson.

I, Trevor McGrath, of swole mind and yoked body, will my Wednesdays with Harry to the Seniors of the WHS football team.

I, Shawn McLeod, of diligent mind and athletic body, will my “mother hen” like qualities to Kelly Blake and my baby chicks.

I, Lindsay Meade, of unconcerned mind and lanky body, will my photography/physics skills to John, Luke, Collin, Oliver, and Brooke.

I, Daniel Medina, the best rapper alive, will my lyrical genius to Diego Medina.

I, Christopher Mekhiel, of peaceful mind and delicate body, will my wealth and property be distributed to those who are in need.

I, Jacqueline Merkle, of Merkle mind and bodacious body, will my lacking of studying skills and overwhelming amount of homework to my brother Brandon Shaw and young runners Ashley, Madeline, and Katie.

I, Julie Millet, of creative mind and strong body, will my good grades and procrastination to Louise Millet.

I, Sam Moss, of quiet mind and gentle body, will my good grades and quietness to incoming seniors.

I, Roxanne Mula, of empty mind and tanned body, will my random trips to Vons, my awkwardness, and Coach Farhad to Spud.

N I, Alex Neill, of quiet mind and enervated body, will my facial expressions and Englishness to Skye Kriger and Aaron Packard.

I, Tate Nelson, of a beautiful mind and ridiculously tone body, will my power to fight crime to Brett Goldman, Frank Duan, James Freymuth, Richie Greentree.

I, Danny Nieves, of genius mind and lengthy body, will my sense of direction and 1500 to Troy Beltran.

I, Molly Norling-Christensen, of enthusiastic mind and athletic body, will my lack of focus to Madeline and my Tasha moments to Caroline Hollister and the rest of the girls on cross country.

I, Lauren Noyes, of racing mind and tanned body, will my drive and senioritis to Connie Sun, Hanna Hong, and Michelle Noyes.

I, Noelle Nunez, of open flowing mind and human body, will my dream of fleeing this town to Tauni Harvey.

O I, Yosemite Olivo, of creative mind and left side of my body, will my awesomeness, great skills, and happiness to my guard girlies.

I, Carlos Orellana, of spiritual mind and able body, will my hopes and faith to all of my friends.

P I, Katherine Pearl, of trippy mind and chillin’ body, will my procrastination and ADD to Leanne Pearl.

I, Daniel Peralta, of curious mind and adept body, will my stubborn ways and lovely class clown role to my little sister, Alyssa Peralta.

I, Brittany Perry, of creative mind and tall body, will my optimistic views to Taylor Perry.

I, Robby Peters, of enlightened mind and irresistible body, will my enlightened mind and irresistible body to Connor Gantt.

I, Jackie Phillips, of keen mind and squishy (not fat) body, will my hard classes, piles of work, and occasional failures to Rachel Phillips.

I, Daniel Phounsavan, of tired mind and skinny body, will my bass guitar playing skills to John D’ Ambrosio.

I, Austin Pincus, of broken mind and Adonis-like body, will my bad grades and legacy of terror to your mom.

I , Katherine Pincus, of wise mind and petite body, will the XB and my goofy laugh to Lindsay Pincus and JSquared, respectively.

I, Reyna Pineda, of calm and crazy mind and big soul body, will my seniority and procrastination mind to Loreal Lovelady.

I, Maria Elena Pino, of sharp mind and rockin’ body will my left hand to Katie Wax, my jeans to Pabasara Jayasena, and my music to Jake Snyder.

I, Caitlin Postal, of brilliant mind and fabulous body, will my awesome propensity for gesticulation to Mika Miller and Kaitlin Hodgdon.

I, Emily Lorelai Powell, of brilliant mind and decadent body, will my physics powers and felicidad to Hannah Rory Barrett.

I, JD Power, of awkward mind and lanky body, will my awkwardness to Michael Power.

I, Dakota Press, of spiritual mind and my body, will my life lessons, and good friendships in high school to Hannah Press.

I, Marika Price, of warm-hearted mind and clumsy Beanscene body, will my singing skills, barista talents, and ability to talk to myself to Matt Sullivan.

R I, Adam Raudonis, of practical mind and humble body, will my clubs and good luck to Lisa Peng and Sarah Gerlach.

I, Asia Ray, of artistic mind and freaky body, will my goodmorning stretch to the flute section, a can of greenbeans to Amy Schneider, nail polish in the car to Emily Roth, and my leadership abilities to Allie Franklin.

I, Danaka Reaney, of sarcastic mind and petite body, will my ability to stay awake in class to Oliver Frankcom.

I, Tara Reeves, of creative mind and short body, will my photography skills to the future yearbook staff.

I, Sara Riazi, of peaceful mind and

SENIOR WILLS

bodacious body, will my calmness to Bianca Riazi.

I, Amanda Ribbers, of Gestalt mind and tanned, Indonesian body, will my car, the silver bullet to pooner aka Daniel Ribbers and my complete heart and soul to Jacob Sturgess.

I, Sasha Richman, of brilliant mind and bodacious body, will my cynicism and stair-climbing enthusiasm to Christophe Bonnefoi, my genius math skills to Sarah Mendiaz, and my lucky running socks to Genevieve Guerra.

I, Mackenzie Ring, of disorganized mind and restless body, will my soccer inspiration and amazing dancing abilities to Autumn Fox, Bianca Riazi, Arielle Ship, Taylor Perry, and Chole Wheeler.

I, Dylan Rios, of musical mind and athletic body, will my very low notes to Matt Ferrin and beautiful harmonies to Michael Mancuso.

I, Daniel Rivera, of tweaked out mind and 12-year-old body, will my C average to Kenny Cruz.

I, Hayley Rogers, of cynical mind and hungry body, will my sweet tooth to Susie Binsol.

I, Tracy Rogers, of crazy stressed mind and rockin body, will my epic editing skills and care to the WIT 2011 seniors.

I, Brenden Root-Burks, of onetrack mind and superbad body, will my understanding of life and my will to experience different things to Dylan Egidi.

I, Sam Rose, of tired mind and short body, will my procrastination and good looks to Josh.

I, Lori Rosenberg, of frame of mind and humble body, will my lack of trying and skipping class to Stevie Burnett.

I, Adam Rosencranz, of wandering mind and sensual body, will my tin collection, procrastination, and skills to Alex Dung and Paul Dipriani.

I, Jordan Rosenthal, will my lateness to Alec Ziff.

I, Nick Rothaupt, of reasonable mind and broken body, will my street-raft and golf clubs to Matthew Cole, Greg Hamm, and Jake Katz.

I, Katie Roughan, of noble mind and rockin body, will my love and good times to Erin Roughan and Max Avruch.

I, Kevin Russi, of betty boop mind and intelligent body, will my dyslexia and complete set “Hooked on Phonix” to Owen Wildermuth.

I, Jordan Ryle, of great mind and less great body, will my courage to Frank Sefton.

I, Lindsey Rytterager-Nickel, of ingenius mind and exhausted body, will my school -centered anxiety and insomnia to my younger sister, Kathryn Rytterager-Nickel.

S I,Becky Sadwick, of compassionate mind and sleep-deprived body, will my work ethic and motivation to Ari Sadwick.

I, Dana Saifan, of rational mind and fatigued body, will my procrastination techniques, success, Palestinian spirit, and purple pride to Rami “Double Ocho” Saifan.

I, Julian Salas, of happy mind and great body, will my cross-country skills and great looks to Martin Arreola.

I, Joseph Sanchez, of fabulous mind and seductive body, will my legible handwriting to Umbreen Lakhani.

I, Brandon Sand, of teeming mind and sculpted body, will my stress management and driving skills to Connie Sun and Sarah Zou. I, Ryan Sheil, of philosophical mind and black belt body, will my love to Erin Roughan.

I, Hayley Sherman, of witty mind and clumsy body, will my love for beautiful harmonies and mad spanglish skills to all my choir babies and Abby, Neda, and Sarah, respectively.”

I, Vivian Shi, of distracted mind

7 and lazy body, will my Art Club to JZ and AC, Science Olympiad to JT, my Korean music to JP and JL, my awesome Anatomy skills to my newbie buddies, and my insane ability to procrastinate and succeed to AL and NL. I, Goldie Shih, of overactive mind and golgi body, will my ability to modify and package proteins and love for art and music to Josselyn Tsai and Ashley Lim. I, Devon Silber, of small mind and athletic body, will my beautiful schnoz and no homework policy to Andrew Camuccio.

I, Daniel Sipos, of noble mind and strong body, will my uncompariably amazing fashion sense to Michael Mancuso.

I, Jordan Sloan, of simple mind and steel body, will my ability to enjoy high school to Lexi Sloan.

I, Cayley Smalling, of recondite mind and oscillating body, will my MAGGOTTSSSS, hermit crab cage, and seniority to Mads, my faulty 5th period attendance to Katie, and an entire bag of Reese’s to Sedona.

I, Micah Smith, of aciculate mind and neolithic body, will my abs to Mitchell Krems and title to Ezra Levy.

I, Jennifer Soucy, of sarcastic mind and scarred body, will my procrastination and absent mind to Kristin Soucy.

I, Theodore Alan Spector, of well mind and strong body, will my great humor and outgoing energy to Aaron Bloch.

I, Josh Spiegel, of drained mind and feeble body, will my pain and suffering from Anatomy to Nikesh Patel and Sejal Patel.

I, Connor Stanley, of creative mind and tall body, will my excessive absences and hard work to Easton Stanley.

I, Zachary Stark, of sound mind and sound body, will my Republican values to Matthew Sullivan.

I, Nicole Stelmar, of tired mind and napping body, will the Nicole legacy to Dummy.

I, Logan Stokols, of awesome mind and smexy body, will my total, involuntary and crippling inability to ever shut up to Pace Lund-Sidi.

I, Steph Sue, of confuzzled mind and clumsy body, will my moments of insanity to Julia Wachs.

I, Sam Syde, of boundless mind and agile body, will my knowledge and passion to all of my friends.

I, Tabah Syed, of active mind and weary body, will my unreasonable schedule and indifferent attitude to Umbreen Lakhani and all incoming seniors, respectively.

I, Chelsea Sykora, of genius mind and fierce body, will my intense study habits and love of music and CARS to Matt Ferrin.

T I, Michael Tack, of complex mind and jacked body, will my charm and ability in maddin to Nelson Spruce and Bryan Baldwin.

I, Sofia Talarico, of dramatic mind and Italian body, will my CPT traditions to Brittany Cole and my bad parking jobs to Alex Biston.

I, Dylan Taylor, of balanced mind and bronzed body, will my surfing and positive attitude to Devin Taylor.

I, Mason Thibo, of brilliant mind and yoked body, will my bodacious blue truck to Spencer Thibo, and my football talent to Jim Hopkins, Randy Sue, and Alex Ball.

I, Derek Thomas, of brazen mind and malportioned body, will m sparkling personality and intelligence to Shants Kid. I, Sienna Thornburg, of quick mind and graceful body, will my inside jokes to the choir underclassmen I’ve grown to love.

I, Andrea Todak, of blonde mind and extremely tall body, will my WHS varsity soccer captain position to Chloe Wheeler, Bri Linares, Ally Altman, and Megan Moore.

I, Karen Tsai, of very Potter mind and supermegafoxyawesomehot

body, will my contagious laughter and Time-Turner worthy schedule to Josselyn Tsai, Annie Chen, Ali Ohringer, and Lisa Battaglia.

I, Wesley Tsang, of thoughtful mind and bone chilling body, will my secret wonton recipe and ability to eat in front of people to Jamie Mark and Jenny Seltzer.

V

I, Stephanie Varden, of clean mind and strong body, will my lack of sleep and early mornings to Andrea Martinez.

I, Michael Vatcher, of exhausted mind and resilient body, will my imperviousness to Daniel Vatcher.

W

I, Julia Wachs, of confuzzled mind and spaztic body, will my procrastination skills and bad timing to Advanced Anatomy Class of 2011.

I, Rebecca Wagner, of inquisitive mind and travelers body, will my scrubs to Dan, car to Josh, Chinese skills to Daniel and Matt, and awesome fun times to Derek.

I, Todd Wagner, of studly mind and brazen body, will my JV Council Bible to Ian “Never Gunna Get Out of JV” Nelson.

I, Cassie Walke, of day dreaming mind and able body, will my quiet voice and innocence to Devin Milligan.

I, Dylan Weeks-Comeau, of formidable mind and manly body, will my AP books and horrible tests to Brett Miessner.

I, Kevin Weiss, of witty mind and witty body, will my morning talks with John Ford, to Tucker Higgins.

I, Dillon Wexler, of complex mind and model-caliber body, will my grades and great work ethic to Daniel Benov, Eric Baas, and Alex Lavalle.

I, Sam Wexler, of cynical mind and hairy body, will my animalistic instincts and sarcastic wit to Jake, Aaron, Dash, and Daniel.

I, Jess White, of stubborn mind and growing body, will my obsession with choir and drama to Allen.

I, Brendan Williams, of contempt mind and tired body, will my parking pass, 18-year-old contract to next year’s seniors.

I, Megan Winer, of slow mind and angelic body, will my nice ASG skills and abilities to Nicole Winer and Arantxa Sanchez-Cruz.

I, Tim Witwer, of wondering mind and pale/lanky body, will my laziness to Tim Snyder, Jonny Miller, and Brian Brousseau and my extremely good looks to Jamie Mark.

I, Brandon Woodward, of sharp mind and rock hard body, will my individualistic dynamicism, and stuff to Steven Leicht.

Y I, Iris Yan, of judicious mind and streamlined body, will my journalistic perfectionism to M.A., musical prowess to A.L., P.N. and K.S., my swim tan to T.L., J.H., and P.G., and my overflowing zest for life to Jonathan Yan. I, Lauren Yap, of nostalgic mind and 5’00 tall body, will my horrible case of senioritis to Blake Nahmias and Sammy Barooni.

I, Timothy Yi, of lackadaisical mind and big body, will my somewhat decent grades and musical skills to Joseph Yi. I, Arielle Yoon-Tobias, of intuitive mind and buff body, will Slade’s love for me to Moriah Jenkins.

Z I, Thomas Ziccardi, of excellent mind and incredible body, will my grueling swim practices and freezing mornings to the Westlake swim team.

I, Erin Zucker, of shrinking mind and hungry body, will my last brain cells, AP study guides, and honorary Asian status to Kevin Zucker, Jamie Mark, and Alex Shuttleworth.

8

Senioritis (n.)...

“When Farmville is too important to miss, so you skip school.”

-Lauren Aboytes “When your best friend is Ms. Meister.”

-Brett Baldwin “A disease that strikes high school seniors.

Only known cure: GRADUATION!” -Jordan Briers “A serious condition in which responsible and dedicated students realize they can get by in school by doing virtually nothing.”

-Michelle Carney “Studying for a test during a test.”

-Stephanie Chinn “Having the attendance number memorized.”

-Nik Crain “Moorpark.”

-Christian Dib “Fiesta Friday every Friday in Spanish 5 AP.” -Rebecca Esquivel “My phone died, so I can’t call my mom to call me out.”

-Arielle Tobias “Only doing homework if there’s time in Mr. Lynch’s class.”

-Danaka Reaney “Nonexistent.”

-Adam Raudonis “This question requires too much effort.”

-Todd Wagner “When John tells me to enjoy my Starbucks when I walk off campus with a doctor’s note.”

-Mackenzie Ring

FEATURE

Fav

Sen

Favorite Songs

“I Gotta Feeling By: The Black Eyed Peas “Don’t Stop Believin’” By: Journey “Tik Tok” By: Ke$ha

June 1 2010 • THE ARROW

ior

orit

es

Common Planning Time Senior Picnic Rallies

Favorite� Activities

ite r o v Fa es i Mov The Hangover Avatar

Favorite Teachers Lora Novak Scott Holloway Phil Patenaude

r io

n e S s d a F

Most Annoying Fads: 1. Shorts/skirts & UGGs 2. Twilight 3. Pokemon 4. Leggings as pants 5. Justin Bieber 6. Disney Stars 7. High-heeled boots 8. Guy Slang (Dece) 9. Farmville 10. Flat-roof hats

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

MEMORIES

WHS Class of

2010 senior Memories

9

10

SENIO

UC Davis Kristen Augustyn Bridget Berman

Danaka Reaney

University of the Pacific Kelsey Alban Ali Kazen Cuesta Community College Sean Lampe

Sonoma State Stacey Cohen Adam Rosenkranz

Stanford University Megan Aguilera Adam Raudonis Iris Yan Tony Jin

CSU Chico Chris Doyle Amanda Ribbers UC Berkeley Ryan Benkeser Aaron Bloch Michelle Carney Sam Chen Nik Crain George Deng Elizabeth Fictum Annie Gerlach Brian Grubbs Iris Han Cameron Irmas Abhi Jairam Emilie Maddison Brandon Sand Logan Stokols Sam Syde Roseann Zhong University of Hawaii Paige Kotake Hawaii Pacific Kirk Jones

Moorpark College Alex Biersch Matthew Blanchard Tara Brown Nicole Burns Shannon Carder Kim Champion Julian Cohen Brad Cotner Andrew Dana Christian Dib Marika Dundore Bronwyn Evans Julia Foley Tom Gantt Shane Giraldo Dante Goglia Breanna Greene Jesse Hecht

Julianne Insogna Melissa Johnson Cheyenne Kehoe Courtney Koeritz Boss Konenakeaw Brandon Kutivan John Lampos Jared Levine Karina Lopez Pamela Lopez Wesley D. Marshall Trevor McGrath Sam Moss Noelle NuĂąez Yosemite Olivo Carlos Orellana Dakota Press Slade Rheaume Mackenzie Ring

University of Washington Julia Wachs Todd Wagner Tim Witwer

San Francisco State University Lauren Aboytes Jessica Garnett Kyle Holden Jaycie Kotake Connor Stanley

Un University of Oregon Za Michelle Harvey Derek Leung Brittany Levin-Clarke Molly Norling-Christensen Kathryn McElroy University of Portland

San Jose State University Ariana Barton Taylor Kotake

Katie Gregoire

CSU Monterey Bay Jennifer Dery CSU Northridge Josselyn Aguirre Sam Ball Joseph Belzberg Andrea Cruz Mason French Sally Harrison Kyle Lofgren Jake Katz John Keller Jackie Merkle Sean Morrison Daniel Rivera Sam Wexler Tim Wolfgram

Cal Poly San Louis Obispo Matt Bague Michael Bennett Skylar Dammers Mark Friedman Tess Hannel Jason Koss Daniel Medina Danielle Morrison Lauren Noyes Robby Peters Sienna Thornburg Saul Villatoro Tim Wise Thomas Ziccardi

Future De

Academy of Art University Amanda Ackourey Tucker Cunningham Ian Fitttingoff

Loyola Marymont University Mindi Carpenter UC Santa Barbara Abby Barry McAuley Cahill Sean Chiu Cameron Cuneo Shawn McLeod Kate McGee Lindsay Meade Caroline Muhlfeld Katherine Pearl Daniel Phounsavan Marika Price Ryan Sheil Matt Sowers

Hayley Rogers Tracy L. Rogers Brenden Root-Burks Lori Rosenberg Katie Roughan Kevin Russi Robert Tipton Julian Salas Ben Samuels Emily Schatz Devon Silber Londyn Sparks Noelle Starr Michael Tack William Ting Stephanie Varden Shelby Wagner Jess White

Lewis & Clark College Sean Stroud Patrick Sudre

UC Santa Cruz Molly Alderete Briggs Atkinson Melody Barooni Stephanie Chinn Charlotte Gibson Max Jann Kevin Kaproff Jeff Moore UC Los Angeles Matt Dushkes Drew Edell Amanda Feinberg James McAfee Sasha Richman Bowen Rao Lindsey RytteragerNickel Becky Sadwick Kevin Siazon Vivian Shi Emily Yen New York Film Academy Hayden Fongheiser California Lutheran University Conrad Aleks Derek Andrzejewski Erin Apregan Daniel Noad Stephanie Sue

Pepperdine University Michael Frees Brittany Lehman

CSU at Long Beach Katelyn Grossman Haley Pearson Dylan Rios

UC Merced Ben Rosenthal Chapman University Carly Adelman Ellie Fateh Max Klinedinst Jessi Levine David Soloway Mason Thibo USC Nasser Abu-Gheida Kelsey Bartlett Paige Binsley Rebecca Esquivel Kayla Greenberg Kimberly Ha Jonny Harris Amanda Levy Arinjay Madhav Elena Pino Jordan Ryle Hayley Sherman Goldie Shih Urian Venegas Sheena Vira Brandon Woodward Westmont College Caitlin Postal Ventura College Natalie Gonzalez

Pierce College Cryschelle Jeffery

CSU Channel Islands Lauren LaFountaine Christina Caranica Emily Balkind

Northern Arizona University Lindsey Akers Josh Lefkovitch Kelly MacDonald Brendan Monahan Sam Rose

Otis College of Art and Design Carolyn Canzano

University of Arizona Rachel Bernstein Hannah Englander Jared Erman Kate Henry John Howe Amanda Kolodney Juan Rubio

The Art Institute of California—Hollywood Daniel Sipos Academy of the Arts Lauren Hennessy Oxnard Fire Academy Daniel Peralta Santa Barbara City College Brett Baldwin Skyler Horton Amanda Jacobson Greg Karakashian Tatiana Koutcherenko Alex Neill Danny Nieves Austin Pincus Jordan Sloan Jennifer Soucy Theodore Spector Kendyl Roundtree Lily Turner-Graham UC Irvine Matthew Eggleton Colin Fan Nicole Gilbert Elise Loprieno Cindy Martinez Daniel Patton Jordan Rosenthal Becky Sheldon Avi Soor Dylan WeeksComeau Tim Yi Rong Yu Erin Zucker

Brigham Young University Cassidy Lang Amy LeFevre Erin Chismar

Ari Jord Kev Jose Tay

FIDM Leo Bryan Juarez Brooks Art College Michael Nelson Grossmont College Roxanne Mula Biola University Derek Thomas Cal Poly Pomona Julie Millet Caltech Jackie Phillips Santa Monica City College Reyna Pineda Orange Coast Community College Allie Brinson UC San Diego David Cao Kristi Choi Eric Feinstein Nikki Hayes Marcus Lam Clyde Lee John Lee Adam Li Tiffany Loh Jordan Marvasti Sean Miller Shannon Munemura Tabah Syed Chelsea Sykora Wesley Tsang

San Diego State University Andrew Gehr Lindsay Grossman Michael Italiano Nicole Lee Caroline Muhlfeld Brittany Perry Vika Preddy Katherine Pincus Dylan Taylor Lauren Yap University of San Diego Cayley Smalling

11

OR MAP

estinations for Seniors University of Waterloo Christopher Mekhiel

Montana Tech Nick Rothaupt

University of Michigan Victoria Fealkoff University of Rochester Adrian Muguerza Lily Martyn Josh Spiegel

niversity of Montana ach Drost

g

Karen Tsai

University of Denver Sara Riazi

Chadron State College Michael Lorenzo

University of Colorado, Boulder Matthew Cole Kelly Deneny Colorado College Alex Drost Matt Ossentjuk Gregory Hamm Sofia Talarico Peter Warekois Megan Winer

izona State University dyn Coleman vin Commons e Ermac ylor Kahanowitch

University of Kansas Tate Nelson Brendan Hart

Bard College Parsons New School Rebecca Wagner for Design Columbia University Hayley Blatt Micah Smith University of Wisconsin Rhode Island University of Dayton Cornell University Madison School of Design Andrea Todak Miranda Fang Krista Dyer Sarah Oh Penn State Boston University Zech Manos Emily Powell The Illinois Institute of Art UPenn Temple University Dillon Wexler Tara Reeves Brendan Williams Northwestern University University of Notre Johns Hopkins University Natalie Edell Dame Lucy Gao Dana Saifan Nicole Stelmar Joe Sanchez

Nobel Loho

University of Chicago Jessica Jia

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Casey Levitt

Virginia Military Institute Zach Stark

Lees-McRae College Brett Stark University of Missouri Jake Hildebrand

University of North Texas Josh Komie

Champlain College Marley Jaffe Green Mountain College Cassandra Walke University of Connecticut Arielle Yoon-Tobias

MIT Nora Darago

Wesleyan University Robert Dillon George Washington University Kevin Weiss

College of the Holy Cross JD Power

University of Alabama John Mazin

Rice University Michael Vatcher University of Miami Christian Yelich Military US Army Ty Zaslove

Class of 2010 Goes Confidently in the Direction of Their Dreams

12

MEMORIES

Oh! The Places You’ll go!@

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

13

FAREWELLS

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

my personality and outgoingness. I love all the friends that I have made here at Westlake.

Abhi Jairam: We had a good run Westlake!

Jessica Jia: Life is like riding a bicycle-in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving” (Albert Einstein). Four years is short; keep moving.

Tony Jin: Don’t judge people by the content of their character. Judge them by what they do with it.

Leo Juarez: Remember us for what we were: our words, fads, and mistakes. Love us for what we are: a generation. One day we’ll be faded photos.

Dear Class of 2010, This year has been so amazing. We have all had the time of our lives, and there is still so much more ahead of us. We can look towards the future with the confidence that we will reach our goals using the tools our Westlake teachers and staff have given us. Our lives are about to change drastically, but thanks to the entire Westlake faculty, our class advisor Ms. Harrison, our Dean of Activities Ms. LaRue, the ASG advisor Ms. Blackburn, our families, and our friends we will be able to face the challenges ahead with confidence and courage. We are a class that can and will achieve great things, and I look forward to seeing all that we accomplish. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” Congratulations Class of 2010!

Yours truly, Nicole Stelmar Senior Class President

A Lauren Aboytes: I will miss all my friends and hopefully they will still keep in touch.

Amanda Ackourey: Goodbye Westlake.

Thanks for the fun memories and for the great friends I’ll have for life.

Carly Adelman: A farewell to the lovely Samantha Gilbert.

May our midnight fivehour conversations continue even though I am no longer near the Westlake Village.

Megan Aguilera: Bye Westlake! Thanks for the memories!

Josselyn Aguirre: Thank you Westlake for all the memorable memories and chill people. It was fun.

Conrad Aleks: Farewell to Alex Preisz, Shauna Gutterrez, and adios to my Westlake water polo team.

Erin Apregan: Thank you to all my close friends and teachers for guiding me throughout the years and giving me memories to last a life time.

Kristen Augustyn: Don’t live life worrying about how you appear to others. Just do what you want and realize that no one is really paying attention anyway.

K

ginormous truck!

Stephanie Chinn: Bye-bye!

Sean Chiu: Do well on your STAR tests. I’m out of here.

Kristi Choi: So long, farewell, goodbye!

Dallas Clayton: Farewell to those in Westlake who showed me a great time for the year that

Miranda Fang: To my ASG family: Thanks for making this year so amazing! You have all been so special in my life; I will never forget you!

Eric Feinstein: Thank you to all my friends and teachers for the great memories.

Hayden Fongheiser: If you ever have doubts in life, just hold on because it always gets better.

Mark Friedman: I had such a great time at Westlake. Don’t try too hard.

One love.

“If we have no peace, it is beccause we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

-Mother Theresa

B Brett Baldwin: Westlake over the last four years has had its ups and downs but all in all the times that I have spent on this magnificent campus will never be forgotten.

Melody Barooni: Bye Chach! Bye Laney! I’ll miss you guys.

Abigail Barry: Maddy—have fun during your last 2 years at Westlake! Stay out of trouble and PLEASE don’t forget to take care of Shadow— he’s your dog now.

Kelsey Bartlett: I leave my humor to Nick Saremi and my sarcastic wit to Courtney Bartlett.

Ariana Barton: To all my friends: thank you for these wonderful past four years. I’m going to miss you all. Let’s keep in touch!

Joseph Belzberg: So long and thanks for all the fish.

Bridget Berman: Farewell everyone! Stay classy Westlake.

Rachel Bernstein: Dear Westlake, please do not corrupt my baby brother!

Alex Biersch: To my favorite juniors and sophomores in the 2009-2010 yearbook staff.

Paige Binsley: Remember, in this world it’s not win/lose; it’s win/win! Never give up on your dreams. Good luck!

Matthew Blanchard: Catch me if you can.

Jordan Briers: Courtney Febres, my best friend, B crew lover! I love you girl, kick-butt next year, and you will be seeing me! I already miss you!

I’ve been here.

Mathew Cole: Brittany, I hope you enjoy high school without me. I am going to miss you and miss living with you. Love, Mathew.

Jordyn Colemon: Shout out to my CP crew!

Love you guys! You know who you are!!

Kevin Commons: Dedicated to Mr. Maki, my favorite math teacher who was always there.

Thanks for all the help.

Nik Crain: Seeeeeya Westlake!

Iris Cruz: A special dedication to my friend who died May 2008, always remembered, forever loved.

F a r e w e l l memories, never will forget good/ bad times.

D George Deng: Remember, you can’t be late until you show up.

Zach Drost: Peace, I’m out!

G

Lucy Gao: Thank you SZ, VS, SC, SY, AL, HS, JZ, JP, LL, LP each for making a special impact on my life; I am grateful for our cherished memories and friendship.

Charlotte Gibson: Although it’s been a rough four years, I have grown as a person and have attained the life skills to carry me through the next four years of college. I am sad to leave my friends and family. I am truly ready to leave the Westlake bubble.

Nicole Gilbert: Stay classy!

Shane Giraldo: As I leave this school I say farewell to all I have met and all teachers who put up with me all these four years.

Dante Goglia: I also leave my sense of humor and chilly jokes to Aaron Jassenoff and Juliette Goglia because they get it.

David Gonzalez: I dedicate this message to the junior class/future seniors: make sure your senior year is memorable and do not dwell on the past but have an open mind of your future.

L Clyde Lee: Goodbye and good luck! Don’t let senioritis own you.

Amy LeFevre: Good luck to all future graduates and water polo girls! I will miss you!

Joshua Lefkovitch: It’s go time! I’m out!

Casey Levitt: To girls varsity volleyball: Play for each other and have fun. Try not to pass out from the stench. To all newbies, good luck next year. Remember why you wanted to be there and you will succeed.

Tiffany Loh: I suppose I should come back to visit...perhaps.

Pamela Lopez: High school is crucial to growing up. The most difficult and best years of your youth in 4 short years. Now as I leave, i’ll have beautiful nostalgic memory to last a life time.

Goodbye, Westlake High School. I’ll always miss you.

Karina Lopez: My favorite underclassmen: Lindsay Pincus, Kathleen Pacpaco, Sarah Mendiaz, and Courtney Allen, you’ve made senior year bearable. Big hug to Bijan Sophanpanah from Karina and Tara!

“Wealth does not consist of having great possessions, but having a few wants.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

E Drew Edell: Cherish every moment because time flies by. Goodbye Westlake High!Dedicated to incoming freshmen Brooke Edell and Sara Schwartz.

Hannah Englander: Goodbye Westlake.

Thank you for the fun memories and for the great friendships I’ll have for life.

Jared Erman: KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAN! Rebecca Esquivel: To the WHSCMD, you have made my high school experience what it was. To all my friends and teachers, I will miss you.

C

Breanna Greene: My time here has been served, some good, some bad, to get up at the crack of dawn for school.

Katie Gregoire: Schmeelzies, this is there I proclaim my undying love for you.

H Kimberly Ha: I’ll be back...maybe.

Tess Hannel: Jord-enjoy the reset of high school and take good care of the golden nugget!

I’ll miss you both so much!

Jesse Hecht: I can’t say I won’t miss this place.

The people here certainly won’t be forgotten.

I am also looking forward to the first 2010 reunion.

Kate Henry: Goodbye Westlake!

It has been an amazing four years. Thank you for the amazing memories and friendships.

Jake Hildebrand: It’s hard to say goodbye, but it’s amazing to move on. You’ll all be where we’re at before you know it. Live it up.

Kyle Holden: I dedicate my imminent departure into the world to the blessings and power of Madonna, who pushes me everyday to be better than the best.

Skyler Horton: It’s been good.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

-Nelson Mandela

C a r o l y n Canzano: Thank you to my friends who’ve made me feel cherished— hopefully I’ve done the same. I’m blessed to have stayed at WHS, but I’m excited to move on. Love you!

Shannon Carder: I came to Westlake junior year and it was the best decision ever made. I will miss it.

Michelle Carney: Recycle!

Mindi Carpenter: Goodbye friends and teachers. I luh’ you.

Kimberly Champion: Bye Michelle! Buy your own lunch now! And beg dad to not drive the

Taylor Kahanowitch: Goodbye, everyone. I will only remember maybe five of you people.

Especially Kayla B. Ranjbaran.

Gregory Karakashian: Don’t get in trouble.

Seriously.

Cheyenne Kehoe: I hope you all exceed your goals and live your life to your fullest, with the biggest, brightest, and fulfilled smile and heart.

Travis Kelley: Farewell my loving students.

Hope to see you all on our ten-year reunion.

Courtney Koeritz: Cross Country Girls, you guys have been amazing and have made it a memorable season. You taught me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Brandon Kutivan: It was really run and lifechanging. Keep it up!

I Bronwyn Evans: So long and thanks for all the fish. To all you juniors: watch out for senioritis and nargles!

F

Colin Fan: To The Fan Dynasty and The Bone Chillers...rep Dream Team forever.

Michael Italiano: Thank you Mr. Azevedo for being so awesome and cool.

J Marley Jaffee: Westlake has been good for

M

Emilie Maddison: So long fellow eco-warriors! I will miss those smelly bags of recycling so much, and will think of you fondly every Wednesday.

Probably.

Arnjay Madhav: Westlake was a great experience and I will always cherish my days studying for 3000 point anatomy tests.

Wesley Marshall: It has been four ears of highs and lows hrough it all it’s been life changing and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Allison Martin: I love my two best friends Kylie McNutt and Colton Hoffmans and wish them the best of luck next year!

Lily Martyn: So long farewell auf weidersechen goodbye.

James McAfee: Uh, I’d like to thank my friends for making senior year so darn awesome.

Trevor McGrath: Thank you everybody who I was able to share the last four years of my life with, you won’t be forgotten.

Shawn McLeod Goodbye Westlake! I’m off to bigger and better things. Thank you to those Lindsay Meade: Farewell, Westlake. We’ve known each other for four long years, but it’s time for us to go our separate ways. John, don’t forget all I taught you.

Christopher Mekhiel: I was new to this country in 2006 and became very comfortable in a second. I met tons of excellent people at Westlake and I made many friends. Thank you Westlake for opening your doors to me.

Hopefully I will come back to visit.

Samuel Moss: Great four years at Westlake, feels great to be finally leaving.

Roxanne Mula: Heather, I’ll miss you next year.

Have a fun senior year! Woo!

N Molly Norling-Christensen: Thanks to my baby sister Madeline for being an amazing sister. You better come visit! I love you so much. You’re the best I’ll miss you!

Lauren Noyes: Thank you to my parents, friends and the countless amounts of frozen yogurt that fueled my high school career.

Noelle Nuñez: Don’t get swallowed up in the ridiculous social scene. Be strong, and when graduation comes run!

14

FAREWELLS O

Yosemite Olivio: You girls better work it! Remember there is no problem, only solutions, if there is no solution you are not looking hard enough!

Carlos Orellana: I bid farewell to all my friends and leaders. I tell you to love one another and to face all your problems with strong faith and your head held high.

P Katherine Pearl: Leanne⎯I will probably miss seeing you around campus and chilling with you around town the most. I love you more than you know.

Robby Peters: I dedicate my success to my family.

Jackie Philips: Zech: Your hair, your eyes, and your smile light my world every time you walk into the room. No one is quite like you.

Love you.

Marika Price: Thank you to all my unforgettable friends and inspiring teachers for the everlasting impact you have made on my life and in my heart.

Dakota Press: You don’t have to do it by yourself! God will always be there for you!

R Adam Raudonis: Goodbye Westlake! Many great memories came from the place, but I can’t wait to move on!

Asia Ray: Thank you everyone who has helped me be successful at Westlake High School. I especially want to thank Mr. Peter, Mr. G, and the entire Regiment for an amzing 4 years of music and fun!

“There’s only so much you can learn in one place. The more you wait, the more time you waste.”

-Madonna you!

Tracy Rogers: Goodbye high school, how I will miss football, senior stuff...and nothing else.

Brenden Root-Burks: Westlake football rules! I’m out!

Lori Rosenberg: High school is the best 4 years and the worst 4 years. It’s where everyone grows and learns about themselves and who they truly are. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Nick Rothaupt, Hopefully all this hard work pays off in the end.

Katie Roughan: To all of my amazing friends and teachers, thank you for an amazing four years.

Goodbye!

Jordan Ryle: Bennett Ryle, I hope you have three more excellent years at Westlake! Have an excellent high school career!

S Becky Sadwick: Thank you so much to my parents, sisters, teachers and friends who have made me who I am today and high school exerpience as amazing as it was. I love and will miss you all!

Dana Saifan: Good luck to everyone on the rest of your high school years, especially underclassmen (you don’t know what’s coming)! I promise it’s all worth it.

Julian Salas: Bye Westlake, I had fun, but I have to move on. ADIOS. Brandon Sand, Have fun and don’t get caught.

Emily Schatz: R.I.P. Lester Turcios Ryan Sheil: I love Erin Roughan.

Hayley Sherman: Goodbye to unforgettable times with truly unforgettable people.

Thank you to all my friends, teachers, and dearest choir family for the influence and impact you have made in my life. Fab 5!

Vivian Shi: Walking out these high school doors into the real world...oh lord, I want to be five again.

Goldie Shih: Thank you, and bonne chance!

Daniel Sipos: I will miss all my friends but I will be back. Study and work hard and you will always succeed. Love you and Good Bye. Micah Smith: Good luck guys.

David Soloway: TY, it’s been chill.

Avi Soor: Although I’ve had my ups and downs throughout the years, Thousand Oaks is my

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

-George Eliot Tara Reeves: Brooke Newman, Lindsay Pincus, CJ Lauer, and Oliver Frankcom, thanks for being my favorite underclassmen.

Best of luck with your next years at Westlake.

Amanda Ribbers: Goodbye to my baby brother Daniel; take care of K, J, and E and have fun being the oldest! P.S. don’t forget we go to dad’s on Thursdays!

Sasha Richman: To all of my XC girls: best of luck next year! I love you and I will miss

SAVE THE DATE: Nominees for Prom King and Queen (from left to right): Thomas Ziccardi, McAuley Cahill, Lauren Noyes, Tim Witwer, Mark Friedman, Jess White, Julie Millet, Roseann Zhong, Zach Stark, and Micah Smith. Prom will be held June 5 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Air Force One Pavilion.

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

hometown, the place where I grew up. It will always be my home and I will miss it.

Connor Stanley: I can’t believe it is finally over!

Zach Stark: “I know that I have plans for you, declares the Lord, plans to make you prosper and not to harm you...” Jeremiah 29:10 Noelle Starr: My last 4 years at Westlake have been amazing. I can’t believe it’s already done. It went by incredibly fast. I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.

Nicole Stelmar: Thank you to everyone who

always pushing me to do my best and succeed.

I wouldn’t be here without you.

Mason Thibo: Farewell to the memories, the teachers, and hard work ethic this school has provided me. You will be cherished and missed.

Siena Thornburg: I will miss all the friends I’ve made even though I know we will be friends forever!

Karen Tsai: *Disapparate!* Wesley Tsang: I love all my friends I have made here at Westlake. This isn’t the end; it’s only the beginning.

W Julia Wachs: Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Rebecca Wagner: Never settle, always have fun, keep an open mind and an open heart.

High school is the front door to a world of education and opportunity. Never give in to others’ restrictions and always push yourself to succeed.

Cassandra Walke: Goodbye Westlake. I’lll miss everyone in W.I.T, you’ve all made these years fun and memorable. Underclassmen, enjoy it because before you know it, it’s over.

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

-Marilyn Monroe made my four years so amazing! To all my friends, especially the princesses, I love you all forever and for always.

Logan Stokols: Caleb, Pace, and Aaron, the future of Philosophy Club is in your hands.

Remember that.

Sean Stroud: PEACE OUT. Stephanie Sue: I finally forgive Jackie Philips for spitting peanuts in my hair freshman year. I thank Shannon for the importance of purple and Cindy for her admiration of Tay Tay. Sam Syde: Good luck to all my friends throughout the years and endeavors to come.

Chelsea Sykora: I have had an amazing time with many great friends and incredible teachers.

Thank you Westlake for making high school an experience I’ll remember forever.

T Sofia Talarico: Bye Westlake! Thanks for all the great friendships I have created!

Dylan Taylor: Thank you to my parents, incredible friends and inspiring teachers for

Dylan Weeks-Comeau: Stay frosty.

Kevin Weiss: The following people must fulfill the following empty roles: James FreymuthTennis speeches; Mitch Krems-Tennis pumpup; Brett Hagy-Annoying Harrison; Adam Lazar Basketball rowdiness.

Dillon Wexler: Thank you to my parents, brother, and teachers. The education experience I received at Westlake is truly better than I could have received anywhere else.

Sam Wexler: See you in another life.

Jess White: Finally!

Brandon Woodward: FAREWELL. Thank you very much.

Y Iris Yan: Thank you for these four years! Thanks to my dedicated teachers and amazing friends!

Love you Jonathan!

Lauren Yap: To my coaches and teammates on the Westlake Basketball Team, I love you all and will miss you so much. Pride. Family. Warriors.

15

SPORTS STANDOUTS

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

LeFevre Shows Why Hard Work and Defense Lead to Victory

success tremendously. “He pushed me to my limit and never doubted my greatest potential,” she explained.

The past four years Amy Despite her love and LeFevre ‘10 has spent playing passion for the sport, water polo has enabled her LeFevre will not continue to become the star player she playing at Brigham Young currently is. LeFevre holds University in Idaho, where the school record for number she will attend college. of steals in one season with Although LeFevre’s 123 in 2010, and has unified numerous awards the team throughout her offer a glimpse into her two years as captain. Her dedication, commitment, freshman year, LeFevre made and talent for the sport, the All Tournament Team and her attitude toward her was named MVP and “Most experiences capture her Improved.” In 2008, LeFevre success more. She says won MVP for the second her teammates have been time. She has also received the her “best friends from the coach’s award both junior and start,” and she wouldn’t senior year. Her achievements change anything about her in the sport carry over outside four seasons. of school recognition. LeFevre “I loved every minute played on both the first team and would do it all over HEADS UP!: First team All League and third team All-CIF water polo athlete Amy LeFevre passes during a regular season game. all league and third team all again if I could,” LeFevre CIF. concluded.

LeFevre would encourage when it’s over.” And for those interested experience that much better. The girls Undoubtedly, the memories and others, especially underclassmen, to “work in playing water polo, LeFevre strongly and coaches are amazing and I absolutely experiences mean much more to LeFevre hard, because in the end it’s worth it. Enjoy recommends doing swim team as well. love the sport,” she said. LeFevre says her than the titles and recognition that came it while you can because you’ll miss it “Water polo made my high school coach, Farhad Ghaemi, influenced her with her success in water polo.

Becky Sadwick Staff Writer

PHOTO BY SAM WEXLER

Campbell Takes Softball Game to New Levels Alex Biston Advertising Manager

Thousand Oaks High School twice in her senior year.

She will be attending University of Nevada, Reno next year, where she hopes to major in math.

Ideally, Campbell sees herself in 10 years settled with a career and starting a family.

For underclassmen who are looking to pursue softball, Campbell suggests to “always work a little harder than the person next to you and have confidence in yourself.”

Campbell was recently recognized May 17 at the WHS Student Scholarship Foundation ceremony as the Physical Education Student of the Year.

CAYLIN AT THE BAT: Varsity softball athlete Caylin Campbell has led the team in hitting for the last two years.

PHOTO BY SAM WEXLER

Four year varsity softball player Caylin Campbell ‘10 has excelled in all aspects of the game and has worked hard over the years to improve her skills.

Solely committing herself to softball, Campbell describes her secret to success as being, “hard work, never giving up, and always wanting to be the best.”

Softball coach Lynn Baum has recognized Campell’s softball skills as exceptional over the years as well.

“She has led the team in hitting the past two years, but more importantly she is a great

role model for her teammates.

She has an excellent work ethic and is a great leader and teammate.”

Campbell enjoys softball because she likes “being close to her teammates,” whom she will miss along with her coaches.

She has also won numerous awards through out her softball career.

Ranging from 2008 and 2009 Marmonte League Offensive MVP, 2010 WHS Scholar Athlete of the Year, and Adidas Top 100 Athlete, Campbell has excelled in all of her activities.

Campbell, however, describes the highlight of her softball career was beating

Katz Shines in a Competitive Golf League

PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE GIBSON

and has contributed to the success of the WHS golf program for four years.”

Katz said his best achievement is “finishing sixth in state as an individual my junior year.” Katz also finished sixth in the CIF Individual Final with a 72, which will advance him to the State Qualifier and Finals.

Although Katz will be continuing his golf career at CSUN majoring in business and marketing, Katz said, “I will miss the long van rides with everyone on the WHS team.” As a leader on the boys’ team, Katz illustrates that there needs to be fun in the game of golf or else one just ends up frustrated and discouraged.

Katz’s advice to younger players is THE TEAM’S DRIVER: Jake Katz takes a shot off “to always have fun no matter what the tee at a boys varsity golf match. you are doing. To get better, you Charlotte Gibson need to practice often and the correct way, Staff Writer but you need to do it while having fun.”

Katz balances his practices with For the past four years, Jake Katz ‘10 putting drills and hitting on the driving has been a star on the WHS boys varsity range. At Wood Ranch Country Club in golf team. Katz stood out freshman year Simi Valley, Katz’s practices involve fun as a premiere newcomer and then proved so he doesn’t get “too frustrated with the himself throughout the years. results of (the) practice.”

Coach Dave Costley said, “Jake has It is evident that Katz’s commitment been our number one golfer this season and discipline on the links pay off in

the end, as he continued to illustrate his abilities on the golf course for the spring Marmonte League on the boys golf team.

As captain of the team, Katz is a leader in that he helps the younger players by giving them words of advice.

Coach Costley said, “Jake has always been an exemplary team player and has set a positive example for all to follow.

His senior leadership has been beneficial to the younger players on our

team. He is a model of consistency on the golf course.”

Katz’s golf career throughout high school proved his ability to play at a high level of competition. In addition to his success at the individual competition for CIF, Katz has been honored by being named All Marmonte League.

Coach Costley remarked that Katz’s achievement is “an honor earned on the golf course based on his performance.”

16

SPORTS STANDOUTS

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

Santa Cruz-Bound Gibson Driven to Perfect Her Game Celine Flores Feature Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

Charlotte Gibson ‘10 has made the most of her four years on the WHS Girls’ Golf Team. She has been team captain for two consecutive years, and earned numerous Marmonte League recognitions.

“She has always been a leader in our program and has been a model to be held up to our younger players,” said Coach Dave Costley. “Her cooperation at every level has been a strong factor in the success of our program.”

Her favorite part of the game is that it involves a considerable amount of mental and physical abilities.

“When playing a round of 18 holes, both your mind and body are being tested,” noted Gibson.

In addition to being a star golfer, Gibson played basketball and volleyball before high school, and softball her freshman year at WHS. “I felt I had more potential in golf,” said Gibson, who admitted to being “hooked” on the sport since her mother signed her up for a summer program in 2006.

From then on, Gibson has fine-tuned her skills and went on to be named the Most Valuable Player of the Marmonte League four years in a row, “which has been a great joy.”

Gibson also advanced to CIF individuals. Keeping the title in her junior year was no easy feat, as she stayed in second place in the four matches until the last few holes of the day. Looking back, the tournament was the highlight of her

athletic career.

“I value this achievement the most because it was a true test of my ability to balance everything on the golf course while still playing golf at a high level,” reflected Gibson. “Many times throughout my high school career I have wanted to just give up, but I always pushed myself to achieve my goals.”

Her coach cites her dedication to school and the sport in addition to her work ethic as a reason for her accomplishments.

Gibson herself feels the progress she has made, as well as her many achievements, stems from her ability to never give up and to strive for success.

Of her time at WHS, Gibson said “I will miss the friendships I have made on the team, and the fun times that we shared traveling to matches and CIF tournaments.”

The four AP classes Gibson has taken this year have kept her busy apart from her athletic career, but any free time she finds now is spent with her closest friends and family.

Next year, Gibson will be playing on the Girls’ Golf Team at University of California Santa Cruz, where she plans to major in Business with a minor in Creative Writing.

“In 10 years, I see myself as a successful sports journalist with a blossoming career,” said Gibson, “playing the game of golf during my free time.”

For underclassmen and others pursuing her sport, Gibson advises to “never give up although golf can put a toll on your mind and body, and to practice golf as much as possible. Practice really A CHIP OFF THE OL’ BLOCK: Charlotte Gibson watches the path of her ball after taking a chip does make perfect.” shot.

Drost to Serve Up Success at Montana Jacob Cavanah Sports Editor

PHOTO BY SAM WEXLER

Zach Drost ’10 has been the face of WHS boys tennis since he joined the team freshman year.

Even though his high level of play benefits the team greatly, Drost helps his team with his attitude as well.

“Zach is self motivated, has a competitive spirit, and gives 100 plus percent,” said Coach Connie Flanderka about her star player.

Drost’s ability to play singles and doubles successfully gave WHS more depth during the regular season and post season.

He had the honor of being named to the Marmonte All League team every year he has been a member of the team. Drost was on the first team singles his freshmen and sophomore year, and the first team doubles his junior year. In 2009, he made it to the second round of the CIF Sectionals, and was a part of the All County Doubles team in Ventura County.

As well as being a part of the Marmonte All League team, Drost was selected to go to the Ojai Tournament in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

In all four years that Drost has been a part of WHS boys tennis, he has represented WHS in the Marmonte League Individual tournament.

Drost won the Marmonte League Individual tournament in 2007, which was his freshmen year, and he won it this year.

He has represented his school in this tournament all four years of his high school career because he has been one of the best boys tennis players in the Marmonte League from his freshmen year to his senior year.

For his junior and senior years, Drost took on another responsibility of being the team captain, along with co-captains Kevin Weiss ‘11 and Clyde Lee ‘10. “[He] promotes team unity,” said

Coach Flanderka, which is why he suits the position.

When he was injured for the first half of the 2009 season, Drost was present at practices and matches to motivate his teammates. His head coach and teammates admire the dedication he has shown towards the team.

After Drost graduates this June, he will be attending the University of Montana. He is there on an academic scholarship, and he also plans to play tennis for his new school, which is a Division One school.

“Zach is one of the best teammates I’ve had on and off the court at Westlake. His tennis game speaks for itself, but he is also one of the nicest guys off the court,” said Richie Greentree ’11.

READY TO STRIKE: Varstiy boys’ tennis star Zach Drost prepares to return the ball at a post-season practice in May.

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

17

SENIOR REFLECTIONS

A Look to the Past Before We Step into the Future

E�����’� F������� Tiffany Loh Editor-in-chief

My Former Selves Marika Price Feature Editor “Calling Romeo and Juliet foolish may even be generous. Just consider Romeo’s behavior during our first introduction to him.

He only really can be described as a foolish, young boy.”

These are a few lines from a Romeo and Juliet paper I once bitterly wrote, a paper that probably meant a lot to me four years ago. It slipped my mind until I went to the end of my writing portfolio and remembered how passionately I hated Romeo and Juliet. I viewed their so-called “love” as teenage lust and judged their ignorance of falling for each other so fast.

Everyone goes to high school with different intentions: whether it’s to create a huge social circle, excel academically, or simply get by, high school is a period filled with desire. We hope that new experiences and finding a core group of friends will help us “find ourselves” by the time high school ends. This common hope is somewhat misleading because by the time senior year comes to a close, we have only a slight idea of who we are and who we want to become.

Now we start to re-examine ourselves and what-if until we have exhausted ourselves of self doubt: “What if I chose the wrong school?” “What if I had tried harder?” “What if I didn’t do that?” I am the epitome of a high school senior who thought I would have figured it all out—but now realize I have truly figured out nothing.

Leaving high school is far different for us than it was for our parents. It is

E�����’� F������� Iris Yan Editor-in-chief

It seems odd when I think that in a couple of months, when people ask us where we go to school the usual “Westlake” will be replaced with another name that, when said, has a foreign ring to it.

PHOTO BY SAM WEXLER

I clean out my closet, throw out old papers kept from middle school days, and roll up posters that have been taped seemingly forever to the walls of my room. As I carry the pile of used AP books to my little brother’s room, I reflect on the last four years I have spent here at Westlake High.

Graduation is nearing, and yet I still feel as if I am a freshman. I think about the list of 50+ items that I have yet to do with my friends before leaving high school: have a bonfire, learn to juggle, go iceblocking—things I must somehow cram into the last 10 days of school.

But although time seems to have sped up and prom and grad night are just around the corner, at the same time I feel as if it has simultaneously slowed down, just enough for me to think about all my experiences here.

I admit, high school has not been an entirely pleasant experience. I’ve pulled all-nighters and gone for weeks with about two to three hours of sleep each night.

The days of stressing out about SATs and APs won’t be forgotten for a long time. And of course, the endless college application process that seemed to deny the existence of the infamous feeling of “senioritis” is forever on my mind.

Yet, despite the stress and work endured here these past four years, I have also had many memorable experiences that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. The teachers at Westlake, the people I’ve met, and the friendships I’ve made have shaped me into the person I am today.

All these influences, however subtle or minute they may have seemed to be at the time, will play a huge role

in my journey in college as I continue to discover and mold my character.

I have many “goodbyes” to say, and with each one comes a reminder of what I will miss: Smelling the raw, stinging stench of formaldehyde as I walk into Advanced Anatomy. Sweating in the burning sun as I prepare for a tennis match. Our Arrow staff’s after-school sessions that last until 8 p.m. as we work on upcoming issues.

Walking down to Barnes & Noble after

WRITERS’ CORNER: From left to right, seniors Tiffany Loh, Iris Yan, Marika Price, Annie Gerlach, and Sofia Talarico embrace each other—and the last few days of high school.

school to have Spanish study sessions with my friends.The long walk to the student parking lot.

All these little things that I have never bothered to notice now catch my attention as I live out the last of these high school days.

I take in every detail of this place, trying to make them last in my memories.

And although I won’t be able to remember many of these things, I know that there are some things that I will recall vividly and cherish forever: the great friendships I made and the encouragement and support from my teachers.

So now, as the year draws to a close, I just want to say: Thank you, Westlake, for helping us grow and preparing us for the years to come.

no longer a question of if you’re going to college, but rather where. Suddenly the ideas of internships and grad school creep into our minds. Graduation to me is one of those manufactured instances, a rite of passage that invites self reflection, regret and reminiscence. With the unavoidable realization of leaving home and beginning again, I am unable to hold back tears for the time I have lost and the time I will begin without the friends, coworkers, and individuals who meant the most.

High school has never been what it was supposed to be, or what others thought it was supposed to be, or what I thought it would be. I know now that your high school years are not, in fact, the Best Years of Your Life. The last four years have been much harder than anyone ever told me and I have spent much more time studying or making blended drinks at The Beanscene than I ever imagined. My favorite memories in high school were not the dances, rallies, or senior events, but the random chats in Mr. Acton’s and Mrs. Novak’s classes, Yozen Frogurt runs, and late nights in Journalism.

The selves that I was, and with whom I am now so unfamiliar, still walk with me daily. Because I am a different “self” now from four years ago, my former selves serve to remind me of who I am not. I have lost touch with the freshman who felt that fitting in was the number-one priority or the sophomore who felt that grades defined her self worth.

Today, I am the girl that upon rereading Romeo and Juliet believes that they were two beings created for each other despite a tragic fate to tear them apart. I am the girl who is graduating from high school knowing that I am free to determine my own course, understanding that my future may be uncertain, but the victory is sure to be worth the battles.

I am not typically that schmaltzy, overemotional individual when it comes to saying goodbyes. Rather, I consider myself calm with a face turned upwards toward the future. But I can’t help but feel a tinge of nervousness as I realize that our procession forward in life marks the ending of a generous support system we have grown overly dependent on.

When I think about all those activities I did—swimming, opera, journalism, the list goes on—I realize they all summed up into two general areas for character building: passion and stamina. I will miss those long nights of editing the next Arrow’s issue and leaving building 4 in complete darkness and isolation. The 5 o’clock morning practices for swimming when the moon was still out and the sky pitch black.

For whatever reason, I am grateful that though times were tough at one point, I

was forever bestowed a solid foundation for the years to come.

I recall a very telling incident when I was younger. I told my dad how worried I was about what my future would be like. He read an article to me written by an Olympian who had attended Harvard for his undergraduate education. In this article, the writer voiced his frustration for constantly working toward “the next goal.” As he progressed from a Harvard undergrad to an Olympian to a wellknown lawyer, he wrote in his middleaged years that, though for his entire life,he attained tremendous success, he mistakenly thought that accomplishing his next goal would be the main source of his happiness.

For the rest of my four years in high school, I tried desperately to not be the typical “goal-setting, Harvard-bound Asian.” I adamantly believed in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “Imitation is Suicide.”

And this is exactly what makes WHS an unforgettable place. With each individual I have come across, I have made a genuine effort to discover some facet of their character—what makes them laugh and the ideals they firmly believe in—because each individual is unique and truly worth meeting.

To be honest, I don’t have a clear idea of this “college experience.”

I have heard enough stories from alumni about how much better college will be and how high school is “a joke” compared to college. Yet I am forever thankful for the friendships I have made in high school, those intellectual connections that can prepare me for what is to come in my future.

When the tassels are flipped to the left and our graduation caps finally thrown into the sky, the last stanza of Robert Frost’s famous poem The Road Not Taken will reverberate in my head as I reflect on the individuality that WHS has given me: Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

What High School Meant to Me Annie Gerlach Photo Editor What did high school mean to me?

I ask myself this as I stare at a blank page. I’m supposed to write one final article for the Arrow—something that normally comes effortlessly to me. But the article in question must neatly sum up my entire high school career in a few hundred words—something that is close to impossible.

In itself, high school is just another destination on our educational paths. Like a rest stop along the highway where we learn a thing or two about dissection or geometry or proper essay structure; where we sign up for extracurricular activities in the hopes of having fun (and padding college applications); where we transform from awkward freshmen into adults soon bound for college.

It’s unnerving to think that pretty soon, school as we know it will be over.

Gone are the days of school dances and rallies in an overcrowded gym. Never again will we rush from period to period and chat between aisles of desks. Rather, in a few short months we’re off to bigger things—cramped dorm rooms and stuffy lecture halls and frat parties. It doesn’t matter where we’re headed; wherever we end up, we are all destined to leave high school behind us in favor of new, more exciting memories.

But if you ask me, I think it’s going to be pretty hard to forget high school altogether. I mean, how do you forget four years of your life? Four years of growing up, of meeting and making new friends, of

juggling an ever-stressful work load with an ever-expanding social life. Four years of making mistakes (and hopefully not repeating them). Four years of learning who we are and what we’re made of.

So what is high school for me? What have I accomplished in the last four years?

High school is a cross country meet, one of the Saturday ones where we wake up at four in the morning to ride a bouncy bus and then proceed to run a billion miles before earning a personal record. It’s a JSA convention, where we listen to surprisingly interesting debates and then dance long into the night. It’s sitting in the gym sophomore year (when the lights still buzzed really loudly) to take a Euro AP test we thought we were sufficiently prepared for.

It’s cramming into a friend’s car and rushing to Corner Bakery during Common Planning Time. It’s trudging up to the student parking lot every day and panting because we’re so out of breath. It’s sitting in the uncomfortable stadium and cheering the football team on to an undefeated season. It’s watching the senior boys one-up each other during prom-asking season, each plot cuter and more original than the last. It’s learning from inspiring teachers and even a few of our peers. It’s appreciating all those little ordinary moments, which in turn ultimately equal one big moment.

As seniors in the Class of 2010, we have less than two weeks until graduation. For some, our feet are dragging; for others, the clock is. The time that separates us from the ‘real world’ is quickly slipping away. But the lessons we’ve learned, the memories we’ve made… those won’t fade anytime soon.

18

SENIOR REFLECTIONS

Robert’s Reality

End of an Era As the school year draws to a close, seniors are finding themselves in a strange limbo. The future lies ahead of us but we still have days to burn before school officially ends. In this inbetween place after AP tests but before graduation the academic workload dwindles and, suddenly, many seniors have a lot more free time.

This free time can quickly fester into a profound state of ennui unless we have something to occupy ourselves with. Luckily, we do. Now is a better time than ever to reflect on the past four years and examine the steps that have led us to where we are today. After all, the best way to learn is retrospectively and hindsight is 20/20.

If clichés hold true, we started high school as foolish freshmen and, now, will emerge as seasoned seniors.

We adjusted to our new surroundings, forged new friendships, and tried to figure ourselves out a little more. And now that we are leaving, the departure is bittersweet: the thrill of what is to come versus the memories left behind.

It is important to remember that the only way we made it this far in the first place was by following the path laid by those before us. To some degree, we all depended on advice from parents, teachers, and upperclassmen to navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of the high school journey.

More significantly, we also blazed our own individual trails. Our curiosity, adventurousness and inclination to try new things were all part of a gradual buildup of experience. And learning from the mistakes we made along the way played an enormous role in our personal growth. Now, having thrown off naiveté for knowledge, our experience should tell us that, as seniors, there is still a lot left to learn.

Any insight gained by looking back on the past four years may help in years to come. As in high school, it is wise to take a balanced approach. Be pragmatic but don’t be afraid to live the life you want to live.

A bit of reflection can make a person nostalgic – emotional, even. No doubt, it is difficult to accept that childhood is over and that adulthood is beginning.

The transition might seem abrupt. The prospect of a sudden initiation into “the real world” is daunting, but it does not have to be viewed this way. In reality, the transition has been continuous and unconscious. Now that the time has come to accept new responsibility, we may find that we are more prepared than we realized.

People call high school your formative years; they say your experience shapes the person you become. To be more accurate, it is the choices you make now, when no one else can make them for you, that determine who you are.

Senior Robert Dillon is a frequent contributor to the Arrow. He will attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

THOUGHTS FROM A SENIOR’S PERSPEC����:

Jose Ermac

Opinion Editor By the time this article is published, the Senior Class of 2010 will have only a little more than a week before their final steps at Westlake High School are taken,and they are invariably thrust into the real world.

I don’t know about anyone else, but for me, this knowledge brings about feelings of both extreme excitement, and irrational fear—the latter being the most dominant and hardest to shake off.

I transferred to WHS from a small, one-horse town up north. It was indeed a HUGE culture shock. There were more people here at WHS than in my whole town, and it was a very unique experience moving from the boondocks to Southern California. I was introduced to a whole new set of vocabulary words, including “deece,” “casj,” and “bomb.” Girls wore Uggs with short, REALLY short, shorts and guys wore jeans so tight, I wondered how they could stand up straight. Before moving here, I had never even set foot into a Starbucks or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and The Oaks Mall was in a whole other league

of retail outlets compared to the malls from where I used to live.

Naturally, I felt a little homesick. I almost felt like Westlake wasn’t the place for me; but after some serious contemplation and after finding my “niche” in writing and journalism, I found that I would always have a special place in my heart for WHS. Of the many lessons I’ve learned from my short but sweet stay in Westlake, one of the most important was community.

Although you may have to be independent and self-reliant most of the time in high school, it is very important to rely on teachers and other classmates for both professional and personal reasons. Networking can work in your favor, because in the real world, you’re going to need connections in order to snag that job or nail that interview, but more importantly, the relationships you build in high school can last you an entire lifetime. Sometimes the friends you make in high school equals friends for life. In a school this big, it’s easy to make at least a few lasting and meaningful relationships.

Another thing I learned while being a Warrior was to try new things and find

yourself. When I did Yearbook my junior year with Ms. Burns and beginning journalism my senior year with the mighty BTag, I realized my profound fervor for writing and journalism. I would have never realized my passion and I would have never gotten into the Cronkite School at ASU if I hadn’t taken these exciting classes and realized who I was. Most people still have a long way to go before they essentially find out “who they are,” but high school is a good place to start.

My final word of advice for all you underclassmen and soon-to-be seniors is just to make the most of the time you have in Westlake and high school in general. I know it’s hard to find some free time between all the AP classes, the standardized tests (STAR, CAHSEE, SATs, ACTs), the class projects, the college apps, and the other mumbo-jumbo that plagues high school student’s lives, but remember: YOU’RE STILL JUST A TEENAGER! This is the only time in your life where you will still be able to get away with driving by yourself and having your mom make your PB&J everyday, so have fun while you can and enjoy it while it lasts. Those four years will go by faster than you’ll ever think.

3 Seniors Reach End of Yellow Brick Road Kayla Greenberg Staff Writer

Graduation does not just signify the end of four years—it also marks the beginning of another four. With the realization that next year, as freshmen, we will have come full circle, many seniors have been reflecting on their high school experiences.

Academics aside, have we really learned anything? After talking with a few classmates, it has become obvious that many of us have triumphed over our own shortcomings, or have used our characteristics for a greater good.

Three stories in particular stand out: a senior who found a brain, a senior who found a heart, and a senior who found courage. Because of the personal nature of these stories, and their connection to “The Wizard of Oz,” the students will be referred to as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion.

The Scarecrow believes her struggle throughout high school was with her brains. Although naturally bright, the Scarecrow admits that she did not work to her full potential for the first half of high school. Because her “friends at the beginning of high school weren’t focused on getting good grades,” the Scarecrow found herself wasting time on Facebook, texting, and socializing. The Scarecrow shut off her brain, and was overwhelmed when she saw the repercussions of her focus on mindlessness: “When you realize how far

behind you are, you start to care.”

Consequently, the Scarecrow spent the rest of high school trying to reclaim her brain. While she admits that attempting to catch up with her work was “so stressful,” the Scarecrow’s effort paid off; next year, she will be attending a prestigious school on the East Coast. The Scarecrow learned that a group of distracting friends “you don’t get anything out of” is not worth her time. The Scarecrow’s experience is sure to stick with her next year: she is motivated to “gain teachers’ belief,” “be more efficient with time,” and not be as “naive” as she thought she was freshman year.

While the Tin Man never struggled to gain a heart, he used his high school experience to fully develop one. The Tin Man always had a heart, but he harnessed his natural empathy and kindness in junior year to engage in community service. The Tin Man recalls the impetus of his charity: he volunteered for a trip to Costa Rica, and “just to see the destitute situations” “broke (his) heart.” Ever since that trip, the Tin Man has continued his journey to “help when I see a problem.” The Tin Man extended his heart throughout high school to all causes because there are “so many great ones,” and there is “no limit” to the help someone can provide. The Tin Man’s experiences in high school have encouraged him to pursue a career within the non-profit sector of global business.

Also, the Tin Man looks forward to making himself available in college as “hope-

fully someone people can talk to when they need something.”

The first half of the Lion’s high school experience was not at Westlake. Despite being unhappy, the Lion was too cowardly to transfer until over half-way through high school: “I hated it, but I was spineless then. I couldn’t stand up for myself.” The Lion admits that for a while she indulged in self-pity; she recalls coming home to cry every day after school. “I was embarrassed by how weak I was,” she said. “But I just couldn’t leave. I was so scared of taking a risk.” Eventually the Lion decided to transfer because “something had to give.” The Lion views graduation as redemptive: “It taught me that you have to stand up for yourself, because no one else is going to, and that you have the ability to change the situation you’re in.” Although the Lion believes she still has “a long way to go”, she is proud of her progress: “I picked myself up and put myself back together. I’m graduating from a school I’m happy at with friends I love. And I’m able to stand up for myself.”

What all of these seniors’ stories have in common is that they had a brain, a heart, and courage all along. Similarly, seniors who feel they cannot relate to these stories are unaware that they too have the capacity to change. Above all, our different experiences throughout high school have taught us that although next year we will be freshmen again, we will not be the same freshmen we were four years ago.

Good Old Days: Reminiscing on High School Sofia Talarico Feature Editor

As we approach the end of our high school career and enter the new and exciting world of college, I have spent a considerable amount of time reminiscing about the “good ole days” of the last four years.

Starting out as a freshman, I didn’t really know what to expect, I remembered looking at all of the seniors thinking how much older and cooler they were. Now I realize that we’re all still a bunch of freshman...we just look a little older.

By the time sophomore year rolled around, I almost had things figured out.

Sure, it took me about a week to memorize where my classes were and the seniors still looked big and tall, but I was finding my niche in the ecosystem of high school/ Even though I had begun my year in the “forgotten grade” I always felt that I had a place among everyone. Plus, the added

bonus of when an older kid recognized me in the halls didn’t hurt either.

I guess Junior year is the time where I really started to get it, that high school is about having fun and experiencing new things by doing stuff you’re not supposed to. Of course by the time I realized this, the storm of homework arrived and a social life seemed to be a dim memory covered under the bulk of AP work.

But APs taught my fellow classmates and myself some extremely important life lessons: it trained us in the art of procrastination, taught us to never underestimate a teacher with a bulk-load of curriculum and seven months to teach it, and most importantly it taught us that an AP class was always worth taking due to the two weeks after testing, where schoolwork was replaced with movies and projects (which also required little to no effort).

And though nobody will forget the two weeks they spent on “The Yellow

Wallpaper” or the all-nighters they pulled for Baldwin’s debate, it will also be hard to forget the bonfires at Sycamore Canyon, the traditional football games, and that glorious moment when you are handed your off-campus pass.

And as we now return to the present, where all of us seniors have fallen ill to the infamous “senioritis”, life is sweet.

I’ve realized that even though I have felt that these past couple months have been absolutely pointless, I should have appreciated them for what they were. I will never get these years back, and making the most of high school is something that will last a lifetime in my memories.

So Seniors, I wish you all the best of luck, whether your colleges are across the country or just 10 minutes from home, let your futures take you where it may, and I hope none of you ever forget your time here at Westlake, during some of the greatest and most stressful four years of our lives.

19

FEATURE

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

Just Don’t Call It Puppy Love Four couples, four stories, four colleges. As their year ends, these high school sweethearts will continue their relationships and begin their journey anew.

Charlotte Gibson Feature Editor As high school ends and many seniors say their farewells, a specific few will continue their high school relationships in college. Four couples share their own special story about how they found love in high school. Although many consider the “high school sweetheart” to be a cliche, for these four couples it is their reality, and they are proof that a “high school sweetheart” needs no cliche remark.

Jake ’n Jackie For Jake Katz and Jackie Merkle, their two-and-a-half year relationship will flourish as they continue their academic career at CSUN. After meeting in 10th grade Biology class, the two knew that it was love at first sight. When asked what they think defines a “high school sweetheart,” Merkle says, “I consider Jake and I to be high school sweethearts because we have dated each other most of our years in high school, we spend a lot of time together, and he is my first love and that’s what I think defines a high school sweetheart.”

Although Merkle will be living on campus at CSUN and Katz will be living at home, they believe that “it will make their relationship stronger.” Merkle said, “I think the key to making a high school relationship last in college is being patient.” In addition, Katz remarks that “wanting to be with each other and wanting to see each other” is a key to making a relationship last through high school and college.

Thomas ’n Lauren Lauren Noyes and Thomas Ziccardi illustrate that “high school sweethearts” are not just for fictional movies and romance novels. For the past two-and-ahalf years, Noyes and Ziccardi have been dating and they plan to continue their relationship through college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Noyes said, “We did not plan to go to the same college and thought it would be best if we didn’t. It came

LOVE IS IN THE AIR: As they prepare to enter college, four couples decide to continue the next phase of their lives together. (From top left clockwise):

Adrian Mu-

guerza and Victoria Fealkoff; Thomas Ziccardi and Lauren Noyes; Jackie Merkle and Jake Katz; Sofia Talarico and Greg Hamm.

down to Cal Poly and UCSB for me and I chose Cal Poly because of the program; he was between Worchester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Cal Poly but also chose it because the program and campus both offer so much.” The decision to both go to Cal Poly “ended up being fate,” according to Noyes.

In order to make a relationship work through high school and college, the couple said, “the key is establishing a really close friendship and just trusting and respecting the other individual.”

When asked if they believe they represent “high school sweethearts,” Noyes said, “I guess I could say Thomas and I are ‘high school sweethearts,’ I mean he’s been my only high school boyfriend, and I love him dearly.” The loving, caring relationship that Noyes and Ziccardi share is kept in balance by both of them understanding that they may share different ideals in college, but no matter what, they will be accepting of these changes.

Lastly, Noyes says her favorite attribute about Thomas is “his selflessness and kindness; he is the sweetest person I know. He just makes me a better person being around him.”

Greg ’n Sofia On October 10th of sophomore year, Sofia Talarico and Greg Hamm began their long relationship, and as a result of their love and respect for each other, they plan to continue their relationship in college at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

For almost three years, Talarico and Hamm have been dating, and in Mr. Hay’s Spanish class freshman year, the spark ignited within them that soon flourished into a budding relationship. Next year the couple will continue their relationship at Boulder, and Talarico says that the key to making a high school relationship last throughout high school and college is the “willingness to work with the other person. You can’t let one little fight or tiff get in the way. You have to be able to work things out and compromise. Nothing will work if you think you’re right all the time.”

Hamm agreed, saying “keeping each other happy and being able to compromise” is the key to making a lasting relationship.

As college approaches, the couple believes that the maturity that they will gain will enhance their relationship positively and will build a stronger bond between them. Both consider themselves “high school sweethearts,” as a result of their ability to “stick together and accept each other for who [they] are with flaws and all.”

“My favorite attribute about Greg is his laugh; he has one of those laughs that even if I’m in a bad mood, I can just hear him laugh and it’ll change my whole mood, automatically,” said Talarico.

Almost identical to Talarico, Hamm says that his favorite attribute about Talarico “is that she always finds a way to make me laugh and whenever I’m in a bad mood I can just think of her and smile.”

Adrian ’n Victoria “High school sweethearts” Adrian Muguerza and Victoria Fealkoff plan to continue their relationship at the University of Michigan. For the past two years and ten months, Muguerza and Fealkoff have been inseparable.

Fealkoff recalls her first meeting of Muguerza on the bus ride to a football game freshman year: “It was really funny because you could tell as soon as Adrian got on the bus that he thought he was so cool when he said hi to every cheerleader. The first things I noticed about him were his blue eyes, probably the prettiest eyes ever, and his smile.” Fealkoff says that she was very nervous to shake Muguerza’s hands, and “I just smiled and only said my name because I couldn’t come up with anything cute or clever to say quick enough.”

In order for making their high school relationship work at The University of Michigan, Fealkoff says “Adrian is not only my boyfriend, but my best friend which has made it really easy to make our relationship last. We knew each other as friends for a year before we started dating so we got to know each other very well instead of jumping into a relationship.”

In addition, Fealkoff says, “We tell each other everything so we have very strong trust in each other which is important especially for couples going to college.” At the other end of the spectrum, Muguerza says the key to making the relationship last is “definitely lots of cuddling, being able to talk, and trust.”

As the senior couple moves on to their next journey as they begin college, Fealkoff says “I think that college is a really big step in life but I think the ‘adventure’ aspect of college only makes me excited about the future and what it brings.”

Muguerza feels that “the different environment and different style of life” will positively change the relationship between him and Fealkoff.

Both Fealkoff and Muguerza consider themselves “high school sweethearts” and Fealkoff defines a “high school sweetheart,” as “the couple you associate with the time you were in high school. It is usually the boy’s and the girl’s first real relationship and you can’t imagine either of them with any other person.”

It is apparent that the love shared between Fealkoff and Muguerza is endless and full of passion, trust, and respect. The attributes that the couple admires between one another are wide and heartfelt, from the cute physical characteristics to the devotional intrinsic attitudes they appreciate in each other. Fealkoff said that Adrian’s personality “is what I love most about him for many reasons.” Muguerza remarks that “Victoria’s personality is his favorite attribute that he admires within her.”

Although the couple both admire each other’s eyes, smiles, and laugh, the personal attributes go deeper for these real life “high school sweethearts.”

So what defines a “high school sweetheart” couple? Is it the everlasting trust, the respect, the love? For these four couples, it is evident that their relationships have been based upon all of these attributes and more. At CSUN, Cal Poly, Boulder, or Michigan, these couples prove that “high school sweethearts” are not just fictional prototypes but a reality. The change in setting, as these couples move on to college, will offer new opportunities, new memories, and new challenges.

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ASG

June 1, 2010 • THE ARROW

Congratulations ASG Seniors!

Associated Student Government Class of 2010 Top Row: Molly Norling-Christensen, Megan Winer, Erin Apregan, Nicole Stelmar Bottom Row: Katherine Pincus, Miranda Fang, Ali Kazen, Amanda Levy