SPECIAL COVID-19 ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE the accolade VOLUME LXI, ISSUE IV // SUNNY HILLS HIGH SCHOOL 1801 LANCER WAY, FULLERTON, CA 92833 // MARCH 13, 2021 ONE YEAR LATER
Twelve months a!er our campus closed down, school traditions like homecoming are resuming (see News, page 2), students share their stories overcoming COVID-19 (see Feature, page 6), our editorial board grades fallout of the lockdown (see Opinion, page 10), theaters that closed down last March are working toward re-opening (see A&E, page 12) and yes, Friday Night Lights aka football is back (see Sports, page 15); we also take a look at the good, bad and ugly of this pandemic (see pages 8-9)
WELCOME TO SUNNY HILLS
JACQUELINE CHANG, ANDREW (JUNGHYUN) LEE, & ERIN LEE | theaccolade 2 March 13, 2021 NEWS the accolade Hybrid learning 2.0 still not catching steam with students still choosing to stay at home
YEIHN LEE da Chung, who is in Cohort A, Staff Reporter also opted for hybrid learning because she thought going to her Among the 2,300 students en- classes in person would help her rolled at Sunny Hills, only 600, with her studies more. or 26%, have decided to return “I thought going to school to campus for live classroom would help with my ability to instruction — many choosing stay focused because I was easily to remain at home over coming distracted at home,” Chung said. back to campus under the hybrid On the other hand, a majori- learning 2.0 model. ty of the students chose to stay Principal Allen Whitten said at home, taking classes through he completely understands de- Zoom. HOPE LI | theaccolade cisions from students and their “My parents and I decided ONLINE STUDENTS: parents. that it was a safer choice staying ways to instruct the many who choose to learn from home via Zoom. A local college professor “Some families are still con- home, just in case I come into suggests tossing out tests and instead grading students based on their portfolio of work. cerned about COVID-19, or they any contact with the virus,” ju- have vulnerable family members nior Diya Desai said. in the household they need to Sophomore Jaden Han also protect,” Whitten said. “Some chose Cohort C for the well-be- students just feel it is easier and ing of himself and his family. Professor questions value have become comfortable with “My parents wanted me to their routine, and change is not stay home because they thought always easy.” it was safer,” Han said. “I pre- of teens’ distance learning fer going to school, but staying started last semester, the campus home doesn’t bother me much.” saw much more students return Looking back at the great ANTHONY KEEM blame, said Acosta Rodolfo, a ing online, he said. to receive in-person instruc- times the students had when Staff Reporter professor of educational leader- “For example, tests — tests tion — 1,357, or 56% of total ship at nearby California State should go out the window this students, a 30% drop compared said he hopes more students will As the one-year anniversa- University, Fullerton. year, and instead it would be with this semester’s students on change their minds and give the ry of online distance education “I’ve been teaching online for better for students to create port- campus. hybrid learning model a shot. approached today, publications six years, and I’ve done a lot of folios just like for any graduate Nevertheless, such a steep “Some students are nervous such as the New York Times cite work to make sure students get program,” he said. drop did not hinder sophomore about coming back to school and the alarming statistic of students the necessary support on my In addition to the issue of Ryan Axe from sticking with Co- interacting with people in per- being nearly one year behind end,” Rodolfo said. “Unfortu- training and irrelevant education- hort A because he felt the need to son again, and to these students the expected curriculum — with nately, I don’t think that a lot of socialize with others. especially, I encourage them Sunny Hills students being no teachers have had the adequate a widening economic and tech- “To be honest, I came back to take the plunge and get back exception. training to be successful online.” nological disparity as a driving because I needed to be around into a new routine of attending Everything from a lack of Furthermore, the restrictions force behind the academic set- people and socialize physically, in person,” he said. “I encourage preparation for teachers to men- of the curriculum that were backs in students. and staying home just increased anyone who is able to return to tal health issues perpetuated by necessary for school in person Students like junior Darshil anxiety,” Axe said. campus and take that baby step a constant online presence is to should no longer apply to learn- Education >> Page 4 Furthermore, senior Aman- back to normal life.” PTSA !nds another Anaheim venue for Grad Nite ALICE SHIN Asst. News Editor with the information they received [from Camelot because] the location is nearby, and there are numerous activities to keep With the Fullerton Joint Union High our seniors busy,” Jhawar said. School District giving each of its campus- Tickets for the event will cost $85 un- es the green light to hold a live graduation til March 31, $100 until April 30 and $115 ceremony for seniors in May — though starting from May 1, according to the with limited audience capacity — the Sun- PTSA website. ny Hills Parent Teacher Student Associa- Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the event will be outdoors the entire night, 12th-graders to celebrate at a Grad Nite. and the PTSA will also ensure that students The PTSA has reached a deal with follow COVID-19 safety precautions. Senior Nivi Parekh plans on attending. May 26 overnight event. “I am upset [that it’s not at Disneyland], “We wanted to come up with a Grad but I do understand that this is way safer,” Nite event that did not have to be can- Image printed with permission from Tara Desai Parekh said. celed,” PTSA Grad Nite committee chair- PARTY TIME: The Class of 2019 celebrates Grad Nite at Disneyland. After Senior Ralph Alarcon also said the woman Nivie Jhawar said. Disney Resorts canceled it because of the coronavirus pandemic, the PTSA has Camelot venue is worth attending despite The event will take place from 10 p.m.- since contracted with a miniature golf park in Anaheim for the May 26 event. the limitations and risks to it. 4 a.m., and the venue will offer the unlim- “With everything that has happened in ited use of mini golf, bumper boats, laser - the past year, any sort of place where mul- tag, arcade games, go karts, a DJ, dance sorts last semester that Disneyland would many different options from other schools tiple people can have fun and have social area, cartoonists and a digital photo booth, for a second year cancel Grad Nite festivi- and PTSA meetings. interaction is something I believe people Jhawar said. ties because of the coronavirus pandemic, “[PTSA members] were impressed would look forward to,” Alarcon said. the accolade NEWS March 13, 2021 3 Senior nixes plan for beach Senior Sunrise a"er social media furor over safety concerns
MINJEONG KIM to have an event in which they can inter- Staff Reporter act with each other in a safe way, the idea faced criticism and hostility on social me- Organizers of an alternative, non- dia from her peers. school-sponsored Senior Sunrise to be Students reposted a screenshot of a post held as a drive-in activity off campus this from an anonymous student on their Insta- month have canceled the event following gram stories, which included phrases such social media backlash questioning its safe- as, “Do not go to the senior sunrise event. ty during a pandemic. … It is not safe.” Prior to the coronavirus crisis that hit Senior class secretary Kathryn Aurelio last March, the Associated Student Body was among the most vocal in being op- [ASB] had annually held in the fall se- posed to the non-school-sponsored event. mester Senior Sunrise, which provided the “No matter how many extraneous rules graduating class an opportunity to watch and restrictions we would place, it’s very a movie in the school’s quad before zero likely students would break these rules or period. that the Huntington Beach-goers who are Because of the Orange County Depart- anti-maskers would endanger the student ment of Education’s safety plan released body,” Aurelio said. last March that prohibited the Senior Sun- Senior Jacob Brooks had a different rise from happening, ASB senior class take on Suh’s scrapped beach proposal. president Emma Suh along with two others “I think most people were planning on in the Senior Class Cabinet initially pro- wearing masks and social distancing, so posed a drive-in movie event on the roof of theaccolade !le photo I don’t see any problem with it,” Brooks a downtown Brea parking structure. EARLY MORNING LAUGHS: The Class of 2014 reacts to a scene from a said. Because the process required approval movie shown in the quad during the traditional Senior Sunrise, which will not Suh is still not giving up hopes for a se- from the person in charge of the Brea Plaza be held this year because of COVID-19 health and safety issues. nior gathering. Shopping Center and risked the possibility “I don’t really want to talk about what of getting forced out by the police who al- “It is very hard because if we hold this people have been saying on social media,” ways guard the location, Suh said she de- event, some will be upset because the are no advisers, [so] it’s sort of a lose- she said. “But since we have canceled cided to move the location to Huntington school will be allowing us to gather in a lose,” she said. this Senior Sunrise, we’re looking into a Beach. large group, but if we hold it non-school Despite Suh’s efforts to allow students school-hosted one, possibly.” International Week Assembly, Food Fair go virtual next week KATE YANG Asst. Feature Editor said. “These clubs did an absolutely tre- mendous job with what they created.” The ASB plans to produce a 15-20 min- Street tacos, samosas and Black Forest utes video in which viewers follow a tour cake — the basic starter pack of authentic of the various links on the Google Slides; meals for students at the International Food the video will be posted on the school web- Fair [IFF] to begin their day celebrating site and on all ASB social media platforms and learning about new cultures. by 7 on St. Patrick’s Day morning. However, they will be unable to expe- Unlike several of the other groups, Chi- rience such delicacies this year because of nese Club members said they decided to the COVID-19 pandemic. take a creative approach to this year’s IFF theaccolade !le photo The Associated Student Body [ASB] BOBA TIME: Chinese Club members sell drinks during a 2018 International and Parent Teacher Student Association “Even though there is more work in- Food Fair. The yearly event will be canceled this year because of the pandemic. [PTSA] aim to hold IFF festivities entirely volved, our club decided that recording online for all students on March 17 along new content was better so that new club ly involved in this weeklong event,” Jha- from this event to covering Grad Nite costs with a Virtual International Food Fair be- members could also participate,” Chinese for students unable to purchase their own ginning for students March 15. Club vice president junior Elizabeth Liu clubs involved but felt it would be best to ticket. “A live IFF event, whether that be food said. “We only have four years of high do things differently this year.” “PTSA has always hosted the drink fair or assembly, would not be allowed school, and we wanted to make the best out Five restaurant chains will be partic- booth, and traditionally the proceeds from under the [COVID-19 safety and health] of this event.” ipating in the March 15-19 “Dining Out our booth have also gone toward Grad Nite restrictions,” ASB co-adviser Mike Paris While normally responsible for running Event.” scholarships,” Jhawar said. said. all food booths during the extended one- Whitten said he hopes students will take Seven of the eight culture clubs — hour lunch, the PTSA decided instead to go containing the full schedule of restaurant the time to celebrate the amount of cultural Bayanihan, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Lat- about a different way of giving students a choices, dates and information on how to diversity here and continue the legacy of in, Mana and Vietnamese — will be partic- taste of each culture. support the event, which was included in participating in this spring semester tradi- ipating in this year’s online IFF, Paris said. Throughout next week starting from principal Allen Whitten’s weekly digital tion. The IFF assembly will resemble the on- March 15, SH staff, students and their fam- newsletter emailed to all students, staff and “IFF is one of our coolest and most line Club Rush held earlier in the school ilies will be given the opportunity to select parents. unique traditions, and I’m hoping students year with two Google Slides pages desig- local restaurants to dine in or take out at as Participating families and staff must will make sure to tune in,” he said. “The nated for each group to include informa- a way of participating in this year’s can- provide the information from the digital ASB and PTSA did a great job of helping tion and links of their choosing. celed live IFF, PTSA president Nivi Jhawar IFF survive the pandemic, and I can’t wait “We asked them to highlight their cul- said. the school to receive credit for those food to return next year to our regular, full-on ture in a manner of their choice,” Paris “Unfortunately, the clubs are not direct- items; the PTSA will donate all proceeds assembly and food fair.” 4 March 13, 2021 NEWS the accolade Teachers, students obtain COVID-19 vaccines ESTHER OH to my baseline condition.” Staff Reporter Despite the side effects, these vaccines are considered safe for Despite having to return to everyone. Side effects include campus to teach last semester for - two months and this spring since ver, chills, headache, tiredness the middle of February, Sunny and weakness, but overall, each Hills instructors are beginning to person’s immune system will re- feel more at ease to come to work spond differently, Li said. as they are the next group allowed The news of the vaccine’s to receive COVID-19 vaccina- quick availability caused Sunny tions. Hills students to be excited with “I feel lucky and blessed to some alreaady getting their injec- live at a time and in a place where tions. our science, intelligence and in- Junior Isaiah Esguerra was frastructure can create such a thing in little time,” said English himself by working at McDon- teacher Suzanne Boxdorfer, who ald’s, which counts as being an essential worker. “I feel good after receiving my never felt uncomfortable com- ing to campus as I was always Image printed with permission from Jason Li I have been vaccinated does not SAFE AND SOUND: Dr. Jason Li, husband of Class of 2007 alumna Joann Kim, gets his sec- masked and followed recom- mean I should disregard the safe- mended guidelines, but I am opti- ty of others,” Esguerra said. “I do mistic and excited about traveling — something I love to do and did the vaccination timeline created Joe Biden in a speech Thursday itor-in-chief of The Accolade her only for outdoor dining with my often prior to March 2020.” by the Centers for Disease Con- told the country he’s pushing for senior year. family and going to school since Math teacher Mariam Tan trol and Prevention. It recom- an earlier timeline to the point When the shots were being I am in Cohort A.” signed up to receive her shot as mended giving COVID-19 vac- that the country can celebrate the given in the early stages, some Although freshmen who are 15 soon as she was able to earlier cines in three phases: healthcare Fourth of July with loved ones. expressed concern over side ef- years old and under have to wait personnel and long-term care fa- - fects. almost a year longer before re- dose of the Moderna treatment on cility residents, frontline essential cine has been authorized for ages “I did not experience any side ceiving their vaccine, they don’t workers and people 75 years and 16 and older, while Moderna and seem particularly anxious. County teachers. older, then people 65-74 years old Johnson & Johnson’s vaccines but on the second dose, I had “I feel more protected and “I think the best thing I can do and 16-64 years old with underly- have been authorized for ages 18 a mild headache that improved relieved that the vaccine will be for myself and everyone else is ing medical conditions. and up. with Tylenol use,” said Kim’s available for younger people like to continue wearing a mask and While the vaccine’s availabili- One of the doctors to receive husband, Jason Li, who works me in the next year,” freshman taking now-normal precautions in ty to the general public is still un- at the Los Angeles County+USC Daniel Yun said. “I’ll continue to terms of cleanliness and general known, experts estimate that the Medical Center and Keck Hospi- take the necessary precautions to COVID-19 safety,” Tan said. doses will be accessible in late husband of Class of 2007 alumna tal of USC. “The headache only prevent myself from getting ex- California has been following spring or early summer. President Joann Kim, who was also the ed- lasted for one day, and I returned posed to the virus.”
FROM PAGE 2 With a barrage of emails, Homecoming dance canceled, EDUCATION the school, sophomore Remy Garcia-Kakebeen feels over- Sheth is no stranger to home whelmed by what seems to be but seniors can vie for court internet problems and frequently an endless stream of information deals with the struggle of being from her classes. HANNA OLTMAN kicked out of Zoom sessions. “Between classes and clubs, Entertainment Editor “I live in an area that is fairly things are often posted cross-plat- geopolitically stable, but I still Since COVID-19 put a halt to have issues with bad internet,” to manage,” Garcia-Kakebeen customary school events, the As- Sheth said. “I’ve also had friends said. “I’m constantly asking my- sociated Student Body [ASB] has - self what someone posted here decided to organize a non-tradi- signments because their internet or there — who, what, why and tional homecoming scheduled keeps crashing with no fault of where — it’s really a hassle.” for April 9, though no plans for a their own.” prom is in sight. While Sheth has, for the most distance learning, Rodolfo pro- “Having senior events would part, adapted to online learning, poses now is the time to make boost the Class of 2021’s spirit,” he recognizes that mental prob- radical changes to education to said Kathryn Aurelio, the ASB’s lems which arise from distance better supplement the weakness- senior class treasurer and activi- theaccolade !le photo learning largely contribute to es of digital education. ties commissioner. “However, we ROYALTY: Girls from the homecoming court enter the Bue- why students fall behind. “In terms of policy solutions - — one, we should get rid of tion with the larger national issue was more work than when dis- tests; two, we can provide train- at hand — the coronavirus.” ing for teachers to be creative Traditionally, homecoming to the governor,” ASB co-adviser Fullerton Union High School at began to fall behind with some with online formats,” he said. events take place in either Sep- David Fenstermaker said. Buena Park High School’s stadi- of my classes,” he said. “We don’t allow teachers to be tember or October, while the In the meantime, what the um. Rodolfo said a lack of mo- as creative as they can with their prom dance with the coronation ASB is allowed to put together is “I’m happy that we still get to tivation is a common issue that online situation, and we change of the king is in April or May. the homecoming court nomina- do this, especially when it’s one plagues students in online learn- the way students learn by inte- “We would hope that we tion and selection process along of the few opportunities left to ing along with a host of other grating subjects people don’t like can do some form of [prom and with the coronation of the 2020- get involved this year,” said se- symptoms such as stress and to talk about like race, class, so- homecoming], but it’s not up to 2021 homecoming queen at the nior Meagan Kimbrell, who is anxiety induced from constantly cial justice and connecting with us or the administrators; it’s up April 9 football game against running for homecoming queen. being online. each other’s human identities.” the accolade FEATURE March 13, 2021 5 Dull quarantine lifestyle prompts hair dyeing fad CHARIS LEE “My hair was getting boring, Feature Editor COLOR ME ... and I had my natural hair for the longest time, so I decided to Before the March 2020 lock- Of the 33% of wom- change it up,” Chun said. down, senior Estefanni Espinoza en who dyed their hair The trend is not limited to just would get her naturally brown at home during the pan- girls. hair dyed at a local beauty salon demic: Senior Emiliano Zavala, who for about $120. has naturally black hair, spent But once the state mandated 85% to cover up gray $10 on blond hair dye over the that all such shops remain closed hairs summer. to slow the spread of the corona- 44% to make a “I was bored so I dyed it. Plus, virus pandemic, Espinoza had to change since we were stuck in quarantine, either let her hair color remain 32% bored and look- - untouched or take matters into her ing for something to ala said. “My family and friends own hands. do thought it was pretty funny.” She opted for the latter. He also found it easy to follow “I dyed [my hair] a total of - structions. And after it was over, Souces: Salon Today, Garnier was back in [December],” said Image printed with permission from Estefanni Espinoza Espinoza, who had gone from his self-image. NEW HAIR COLOR; WHO ‘DIS?: Senior Estefanni Espino- a brunette to blonde just before looking for a way to change my appearance a little,” the senior [for me]; it was just whatever,” March. “I was bored and looking said. “My parents liked it [too], Zavala said. “Maybe I will con- quarantine. coping; Kim said this is the best to try and change up my hair a and they were surprised it came sider doing it again later on.” “I saw a lot of people [on so- time for students to add some col- bit.” out looking nice, especially since If he were to try it again, the cial media] with unique hair like or to their life. As the pandemic brought upon I did it myself.” senior will have lots of catching bleached strips or [dyed] red, so I “I think students who are hes- a period of stagnancy and strug- - up to do to reach how many times really wanted to try everything,” itant to dye their hair during this gle, students like Espinoza found ed sophomore Sophia Chun to junior Violet Kim has colored her Kim said. time should just do it,” she said. ways to cope by switching up change her hair color four times hair. Since the circumstances of the “Hair is temporary and grows their hair color, varying from sub- last year — purple and pink in Kim said she began dyeing tle to dramatic hairstyles. February and blue in October — her hair, which was around once control, dyeing hair seems to be a “I felt happy because I was and once last month, violet/silver. every three weeks throughout the safe, productive and fun means of older, they should just do it now.” One-year anniversary of COVID-19 sparks nostalgia
KRISHNA THAKER year, several students also turned to fol- lowing creative food trends, watching - to digital games like Animal Crossing or sary of the lockdown that forced public Among Us. schools statewide to close for live instruc- “I remember a lot of songs and food trending at the beginning of last March, earlier moments of distance learning. and since March 2021 has approached, She recalls several Google Classroom it feels nostalgic,” Suh said. “The mem- orable trends included the whipped cof- postings: fee trend drink, watching shows such as “Hey students, we will not be Zoom- Outer Banks, playing Among Us, getting ing today. Please take notes on the video I LED lights, cutting my own hair and posted and submit the worksheet by 11:59 Chloe Ting workouts.” p.m.” When the pandemic began, students A message like that is rare now as were also faced with spending a lot of extra time with their families since they 2020-2021 school year almost over with Image printed with permission from Ashley Hoang had to abide by the state-mandated lock- 10 weeks left. THE GOOD OL’ DAYS: Junior Ashley Hoang reminisces about pre-COVID-19 downs. “I liked being able to work at my own times as she scans her Google Classroom dashboard for announcements. While many Sunny Hills students have opted to remain at home to learn instead would not have calls every day, which - as I turn them in by the due date and over- of coming to campus for hybrid learning gave me more time to actually get stuff - all the free time without the occasional instruction, they have also noticed their done,” Hoang said. “We are getting more - Zoom meets every hour,” freshman De- time with loved ones has been cut short work now but are not granted the same cally miss how school was a bit easier. … nise Bravo said. again since the academic rigor has picked leniency as teachers are becoming more It felt like a huge summer break to me.” Others feel that it was not the course- up again. strict.” work that was easier, but the way teachers “I especially miss just the simple The junior is not alone in her assess- mandate before the start of the 2020-2021 taught their classes. things like having lunch with them … and ment; though hundreds and thousands of school year, distance learning closely imi- “Last year was much easier than this now I learned to never take those simple deaths were reported because of the coro- tates in-person classes — Zooming for the things for granted,” Kim said. navirus, academics took a back seat — whole period, getting regular assignments started,” freshman Thomas Kim said. Over the span of a year, life during the something that many students relish. and taking exams. “Now, it is much more complex, and the pandemic changed drastically. But despite “Last year it seemed like school was a “With being online 24/7, I miss the teachers know how to keep an eye on the the sudden changes, society has adapted bit more chill, but some of us had to study freedom of having to choose when to students.” to the challenges and restrictions that for AP [Advanced Placement] exams and wake up [and] do my assignments as long Besides the slower academic pace last come with life during a pandemic. 6 March 13, 2021 FEATURE the accolade
Compiled by Charis Lee and Hope Li OVERCOMERS: Four Sunny Hills students share their stories of how they contracted COVID-19 throughout the year since the March quarantine. COVID-19 took their time away — some lost the chance to celebrate their birthdays; others the winter CORONAVIRUS holiday season — but they all can attest to the severity of the disease, and that their youthful stamina is what TESTIMONIES it’ll take to get rid of its symptoms HOPE LI NEVER BEEN TESTED POSITIVE, tastelessness when his dad brought him a thing,” Llajaruna said. “He got tested right BUT THE SYMPTOMS WERE THERE bowl of arroz chaufa, a Peruvian fried rice after that, and he came back with a little Opinion Editor For Llajaruna, his bout with the corona- dish with salt, shrimp and onions. His fa- walking stick because he couldn’t walk It was only a month into the lockdown ther wasn’t infected with the virus because anymore for that time; he was very weak.” that started last March when senior Marcus moved to distance learning. The senior re- he doesn’t live with Llajaruna. Meanwhile, he remained optimistic, Llajaruna went for a run and started expe- calls his 84-year-old grandfather, who lives mentally preparing himself for what could riencing muscle weakness, a coronavirus - happen next. symptom. ers, decided to go out and buy food from “I was just trying to prepare myself for It was worse for junior Kelly Pich, who Northgate Market, all the while wearing a what would happen in the future, if we spent her 16th birthday celebration last mask. survive it or if we don’t, [telling myself] July quarantined in Reno, Nev., with nine “After a couple days, he was all sick, I was just trying to ‘OK, just try to enjoy this time, at least this relatives after her COVID-19 test came and that’s how we found out [he had quarantine because you never know what’s back positive. COVID-19],” he said. “[He got tested on prepare myself for going to happen.’” If that didn’t take the cake, then sopho- May 1], and he had it, so he was with us what would happen in Eventually, the coronavirus did not kill more Cole Sass and freshman Arum Han’s the whole time.” any of his family members. bout with the disease occurred during win- Although Llajaruna and his sister ended the future, if we sur- Llajaruna now attends school in person ter break. vive it or if we don’t. on Mondays and Thursdays, just like he As of today, according to the Centers for they didn’t get tested per their doctor’s rec- did last semester. Disease Control and Prevention, this virus ommendation not to waste a COVID-19 “ “I’m comfortable with my son Marcus has killed more than 530,000 nationwide; exam — perhaps others would need the going to school because we’ve already another 29 million have tested positive for testing more than them. But because his – senior been through COVID once, and it wasn’t contracting the disease. symptoms were obvious, he still felt fear- Marcus Llajaruna as bad as we thought it was going to be,” One year into the coronavirus pandem- ful for his situation. said Lilia Meza, Llajarana’s mother. “Also, ic, Sunny Hills students have found it more “I told my friends, and they’re all scared since his grandparents and myself are soon comfortable to share their experiences con- for me because COVID was still very new, to get vaccinated, COVID shouldn’t be a tracting and then overcoming COVID-19. and we didn’t know what was gonna hap- risk anymore to our family.” Though they kept their condition low pen,” he said about using his phone to text and FaceTime his friends. “I was super “I tried the food, and actually I couldn’t SWEET 16 NOT SO MUCH FOR JU- symptoms, they now want to share their scared, and what was going through my taste anything. It was very bland; it was NIOR AND HER FAMILY stories in hopes of bringing comfort to oth- mind was to prepare myself for what could On July 24, the day Pich arrived at a er teenagers who have or haven’t contract- have happened if my grandparents could - Reno, Nev., rental house to celebrate her ed the virus. have passed.” culty breathing. “I was just scared because 16th birthday with her family, she received “I feel more comfortable talking about But other than his friends, Llajaruna of all these symptoms adding up, and I felt her positive COVID-19 test results. it because I feel like a lot of people have said he initially didn’t tell anyone else he it could get worse from there, like eventu- The virus spread to six of the nine peo- also [gotten sick], so I don’t feel as alone,” had the virus. ally I’m not going to be able to” breathe.” ple living there near Lake Tahoe, including Pich said. “Although my experience was “I decided it wasn’t worth telling ev- The worst his family experienced was Pich, her father, brother and cousins. not bad, I still know others who’ve passed eryone I had COVID, and I didn’t want to when they witnessed his grandfather col- With the two-story house, the fami- away and are dealing with COVID after- bring all that attention on myself,” he said. lapsing in the shower, he said. ly could quarantine the infected upstairs, math. … Everyone’s body reacts different- “We took him to the emergency room ly.” the coronavirus brought only one day of and checked for the concussion and every- COVID-19 Students >> Page 7 the accolade FEATURE March 13, 2021 7 Despite coronavirus pandemic protocols, couples !nd creative ways to stay together DOMINIQUE CHANG “But we talked to each other any time we Staff Reporter had.” It wasn’t until Dec. 2, 2020, that Cortez Candle-lit dinners at a restaurant, ren- - dezvous at a favorite campus spot or eve- son while following COVID-19 health and nings at the local movie theater. safety protocols. They would occasionally Such typical dates for young couples go for a run at the park or walk Suh’s dog seem so foreign since the coronavirus when they were able to meet. crisis occurred a year ago, forcing state These outings kept them healthy physi- leaders to shut down in-door dining, live cally and emotionally as a couple. classroom instruction and the moviegoing Teen romance has also sprouted during experience. the coronavirus pandemic. But that doesn’t mean Sunny Hills stu- When Sunny Hills started the 2020- dents are giving up on the boyfriend-girl- 2021 school year in distance learning, friend relationships they’ve established freshman Paloma Wizikowski said she no- before the pandemic hit. In fact, some cou- ples have remained even more vigilant to German 1 Zoom session in August. stick together during a time when most of Junior Christian Bolle was a boy Wiz- the past year they had to spend apart while ikowski had followed on Instagram. in quarantine. The two had originally added each oth- er on Instagram because they both went to didn’t get to see each other as much as we Sunny Hills. When they noticed they were used to,” said junior Andre Sagum, who in the same German 1 class, Bolle ended has been dating junior Alexis Boyer for al- up messaging Wizikowski. most two years. “There were times where “It was pretty normal when he messaged I wanted to see her, but that wouldn't be Image printed with permission from Paloma Wizikowski me,” she said. “We started off as friends so safe.” FIRST DATE: Freshman Paloma Wizikowski (left) and junior Christian Bolle I was not expecting this at all.” Because neither could see each other on share a moment at the Knott’s Berry Farm Festival on Sept. 26, 2020. - campus because of distance learning, Sa- ry Farm Festival Sept. 26, the two have gum and Boyer have found different ways like doing things outdoors, like going to things,” Cortez said. had many other outings like eating at an of communication that helped get them the park.” Because their relationship formed in the outdoor restaurant, grabbing lunch after through these tough times. Seniors Emma Suh and Steven Cortez midst of their junior years — a time con- school or at the mall. “Our communication is strong, and weren’t as fortunate as Sagum and Boyer sidered the most challenging academically Like with more established boy- there's apps like FaceTime to keep in touch, to be a veteran couple. for students — the two had to make some friend-girlfriend relationships, these two but not being able to see each other in per- have learned the value of the “C” word. good relationship when quarantine hit “We tried to FaceTime as much as we “Communication is key, and when you who is currently still learning from home. since we were still a newer couple that had don't have that, it's hard to know if some- “We started hanging out when school start- just gotten together a few months before, thing is wrong with your other half,” Bolle ed and found ways to be safe and hang out and we were just getting into the rhythm of so our time was really limited,” Suh said. said.
FROM PAGE 6 antined with her parents. smell and the depth behind the food she “We had a small church gathering on eats, including kimchi Christmas Day, so I was really sad to miss dish of fermented vegetables. COVID-19 “I still remember that bitter and strong kimchi, it’s just STUDENTS slightly tangy in my mouth,” said Han, while the healthy ones stayed downstairs, whose parents have fully recovered. she said. But she didn’t express any anger toward Her dad explained it as if they became Now more than ever, the virus that took her fullness of taste and jail inmates, Pich said, since a healthy fam- smell. ily member from downstairs would deliver I think the coronavirus “Right now, I am kind of sad that I can’t food and drinks to their doors every day. is a lot more serious taste the things that I love to eat, but if it Once the person left, the doors upstairs were to affect me forever, I’m not very opened — revealing hands that immediate- than back then when fazed by it now because I’ve been [without ly grabbed the victuals — then closed right all I had to do was wear smell or taste] for well over two months,” away. Han said. After she returned home and tested neg- “a mask. Stay safe ... take Sass, who contracted the virus in early ative on Aug. 20, Pich hasn’t regained the January because his mom went to buy food sense of smell she had before. preventative measures. for a family Christmas dinner, also lost “In the beginning, everything started both senses, but these symptoms only last- to taste like garlic. It sounds crazy, but ed two to three days, he said. that’s the best way I could describe it; the – freshman “It was the trippiest symptom; you air smells like garlic or like burnt wood all Arum Han could down an onion, and you couldn’t feel the time,” she said. “Even lotions or things a thing,” Sass said. “It was crazy.” I used to love the scent of before I had To his peers, Han gave a warning and an COVID, they smell weird to me now.” encouragement: that, but I knew it was best to stay at home,” “Now more than ever, I think the coro- HO, HO, HO, ENDED UP MORE LIKE she said. “So I spent Christmas with my navirus is a lot more serious than back then NO, NO, NO FOR TWO UNDER- family, and even for that I was grateful.” when all I had to do was wear a mask,” she Image printed with permission from Kelly Pich CLASSMEN Now, three months after Han tested neg- said. “Stay safe, and even if it’s not likely ICING ON THE CAKE: Junior Kelly Han, who got the virus after her father ative on Jan. 7, Han, like Pich, hasn’t fully for you to get coronavirus, still take pre- Pich had COVID-19 when she celebrat- did from work, spent Christmas Day quar- recovered. She said she lost ” her sense of ventative measures for others.” ed her 16th birthday on July 25, 2020. 8 the accolade ONE YEAR LATER March 13, 2021 9 COVID-19: !e good, the bad and the ugly One year later, how has the coronavirus pandemic with the subsequent state-mandated lockdowns a!ected teenagers? !e Accolade talks to a host
of students while reviewing recent studies Editor-in-Chief Tyler Pak ELIJAH JHEE & HANNAH KIM pact. Managing Editor Managing Editor & Special Sections Editor quarantine and how it has brought him closer In terms of academics at Sunny Hills, the Senior Christian Alemana was more sur- Elijah Jhee to his family members. coronavirus crisis hurt incoming freshmen prised by the 330% statistic for the Northeast Web Editor-in- Some students viewed the announcement “Whether it be Christmas or birthdays, the most. Unlike previous classes of students region of the country but doubts whether the Chief with suspicion, as if receiving an early spring we’ve spent the last year together under the before them, they were not allowed to take numbers are similar for Southern California. Andrew Ngo break was too good to be true — these stu- same roof,” Jimenez said. “Normally, school any summer school classes like health. “I can’t recall anyone who experienced Web Managing Editors dents wanted answers, not days off. Others and work meant that we saw each other less, They also could not pick up a chrome- suicidal thoughts, but I don’t know what’s Annie Bang went home that day brimming with excite- book in the summer, having to wait until a going through people’s minds,” Alemana Rebecca Choi ment, planning to spend their two weeks spend more time together.” week before the fall semester started before Special Sections playing basketball with friends or shopping The junior is also excited for the future quarantined for an extended period of time, Editor Hannah Kim at the mall with their peers. as COVID-19 vaccines are gradually given them. so I can at least assume that a majority of But two weeks grew into one month. One to people. And when the 2020-2021 school year people would feel the same way as I do.” News Editor Aaliyah Magana month turned into the rest of the semester. “I’m sure that everyone has changed and started Aug. 11, many who had never used Even teachers acknowledge that quaran- Excitement quickly became distress. Fewer Assistant News matured a lot since quarantine had started,” the Google Suite of apps like Google Class- tine and students’ choice to learn from home Editor students showed up to basketball courts for Jimenez said. “After almost a year, I can’t room and Zoom in middle school had to nav- have negatively affected teenagers’ mental Friday night games. Shop-a-holics noticed wait to see all my friends out of quarantine health — showing the “ugly” part of the pan- Alice Shin their favorite stores closing down with each once it’s safe enough.” demic. Opinion Editor passing day. And what was originally sup- on their own how to access and submit as- “I think that there are professional ser- Hope Li posed to be a two-week vacation had dete- signments digitally. Feature Editor riorated into a year of global economic and “I had a lot of things that I needed to learn is to be around people again and force that Charis Lee social deceleration. and adjust to, which put a heavy burden on even if it’s uncomfortable,” English teacher Assistant Feature Editor Hannah Kim The Accolade takes a look at the impact me,” freshman Ashley Kim said. “I also be- Suzanne Boxdorfer said. “Other than that, of the coronavirus pandemic one year later, came more anxious and worried because I you can talk to one of your teachers with Entertainment Editor I never expected the Hanna Oltman spotlighting any type of “good” that has got distracted by my phone easily at home.” whom you can connect with; they can help - you reach out to a professional for help.” Sports Editor death count to get Kristima Aryal nally, culminating with the “ugly.” THE UGLY that high, especially Assistant Sports Editor Though the deaths caused by the corona- Grace Johnson THE GOOD when people are virus could be viewed as the worst of what TEMPERATURE Copy Editor the past year has brought about, it is more so CHECK Michelle Sheen can be easy to emphasize how the pandemic taking precautions the lingering effects of depression and men- has spoiled this year. tal illness among teenagers that can cause The Accolade online polled Assistant Copy Editor “and with the vaccines students about the following: While most students might associate dis- more pain and suffering than just the loss of tance learning with disengaged Zoom ses- out today. loved ones. The Northeast region of the country, for A year after the black cameras, senior Kathryn Aurelio found example, saw a more than 330% increase in coronavirus lockdown, — senior Alena intentional self-harm claim lines reported by for her socialization in student organizations teenagers ages 13-18, according to a 2020 are you ...* such as the Junior State of America and the Ruedas Conservatory of Fine Arts because she found organization dedicated to bringing transpar- optimistic that things will get online presentations more comfortable than ency to healthcare costs and health insurance back to normal? in-person ones. information. “Previous insecurities of speaking up and The study compared cases in August 2019 indifferent? talking louder than others to get your point and August 2020, the 330% increase being across have dissipated as I can easily unmute based on how many cases were reported the pessimistic that things will from the comfort of my own screen,” Aurelio THE BAD previous year. get worse before they get As of March 6, the coronavirus has killed “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a better? person, I can transfer these skills accumu- 511,074 nationwide with 56,555 deaths in profound impact on mental health, particu- Lauren Jung lated during quarantine.” California alone. larly on that of young people,” FAIR Health Business Manager For junior Patrick Jimenez, quarantine If Sunny Hills students got this statistic president Robin Gelburd said in addressing Umbert Caseres has sparked his creativity, inspiring him to one year ago, most would associate the num- the study. Assisstant Business Managers participate in an innovation challenge hosted Daniel Kong ber as the mortality rate of an apocalyptic In addition to this statistic, overdoses Nevya Patel by FIRST Robotics in which he created a ” increased by 95%, claims for generalized board game titled, “Muve It,” to submit to a Photo Editor in their world history textbooks. anxiety disorder increased by 94% in April Brianna Zafra panel of judges. “I never expected the death count to get 2020, and claims for major depressive disor- Graphics Editor “Making a prototype for my board game that high, especially when people are taking der increased by 84%. The study showed that Erin Lee precautions and with the vaccines out today,” the age group 19-22 showed similar but less Online Graphics Editor did this year,” Jimenez said. “Creating a new senior Alena Ruedas said. “I don’t feel like a pronounced mental health trends. Karen Lee game from scratch was really engaging, and lot of people understand how consequential “I know that there are a lot of people suf- Staff Reporters - COVID-19 actually is, and it frustrates me fering due to the pandemic,” said Kim, who Divya Bharadwaj cause it made me realize how much I could that some people don’t take it seriously.” personally knows some people who have Dominique Chang Hanna Jung KAREN LEE | theaccolade accomplish despite the restrictions of CO- Ruedas’s feelings toward the coronavirus struggled with maintaining their mental well- Anthony Keem THE THREE SIDES OF THE PANDEMIC: A family grows closer during quarantine (left), a woman covers her mouth as she sneezes into a tissue and a man strug- VID-19.” being during quarantine. “It really breaks my *From nearly 100 responses Minjeong Kim Alice Lee gling to cope with the changes that came with quarantine sits with his head buried in his knees. - population’s initial reactions toward the im- heart that people are thinking to harm them- Compiled by Hannah Kim 10 March 13, 2021 OPINION the accolade STAFF EDITORIAL
the accolade Editor-in-Chief Tyler Pak Managing Editor Time to grade coronavirus crisis Elijah Jhee Web Editor-in-Chief One year ago March 13, all Andrew Ngo Sunny Hills students went home school year started, California Web Managing Editors as usual after the last bell rang, Gov. Gavin Newsom mandated Annie Bang but most never came back and Rebecca Choi students actively engaged). Special Sections Editor school year from home. Sure, instructors can assume Hannah Kim Since then, many things have we’ll turn cameras on to talk in News Editor changed for better or worse as Zoom breakout rooms, but in our Aaliyah Magana students became accustomed to shoes; why would we want to let Assistant News Editor “Zoom” schooling in their own Alice Shin rooms. let alone talk to each other like we Opinion Editor would in a live classroom? Nev- Hope Li since COVID-19, The Accolade’s ertheless, they do so in the name Feature Editor editorial board discussed its emo- of “student engagement.” Charis Lee - We acknowledge that this Assistant Feature Editor demic and distance learning, as year hasn’t all been Zoom and Kate Yang well as suggestions and advice gloom. Like many adults, we’ve Entertainment Editor for the district and teachers re- Hanna Oltman garding this new norm. Like the changes. Students devoted more Sports Editor Kristima Aryal end of a school semester, the ed- ANDREW (JUNGHYUN) LEE | theaccolade itorial board gave a grade for the with family and friends. Without Assistant Sports Editor SH administration, the online utes, but that’s still a far cry from Grace Johnson learning structure and students’ - the 30-minute lunches in a reg- Copy Editor overall mental health: ic school events were blown over ular bell schedule. Returning to Michelle Sheen SH administration = B with little effort to revive them, matter. For some, it even served Assistant Copy Editor Lauren Jung First, we agreed the district homework assignments and study Online learning structure = C for tests can get very tiring, very Nevertheless, this year was not Business Manager Umbert Caseres for handling such a sudden shift fast. Also, stress can accumulate - from circumstances beyond stu- Assistant Business Managers Daniel Kong teachers outside of class. Students - Nevya Patel time with family or attending Photo Editor situation, active board meeting the quality of education online strain from screen time. Brianna Zafra decisions and more. Because of schooling may lack. Students’ mental health = D was one to remember. Graphics Editor But the greatest downside of Our struggles for motivation Erin Lee make well-informed decisions Zoom classes stems from the fact The Accolade editorial board Online Graphics Editor on whether to send their children that teachers and the administra- - is made up of the top editors and Karen Lee back to school when hybrid learn- tion may overlook the sheer effort section editors on staff with the Staff Reporters ing began last November for the activities. Some teachers only guidance of adviser Tommy Li. Divya Bharadwaj Dominique Chang assign recorded videos of notes If you have a question about the Hanna Jung during the second semester. only a 15-minute break between for students to watch during the board’s decision or an issue for Anthony Keem Minjeong Kim However, the editorial board the board to discuss and write Alice Lee interacting with students or creat- about, please send an email to Henry Lee Yeihn Lee - - [email protected]. Esther Oh Andrew Park Sydnee Tallant Krishna Thaker Rachel Yun Rida Zar Ob-la-di ob-la-da, pandemic life goes on Illustrators Jacqueline Chang Ngan Dang I remember it like it was yes- with fellow staffers to gather Personally, being stuck at umn). Andrew (JungHyun) Lee terday — Friday the 13th, 2020. So, 365 days later. I’ve listed Photographers As I left breaking news: school was closed I’ve struggled with the dreaded Aliyah Ahmad my Period 5 until further notice. “Zoom fatigue,” lacking motiva- made my quarantine worth it? Kristel Laceste Audrey Seo Accolade class A year ago, all my troubles tion to log on to my seven Zoom No, but in the words of one of March 13, I seemed so far away, but now, classes. Many of my favorite the last two surviving Beatles, Sir Web Videographer Sylvester Seo remember hear- 365 days later, it looks as though Paul McCartney, I’ve tried to take ing the excited they’re here to stay. I’m sure if involve substantial amounts of a sad song and make it better. Social Media Managers Isaac Choi - we knew what was to come, no Gianne Veluz ate through the one would’ve celebrated. those things took a toll on my Adviser tylerPak halls during As a senior, I’ve missed out Tommy Li Editor-in-Chief lunch. Some But like many others, I’ve Unless speci!cally stated, advertisements in !e Accolade are inserted by commercial ven- classmates grade events and seeing friends tures solely for informational purposes and not by Sunny Hills High School. !e Accolade will not print advertisements that violate school together while others nervously regulations or U.S. laws. discussed the future. !e Accolade is produced by the For a 16-year-old struggling rest of my high school career. Advanced Journalism class of Sunny Hills High School The Fullerton Joint Union watching shows like Disney (714) 626-4225 school seemed a gift from God High School District made Plus’s “High School Musical: Copyright 2021 The Musical: The Series” has Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this issue was created as students with hybrid learning, but allowed me to bond with my little a PDF !le posted on the school website, sunnyhills.net, and However, anxiety lingered in the !e Accolade’s online news website, back of my mind — I was terri- safe for me to return yet because This interest in music also TYLER PAK | theaccolade shhsaccolade.com. HEY DUDE: Senior Tyler !e Accolade welcomes signed letters to the editor with full name and grade level Nevertheless, as news editor at health issues but doesn’t meet the Pak gains new appreciation emailed to [email protected]. requirements to get vaccinated. noticed from reading this col- for The Beatles in lockdown. "e sta# reserves the right to edit. the accolade OPINION March 13, 2021 11 HEAD TO HEAD NEW NORMAL? In response to The Accolade’s call for guest columnists, two students debate whether the district should require all to return to campus next school year; take our online poll and tell us what you think: shhsaccolade.com/category/opinion/ In-person will help freshmen When I attended Sunny Hills’ Open me to focus on my learning. House assembly in January 2020, I But for teachers, many adjusted their thought my freshman year would be one lesson plans to accommodate for on- to remember. It has been a memorable line learning. Because it’s so easy for one, but not in the way that I imagined. students to cheat, some educators have I imagined football games, pep rallies, even stopped giving tests. With online meeting new people from other schools learning, students can’t receive a proper and being made fun of by the upper- education like they would ordinarily. classmen. Instead, I didn’t get to attend Despite being able to physically attend HOPE LI | theaccolade in-person school until Nov. 2, 2020. classes in Cohort A, I still feel I’m not “NORMAL”: Advanced Placement Psychology teacher Greg Abbott speaks to Because I’ve lost the iconic freshman getting a proper education or returning his Cohort B students Friday while the rest of his class Zooms in. experience, among other factors, I’m ad- to a sense of normalcy. I’m bound to amant that all students feel this way, since I only attend school should be required to in-person twice a week with three other attend in-person class- students in my classes who I can’t even Let’s stick with Zoom sessions es with the continued interact with comfortably. My experience during the pandemic some students returned to school. requirements of masks, Before high school, I was excited to was hard ever since it started. I started I personally think online classes are distancing and regular make new friends from my classes since I losing myself. easier because all I have to do is pay disinfection. didn’t know most of the students. It was becom- attention in the Zoom platform and do the siennaPak Since Dec. 26, - ing harder to focus Guest Columnist 2020, the seven-day since the pandemic I can get ahead at doing my assignments average of infections through Zoom breakout rooms and meet- was new and was - has decreased from Dec. 26, 2020’s count ings. Fortunately, when I attended in-per- stressing many gy I developed for online classes. of roughly 3,896 to about 186 cases as son classes, I met a few other students families and my Also, I focus more in class because I of March 11, according to COVID Act and made a couple friends. But since I peers, but then I feel like I get distracted by random stuff Now’s website. And with three vaccines only attend school two days a week, it’s joannaCarbajal realized the school going on out of class and just anywhere approved by the U.S Food and Drug hard to maintain solid connections. Guest Columnist work was getting in general. Administration, teachers are on track to Because of today’s unprecedented easier. getting vaccinated, paving a clear path for nature, I haven’t received the high school I tried hard to keep my grades up and my everyday schedule. safely reopening schools as the spread of experience I expected. But if students are luckily, I did. When you are not required to be in the virus becomes less of a concern. required to return to school in the 2021- My experience was interesting class at a certain time or for a certain Following the everyday routine of at- 2022 school year, I hope I can remember because since the pandemic was new to tending classes in person twice a week in my freshman year as one of the most everyone, I ended up getting used to it, on my own needs rather than accommo- Cohort A and returning home at 2 p.m. on challenging, unpredictable years yet. though I still had a little trouble focusing. date a school’s schedule. I am in between those days gave me a sense of normalcy. For the full story, go When the fall semester started, I was wanting to go back to school and staying to shhsaccolade.com/ actually liking distance learning. I at- in online classes. class periods one after another allowed category/opinion tended online classes, and by November, At least now, I’m not as lost. Letters to the editor Reader response to the Feb. 19 special read this article. Although it may seem un- Reader response to other sections in I admire Pak’s perseverance and deter- section addressing sexual harassment: likely, sexual assault is unpredictable, and the Feb. 19 issue: Rebecca Choi’s article, “Media over- it’s truly important to know how to react. Andrew Park’s Arts & Entertainment am fascinated and delighted to witness his selling illicit content,” was very well writ- I also wanted to compliment the info- - graphic on the right as a constructive meth- preciate my ethnic identity,” successfully spirit. Admittedly, he is the pride of Sunny Although I don’t believe the popularity od to summarize the article and compile all expressed his emotions and thoughts to Hills and a model for students. stems from the illicit content in them, ev- the necessary information. provide a clear overview. Unfortunately, Pak and other seniors erything else she wrote was true. — Susie Kim, freshman After reading his perspective, I am in- cannot participate in championships be- — Thomas Dew, junior - cause of the pandemic. It is heartbreaking Kate Yang’s article, “Social media not stand my ethnic identity as well. to hear that they could not end their four All the articles written for the special best outlet to report sexual misconduct,” Relating to Park’s situation was a key years of high school life strongly. section titled, “Broken Boundaries,” effec- emphasizes the commitment of the school factor that drew me into reading his article. As a frosh/soph volleyball player, I also tively shed light on sexual harassment, but to eliminate harassment. Like Park, I was born in South Korea felt upset when the CIF canceled all cham- Kate Yang’s story titled, “Social media not The school supplies various tips for stu- and spent my early childhood there. In pionships due to COVID-19. Anyhow, we best outlet to report sexual misconduct,” dents to follow for a safer environment if it America, I wasn’t able to appreciate my are lucky that our school still provides especially caught my attention. ethnic identity as well, since everyone’s practice twice a week. I agree that any incidents should be re- takes a lot of courage to report a case of ethnic identity was so different from mine. — Sophia Qin, freshman ported to an adult rather than posted on so- harassment, but that step should be done. — Alex Lee, freshman cial media. It’s an effort to raise awareness, The procedures the school is taking The Accolade welcomes signed letters but not an effort to resolve the misconduct. helps students. Sexual misconduct must Grace Johnson’s article about volleyball to the editor with full name and grade level In preparation of being put into this sit- end for the greater good. player senior Joseph Pak is inspiring, that emailed to [email protected]. uation, students should take their time to —Omar Mettwely, senior an accountable leader like Pak is with us. The staff reserves the right to edit. 12 March 13, 2021 ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT the accolade No lights, no camera, no action MICHELLE SHEEN Copy Editor Fallout from COVID-19 pandemic has led to CURTAIN CALL Breathing in the savory aroma of but- suspension of blockbuster movie releases, end With positive COVID-19 case tery popcorn, the audience sits down with numbers declining in Southern hands full of snacks and cold beverages. of !lm going as social activity among teens California, movie theaters are The lights dim, illuminating the room with opening up again on the following - dates: jected. This is how the standard movie theater Cinemark in Long Beach, experience begins. March 14 However, this familiar viewing practice Select AMC Theatres, March 15 lockdown on March 13, 2020, which even- Source: Deadline.com tually led to movie theaters closures to pre- vent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Nearly a year later by March 3, as possible. COVID-19 has infected 29.3 million peo- “I just miss sitting and watching in the ple in the United States, killing 531,000. dark room, hearing the sound of the music, During that time period, Hollywood halted eating popcorn and being on the edge of its production schedules, and studios con- your seat while watching a movie,” said tinually pushed back blockbuster movie Saravanan, who frequented theaters at least release dates. JACQUELINE CHANG | theaccolade a few times a month before the pandemic Disney’s “Mulan,” for example, had BACK ON THE BIG SCREENS: An artist’s rendering of a closed movie the- its March 27, 2020, release delayed three - now [since theaters are closed].” times following its March 9, 2020, pre- uled to reopen at limited capacity during the coming weeks. Avid moviegoer junior Zachary Tan turned to the drive-in theater alternative, 4. Those in charge of the Happiest Mov- in 2020, according to a March 10 Los An- her friends’ social gathering. although Tan found his Sept. 27 visit to ie Studio on Earth decided to break with geles Times article. “I remember [when] I went with my watch “La-La-Land” with his two friends precedent and released its $200 million Not only has the pandemic affected friend to watch ‘Frozen 2,’ and then at the underwhelming. production of “Mulan” direct to its Dis- movie theater businesses, but it has also end, we stayed to watch the credits, and it “It was really cold at night, and I could ney Plus home video platform at a cost of altered many others’ dependence on the was just the two of us in the movie theater hear other people in cars talking,” he said. $29.99 and is now free for subscribers to cinematic experience as a source of enter- so it was really peaceful,” Woo said. “It’s a watch as of Dec. 4. tainment. good memory that I can’t really relive be- AMC Entertainment, the largest movie Sophomore Jacqueline Woo said she cause of COVID.” For the full story, go to https:// theater chain in the world, lost $4.59 bil- has missed the moments when the movie Likewise, sophomore Harshika Sarava- shhsaccolade.com/category/ ae/ lion and dropped 77% in full-year revenue theater became the focal point of her and nan hopes to go back to the theaters as soon
District art show goes virtual for 2020-2021 KRISHNA THAKER district-art-show, according to Arianne Rose Sisk’s painting, a March 12 news release from “Beautiful Pt. 1,” were awarded Staff Reporter the Fullerton Joint Union High - School District. egories. After last year’s cancellation The online viewing experience Junior Sharon Choi’s painting, of the annual district art show for the 35th year of the show was “Self Portrait,” senior Nathan because of the coronavirus pan- made available Friday and will Chapero’s photography submis- continue through April 13. sion, “Shadow Box,” and soph- make sure the same thing doesn’t Of the 20 Sunny Hills stu- omore Hannah Yaros’ drawing, happen this school year despite dents who entered their work for “Into the Vast Depths,” placed COVID-19 still not going away. judging by college art professors, Anyone interested in viewing eight earned recognition, such as the variety of student-produced paintings, drawings, three-dimen- - RELATED FEATURE sional designs or photography can ing. The artist’s eye: Check out some SPLIT: Junior Phoebe Park’ s oil painting depicting her ver- do so by going to the following Seniors Mayerly Mejia’s of the entries from SH students. sion of disassociation is among those that can be viewed virtu- link: www.fjuhsdvapa.com/2021- drawing, “Natural Beauty,” and See Entertainment, page 13. ally until April 13 as part of the 35th annual district art show. the accolade ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT March 13, 2021 13 Art work still thrives despite pandemic Sunny Hills art and photography students did not let - The Accolade -
“BEAUTIFUL PT. 1”: “We are in a society where social media cre- ates a standard impossible to replicate. But regardless, the unat- tainable standard is still sought out, and girls are convinced their natural beauty is not beauty at all. I hope young girls understand that their appearances are art and deserve to be recognized.” — Ar- ianne Rose Sisk, 12
“SHADOW BOX”: - ing them in a box would look even better. The line in the middle represents a line of divi- sion between the two sides.” — Nathan Chapero, 12
“INTO THE VAST DEPTHS”: Media used, graph- ite. The artist, sophomore Hannah Yaros, could not be reached for comment to explain her art work.
“SELF PORTRAIT”: “The prompt for this piece was to do a self-portrait using oil paint to create an interesing, semi realistic still life painting.” — Sharon Choi, 11
“WARMTH”: “I wanted my art to portray the main fac- tors that drive my stress and anxiety away. This piece For the full art exhibition, go “NATURAL BEAUTY”: Media used, colored pen- to https://www.fjuhsdvapa. is ... the exact feeling I get from my family.” — Elizabeth cil. The artist, senior Mayerly Mejia, could not be com/2021-district-art-show Liu, 11 reached for comment to explain her art work. 14 March 13, 2021 SPORTS the accolade Me, get injured? Don't fall for that type of thinking When I was a fresh- man, my teammates and I were cheering on then-freshman Carolyn Tran and then-senior rachelYun Madison Uy, who were Sta! Reporter taking on a pair from Troy at the Freeway but lost the second, and while they had a lead in the tiebreaker set, we noticed Image printed with permission from Brenda Houlihan Uy starting to bend over on the ground, NOT PLAYIN' AROUND: Brenda Houlihan (right) is pictured with other SH athletes' parents who hold up signs Jan. 16 on the streets of Los Alamitos to advocate for their children to resume playing their respective sports in California. Eventually, Uy was unable to return to the court, prompting our coach to This incident stuck in my mind be- Athletes join movement that I thought to myself: This could never happen to me. I am well-trained and brought back school sports would never over exert myself to the point of risking my health. HENRY LEE lowed high school sports back in action, Staff Reporter “California was the last of the 50 states and the state of California had not at the to suit up their athletes, and that is a very It was our third practice, and I - was rallying with my former doubles ever, LetThemPlayCA showed our state seen how other states were more proactive teammate, junior Carolyn Tran, on the how the work of a group of parents and where they were faster in allowing high At the end of January, Lawson -- who coaches who have one goal can all work plays wide receiver and linebacker on the - Although athletes and parents could Little did I know that my left foot Lancers football team -- and his mother have participated on their own, none of the ended up rolling, causing me to fall, joined the “LetThemPlayCA” movement, LetThemPlayCA stems from a move- coaches here or Sunny Hills programs at- pushing the weight of my body on top of holding signs and campaigning for the re- ment that started by a parent of a football turn of California high school sports in the player and a football coach from San Di- “People were really upset [about the - lack of high school sports], and they put The mother and son also wrote letters suit against Newsom to force him to ease the LetThemPlayCA movement together, along with 10,200 others voicing their COVID-19-related restrictions against and I feel like they put a lot of pressure on My aunt arrived 20 minutes later to several counties in California as positive the state of California to give kids the op- take me (and the crutches that the medi- coronavirus case numbers began to dip so that the California Interscholastic Fed- - care clinic, where a doctor took X-rays, eration can signal the start of the 2020- “There's been other states that have al- which were negative, and recommended that I ice and elevate the swollen foot for Though I am now sidelined at home and am unable to cheer my teammates, With no minors allowed to watch this experience has given me a chance matches, SH to live stream sports I can see now that I was quite vulner- KRISTIMA ARYAL clude auto tracking, principal Allen Whit- coladeSports) coverage for all upcoming Sports Editor I rallied was three months ago when I “At the latest, my goal is to have every- The Fullerton Joint Union High School thing up and running within three weeks to looking forward to seeing those games District [FJUHSD] contracted with a catch the later half of the football season, livestreamed, since his former campus stretching exercises can dramatically livestreaming service company for an un- soccer and other sports,“ said Whitten, where he worked in the same position, reduce the number of people who injure - who proposed this network and another Orange Lutheran High School, used the their ankles and feet during physical pus can provide a link for fans to watch service to broadcast football, volleyball, certain athletic events like football or soc- The principal said the deal with NFHS the joints and muscles, further helping “The cameras are really cool,” Jones - All in all, I blame no one but myself pay for the service after it was decided posure for our athletes to college coach- - that athletes can only invite two adults 18 telligence], and anyone can either join the and over to watch FJUHSD teams on the In the meantime, Sunny Hills athletics link or just type up Sunny Hills [on the same mistake of thinking that they're would have to rely on streaming services never going to get hurt, especially since excludes a majority of students from being of schools Lancers compete against, like The principal is looking for creative like me, some may have not stayed as what happened in Friday's home football ways to take advantage of what the net- Indiana-based National Federation High School [NFHS] Network, will pro- The Accolade sports staff will also I can walk now and hope that I will vide each FJUHSD campus two Pixellot provide live play-by-play Instagram (@ elements like a scoreboard and commenta- be able to return to the school tennis systems, fully automated cameras that in- sunnyhillsaccolade) and Twitter (@Ac- the accolade SPORTS March 13, 2021 15
NEW FOOTBALL Football trounces Barons 56-14 COMMITS ANDREW NGO Web Editor-in-Chief
They waited. And waited. Kenneth Lathrum Q: What will you miss about the Sunny Hills football program? A: I'll miss my teammates who I've played with these past four years. I appreciate the coaching staff and the culture. Q: Why did you choose Benedictine College? A: They have a good engineer- ing program, and the football program has a winning culture. 21-14. ALIYAH AHMAD | theaccolade HUDDLE UP: SH football players kneel after the March 12 game against Foun- tain Valley while listening to head coach Peter Karavedas' postgame speech. David Harris - Q: Before you leave for Doane University, what's your favorite memory at Sunny Hills? A: I'm hoping my favorite memo- - ry is yet to be made. My goal for the last four years was to beat - La Habra and if we can, that'll be my favorite memory. - Q: What are you looking - forward to in college? - A: I look forward to making new - want to do for the rest of my life. - Compiled by Kristima Aryal
Pep Squad allowed at football games
LAUREN JUNG Asst. Copy Editor - - - - - - - - - CHARIS LEE | theaccolade - WORKIN' IT: Senior Leala Jung (right) shakes her Lancer - - - gold pom poms in front of the gym during Pep Squad practice Thursday in preparation for the next day's football game. 16 March 13, 2021 SPORTS the accolade With sports returning, fans to be limited
ANDREW PARK SPECTATOR RULES FOR Staff Reporter SH SPORTING EVENTS With the exception of last year's home- coming football game, junior Nathan Kim Only two 18 or older household has sat on the bleachers to watch every oth- members per athlete er gridiron contest — including the ones on the road. Masks must be worn by all “I loved seeing the bright Friday night spectators throughout the event lights with [other] Lancers up on the bleachers cheering for the SH football Spectators must maintain a team beneath them,” Kim said. “I love the six-foot distance at all times. enthusiasm that the crowd gave off.” But this year, Kim — along with his Compiled by Kristima Aryal peers who are under 18 — will not have the opportunity to attend these events after Head football coach Peter Karavedas, a March 2 email from superintendent Scott whose team opened its season with a 56-14 Scambray outlined spectator restrictions victory on Friday, said whether the bleach- for the reopening of high school sports. ers are packed with Lancers or not is not as The Fullerton Joint Union High School big of a deal as being able to compete on District [FJUHSD] announced that only two household members 18 years or older “For the longest time, we didn’t think can be in the stands to watch. we were going to have a season, so I am “Limited number of observers to en- not in a position to complain about any- sure physical distance reduce potential KRISTEL LACESTE | theaccolade thing,” Karavedas said. LANCER PRIDE: Despite the new guidelines limiting spectators at games, the crowding and maintain indoor and outdoor To compensate for students who are re- Lancers' March 8 boys water polo contest against Sonora still had some fans. capacity limits,” Scambray wrote in the stricted from attending a competition, the email. “Spectators/Observers must main- FJUHSD announced a new live streaming tain at least 6 feet from non-household Lancers score. said. “I’m grateful that we are at a point service for athletic events like football or members.” “Whenever I make a good play, it’s al- where our athletes are able to play again.” soccer. Some students, coaches and parents do ways nice to hear the crowd roar,” McCuen Alongside acknowledging the impor- But for Kim, that's still not going to be - said. tance of social distancing even in games, the same. cern for them. However, the Lady Lancer said she ap- “To me, the friends, thrill and live au- But that's not the case with the athletes. preciates that her mother, Kelly McCuen, six feet distance rule during a sporting dience is what made the experience," he Junior Kayla McCuen, who started her has been able to attend all of her games. event, especially on a pool deck. said. "Not being able to attend these games girls water polo season March 3, said she “I had actually been working the snack “The people in the stands are usually was a loss for me. I had fun during those will miss the home pool advantage of the shack for her games in the past, so I would spread out, but some parents gather with games, but I know that they are taking crowd noise, especially when the Lady usually make it to her games,” the mother each other,” she said. safety precautions and keeping us safe.”
CURRENT GIRLS & BOYS Put me in, coach; I'm ready to play SPORTS RECORDS even if stands aren't fully packed Boys soccer: 1-0
Ten of my girls water polo teammates, on Feb. 3 that we would indeed play a graduating seniors this year. Girls soccer: 0-0 including myself, sat in a large circle in season, my team knew that we had to con- the Sunny Hills parking lot outside the tinue our dominant legacy in the Freeway of our Freeway League season, my team’s campus' Aquatic Center. League going into the 2020-2021 season. motivation has yet to falter. During Coming out of For over four years, the team has re- a grueling practice, mained on the top of the league standings. We also continue focusing on crafting our dripping wet, we Before the announcement, many of us defensive and offensive skills, keeping in Boys tennis: 3-1 still found solace had a pessimistic point of view and al- mind our toughest competitor, Troy. on the asphalt as we ready accepted that our 2020-2021 season And on Friday, when the buzzer went Girls tennis: 2-1 cracked jokes and would not come to fruition, so none of off marking the end of the game against enjoyed each other’s the members of the girls water polo team Troy, I made eye contact with my team- company. even participated in the “Let Them Play” mate, senior Riley Godfrey. kristimaAryal Sports Editor Recalling our movement. Tears welled up in our eyes because favorite memories, I While the campaign stemmed from we kept our four-year streak and complet- Boys water polo: 3-4 felt our team chem- athletes' and parents' frustrations over the ed our promise of keeping the girls’ water istry strengthen. coronavirus-related restrictions, limiting polo program undefeated. Girls water polo: 6-0 As we munched down on the pizza pro- contact practice and competitions, origi- Though I cannot continue my pre-coro- vided by one of my teammates' parents, nally, I agreed with the distict and CIF's navirus freshman and sophomore memo- we kept each other motivated despite guidelines. ries of singing in the locker room with my the pandemic’s stripping our chance at I understood that the precautions taken teammates and having competitive team the California Interscholastic Federa- were there to protect the student body and bondings at the bowling alley, I’m glad I tion-Southern Section [CIF-SS] playoffs. coaches. still get to enjoy the little things with my Boys cross country: 1-5 We were heartbroken that we would Nevertheless, I'm truly grateful for the water polo family. never get the chance to bring home a parents and students who fought for high We may not have a chance to win a Girls cross country: 2-5 CIF title home this season for our Lancer school athletes across California. Without CIF-SS title this year, but I have no doubt family. them, I would have lost the opportunity to play even a condensed season with the what we started. Compiled by Kristima Aryal