The Paw Print JSerra Catholic High School Volume 2 • May 2011

One of the Fallen Lions Little Rock 9 In the past month, I was a sophomore and had second lunch and got Black History Month Speaker we have lost two alumni of caught up with him. He played tennis at JSerra and Shares his Story JSerra: Chris Whitman, the contributed a lot and was very loved on the team. class of 2008, and Cameron After he graduated he still helped JSerra by “It’s the funniest Cook, class of 2010. Both working with the tennis coach. Cameron was full of life thing. I don’t know how I were lost in very tragic and love. When he came back from Kairos I knew that don’t have an accent. I’ve accidents and gone too soon. something has changed and he became the best version never had it,” answered Dr. These tragedies have shaken of himself. If you talk to anyone that knew him they Terrence Roberts, Arkansas the foundation of JSerra. We would agree one hundred percent of what I’m saying. born, raised, and without by Derek Tademy will continue on…but never Cameron will be missed in my life and all that distinctive southern forget them. These two the other lives he touched. I know now that JSerra twang in his voice. “Now my Lions were very different but united by the fact that has another angel looking over us and his name sister, she has the heaviest they loved the school and the by Chris Nguyen drawl you’ll ever hear and school loved them back. most people don’t realize I have known Cameron that the two of us are related.” since 4th grade and want to Dr. Roberts has done many things to set himself share what makes Cameron apart from his family. He was born and raised in a Black Cook, Cameron Cook. Cameron family, attended an all Black elementary school, and had was so full of life and always all Black friends. Then he and eight other brave African ready for a good time. The way American students transferred and enrolled in Central I remember him is the little boy High, an all white school in a state where “Separate but with the high-pitched voice ready Equal” was “Normal and Tolerated.” to play basketball. He never really These students was a good offensive player. He who were the hub of the would make a few lay-ups or a civil rights incident in 1957 few shots. The reason why you have been come to be want Cameron on your team known as “The Little Rock is because of his defense. He Cameron Cook Chris Whitman Nine.” Roberts, a junior at would get into peoples faces on defense and make is Cameron Cook. I know when I look up to the the time, still remembers them mad. When he played defense he would smile sky that Cameron is safe in God’s arm and he is his first day at school. at you waiting for a challenge. But he fouled a lot. perfectly happy. Even though I will miss him and wish “We had all Whenever a kid yelled “foul,” you knew Cameron him back, I know he is in a better place now. He is expected there would committed it. He also was a very funny kid and continued on page 2 be some commotion,” he always knew what to add to a joke. said, “but nothing like the He was part of my crew of misfit, middle- Dr. Terrence Roberts Ms. Forster riots that occurred.” school kids playing basketball and laughing. We had a The white residents of Little Rock turned nickname for him. His nickname was Kermit. There Remembers Chris up in force to harass these nine students and to bar was no reason for Kermit, it just that he was funny I taught Chris Whitman for both his junior them from entering the school. Roberts was spit on, and always ready to have a good time. Once I realized and senior English. It was a pleasure to get to verbally harassed, had objects thrown at him, even had he came to JSerra his junior year I was ecstatic. I know him during those two years. Although some kicks aimed but endured it all for the sake of getting immediately found him and we talked every lunch. people would have seen Chris as the stereotypical the best education he could possibly get. “jock,” I knew him as the young man striving to Central High School in 1957 was the best make sense of this crazy world. high school in the state and barred black students Recently I found an old journal of Chris’ from enrolling until the Supreme Court Case, Brown V. Save the Date and these words will forever stay in my mind: Board of Education, refuted a previous case which made Yearbooks Arrive ...... May 25 “We put on masks for certain people it lawful for segregated facilities. Roberts stated that Junior / Senior Prom ...... May 26 and for certain occasions but deep down inside, the Arkansas Board of Education, while not involved we are unique and we are different. You shouldn’t Baccalaureate Mass ...... June 3 in the case, did everything in their power to fight let anyone tell you who you should be…” desegregation. They fought segregating children first Graduation ...... June 4 Chris had heart and he will always have but eventually conceded to integrating at the high a special place in mine. school level. Central High was the first experiment. “Good night, sweet prince and flights Originally there were 40 black students of angels sing thee to thy rest.” that planned to enroll in Central with the hope of a – Hamlet, Shakespeare continued on page 2

JSerra Catholic High School • 26351 Junipero Serra Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 • (949) 493-9307 • JSerra.org Page Two

Little Rock 9 continued from front page JSerra Online School better education. But in the months prior to the first day, students were pulled from the plan. Most The JSerra Board of via the internet. Anyone across the world could received threats from whites, parents withdrew Directors has created a view and listen to mass. It will be live and air every their support for fear of the teens’ safety, and their JSerra online school under Wednesday morning. numbers dwindled, leaving only the “famous nine.” the direction of Dr. Jonathan JSerra is becoming more and more It was on the first day that National Guard Horowitz, Vice President of technologically advanced as the days go by…who troops were deployed to Central high to bar the online learning. As of now, knows, maybe one day we will have robots as black students from entering the school. The 17 students are enrolled and teachers. Governor of Arkansas declared that the federal taking college-credit classes. government had no right forcing his schools and the All attend school here on people of Arkansas to integrate. The Little Rock by Chandler Nason campus but they either need Fallen Lions Nine were promptly turned away at the door. to retake a class, want to avoid continued from front page One week later, President Eisenhower seized summer school, or get ahead with their credits. now perfectly safe looking down at us and I know control of the National Guard away from the governor Another reason for installing the online he is smiling down at JSerra. and deployed the 101st airborne division to keep the school is to allow the JSerra curriculum to be Even though the times are tough, we must peace and to escort Roberts and the others to school. available to those students who physically cannot always remember Cameron for who he was and still It was on that day that Roberts realized that he was be on campus for eight hours a day, whether it be a is today. To JSerra they lost a good student, but to the something more than a student. mental or physical problem. Also, many students who ones that know him we lost a good friend. I know “I wasn’t going to school just for a better focus on club sports feel stressed when they are at this is a bad situation but remember, God brings education. We were all excellent students so there was school and feel like they should be practicing. good things out of tragedies and we must always no question that we would earn a good future whether The best thing about JSerra Online is the remember that. We might never know why God took or not we went to Central. On that day, I realized that convenience factor. The student can be anywhere in him so soon but we will meet him again in paradise. the others and I had become a symbol and that now it the world and access his or her school work. There I can’t wait to see him again and hopefully was our responsibility to keep that symbol alive.” are no textbooks, either. Everything you need is play basketball with him. Rest in peace Kermit. JSerra It’s a lot to ask for a Junior and keeping that online, even 24/7 teacher assistance. loves you and I love you. We will never forget you symbol alive meant enduring further verbal and physical Also on the upside are online classes that Cameron. Can’t wait to see you in heaven. harassment from his white classmates and even some are not available on campus. Possibilities range from degree of hostility from African Americans as well. Mandarin to A.P. classes. The time-management “They were complaining–quietly mind you– preference is another positive advantage for students that we were just making trouble for all of them.” He who don’t do well in their schoolwork. Say a student “Gone So Young” said it all with a shake of his head. “And I understood receives a D or F in a class here on campus—they A tribute to Cameron by Alexa Corbett it and I was afraid every day for my own life.” don’t have to wait until summer to retake it. They JSerra alum, class of 2009 can just log on to the website and choose any day The hostility from students had become so There were places I was going to go to start and any day to end. The system will create a severe that the Little Rock Nine were issued bodyguards People I was going to see day-by-day work plan so the student can get all their from the 101st airborne that accompanied them from Now I guess I’ll never know work done on time. class to class and escorted them to and from school. Why did this happen to me? Roberts received almost no support, many teachers A big downfall, however, is the extra cost. refused to help him, the school purposely separated But the fee remains the same, no matter how many Went to school, tried to do well the nine as much as possible, and any white student classes a student takes. The reason for the extra cost Oh that crush, I could never tell that reached out in kindness was sternly dealt with is to pay for the third-party website provider and the Did my homework, took every test by his peers. If anything, he felt grateful for his white twenty-four-hour technical and teacher support. Tried my hardest, did my best bodyguards (assigning African Americans would have Another negative would be missing the full JSerra experience. Dr. Horowitz is attempting to find I see my body lying cold and alone provoked further outrage) because whatever their I’m sorry mom and dad, I was almost grown personal beliefs they protected him. a way around this by instituting a class for online students once a week, on the weekend, to take tests. Didn’t see him coming, wish I could re-do His year at Central was a personal battle of Wish I had just another day with you endurance where he absorbed whatever abuse his peers They can still attend dances, games, mass and rallies. sent his way. Roberts described it as a daily fight for Another project Dr. Horowitz is working But it’s my time, I have to leave survival and when asked if the Klan had ever threatened on is to find a way to broadcast JSerra Mass online I’ll miss you, it’s okay to grieve him he replied “not formally” with an easy smile. Try not to cry, I’ll see you again After completing his Junior year, the Governor But no one knows exactly when of Arkansas closed all high schools in Little Rock to I’m standing here, at heaven’s gate fight desegregation the next year. A year after that, The Do your best to live without regret all schools in Little Rock were formally desegregated Paw Print Remember it’s never to late without major incident. Roberts completed his Staff And don’t ever forget senior year at his old school, then went on to go to Natalie Baker Chris Nguyen college and earn a doctorate in Psychology. Brooke Barnidge Noah Ortiz Like a star in the sky, shinning on There is a general presumption that Junior Whitney Braeutigam Matt Parker I’ll be watching, though I’m gone year is the hardest year of High school; For Dr. Terrence Joe Donovan Sean Robb When you need help. Or lost your way Roberts, it was the hardest of his life but it was a battle Elizabeth Ford Leah Sears Look up at me, think of what I’d say fought and won. His Junior year at school became Robbie Goe Jessica Sitton Kathryn Jones Derek Tademy more than a fight for college-worthy scores, it became I’m okay, I’m walking through the gate Bryan Maldonado Taylor Williamson I have to go now, it just can’t wait a fight for his life and for the lives of future generations, Ryan Male Katie Yaru Thank you for everything, it was worth the while so that they would have equal opportunity. It is for Jenae McDonald Samantha Zuck After I’m gone, it’s okay to smile him and the other eight students’ sacrifices that this Chandler Nason Mr. Jeff Kahl, Advisor reporter is personally grateful for. Page Two Campus Ministry

Peru Club Helps...Peru A Family More On April 9, 2011, the students were free to clean up after their work Than a Class forty-two JSerra students, shift. Most would lounge around the area they were along with Father Damien staying in, playing cards or reading. Some would play 5th period, 1st and other chaperons, soccer with the local kids in the giant room off the semester, Campus Ministry embarked on a journey to dormitories. broke the pre-notion that the beautiful country of Kyle Shackleford, the president of the Peru you must mask your feelings Peru. This group of students club, said, “For me, the most surprising thing was at school. Taking a group completed the construction how much we managed to accomplish within such of about 20 kids with the of 13 homes and helped a short period of time. The group this year was so common ground of a love by Samantha Zuck teach in the local school. passionate and willing to help in whichever way they for Christ and creating In total the kids completed can. It was amazing to see what an incredible impact a bond of joy, love, and over a hundred and twenty hours of work. we can make to such an amazing place.” Kyle also by Jenae McDonald prayer that still to this day Other activities that the students is unbreakable. As well as helped with were delivering clothes/food/ being there for each other through the different donations, painting a women’s shelter for struggles life brings, we carried our love for Christ people who have undergone domestic outside of the classroom. violence, and taking the children out to see Spending countless days preparing for the their first movie ever. freshman retreat we bonded together by sharing Thanks to Father Joe, who invites the message of salvation and hope with others. JSerra students back each year, they were able to stay said that, “It was such a blessing to have Fr. Damien Our teachers were Miss Gibson and Francis, but in the local Church before they set out each day. Most on the trip with us. He brought an incredible spiritual they were more than just teachers. They were our days consisted of three meals, along with two working contribution to the trip, and was truly able to impact leaders. They enriched my faith in so many ways and shifts. After work the students went to daily Mass everyone’s lives and do such great work while he I am sure if you ask anyone else they would say the in Spanish, followed by different evening activities, was down there. I can honestly tell you that the trip same. Everyday I could feel the Holy Spirit when I such as fiestas or movie nights. During down time wouldn’t have been the same without him.” walked into class. We grew together as friends and left as brothers and sisters in Christ. With all of my heart I recommend this class to any Junior who is looking for an elective next year. I challenge you to take a leap of faith and sign Choir Sings for the Pope up to join. This class started my senior year off right. It started it off with God and gave me the best of Over Spring break pilgrimage to the Holy sights with Father Vincent. relationships with people I hardly knew. this year, the JSerra Choir had The group had the opportunity to have Father V. as the amazing opportunity to go a tour guide to all the Holy spots he remembered to Italy to sing for the Pope. and visited when he lived in Rome. Not many people get to say Mr. Alvarez said, “It was neat to see him in Thomas Awiapu they sang for the Pope in Italy his element. He was so joyful and excited to share but our JSerra Choir can. the venues with the parents and kids.” by Mr. Kahl Father Vincent They had a combined concert with La After listening to Thomas Awiapu at our shared a little bit on the trip Cañada and San Marino High School. They went to school assembly in March a question formed in my by Katie Yaru at mass one day and told us one mass a day and sang in two (the one in St. Peters mind. He had marveled at our electricity, running all about how they sang almost everywhere they Basilica and Santa Maria Maggore Cathedral, which water and the abundance of our food. He had also went and graced people with their beautiful sound. is the Cathedral Tim Bush is helping to refurbish). cringed at how much food we waste, witnessing our Talking to Mr. Alvarez about the trip was great; he But what was great was that they were able to sing school trash cans after lunch. He had seen both still seemed very excited about everything that had in six concerts. And I can only imagine how fun it parents and two of his brothers die from malnutrition. gone on and it was cool to hear all the stories. He must have been and beautiful it must have sounded. As a child he would cry at night from hunger. had many highlights about the trip and told me a Mr. Alvarez seemed very proud of his kids Catholic Ministries helped save Thomas little bit about each. and exclaimed with much truth, “They performed and children like him, “bribing” him with food, or “Well, definitely, the greatest highlight was incredibly well, it was a little shaky in the very beginning, “snacks” as the volunteers had called it, in exchange singing for the Pope, it was just so inspiring to be but by the middle of the trip they were in great shape. for attending their village school. The snack had been able to be so close to him.” And they were extremely well behaved.” a simple bowl of wheat mixed with a bit of water. They sang in St. Peter’s Square right in the Daniel Vasquez stated, “What I got out of As Thomas was leaving the JSerra Pavilion middle on the steps. During that terrific performance the whole trip was that I felt the whole choir group I caught up with him and asked my question. “Was they blessed all with the beautiful song “Ave Maria” in became closer and more like a family. Also I grew there a concept of God in your village before Russian, as well as Latin. He also said another really in my faith and I know other members of the choir Catholic Ministries arrived?” great part of the trip was singing at the Pantheon. would agree with me.” “There was tribal lore,” he said, “spirit “It became like a flash mob. There is an The tour guide that took around the choir beings.” opening in the middle of the area, in the dome part, so stated how great they were because most people He had described looking at the full moon I had the kid’s circle up in the lighted area and start to go to Italy to “take” and look at all the places and as child, so I asked a follow-up question. “When you sing ‘Ave Maria.’ It was very loud in there, and as they then leave, but our choir came and gave back with looked at that full moon did you ponder creation?” started to sing it became quieter and quieter, into a their music. And that is what all JSerra students “No,” he said, “I wondered where I was silence. And everyone crowded around them and was should remember and strive to do. We should give going to find food.” taking pictures. After, people started clapping and four and not just take. I think our choir should be very Mr. Everett reminded me that, according Italian women came up to the choir in tears because proud and our school should congratulate them for to Aristotle, luxuries such as philosophy, art—even they were so moved by hearing the kids sing.” getting to be a part of this great honor and proving religion—are afforded only when a society has attained Another highlight out of many was the JSerra can give back and be a great school. leisure. A sobering thought, here, in the OC. Opinion

The opinions expressed here are those of the student journalist. They do not reflect the views of the JSerra faculty, staff or administration. Art Needs Heart Applying to If I could change one am not a complete “drama geek” and hate sports. I thing about JSerra I would played volleyball for three years and loved it. I am just College change the involvement in the saying it would have been nice if they already had a Graduating Seniors Offer Arts Department. At first JSerra theater (since now we have to use the small supply partnered with CCA (California of money we get on trying to find a nice venue) and a Bit of Advice Conservatory of the Arts). But a steadiness to try and build up the arts as well. When applying to those days are gone. After Cinderella this year, which was a big hit college in the fall there are We have a huge facility and received many outstanding reviews by students, some things that you, the for sports that in reality did faculty, and Cappie Award members, they all stated that current juniors, should be by Katie Yaru not have to be so big. Instead it was such a great show but a shame we didn’t have a aware of. of spending all of the money real theater to top it all off and make it even better. Senior Kaitlin on that, they could have spared a bit to build a small People feel that sports are great and that O’Hara said, “I can think of theater. They didn’t really think ahead of how they drama/musical theater does nothing for people a few practical things, like would build up that very important department. besides being weird and then randomly breaking out starting early and being To many students involved in the arts, in song. But to us, we know it is much more than that. by Samantha Zuck organized, but the number looking at the huge sports facility makes us feel as if Musical theater—all of the arts—makes people feel one advice I would have is they don’t care about the arts and thought the only emotion, and I love being part of that. I love being don’t apply to a school you know you won’t go to.” way to build the school was to attract new students able to take people, along with myself, out of the Then you won’t be wasting about $60 in with sports, which is true, but they could also crazy world we live in and just enjoy and have a good transcript requests, sending your SAT/ACT scores, broaden the horizons and get more arts students if time being able to live in someone else’s world for an as well as paying for the application, which can add they were to have a good arts program. hour or two. I feel it is what makes this world more up to $50. On top of wasting money you will also be I know we are a private school and not a interesting and shows people a good time. applying to a college that you will not be happy at. If conservatory type, like OSCHA. But there are some It is sad to me that people don’t think about you don’t feel happy at the school, if you don’t feel a things that the founders could have thought about. this. Slowly, I hope the school will figure this out and connection, then there is no reason to apply. Sports take a while to build, so far it has been going give graces to all the arts programs and build them Mrs. Murphy main advice for the juniors is, fine, but some of the sports are still not up to the up and show that arts are a very important part of “It is really important to find a college that is a good rankings of some D1 schools and it will take time life. So come on JSerra lets have commitment and fit. There isn’t a best college, only a college that is to build, get athletes, and get to that point. Now I support the arts! good for you. Visit!” Another piece of advice that senior Kyle Shackelford has is, “start your essays early. A lot of them [juniors] are enrolled in Miss Carter’s AP Cell Phones CIF Rules Unfair? English Literature class, and after taking the AP exam they really won’t have anything to do. I’d use If I could change In chatting with that time to get advice from Miss Carter, who could one thing about JSerra, it Eric Zhang, a foreign definitely help them.” would be their policy on cell exchange student, we came Starting the essay early means that it is one phones during school hours. across the discussion of less thing to worry about come the fall when school Cell phones are not allowed the CIF rules. Eric, a great starts again. Trying to write your college essay while indoors during school hours tennis player, was forced to trying to finish your math homework will not work. on penalty of confiscation play Junior Varsity this year, It just makes you confused and your essay suffers. and/or detention, not to which was questionable You should also have your essay read over by mention fines. There are because he plays at a Varsity another person that knows you well. The UC essay by Ryan Male understandable reasons for by Bryan Maldonado level. is also different from the common application essay; this being an offense. The CIF rules for go to the workshop that JSerra provides in order to Using cellular devices can be an enormous a foreign exchange student states that he or she learn how to construct your UC essay. distraction firstly, and secondly, it’s rude ignoring cannot play at a Varsity level for the first year they Taking the ACT or SAT at the end of your teachers and classes to text John Doe about his attend the school. From Eric’s standpoint he might junior year helps you make a decision on what test generic name. Of course, most importantly, because only be attending the school for one year and that you should take. By taking each one, you can then most students carry the 1970 James Bond’s dream one year has been robbed from him because he figure out which one you are better at. Then you gadget in their pocket, cheating becomes quite easy can’t play for the Varsity team. can take the test again in the fall. This is just another for those that dare. Eric isn’t the only foreign exchange way of relieving stress from the application process. So there is a dilemma: how can evil cellular student that this has happened to. Many have Another advantage to taking the SAT/ACT at the use be stopped...without invading a teenager’s been “dubbed down” to a lower standard. A end of the year is that you can apply early action to privacy? The fact is, JSerra students will use their great amount of talent could be added to each a school, which means that you hear a decision long cell phones no matter what the consequences sport, but instead it’s being thrown away because before your fellow peers. solicit. They may use their phones out of objective of these CIF rules. The whole college process is stressful urgency, or they may use their phones out of proud Eric told me himself that he feels “cheated” and doing something to relieve the pressure is an defiance, but either way, their phones will be used. and that his ability to play isn’t at a Junior Varsity advantage to you. A few other pieces of advice include: There are two ways to handle this: disable level—it’s a Varsity level. He always volunteers remembering deadlines, applying to scholarships, all AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile satellites...or just himself to play for the Varsity team whenever asking for letters of recommendations (NOW), and leave the issue alone. Everything a kid can do on they are short but even then the rules cannot be starting your resume. Basically, the best favor that I his phone, he or she can pretty much do on their overturned for any circumstance. can give you is to start the whole college process computer, which is allowed in class. It is also a All in all, if this small part of the CIF rules early. Start now and in the summer, when you have hypocritical policy when some teachers enforce it were to be changed everyone would benefit from nothing else that you need to do, so you won’t be strictly and others don’t enforce it at all. this including the students and the sports program. one of the students stressing out in the fall. Opinion Opinion

Applying to We Are Lions? The Epidemic When I think school benefit to the raise of school spirit. With aDJ “In the beginning College spirit, I think excitement, performing at lunch, students will all come together God created the Heavens fun, games, and pride. I as one and enjoy themselves and be proud of where and the Earth” (Genesis 1:1) feel as though JSerra has they are and whom they represent. Adding exciting school spirit to a certain perks like this will make students proud to be Lions, At the start of the extent but we are definitely which will increase our school spirit. Having more Bible, the most important lacking in this area and could pep rallies and perhaps having holiday pep rallies book in the world, God tremendously improve for would be a new and good idea. Having a Thanksgiving, begins by stating that with the better! Christmas, or Easter pep rally would get everyone his own hands he created by Jenae McDonald by Brooke Barnidge When we play SM in in the holiday spirit and make everyone happy. the Heavens and the Earth. any sport, everyone is there, Another awesome way to promote school God for the time being has ready for the black out and our school is going spirit throughout the entire school might be getting given us all the beautiful creations of the Earth for wild; but besides that, the participation in attending all the students, teachers, and administration involved our enjoyment. We have been given a wonderful school athletic events is in desperate need of in designing T-shirts. Teachers set the example and privilege, gift, blessing and power to do with the improvement. are some of the most significant leaders at the world what we want, and with that comes the cliché School dances are also not getting the school who guide us to become involved with JSerra but extremely accurate response “with power recognition they deserve. JSerra students would activities. comes great responsibility.” We have been given rather attend other high schools’ dances and not As Mr. Frank Talarico said, “School spirit by God the responsibility to respect and love his ours. What is wrong with this picture? How do we starts with the teachers in the classroom.” creation by taking care of everything in it. fix this? How do we improve the overall school So we agree that the teachers should as Over the generations and generations of spirit at JSerra Catholic High School? well be involved in the T-shirt activity because they people, the earth and much of its natural resources I sat down with school President, Frank initiate school spirit. Each grade level would have have been used up, the ocean has been polluted, Talarico, and Vice Principal of Student Services, a meeting as a class to discuss what their class forests have been depleted, animals have lost their Donna Vandenberg, to discuss their opinions on ways T-shirt would say and what the design of it would homes (many going distinct) and the precious air we we can change our school spirit for the better. be. Each T-shirt would have a meaning behind it and breath is being polluted as we speak, just to name a We agreed a new and significant way be significant to the class designing it. The teachers few issues. we can improve our school spirit is by getting a and the administration would do the exact same To focus on one topic specifically, the quality marching band to perform at games and during pep thing. At the end of the year, there would be a tally of our precious oxygen has been going down for years rallies. Having a marching band would increase our of the class who wore their class T-shirt the most since the invention of the automobile. The invincible enrollment and also increase the amount of people and represented their class the best. The class who emission of gas has emitted considerable amounts of who attend the games. wins will receive something significant for having the carbon, slowly but surely, reducing the quality of the A color guard team and a drill team, in most school spirit! In addition, everyone on campus air we breathe. Combining with the negative affects addition to a marching band, would be even better. should have a jeans day every Friday to make it more of our carbon emission, the increase of building It would take time to develop but it would be worth of a special event. has resulted in deforestation. Deforestation or the it and have great long-term benefits. We are one of Vice Principal Donna Vandenberg also cutting down of trees has limiting the amount of the only few high schools that do not have a band reminds us, “I welcome any input or ideas from the oxygen being emitted in the air. Just by mere day to and I think having a band would significantly increase students. They are always welcome to come by my day living, we are increasingly lowering our air quality; our school spirit! office and talk.” She wants to hear your ideas and the one vitality to human life. Having a DJ come to our school once a what you would like to do to make JSerra the best One may ask what can we do about this? month to perform at lunch we could see as a true experience for you! A car is a necessity to travel and have any form of independence. It is unrealistic to say we will stop driving cars all together; our entire society is built around the car. Without taking the car out altogether, Weekend in Vegas the one thing we can do is drive a car that does Sparkles? Check. clueless as a I lost myself in the sea of rhinestones. I also not emit so much carbon. A fairly new invention Uniforms in pristine admit, prior to Vegas, my feelings towards those who has brought about the smart car. The smart car is condition? Check. Overly participated in cheer and dance were saturated with a electrically charged and therefore is in no need of exaggerated smiles? Check. bitter attitude. In my mind, neither of these qualified as gas or the emission of gas to run efficiently. We need Stunts down to a tee? Check. actual sports and both only pertained to girls. to be smart and help our environment in which we Two weeks ago, in But then there I was, seated at the front of the live in and our children and their children’s children eight locations through out stage, anxiously waiting for Surf’s final performance of the will live in and call their home. The smart car will the United States, thousands competition season. At precisely 12:47pm, the emcee reduce our carbon emission considerably and make of cheer and dance teams called upon the girls and Surf made their way to the our precious air clean. Although, the smart car will by Kathryn Jones competed for top honors and main stage. From this single opportunity, I saw these girls be a huge change for society, change is good, and those coveted white jackets, worked effortlessly throughout the entire season, despite God’s beautiful creation need it. which declare the winners in their respective division. others quitting only hours before prior competitions. It I found myself at one of these eight competitions, was obvious why Surf got that bid for nationals. The US finals, in the heart of Las Vegas at the Palazzo But now it came down to ONE performance, Letters to the Editor convention center, amongst teams from Arizona, with only ONE shot and three minutes to shine. To me, The Paw Print welcomes reader feedback and the free California, Maine, Nevada, New York, Texas and even the team’s moment in the spotlight went down with out exchange of ideas. Please keep your opinions brief and to three level-five teams from New Zealand. a hitch. Although I went into this particular weekend with the point to be considered for publication. All letters must I know what you’re thinking, and no I wasn’t a narrow-minded stance—to support Surf at The US contain your full name and grade level, or if a non-student, your full name and city of residence. Submissions must be there to compete. I merely tagged along to support my Finals—I learned that this sport is more than drama and e-mailed to Mr. Kahl at [email protected] with a subject cousin and her level-two team, California Surf. To be physical appearance, but about dreams, and accomplishing heading of “Letters to the Editor.” perfectly honest, I know nothing about all-star cheer and goals and ultimately getting to the final destination. Profiles

Bella Schuster What Does Bella Schuster is a recommended JSerra for me. We came to the school Schulte Really Do? sophomore foreign exchange and we decided that it was the best school around.” student from Vienna, Austria. Are you able to still continue your Justin Schulte is the She is not only an amazing practicing, despite the academic demand JSerra puts admissions assistant at JSerra, student and athlete, but also on students? tieing together all of the loose an exceptional person. She “First semester, it was really hard for me, but ends in JSerra’s admissions was born in Germany, raised since then, I changed my schedule second semester so department. He is truly the in Austria, fluent in German, I could skate later and longer; it’s been much better. man behind the scenes. and is also a Junior Every day when I skate I come to school at Justin is in charge of the Shadowing program, by Elizabeth Ford Olympic champion 9:40 am.” ice skater. When did you start training for ice which involves pairing a When asked the difference skating? by Matt Parker seventh or eighth grader between the United States and Austria “When I was six and a half. I was in a with a JSerra student. The was, she responded, “ In Austria, mostly little group learning how to skate with other goal of this program is to give students and parents everyone takes trains and subways to get to little kids; I just continued and got better and a comfortable feel for JSerra and our community, places, which, I guess, makes students more better.” and to show them why they should choose us over independent. The whole school system is Why ice skating? any other school. different. You don’t switch classes; you stay “I liked it from the very beginning and We also have a new bus program that Shulte in the same classroom the whole day. It’s just enjoyed doing it more than anything else.” is a huge part of. It’s for kids that do not have a steady just an entire different culture.” What competitions for ice skating ride to school everyday from Newport Beach, Aliso As anyone can imagine, it takes have you participated in? Viejo, and, coming soon, Coto De Caza, providing a great courage to come to a foreign country “I am competing internationally, so safe ride to school anytime these kids need it. which you are unfamiliar with in regards to in many different countries and different Justin graduated from Chapman University the language, people, traditions, and culture. competitions.” with a B.S. degree, majoring in finance and real estate One who is open enough to conquer What’s the best part of being a and getting his minor in communication. While still their fears and expand their horizons and Junior Olympic Ice Skater? a full time student, Schulte became a football coach views toward other countries deserves “The most amazing part was when it here at JSerra in the spring of 2009. recognition for their fortitude at such a young age. was my first competition and it wasn’t just figure skating “I loved playing football so much, and I thought When asked how she was liking JSerra but a combination of all winter sports, and we walked in I could give back to the younger kids of the sport.” Catholic High School, she said “It’s good. I’ve made together while waving the flag representing our country.” Although Justin planned on finishing college, great friends here.” What awards have you won so far? inspired to be a wealth manager but the market And how did JSerra enter your life? “I have won twenty five competitions. Among shockingly crashed with only six months left in his “Well…when I first came to California we these were Greek Champion 1st place, European Criterium college years, leaving him jobless in the finance world. went to the Ice Rink in Aliso Viejo and the people there 3rd place, Meran 1st place, and Budapest 1st place.” Starting as a football coach, he worked his way into the admissions department, showing determination towards the betterment of JSerra. “I worked for three months in the athletic Ugly Paint, Not So Ugly department as an intern; the initiative I showed sparked the interest of Andy Sulick in the admissions to the People department.” Justin began in admissions in October of The Paw Print sat down with Matthew Swedo, a Sophomore drummer 2009, and his first project consisted of helping run here at JSerra High School. Recently his band, “Ugly Paint,” won Southern California’s the annual golf tournament, as well as Casino Night, Peoples Choice Award. I was interested how they won this prestigious award. which all went very smoothly, thanks to Justin. “We had a number in which you could text and vote. So we had friends, “Working at JSerra has changed my life family members and fans especially text in a vote and we won the most votes.” for the better,” says Justin. “I get to interact with a With such success, vast diversity within the parents and students, and it was clear this wasn’t some have very much enjoyed coming across many future ordinary garage band. leaders. It has enriched my knowledge of personal “I’ve been in the touch, and customer service, which enabled me to by Noah Ortiz band in for five years now; expand and enhance my people skills.” I met them through Little Justin shares his JSerra career with many League. Our lead singer, Adam, was on my Little close friends he has made along the way, whether it League baseball team. Most of us go to the same be a colleague or a student that has just graduated. school, or live in the same school district.” Schulte, in many people’s eyes, is the “big man” on With such success they must have found the perfect way of writing. Matthew told us that, “We took inspiration campus, never ceasing to make a student or teacher from Tenacious D in the sense that we play one chord and just build from there until we have a perfect song.” laugh due to his loud and uplifting sense of humor, Ugly Paint isn’t some fresh-faced band; these kids have been at hard work since the beginning, or just simply being himself. building relationships with other bands in the local area. Justin Schulte is an extremely important “We usually play with ‘The Dreams,’ which is another youth band here in Orange County, as well as member of the JSerra family, and always will be, as the “Raymies”, but they might have broken up. I’m not completely sure.” he will always be a baseball and football coach in the They couldn’t, however, do this alone. “Our manager, the loving father of Adam, he has been a eyes of all the athletes at JSerra. Justin is a prime great manager and helped us throughout the years. He’s helped us learn songs, helped us book shows. We example of what a positive attitude, determination wouldn’t be where we are without him. But the people have spoken.” and hard work can do for you, as he continues to I asked if we there was a possibility for new music. “Were going into the studio soon, we have some make JSerra a better place for students, teachers, new original songs that are worth recording.” families, and everyone else involved. Profiles Entertainment

What Does Your HOLYscope Talent Show... Schulte Really Do? Now THAT’S an The Covenant • January The Cross • July Symbolism: The promise Symbolism: Represents victory and glory Understatement between God and his through Jesus’ suffering on the cross. people in practicing As hard as it is, try to keep in mind, W.W.J.D. (what On May 5, 2011, JSerra Christian-like behavior. would Jesus do), apply it to your everyday life. God held its annual Talent show, Do not give up on your goals tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves above all showcasing some of the finest this month. By persevering in things. Practice patience and perseverance because talent amongst JSerra students. everything you do, praying to it will help you in the future in the hardest of times. The night, hosted by the Fine God, and having hope, you will God does not just give us strength when we ask for Arts Department, was a by Whitney Braeutigam achieve your desires. You could it; instead, he gives us opportunities to be strong. celebration shared by students, be rewarded in your hard work their families, faculty, and and God’s assistance would help you greatly with your The Lamb • August administration alike...a great troubles in life. Believe in his grace and be thankful Symbolism: The lamb was used as sacrifice by Noah Ortiz Cinco de Mayo feast of song, for everything in your life. Show the kindness in your during Passover. Jesus, in the same way, was also dance, comedy and poetry! heart and dismiss all your distractions that may be sacrificed. The acts ranged from skits to rock holding you back from ultimate success. Be grateful for the education with which you are bands, from classical piano to ukuleles. Even the blessed. A lot of other children are not as fortunate as Faculty Band added to the fun. This show not only The Ark • February you so make sure to take advantage of your learning showcased group talent but individual talent, as well. Symbolism: The Ark relates to the Church’s opportunities. God blesses you with the ability to learn. The highlights were many. altar, embodying three levels of structure. Have faith in God and do not forget Him. Gabrielle Sergeant, a freshmen here at JSerra, May our heavenly Father shower his graces upon performed solo with an acoustic guitar, offering a you. Work especially hard to incorporate them in The Vine • September heartfelt rendition of “Mean,” by Taylor Swift. It was your job, school, or even in social affairs. We meet Symbolism: The vine harvests the grapes remarkable how well she played the guitar and, not people everyday and fail to realize what is going on that are made into the wine that is consecrated only that, that girl has some pipes! She placed 3rd. in their life. Make an effort to really get to know the into Jesus’ blood. Bianca Solorzano (Senior) Marina Hanna people you meet this month because your kindness It may be difficult to stay out of other people’s (Senior) and Helena Caridel-Stevens (Junior) also tied could make their day that much better. problems, especially if you like helping to solve them. for 3rd place with their medley performance honoring God encourages us to be kind and compassionate to jazz great Etta James. These girls have a future in jazz; The Pelican • March everyone around us, but sometimes it may be better not only did they blow away the crowd with their Symbolism: A Christian symbol of self-sacrifice to focus on your own problems first. Be considerate vocals but gave a lasting tribute to Etta James. by which the pelican feeds its young its own of other people’s problems. It may not seem much “Revival,” a rock band featuring seniors Jono blood by wounding itself. but showing a simple smile could help make their Evans, Noah Ortiz and lead singer, Merrisa Fernandez, There are some times where you feel great and some day better. tied for that 3rd spot, as well. Merrisa’s strong, clear times where you feel not so great. Whether God is vocal, combined with powerful instrumental backing, testing your true strength, all things will eventually get The Lily • October made for a dynamic performance. They had practiced easier. As hard as it might be to stay strong and see Symbolism: The three pedals on this flower only a handful of times the previous day, Merrisa the positives, that is exactly what you need to do. stand for The Father, The Son and The having been in Italy, singing Holy Spirit. Purity with the choir. The Anchor • April Relationships are extremely important in life. God, first The 2nd-place winner Symbolism: Signifies hope for our salvation of all, should have the strongest relationship with you was a little-known face and staying strong in your faith. because he will help you through the toughest times in at JSerra. Monica Kinney May God bless you this month with his peace and joy. life when everyone else seems to give up on you. Your (Junior) was, hands down, the God will shine on your family and friendships. Your family should equally always be there for you like God, most surprising act. She is work and school could benefit from your happiness by they want you to succeed in life. new to JSerra (arriving Spring making your good moods reflect your projects. Keep semester), and looks so shy remembering God does everything for a reason; He The Star • November around school but man, when loves us unconditionally. Symbolism: The three wise men used the star of she gets on stage, this girl has Bethlehem to find Jesus Christ. the voice of an angel! She gave The Turtledove • May We all have goals that we wish to accomplish, and it an outstanding performance Symbolism: A symbol in the Christian faith of is not the easiest getting started. Take this message as by playing the ukulele and fidelity because the turtledove stays faithful to one motivation to begin whatever you wish to achieve. Do singing “The Tide is High” by mate for a whole lifetime. not get side tracked with material objects that may 70’s artist, Blondie. Focus on your school projects because God may test stray you away from your ultimate goal of success. The 1st-place winners, your strength. Like all things, nothing comes easy and The smallest things may be the most amazing gifts to no one’s surprise, were bumps in the road prepare you for the future. Your that God blesses us with. “Ugly Paint,” a local band faith in God you will get through the stressful times. around Orange County (see Monica Kinney The Shell • December accompanying spotlight on the The Grape • June Symbolism: The scallop shell-shaped dish is used in Profiles page). This band has a promising future; the Symbolism: Fruitful and glad. The grapes are the sacrament of Baptism to pour water over the kids range from 12 to 16 years of age and are playing also used to make the wine that is consecrated heads of those being baptized. shows as if they were 23. They got the crowd, ranging into the blood of our Lord. Above all the sins, Gluttony and Sloth appear to from the young to the old, MOVING!!! They played a You might be yearning for an answer to something or be two among seven of the most deadly. Without 3-song set to end the show and are playing the House may be just flat out confused. Pray to God and He will even knowing, we could be committing these sins by of Blues on May 11. guide you in the right directions. Whether it’s through a over indulging in the many desires of our world. By Remember, don’t be afraid of showing the friend or even a stranger, God will show you the way. practice lazy habits, we commit the sin of Sloth. world what you got! Showcase what God gave you! Sports

Swimmers are What Makes a Academic Champs Team Successful? The term scholar athlete has come to mean a lot over What makes a team weakness, is now a huge strength.” the years and generally is a term successful? Well, to answer this When speaking about this former weakness, used to coin an exceptional question I considered one of Coach Kay seemed proud and impressed. He spoke athlete who also does well in JSerra’s most successful sport about the need to overcome weaknesses and to play school. However, in the case teams. JSerra varsity baseball with confidence. Especially in baseball, a sport of ups and of the swim team, it has come is currently ranked third in downs, there is almost always something to work on. to mean the reverse. CIF, third in the county, fifth in In reference to the team’s weaknesses, Coach Mary McLaughlin southern California, and fifth Coach Kay said, “We thought our offense was going by Joe Donovan always said, “We are scholars in the nation. According to to be very strong. At times it definitely has been, first, then athletes. Our boys by Jessica Sitton Varsity Head Coach, Brett Kay, but at times, it has been weak. Baseball is a sport of team at JSerra are not only phenomenal athletes, success in baseball cannot be fluxuation. You hope to stay on that even keel. You but amazing young men.” accredited to one thing, but team unity is the beginning go back and forth on what your strengths are and Perhaps this is why the Boys Swim Team on the road to a successful team. what your weaknesses are.” received the title of CIF Southern Section All-Academic When asked about just how Again, with this constant champions. What this means is that, with an averaged important unity in a team is, Coach Kay need for betterment in baseball, a GPA of 3.808, that the JSerra Boys Swim Team has the responded saying, “We want unity. You team’s weakness one day can be a highest average GPA in the entirety of the CIF Southern want players to be together. There’s team’s strength the next. That is one Section and all schools that fall into that category. always going to be some tough days, of the things that makes baseball The JSerra Boys Swim Team is to be honored but most often this team gets along. such a difficult sport. This fluxuation at Angel Stadium for their accomplishments. You know there are probably some is also a task, in and of itself, because players on every team who dislike a player must be able to stay positive each other, but it doesn’t matter if and confident through these ups and you like each other or don’t like each downs. One bad at-bat can’t affect the Quidditch other, you have to get along.” rest of your game. Varsity Baseball Coach, Brett Kay There is a new He refers to these tough “The minute you let negativity sport flying around JSerra— times or dislikes as one of the most difficult issues creep into your mind then you start playing with a the Quidditch club, which is that a sport team must overcome. It cannot throw little more negativity or doubt and then you go out in its first year as a club at you off your game. This need for unity does not and you show doubt in your performance.” our school. Quidditch is a apply only to baseball, but any team sport. Coach Kay talked about confidence in life sport that has been gaining “You have to move forward and go through and how it doesn’t matter what you are doing. momentum as a sport trials and tribulations together as a team. If you Whether you are going to ask a girl out or you popular among high school have any individuals on the team, you are going to are facing a ninety-four mile per hour pitcher, his and college students. lose,” said Coach Kay. question for each situation was, “How are you going by Sean Robb Q u i d d i t c h He seemed optimistic when asked about the to approach it? With confidence or with doubt?” originates from the popular current team’s status on unity and their season as a This year’s team is going strong. They have book series, Harry Potter. Because there is no such whole. He said that they began as an underdog because a won both of the two tournaments they competed thing as flying broom sticks or other magical items, large chunk of last year’s starting players have graduated, in, the Newport Elks tournament and the Anaheim college students were forced to modify the game fit but are beginning to prove themselves as a team. Lions tournament. They are currently 8-3 in League for muggles. Coach Kay said, “Well, at first, pitching was a and 19-4 overall. In the book, the golden snitch is a small big concern. We didn’t know. Keaton Siomkin (Senior) Coach Kay seemed extremely confident in golden ball that flies around the field at an intense was the only guy coming back. So we knew that wasn’t his team, and when asked about how he will feel, speed while making it very difficult for the “seeker” a strength because it was just Keaton. But behind that regarding wins and losses this year he said, “Whether (one position different from all the other positions we had no idea. Trevor Charpie (Junior) has stepped you win or lose, life goes on, but the relationships on the field) to catch it. In muggle quidditch the up, Bobby Hearn (Junior) has stepped up. Tanner Bily that I’ve had with these kids has been pretty special golden snitch is played by a person dressed in yellow (Junior) has stepped up. So now pitching, which was a and that is what I hold on to.” wearing flags that are used in flag football. The seeker must separate a flag from the snitch in order to win Pep Squad Competition the game. These rules may seem confusing but when I On March 26th at the last rally. They did great and got 5th place in asked JSerra quidditch player Noah Ortiz on the game the JSerra Varsity, JV, and their division. They also showed great support for all he replied, “At the first the rules are complicated Freshman Cheer teams, the other teams, even their competition, so they won but like any other sport you pick it up pretty fast.” as well as the Varsity Song the best spirit award out of the whole competition. Noah plays beater on the team. “Beater is definitely team, competed in the In the afternoon, Varsity Song competed. a more defensive position but like any sport there is SHARP International State They were spectacular and won 2nd place for their a learning curve.” Championships at Knott’s pom routine, which you also saw performed at the The quidditch team scheduled their Berry Farm. spring rally. They also individually won 1st and 2nd only match against San Juan Hills in March but, In the morning cheer place in upperclassmen “best turns,” 1st place for unfortunately, had to forfeit because only one by Leah Sears shined and won some great underclassmen “best turns,” 1st and 2nd place for student from JSerra showed up. awards The Freshman Cheer upperclassmen “best kicks,” and 2nd and 3rd place “Eventually,” said Noah, “I think it will team dominated and won 1st in their division. The for upperclassmen “best leaps.” Congratulations to become popular in high school. It will take about JV and Varsity Cheer teams combined their squads the entire pep squad for all their accomplishments two or three years for it to turn into something the to make one team, performing their amazing routine and hard work! students want to be part of.”