The Accolade focuses on unknown elements of pressure for students at Sunny Hills. Turn to pages 4-10 to learn more. NOAH SOMPHONE, Editor-in-Chief JANA YI, Managing Editor

ROSIE JANG, Web Editor-in-Chief TIFFANY LEE, Web Managing Editor

CAMRYN PAK, News Editor KIHOON KIM, Opinion Editor MINJI KIM, Co-Feature Editor ALLISON LOUIE, Co-Feature Editor MICHELLE BUCKLEY, Co-Entertainment Editor AUDREY JO, Co-Entertainment Editor JANA YI, Co-Sports Editor NOAH SOMPHONE, Co-Sports Editor Dear Reader, ROSIE JANG, Co-Copy Editor CHRISTINE CHOI, Co-Copy Editor Well first off, you’re probably wondering why it took us so long to publish -an KELVIN CHUNG, Business Manager other issue. Sorry about that — we wanted our content to be as amazing as pos- MEGAN SHIN, Photo Editor sible. But this time, it’s in the form of this magazine. JAIME PARK, Graphics Editor RACHEL KIM, Assistant Graphics Editor Our staff has worked incredibly hard on this, delving deeper and deeper into SHINE LEE, Assistant News Editor topics that they themselves never had to cover. Major props to them. This entire ALEX PARK, Assistant Opinion Editor project took us almost three months. ANNIE CHOI, Photographer KIMBERLY MORALES, Photographer We also want to thank my parents and the parents of Michelle Buckley, Chris- ERIN LEE, Artist tine Choi, Hanna Oltman, Tiffany Lee and Camryn and Tyler Pak. Without KAREN LEE, Artist them, none of this would have been possible. PAUL YOO, Webmaster/IMS Driector EMILY CHOI, Web Videographers This magazine isn’t the first one published in Sunny Hills’ history. Actually,The PHOEBE SAKHRANI, Web Videographers Accolade used to publish a magazine in the ‘70s, and we’ve “revived” this me- dium. Hopefully, it becomes another tradition that carries on for years to come. Staff Reporters ISAAC CHOI, ANDREW HONG, HANNAH JEONG, LIRA JEONG, We decided the theme for this issue was going to be “Unknown.” We originally CHLOE LEE, LAUREN KIM, wanted to choose “Uncovered,” but that had too much of a “negative” stigma. AALIYAH MAGANA, HANNA OLTMAN, TYLER PAK, Instead, we’re celebrating the “unknown” differences, diversity and talents of the MEGAN SHIN, HANNAH YI student body (the ones we could find, at least). Adviser We also created a new section called “Focus.” On pages 4-10, we essentially TOMMY LI zoom in on four categories of pressure SH students face: the expectations from Unless specifically stated, advertisements in others to “keep up” with their ethnic cultures, the drive for academic success, The Accolade are inserted by commercial ventures the desire to cross the line with society’s rules and the struggle to free ourselves solely for informational purposes and not by of what our peers want from us. We hope this creates a comprehensive review of Sunny Hills High School. The Accolade what the subject really means to students on and off campus. will not print advertisements that violate school regulations or U.S. laws.

Finally, we spotlight the successes of other students whom many on campus The Accolade is produced by the might not have heard or read about. Did you know senior Riley Shea is ranked Advanced Journalism class of No. 10 in the national BMX rankings? Or how about junior Ian Estrada, who’s Sunny Hills High School on USA’s National Karate Junior team? These students are just a few you never (714) 626-4225 Copyright 2019 and printed by knew about, and there’s so much more. aPrintis (323) 265-1317 Enjoy.

Recognized this year and last year as the Best High School Newspaper of the 59th and 60th Southern Noah Somphone California Journalism Awards sponsored Editor-in-Chief by the L.A. Press Club. 2 4 focus The Accolade explores the different forms of peer pressure inside and outside of school. 11 feature Some students have unique talents and experiences you’ve never heard of. Here are their stories.

29 sports The Lancer men’s soccer team donates opinion their uniforms to a 27 school in Uganda. Here’s what vaping is like from an anonymous student perpsective. 22 teachers Through a Q & A format, SH instructors share some things about their off-campus lives.

3 FOCUS

Pressure is ____.

What is pressure? Is it your friends telling you to do illegal things or is it your parents, demanding that you receive perfect grades? It may even be different facets of your culture, as you strive to conform to the “normal” standard it sets. By gathering perspectives from other stu- dents, we take an in-depth look at all of these ideas. We also have per- sonal opinions from two members of our staff who share their views on the pressures they deal with. What do you think? Read on. 4 FOCUS Ethnic pressure — it’s real.

Whether you’re African-American, Asian, Hispanic or European, everyone experiences pressure to conform to cultural standards. We interview a diverse group of students to get their take on it.

TYLER PAK & — a staple phrase of his life Revolution, so they stuck to- college, McTigue said. NOAH SOMPHONE outside of school. gether,” he said. “Because of “It’s more about going into Everywhere — with his that, [my] mom pushes me to the medical or engineering in- Staff Reporter & Editor-in-Chief friends and loved ones — Mc- have Romanian friends.” dustry,” he said. “I’m going to Cum vrei, says senior Ryan Tigue hears two languages. However, his mother’s ex- follow that and do nursing.” McTigue as he answers his Yet, with it comes pressure to pectations didn’t stop at finding McTigue’s home experience mom’s call to wash the dishes. keep up with his culture. friends. In Romanian families is just a simple example of The phrase he speaks is Ro- “When Romanians came — in both Romania and Amer- many ethnic pressures students manian, loosely translated in to America, they didn’t have ica — the women stay home, face — some much heavier. English to mean, “as you wish” much after the Communist but men are expected to go to Although many students don’t

RACHEL KIM | theaccolade

feel like it’s essential to live up hang out so much, [so] you upbringing, he takes AP classes with education-driven parents. to those expectations, others need to stay home and study,’” where he’s frequently one of the “My parents pushed me to such as freshman Kristel Lac- Laceste said. few Mexican students with a take AP and honors courses, be este, who is of Filipino descent, However, some situations majority of Asians — typically in SAT camps and have a tutor think otherwise. are different; senior Mark Orte- called the “model minority.” most of my life,” Ortega said. “As an Asian, your fam- ga, who is Mexican-American, Ortega said although this brand He wants to show that mi- ily expect so much from you,” said his tightly knit family en- is detrimental, the label may norities aren’t their stereotypes. Laceste said. “They want you to couraged him to have a diverse come with professional privi- “I do always feel I should get all As, and my parents are group of friends who kept him leges that others don’t have. try harder and show that there’s really strict about hanging out open-minded about the world. “It’s no secret the world’s more to us,” he said. “I always with my friends, especially with “My friend group is all alike perception of [my ethnic group] try to live my life trying to rep- those of other ethnicities.” in that way, since we’re still all isn’t ideal, perceived as solely resent in a way a side of being Although she doesn’t spend the minority of the area,” Orte- blue collar workers,” Ortega Mexican-American that people too much time with friends, the ga said. “We’re all the same: said. “There isn’t as much mo- don’t usually see; I always live ninth-grader said her parents middle to upper middle class tivation in their communities to to present myself well without still restrict her from going out. people who aren’t all Korean.” strive for anything else.” losing who I am.” “They’ll be like, ‘Oh, you Motivated by his familial But that hasn’t been the case 5 FOCUS A(+)cademic stress At an award-winning school, you’d only expect to find even more award-seeking students.The Accolade interviews these students who face a hefty amount of academic pressure.

CHRISTINE CHOI & find a happy medium where I could balance aca- ROSIE JANG demics and fun,” he said. “Finally reaching se- nior year, I think I’ve found a way to maintain Copy Editor & Web Editor-in-Chief that balance between [academics and friends]; I An 89.9 grade in ___ class. Holding the nu- try to finish my homework earlier so that I can merous homework packets in hand and staring hang out with my friends.” at Khan Academy, half-dead at 3 a.m., you want Most students feel that the parental expecta- to sleep — the oh, so inviting sheets blanketed tions for them to get into a “good” college is one across your bed and the fluffed-up pillow waiting of the biggest push factors; for many, a good col- to take your stress away. lege equates to a successful life, as most parents But alas! There are still three more chapters emphasize. Junior Daniel Lee feels that he must of the textbook to go through. As the final test do better to live up to not only his parents’ expec- creeps up to date, you study, study, study — as if tations, but also his own to achieve this goal. there is no end. “As junior year came around, I knew I had to Whether it be from parents, teachers, friends focus more on school,” Lee said. “When I was a or even friends’ parents, the pressure continues freshman, I was very carefree and just had fun, to pummel through the heart — the B grade is al- disregarding my parents’ lectures.” most unacceptable to some students, as they feel Like many others, the stimulus for his change as if the grade truly defines their worth. More in thinking came from his parents, as they almost specifically, it’s the pressure to get as many As embedded the thought of having to go to a good to stand out in a competitive applicant pool for college into his brain by forcing him to go to nu- colleges. merous tutor places. “My parents believe that success would result “It became a part of my conscience every time in having good grades, so I always had a lot of I got bad grades,” Lee said. “I knew my parents pressure to maintain my grades,” said senior would be disappointed with me when I got home Syrrus Marapao, who feels satisfied with after not doing well on a test.” the amount of work and effort he has put Despite the seemingly negative pressure on in. “That’s all that I ever thought about students to do well academically, most students [through my four years].” find the influence as beneficial. After taking all honors and AP “If I didn’t get pressured, I would probably do classes throughout high school, worse in school,” said Lee, thanking his parents Marapao expected school to be for being the motivators in his life. “College, of vigorous. However, he found course, was a factor in my academic well-being, comfort in his friends to but it was mostly my parents.” motivate and push him to Looking back on the numerous influences, try harder. The pressure, Marapao also feels grateful for those who have after all, had been pushed him to do better. more for his benefit “Honestly, [high school] lived up to my expec- than his downfall. tations,” he said. “But even with the [numerous] “As high school hardships, I found a way to make the hard times progressed, I con- of high school enjoyable.” stantly tried to

Illustration and background by 6 RACHEL KIM | theaccolade FOCUS VAPE CULTURE “Hey, do you wanna try?” Students share their thoughts on how they respond to this question.

KIHOON KIM est friends get into it, and minds. Opinion Editor [they] expect me to do the “There are [countless] same,” he said. “I just think times when I wake up the *Names have been changed I’m too cool for drugs.” next morning with no memo- for confidentiality. Negligence toward what ries of what happened the is going in your body might day before,” Johnson said. You see them crowding make an individual more “It’s dangerous, but I just the school restrooms — these prone to peer pressure, said can’t help it.” Sunny Hills students engag- senior John Smith,* who Sometimes, it’s impossi- ing in a clearly illicit activ- picked up vaping in junior ble to detect if an individual ity around a device that looks year after using it at a party. is truly caught in the webs of like a small flash drive. One “One of my [closest] peer ressure, senior Calvin of them looks toward you and friends said it wasn’t bad for Gonzalez* said. holds out his “flash drive” to you and affects nothing in “Some people might just you. What do you do? your body, so I just gave it a vape or smoke just to ‘be try,” Smith said. cool,’ but it’s a stupid deci- Senior Philip Kim says Peer pressure can be a sion that’ll hurt them forev- this has become a common result of wishing to appear er,” Gonzalez said. scenario at Sunny Hills, as “cool” in front of others, se- While it is dangerous, peer the vaping epidemic has been nior Robert Jones* said. pressure is also avoidable slowly infecting the entire “Sometimes, you just have through other alternatives student body as a result of to do it for the clout,” Jones like gum, campus supervisor peer pressure. said. “When I’m standing at a Freddy Luna said. In his own experience, party and someone hands me “People need to think be- two or three of Kim’s friends a handle, I get drowned in the fore doing something, and if have urged him to try vape cheers around me, and the [e- you contemplate the value devices throughout 2018, but cigarette] somehow just ends of your situation, you realize he has resisted each time — up in my mouth.” that you can use your money for now. Some are willing to deal for better things that are bet- “It’s the hardest to avoid with the consequences of ter for your body,” Luna said. these things when your clos- what vaping does to their

Reprinted with permission from anonymous sources SMOKY HILLS: The pictured Suorin Drop, Suorin Air, Novo and Phix are examples of some popular e- cigarettes used on campus by teenagers. 7 FOCUS TWO SIDES TO EXPECTATION

JANA YI pressures magnified in high Managing Editor school because I encountered peers who were overachievers Expectations pile over and even look down on stu- more and more, year after dents if they cannot meet their year. Starting from elemen- standards. I grew up being tary school, I have constantly embarrassed about a low A, so had a sense of weight upon I would stop telling everyone my shoulders about being the what I got on any test. With best student in class. This all every test, the judgments and started in first grade when comments rolled in. I worried my life was run by my mom: about anyone finding out about a tiger mom (a strict or de- any grade that I earned because manding mother who pushes peers of mine would constantly her child to high levels of have something to say about achievement), of course. I had another student’s score. I also no way to escape from after- would not want to share my school programs like science good grades because I knew camp. I was juggling more some people didn’t do as well. things than I can handle, but I could not stand it anymore I still wanted to uphold a once I was in my junior year standard that my parents and of high school. The pressures my friends had for me. in my life ultimately made me At home, I was supposed crash and burn during one of to be the straight-A student the most important years of who shouldn’t go hang out high school. I ended up asking with my friends unless it myself: what am I doing with was for a project. My parents my life? School isn’t every- expected me to do what- thing, so why am I trying so ever they wanted me to, from hard? Why couldn’t I just give volunteering at hospitals one myself a break? Then, I finally day a week for three hours to stood up for myself. earning community service Going through life trying to hours and awards. My parents please other people didn’t help were drowning me with the me in any way. I gave in to the pressure to have the best pressures and expectations that grades and extracurriculars. everyone was trying to mold On top of my parents’ for me, but I couldn’t realize expectations at home, my the repercussions of doing that. friends had their own as- At this point, my parents and sumptions about me, starting I have a better, understanding from seventh grade. Although relationship while they still they never asked me to meet have a high expectation for me. a standard, I knew they would Though it is time for me to go still believe I will act a certain off into college, the strictness way. They would think that I and expectations never stop, was always in a happy mood but they got better. I have come while having no problems or in terms with not being able to burdens on me. This con- please everyone based on who tinues till this day, which is they want me to be. exhausting. With that, the academic

8 FOCUS TWO SIDES TO EXPECTATION

MICHELLE BUCKLEY what I want it to be, then it’s Entertainment Editor OK. There’s no such thing as a perfect student. Additionally, It doesn’t come as a sur- an “A” grade isn’t a cherry on prise when students hear or top. The value that comes from experience peer pressure. All my hard work and effort is students face it on a daily ba- much greater than receiving an sis, either at school or home. A. I do consider A’s an aca- It can be influential and have demic achievement, but a letter a positive impact toward a grade is not the only thing that student’s development. On defines a student’s ability in a the other hand, it can be det- particular subject. His or her rimental to a student’s state hard work and determination of mind and can cause one to should not go unnoticed just take morally wrong actions. because of a mark. No matter Throughout my nearly the grade, as long as I push my- three years of high school, self to do my best, I know that I have not had any negative good will come from it. experiences when it came to Outside of academics, I have dealing with peer pressure faced peer pressure involving directly. However, it has been holidays. For me, they aren’t hard for me to fit in with the my thing because of my reli- rest of the crowd at school. gious beliefs. I don’t celebrate For example, when I see them — not at school or at others my age strive to be the home. But when I see oth- best in a particular interest ers asking me what I want for they enjoy, sometimes I think: Christmas or my birthday, it’s What about me? I mean, I hard to say, “I don’t celebrate.” strive to do my best when it Of course, those asking me comes to my grades, studying aren’t aware of the pressure I for tests and working hard feel inside, and I never blame on homework assignments them for asking. But some- — but so do many others on times, these conversations hurt campus. I have always had a me, and it’s difficult talking to passion for journalism, but them about it. across the country, students Resisting peer pressure my age are submitting novels does not come easily. Whether to different academies and re- it comes to fitting in with ceiving awards based on their the crowd or trying to outdo work. What’s preventing me achievements, I and many from doing the same? When other students face pressure it comes to academics and daily. It can be hard going student-life, peer pressure can through ups and downs, espe- create an inferiority com- cially as a high school student plex among many students, — a pivotal point in a student’s including myself. development. It’s just up to me My dad tells me that my and other students to take mat- hard work is not just about ters into our own hands and in living up to my pre-set the end, I’ll be satisfied once I “expectations,” like getting stand up to peer pressure and straight A’s. It’s about doing persevere through anything. my best, and if my best is not

KAREN LEE | theaccolade 9 FOCUS RACHEL KIM | theaccolade

‘DOFour students with diverse backgrounds IT’ give their take on expectations, a main point of stress for many teenagers

TIFFANY LEE American population (U.S. me to be super involved with the campus to do the same. Web Managing Editor Census Bureau), yet we also the church and go to all the “I don’t think that as many make up about 34 percent of events and camps [the church] people would be using drugs Get good grades. But I mean, University of California schools had, but I like to do things on or drinking if [their] friends you also need a social life, duh. (University of California). my own ill,” Flores said. weren’t the ones who encour- Also, make sure to excel in Senior Nathan Ooi, who was On the positive side, she also aged them to,” Madan said. your extracurriculars. Or, be born in the United States but notices that she has a stronger Nevertheless, people don’t prepared to do all three — and has Taiwanese heritage, finds bond with God because of her just set expectations on others well. these academic expectations to pastor father. but also on themselves. Junior Whether it’s inculcated by be overbearing but perceives it Within Sunny Hills, though, Oge Okpala, who plays junior authority figures or peers, a merely as a cultural aspect. lies social expectations, which varsity [JV] volleyball and for- myriad of social, religious, aca- “My parents have always lead students to feel as if they merly JV soccer for a year, deals demic — whatever it may be — expected a lot from me, send- must fit a certain mold of the with expectations from both her expectations tend to be thrown ing me to Kumon and Elite to “ideal Lancer.” Sophomore An- coach or parents but chooses to at high school students. improve my math ability and ika Madan has seen trends pres- focus on herself However, we can only do so [Scholastic Assessment Test] suring students to dress or act a “[Coaches] expect that I have many activities, and these ex- score,” Ooi said. certain way to reach the sought- good time management skills in pectations can be a burden. And outside of academics, out popularity pedestal. order to balance both school The typical “model minori- some feel the need to live up “It’s not every day when and sports,” Okpala said. “But ty” Asian kid studies hard, plays to their parents’ religious prin- someone isn’t wearing a sher- my parents want me to focus 10 instruments and, well, stud- ciples. Senior Ruth Ann Flores, pa jacket of Brandy Melville more on school.” ies even more. The playground whose father is a Christian pas- striped pants,” Madan said. I mean, at the end of the day, for Asians? College admissions, tor at United Christian Faith But sometimes, it’s not as these expectations can be re- which most certainly reflect the Fellowship in Anaheim, says simple as just fashion; peer strictive, but they can also help significance of academics in she has to deal with “The PK pressure can also act as the you achieve goals; the key is to Asian culture. As of July 2017, (pastor kid) syndrome.” gateway to drugs and, in turn, not let it control you. we make up 5.8 percent of the “[Church members] expect has seemingly led about half of 10 FEATURE

WANDERERImages reprinted with permission from Carter Houck Senior Carter Houck finds inspiration for his THE clothing brand while traveling in Tokyo

MINJI KIM “Everything in Japan is designed so nicely, make it more like a creative agency to pro- Feature Editor such as the Japanese transit system where mote a minimalist lifestyle.” you can go anywhere in the entire city for He first developed the label because of ccolade published a previous article a few dollars.” his personal interest in fashion. Aback in the 2016-2017 school year about Surprised by the contrasting cultures be- “When I went shopping, there wasn’t senior Carter Houck’s Nothing Designs. This tween the United States and Japan, Houck anything that really sparked my interest,” article checks in on the progress he has made enjoyed learning about new traditions, such Houck said. “I thought they were kind of with his brand since. as people being respectful toward elders b l an d .” There’s always a black sticker with the and knowing the cultural norms that they As of the 2018-2019 school year, Houck letter “N” plastered onto lockers all across respect and abide by. He said he couldn’t is currently selling his fall and winter col- campus. This is senior Carter Houck’s origi- have found a better time to go to southeast- lection, which consists of hoodies and nal apparel, Nothing Designs. ern Japan, with the picture-perfect foliage graphic T-shirts for prices ranging from The design was created during Houck’s and breezy weather. $9-$39.97. freshman year of high school. The label fo- “It was the perfect opportunity,” Houck “I’m currently designing for the spring cuses on the minimalistic graphics rather said. “The culture, food and the people are and summer collection that will probably than the brand name,” according to noth- all amazing. You could feel the energy of be launched in a couple months,” he said. ing.design.com. the country’s capital.” “I plan on utilizing Japanese characters on “‘Nothing’ is like [minimalism],” Houck Though Houck did not plan on working future hoodies.” said. “There are no words on the shirt other on his brand during the trip, it soon moti- Houck plans to go to community col- than the ‘N’ logo.” vated and inspired him to be daring with lege and apply to multiple internships to Over Thanksgiving break, he flew to To- his clothing designs. While they are mini- learn more about the fashion industry. kyo, Japan to visit a friend and came back malistic with an emphasis on graphics, he “My goal is to visit Paris, Milano and with more than memories. He came back hopes that his work can expand beyond New York again to explore different fash- with inspiration. fashion. ion around the world,” he said. “[Fashion] “I like to see new cultures, so I wanted “I want to expand it from more than just is so diverse, and they give me so many to see the Japanese way of life,” Houck said. T-shirts and jackets,” Houck said. “I want to ideas from simply walking on the streets.” 11 FEATURE MakeshiftMakeshift withwith ThriftThrift Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel no longer. More students are choosing to shop at stores like Savers and Goodwill for a chance to buy high-end, second-hand clothes at a lower price.

AALIYAH MAGANA & market or swap meet ... and get- videos and reading social media better than the newer things that HANNAH JEONG ting a shirt for $5 each; no one posts about it. are made these days,” Alagao else can replicate how it’s worn Alagao said he now shops said. Staff Reporters down or find that similar graph- one to two times a month at Sav- To take things a bit further, a While many students con- ic,” she said. ers or Goodwill. few students reform their clothes template their weekly wardrobe Another thrifter, junior Ruben “I don’t really see a reason for into one-of-a-kind pieces by from name brands like Urban Parker, has been shopping at ob- looking down on thrifting, hon- thrift flipping, which essentially Outfitters and Brandy Melville, scure hole-in-the-wall stores for estly,” he said. alters the clothing and changes it others choose a different way of two-and-a-half years. He also With fashion from the ‘80s into something “better” than one buying clothes: thrift shopping. alternates between shopping at and ‘90s making a comeback, can sell. Bottoms can average $8.49 at Savers and Goodwill. thrift stores are a haven for stu- For example, one can take an Savers, a store that sells second- During water polo tourna- dents looking for what some ill-fitting dress and make it into hand clothing and accessories, ments, Parker explores thrift view as classic styles. an exquisite two-piece through compared to Urban Outfitters’ stores for unique pieces. This throwback style doesn’t the art of thrifting. It is an ad- bottoms that can average $32. “I’ve found two real Versace seem to be fading, as it is fre- vantageous way to expand clos- Senior Elizabeth Lee fills her shirts; the beige one was $10, quently referenced by celebrities et wear with unique items. closet with items from Savers and the green one was $5,” he and YouTubers. “I’m inspired by a lot of my in La Mirada. They range from said. Trendsetters such as the Kar- friends, fashion-wise,” said se- graphic tees to oversized mom Those who regularly go to dashians, a reality TV family, nior Audrey Shepard, who shops and boyfriend jeans. thrift stores aren’t influenced by have been seen sporting bike at Melrose Vintage and Memo’s “You’re able to find clothes the stigma that it’s where lower shorts, while models like sisters Vintage once every few weeks. that are one-of-a-kind,” said income families shop at. Bella and Gigi Hadid are seen Shepard recently got a few Lee, who first found out about “I think a lot of the time, with mom jeans that became tops from the Salvation Army this store from Google and now people think thrift stores are fashionable last year –– which for $3 a piece to cut into tie- shops at Savers once every two for people who aren’t finan- are tributes to the ‘80s and ‘90s. fronts. weeks. “I also like the [faded] cially stable, but I think it’s just YouTuber Emma Chamber- “I enjoy minimalistic, early vintage aesthetic of it.” a cheaper option compared to lain’s cropped tops and plaid ‘90s looks, and thrift stores are But Savers isn’t the only pricing these days,” said fresh- pants duo brought attention to usually filled with clothes from place the senior checks out to man Jonah Alagao, who joined her unique style, with many tak- that era,” she said. “It’s a fun find her clothes. the thrift-shopping trend a year ing inspiration from her. and not-so-mainstream way to “[I love] going to the flea ago from watching YouTube “The clothes also look a little express yourself.”

12 FEATURE

Reprinted with per- mission from Jonah goodwill Alagao AND, POSE: Freshman Jo- nah Alagao sports his pur- ple Guess sweat- shirt at the steps Jonah of Amerige Heights Town savers Alagao Center.

buffalo exchange

Elizabeth Lee

anaheim thrift

azusa thrift

Ruben Reprinted with permission from Audrey Shepherd Parker GOLDEN HOUR: Se- nior Audrey Shepherd strikes a pose in front memos vintage of a garden to showcase her billowy top. buffalo exchange Audrey Shepherd

buffalo exchange

Reprinted with permission from Jonah Alagao (top), Elizabeth Lee, Ruben Parker and Audrey Shepherd. 13 FEATURE LIRA JEONG Staff Reporter Cameron J. Talley. “They made an exception Senior Irisa Mehta was for me because I showed sitting at a table on the first the passion that I had for Senior Irisa day of her internship at what I wanted to do and Cameron Talley Crimi- showed them that I had Mehta pursues nal Defense, APC in what it takes,” she said. Newport Beach when Mehta displayed she received a case; it her enthusiasm her dream was about a middle- while working with aged man who con- college students job of being a vinced himself that like Victoria he was deeply in love Morales, a sexual assault with his cousins and graduate stu- was accused of raping dent at Uni- prosecutor them. versity of “[Eventually], I got to California, meet him and his family, Irvine, clos- as well as going to court and est in age to seeing the trial and verdict Mehta. being announced guilty,” “It’s won- L Mehta said. “At first, I was derful working nervous, but I had to take a with Irisa,” Mo- step back and calm down; rales said. “She shows otherwise, my emotions a lot of potential for a fu- A would get in the way of what I ture career in law and is needed to get done.” a great help to me and the firm After that first when she comes in.” day, she got used to Reprinted with permission from Irisa Mehta A month be- W clients coming in REWARDED: Orange County district attor- fore, Mehta applied and out with unu- ney [OCDA] Tony Rackauckas (left) gives senior to and got selected sual cases and those Irisa Mehta her certificate of completion from to join a two-week involved with driv- the OCDA summer youth education program. program called ing under the influ- the Summer Youth ence [DUI]. Education Confer- & Mehta qualified for ence, sponsored by the her internship by par- “I want to meet more Orange County Dis- ticipating in programs trict Attorney’s office related to the field to people who changed.” with the former Orange shadow attorneys, mo- County district attor- tivated by her dream ney, Tony Rackauckas. O job — being a sexual –Irisa Mehta | senior The program also assault prosecutor. allowed Mehta to gain “A lot of my parents’ experience with court close friends are judges cases before she heads R and attorneys and have been being accused of the crime has off to college, where she plans to exposed to the field,” she said. helped guide the exact path I major in political science with a “I feel like I’m loud enough to want to take,” Mehta said. pre-law track and eventually at- help people who need it, and it’s However, obtaining the un- tend law school. D interesting seeing the different paid internship wasn’t easy. Be- “It really helped me believe cases.” cause of the recommendations that people can change and that Her main responsibility was from her dad’s best friend who they can learn from their mis- to produce summaries of cases is a lawyer, Mehta contacted 10 takes,” Mehta said. “So, that’s E she was assigned to so that the law offices in Orange County when I decided that I wanted attorneys can use what she did but was rejected by all but two to get more into this — I want to build stronger cases. because she needed to be 18. to meet more people who “I feel like being able to ex- One person who got back to her changed.” R perience working with the ones worked for the office of attorney 14 FEATURE

Reprinted with permission from Yoobeen Lee DUTY CALLS: Senior Yoobeen Lee analyzes a medi- cal case through a stimulation man- nequin and displays her splint alongside co-intern Claire Kung. ‘Intern’al Studies

Senior Yoobeen Lee works at a summer internship offered by University of California, Irvine un- der its Summer Premed Program in hopes of taking on the career of a pediatric surgeon

SHINE LEE ing another step to her goal of application, based on her per- turing. One was called the Da News Editor becoming a pediatric surgeon. formance, I have no doubt that Vinci surgical system, which is “The program was a unique [Lee] possesses many of these a machine with multiple hands It’s a cold, dark basement experience and gave me moti- qualities.” like a spider, used to facilitate filled with cadavers dissected vation that I have not received The program requires the microscopic surgeries. differently for certain body from anywhere else regarding interns to form groups of six, While other interns strug- systems. Wearing identical teal my future,” she said. with each team representing gled with using the Da Vinci scrubs, 48 interns enter the According to som.uci.edu, different color. For Lee, her surgical system — a surgery- room silently, surveying the starting from June 11 to 22, the group’s color was blue, and its performing robot — Lee operating tables before them. program fosters the interests of name was Blue’s Clues. excelled in the task. They bend their knees to high school students for medi- One of Lee’s teammates “I sat on the device, but the prevent fainting from the form- cal careers. was Diamond Bar High School actual surgery takes place a aldehyde smell emitting from The official eligibility re- senior Steven Park, who con- couple feet away,” she said. the cadavers. quirements are: 15 to 18 years nected quickly with Lee. “We were putting strings Despite the powerful smell, of age, minimum 3.5 GPA and “Talking about school and through tiny holes on a foam to the interns manage to arrange interest in the healthcare field. medical things with her made practice suturing.” the old, purple organs sticking In addition, an applicant must me realize the same passions Lee is now sure to major in out of the body. submit a transcript, resume, we had,” Park said. medical field to become a pedi- “I felt a little dizzy from the safety contract and an essay Lee said the most memora- atric surgeon, undergoing over formaldehyde smell, and I was detailing why they best qualify. ble time she had was when the ten tasks in the training. pressured to touch the heart,” “Students in this program trainees went to Health Center “The program gave me the senior Yoobeen Lee said. are high achievers, [and] of UCI Medical Center. drive because it explained to This is just one of the many academically, SPP participants In the Health Center, interns me all the steps I need to take experiences Lee encountered at are near or at the top of their worked with several equip- to accomplish my goals,” she the Summer Premed Program class,” said Matthew Lin, who ments, such as laryngoscope, said. “I realized I am confident [SPP] at the University of was a mentor for the program. endotracheal tube, stethoscope that my passion for this field is California, Irvine [UCI], tak- “Though I did not read her and needles for lumbar punc- big enough to pursue it.” 15 FEATURE Montalvo’s Model Experience Senior shares how she got into the industry and her goals

AUDREY JO to set the moral that ‘perfect’ So far, the most dif- Entertainment Editor isn’t defined by what everyone ficult part of modeling thinks, and every body type is a is body image. Think of a professional job in model type.” “From the moment New York with a yearly six-digit To get into modeling, she you sign a contract figure for a salary — for many met senior Haylee Hawkins — a [from] any agency or high school students, such an Cypress High School senior and company, you pretty offer is unheard of. a junior model at the time — at much have to do as Though it sounds too good a 2012 summer Bible camp. they say about your to be true, one Sunny Hills stu- Montalvo said the two of body and your social dent has seen this as a reality. them found a common interest life,” Montalvo said. “I “Last year, I got an offer to in modeling. have been told to lose work as a professional model in “Haylee gave me the link to stomach weight and New York with a yearly salary of apply to The Model Experience, tone my abs and arms.” $182,000, but it required me to and I didn’t expect for them Other than model- quit my education and move to to want me, but within a week ing, Montalvo’s sights New York,” they had are set on a future in said senior asked me acting. As she has Isabelie “I have been told to to be in worked with Sunny Montalvo, lose stomach weight their next Hills’ theater pro- who turned show, and gram since her it down. and tone my abs and it just sophomore year, Though p r e t t y Montalvo’s teacher, the 5-foot- ar m s .” m u c h Amanda Gieser, 2-inch –Isabelie Montalvo | branched has high hopes for model out from her student. hasn’t senior there,” she “She’s got a re- earned any said. ally great range, money and she’s al- from signing with Los Angeles- Though Montalvo has yet ways interested based The Model Experience in to be commissioned for larger in playing the March 2017, she said she has projects such as a commercial, ‘meaty’ roles; done work for the agency to get she has modeled for a clothing so even if that exposure. company called Teen Hearts, means playing Montalvo became interested which sells its clothes with Hot a male since a in this field through her older Topic. lot of female sister. Hawkins shared an optimis- roles were “[She] had done a lot of tic view of what’s in store for limited, she studying for fashion design, and Montalvo if she were to con- is always up she always told me how models tinue with this path as a career. for a chal- needed to fit the clothes and “The [modeling] industry is lenge,” Gie- how they had to be perfect,” she one of the hardest to get into ser said. said. “And so over time, I want- [because of its] many sections, ed to be ‘perfect,’ but then when [but] she’s sure to succeed in entering the industry, I wanted some of its areas,” she said.

16 Reprinted with permission from Isabelie Montalvo FEATURE BULLSEYE

Sophomore Tyler Kim takes aim at a less typical sport: archery

ISAAC CHOI & have fun learning archery, a and very caring for his team- Meanwhile, Kim plans to TYLER PAK less typical sport for teens in mates in our club.” keep aiming for more archery- Staff Reporters our area, so I arranged for him Sun also admires Tyler related success in the future. to spend an afternoon at a near- Kim’s determination. “I plan to pursue archery Ding, Ding. Ding. Ding. by archery range with one of “He diligently works toward up until senior year of high Ding. Ding. my seniors, who happened to a better ranking, and even if he school,” he said. “I hope that The bell rings to signify the have a Level 1 [archery] coach- doesn’t achieve it the first com- during this time, I can improve end of lunch. ing license,” Kim said. “To my petition, he doesn’t give up, my national rank and get to be Sunny Hills High School surprise, he was a natural. … which is something I admire of the best at archery that I possi- athletes head off to their prac- He had a blast and wanted to him,” Sun said. bly can.” tices while others saunter to continue more seriously.” sixth period — their last class Though the sophomore was of the day. very enthusiastic about it at Reprinted with permission from Tyler Kim Sophomore Tyler Kim, how- first, he gradually grew unsure 10 NATIONAL COMPETITIONS ever, takes a different path as if he would pursue archery school officials allow him to because he felt he was not im- walk home to nearby Amerige proving. However, as he con- Heights, where his mom drives tinued, he changed his mind. him to his 2:30 p.m. archery Since then, Tyler Kim has class. devoted much of his time to- “When I began archery, I ward the sport, practicing about wasn’t physically strong, so I five hours a week and compet- had trouble pulling the strings ing in 10 national competitions at first,” said Kim, who picked so far, placing 28th and scoring up his bow and arrow in eighth 846 in one of his national tour- grade at nearby Hi-Tech Ar- naments on Jan. 14 in Tulare, a chery in Fullerton. “But as the city in Central California near days went on, I had built up Bakersfield. His efforts on the enough strength to comfort- archery range have not gone ably shoot my arrows, which unnoticed, especially from Ty- polished my archery perfor- ler Kim’s coach, Steve Sun. mance.” “Tyler is one the hardest Kim was first introduced working student athletes that I to the sport by his aunt, Cath- have worked with,” Sun said. erine Kim, who runs PACT, a “He never takes days off, [and La Palma-based private coun- he] leads by example.” seling service. She said before Through archery, he also archery, her nephew had earned met a Troy student, sophomore weekly 5 hours of practice his black belt in taekwondo and Katelyn Jung. joined the Boy Scouts, where “Competing with Kim has he discovered an interest in been a blessing,” Jung said. shooting airsoft rifles. “Not only is he a very deter- “Based on these and other mined and hardworking archer, factors, I thought Tyler might [but] he is also compassionate 17 FEATURE

PROUD MEDAL PLACEMENT: Junior Ian Estrada (third from left) celebrates his third- place medal with other competitors at the 2018 Man American Cham- pionships in Brazil from Aug. 17-19.

THE KARATE KID All photos reprinted with permission from Ian Estrada As a member of the Junior USA Karate team, junior Ian Estrada hopes to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris with the U.S. national squad TYLER PAK & ALEX PARK “My dad did kung fu a long time ago, Staff Reporter& Asst. Opinion Editor and he wanted me to do martial arts be- cause I was really quiet when I was young,” Train insane or remain the same. he said. “[Through karate], he wanted me This is one of the mantras junior Ian Es- to become comfortable talking to people.” trada follows as he practices his martial art Already ranked seventh internationally GETTING READY: Junior Ian seven days a week and two hours a day. in the Junior Kata Male category, Estrada Estrada bows to judges at the Junior “I’ve been in Team USA for four years has earned many titles — winning Nation- now,” Estrada said. “It’s cool traveling als three times, third in 2018’s Junior Pan Pan American Championships. around the world with my friends while American Championships for individu- doing what I love.” als in Brazil and fifth for team in the 2018 His solo squad’s teammate is half-Cau- He is referring to him being one of two World Karate Championships in Madrid. casian and half-Japanese, while the Male members of USA’s National Karate Junior Though he has made significant accom- Team Kata comprises one Caucasian and 16-17 Solo Male Elite Kata team and one of plishments already throughout his career, one Latino. three in the Male Team Kata. his path to success was not smooth. Losing Nevertheless, Estrada said the national Kata, a Japanese word for “form,” is a set in individuals while in middle school made and junior teams to beat remain the Japa- of detailed, choreographed martial arts pat- him consider quitting. nese, which is why he has trained in Japan terns performed alone. “When I was younger, I was winning in November 2016 and December 2017. His coach, Chad Eagan, has great faith very often, but after I was 13, it was a dry “They’re like very strict, and being able in his potential. spot for me until I hit 16,” he said. “So, it to train with the best, you can get the best “Ian is on track to being one of our top might be surprising, but winning the bronze training and become the best also,” he said. male athletes in the USA,” Eagan said. “So medal at the Pan American individuals last Estrada also hopes he will be able to go long as he keeps consistency in training, I year in August was my most satisfying vic- to Paris, the host for the 2024 Olympics, believe he has a great chance.” tory because I think I began winning more and represent the United States. Estrada, whose mother is Japanese and in solos [after that].” “Making it to the Olympics would be a his father is Latino, first started learning ka- Though the sport has its roots in Asia, goal in itself, but ... I really want to win and rate when he was 7 years old at Fullerton’s Estrada has noticed that Americans who get medals,” he said. “I’m not really sure Nihon Karate Dojo. participate in it are more diverse. what my chances are, but I hope it is high.” 18 FEATURE

SURFING LIFE: Senior Joshua Penton on two different oc- casions in 2017 at Huntington Beach, carry- ing his surfboard (left) and trying to hang ten (right)

Photos reprinted with permission from Joshua Penton Early start to Late start days

Six Lancers meet on campus at 4 a.m. wednesday morn- ing when Period 1 starts at 9:32 a.m. to go surfing

HANNA OLTMAN waves, too. Staff Reporter “I’ve known Josh since kindergarten and actually learned to surf with him when I 4 a.m, March 13, 2019: a Late Start day. was 12,” Waugh said. Most Sunny Hills students are likely still Last year, Chernov and Taylor joined the asleep and will be for the next two hours. unofficial club. Since then, the group has But six students are already awake and developed a strong sense of camaraderie. putting on wetsuits in their homes. Besides Late Start days, the friends head to They meet at the PAC school parking their favorite surfing spots, such as New- lot, pile four surfboards onto the back of a port Beach and Santa Ana River County car and two into the trunk of a truck and Beach River Jetties almost every weekend. head down to the beach. “That’s where the waves are the best, and With boards in hand, they run into the the walk [from the parking lot to the shore] water for a quick two-hour surf before it’s isn’t that long,” Waugh said. time to drive back to campus for Period 1. Because of this shared interest, Law- While this may sound like a hassle for rence even had discussions with retired most, that’s usually how seniors Kristian psychology teacher Craig Schwartz, an avid Chernov, Josh Penton and Luke Waugh surfer, last school year about starting a surf- Reprinted with permission from Kristian Chernov and juniors Levi Lawrence, Cole Seibel and ing club on campus. A WALK TO REMEMBER: Casey Taylor spend their Late Starts. “But the concept was shot down because Seniors Kristian Chernov (left) and “We go in the morning because the [of] the lack of ability to get down to the waves are better [at that time],” Waugh said. beach,” Waugh said. Luke Waugh show their satisfaction “And Late Start allows us to [surf] during Even without the club, the group de- from a day of surfing in January. the week instead of only on the weekends.” scribes surfing as an escape. This group bonded over a common in- “You’re riding on water, and the feeling terest: love for surfing. Penton was the first is just so smooth and amazing,” Chernov to start at 10 and a few years later, Waugh, said. “It really just lets you forget about ev- Lawrence and Seibel decided to hit the erything else for awhile.” 19 FEATURE Burning up the dance floor Dance Production’s only male danc- er keeps in step with girls on stage

LAUREN KIM also pursue dance. Staff Reporter Burn is one of eight fresh- men and juniors to join DP this Sunny Hills alumna Rhonda school year after undergoing Shellow recalls the last time a three-day audition in the SH Dance Production [DP] fea- dance room April 25-28 last tured a male member. year. “I was in Dance Produc- Throughout the audition, tion in 1980-1981, and we did the dancers were taught two have a full-time male member,” routines. On the final day, they Shellow writes in an email re- had to perform them in front of sponse to an SH alumni Face- a panel of judges, along with a book post. He is the first full- self-choreographed dance. time [male] member.” “When I first saw [Burn] Two decades later, the mov- dance, I was so excited to think ie “Billy Elliot” hits theaters he could possibly join our with its plot about a 1980s Brit- team,” recalls DP director Lei- ish boy who prefers to join the ana Volen, who’s in her third all-girl ballet class instead of year coaching DP. “His strong the all-male boxing one. technical training was a plus, The protagonist has to prove but his passion and choreo- to his family and friends that graphic skills were what really he’s more cut out for the danc- caught my interest.” ing stage than a fighting ring. Burn credits his growth as KIMBERLY MORALES | theaccolade And then nearly another 20 a dancer from the 15-hour-a- ALL THE RIGHT MOVES: Freshman David Burn years after that, Sunny Hills’ week training he receives at DP once again has a boy danc- Fullerton’s Cathleen Forcucci performs during the Sept. 28 homecoming assembly. er, a 21st-century Billy Elliot, if Dance Academy, where he has “I was surprised after I saw rio said. you will, only a few years older been going to since he was 8 that I made it on the team be- Burn believes that being than the 11-year-old fictional years old. cause I didn’t know what to ex- the only male on a high school character from the big screen. Even though he has partici- pect,” he says. dance team requires a lot of “I love how he fights for pated in over 20 competitions Burn and the other new courage because some students what he wants to do and doesn’t with that dance academy, win- dancers made their SH debut at often peg that person as being let anyone stop him,” said fresh- ning numerous awards as a the Aug. 17 “Welcome Back” gay. man David Burn, who cites that soloist and with his group, the assembly in the gym, joining However, he hopes that his film as an inspiration for him to freshman remembers he was the 11 veteran DP members in skills on the dance floor will in- quite nervous a number that involved hip-hop spire others. when Volen with Trip Lee, Nicki Minaj and “People have a stereotype posted the fi- Cardi-B blasting through the for male dancers, but there are nal cut on the speakers. a lot of incredible male dancers DP website. “I practiced a lot because I out there who aren’t [gay],” he didn’t want to mess up in front says. of everyone,” he says. Burn hopes to continue It was also an easy adjust- dancing after high school. ment for the girls to get used to “I hope that joining this dancing with a boy. team and going to a good uni- “My attention immediately versity for dance will help me ANNIE CHOI | theaccolade gravitated toward him and start a small studio for aspiring ONE-MAN SHOW: Freshman David Burn stayed there until the end,” se- dancers,” he says. takes in the moment at the COFA Fall Festival. nior co-captain Annabella Vid- 20 FEATURE

CAMRYN PAK | theaccolade Rule of thirds Senior Kurtis Liang experiences his childhood hobby in a professional setting

CAMRYN PAK photography in a professional requirement for his Troy Tech new set that he uses often.” News Editor setting. program. Liang said his most valuable “It was a great experience,” “I called a bunch of photog- takeaway from his time at the urn the dial two, three, four, he said. “Not only did I learn raphy places, and I ended up studio was using cheap house- Tfive times — perfect expo- about editing photos and set- getting in touch with [Roden- hold items to replicate profes- sure. ISO, check. Rule of thirds, ting up lighting, but I also bucher],” he said. “I asked [Li- sional equipment. perfect. Lighting, excellent. learned about the business as- ang] to intern with me because I “[Rodenbucher] taught me Click. pects of photography.” didn’t want to work alone.” how to use plastic pieces and He stands, steadily holding Rick Rodenbucher, who has After a quick interview, the PVC pipes that work as well as his camera at the right angle as been in the photography busi- two began their internship at equipment that costs thousands he snaps a photo of a client. ness for over 30 years, took Li- Rodenbucher’s studio. of dollars,” he said. “By knowing ASB technology commis- ang under his wing to teach him As an intern, Liang helped how to do that, I can continue sioner senior Kurtis Liang spent more about photography and him update his website (rick- with photography outside of the this summer interning at Rick Adobe Photoshop. rodenphoto.com), edit photos studio.” Roden Photography — a Brea- “[Liang] was actually one of and talk to clients during their Although he does not want based studio that specializes in my first high school interns,” photo sessions. to pursue a career in photog- portraits for high school seniors, Rodenbucher said. “I’ve only One of Liang’s most memo- raphy and intends on studying teams, groups and businesses — had college interns in the past, rable moments in the studio marine biology in the future, where he dove into one of his but I thought he and [Troy se- was creating a brand new set Liang said that he wants to con- passions: photography. nior Kyle Kim] would be good for Rodenbucher’s photoshoots, tinue with it as a hobby for the Liang received his first cam- fits for my studio due to their which took a week to complete. rest of his life. era from his father, an artist and enthusiasm and passion for “There used to be this really “I think I’ll definitely join photographer for 10 years, at the photography.” plain set with white stairs, but interest clubs for photography age of four. He always enjoyed Liang found out about [Kyle] and I helped paint them and videography in college,” he taking photos for fun, but his Rodenbucher’s studio through black, and now [Rodenbucher] said. “Everyone has his or own two-month summer internship Kim, who was required to find uses them for portraits,” he said. own unique perspective that is gave him the chance to explore an intern position to fulfill a “It was pretty cool creating a cool to learn from.” 21 FEATURE THE DAILY LIVES OF tEACHERS Have you ever wondered what your teachers do outside of school? The Accolade answers your questions through a Q & A format with six instructors*

PATRICK Gene Bordy CRISTIAN BUENO DEBACKER

Q: What is something you Q: What do you do in your Q: What are some of your enjoy outside of school? free time? favorite hobbies?

A: I like observing or playing A: On Fridays, we like to have a A: My biggest hobby is photog- sports, especially when it’s a board game night with friends. raphy (photographs in class- competitive match. I love get- When I do have down time, I just rooms). I collect music, too. ting exercise by either playing spend time with friends or meet I have a collection of over a basketball or racquetball. I like with family members. I also hate thousand CDs. going to the movies or reading a cooking. My husband cooks, but good book. I like to watch TV. I like comedy and science fiction shows. Q: What is your home life like? Q: What book are you reading now? Q: What is your ultimate A: My home life is absolutely goal in life? wonderful because I’ve been A: I am reading Great American married for seven years now. My Speeches, which I am enjoying A: I haven’t thought about it that wife is from the Philippines. because I see how articulate far. I think to just be happy. The Her family is pretty poor. They’re some of the greatest Americans year goes by so fast, [so] we farmers and fishermen, and they were in their writings. forget to cherish it. live in remote buildings, so we’ve actually been able to upgrade their house and fix it up. It’s really rewarding to me to see the difference that I’ve been able to make, not only in my wife’s *To read more about these students and their parents, find the full life, but also for her family back in the Philippines. story on The Accolade’s online website, shhsaccolade.com

22 FEATURE THE DAILY LIVES OF tEACHERS Have you ever wondered what your teachers do outside of school? The Accolade answers your questions through a Q & A format with six instructors*

PATRICK DAVID DEBACKER JENNIFER KIM FENSTERMAKER LEIANA VOLEN

Q: What are some of your Q: What did you do Q: What is something favorite hobbies and why? before teaching? you enjoy doing with your family outside of school? A: My favorite pastime is going A: I worked at Disneyland for on walks for usually two hours two and a half years. I worked in A: My husband is a professional a couple of times a week. I like the parking lot directing traffic, poker player, so we go to Vegas to look at the scenery and be telling people the spots to park a lot. We have frequent friend out in the trees and nature. It’s in and selling parking tickets at and family game nights, and we just peaceful for me — a time to the toll plazas. I also rode on each love to win. reflect on my life, work, family, the back of the tram giving the goals and what I’m going to eat. spiel about folding strollers, park hours and shows or parades. Q: What are common mis- Q: What are common mis- conceptions that students have of you? conceptions that Q: What type of cheer- students have of you? leading parent are you at A: I was shopping at the Brea Mall, and I ran into some stu- A: I hear that I’m really scary your children’s games? dents while shopping at Gap. I a lot, but once the kids get to I am a the worst kind of parent was with my sister-in-law trying know my personality, they usu- A: at these games. I am pacing the on sweaters, and my students ally appreciate my style. I’m kind - could not stop staring at me try- of blunt and a little brash, but I whole time off to the side, mut ing on a sweater. I was like, “You like to think they’re not afraid of tering to myself. I am constantly trying to ref the game from the guys. I am a person, I go to the me but more afraid of my expec- mall, and I try on sweaters.” tations of them as students. sidelines, and if I yell, it’s either at my own kid or the official.

Reprinted with permission from Helios Compiled by Michelle Buckley, Hannah Jeong, Chloe Kim and Megan Shin

23 FEATURE EIGHT & COUNTING CAMRYN PAK & ALLISON LOUIE pus? Or whose father is the school district’s superin- News Editor & Feature Editor tendent? Or whose mother is a newly elected trustee on Although Sunny Hills in the last decade has had its the district’s school board? Do any of them get special fare share of students whose parents are also teach- privileges? Do they face more pressure to succeed or ers here, the amount has been increasing recently to be a model student because their parents work here or a point that the eight we spotlight will reach double for the district? The Accolade interviews eight of these figures by the next school year. So what’s it like to be students attending Sunny Hills now and their parents a student whose parent is a teacher on the same cam- to find out. LEGACY STUDENTS* It’s a term used for chil- never fathomed having her dren attending their parents’ kids attend her alma mater. alma mater. That’s also true of David All three children of Wilde, who said he let his Spanish teacher Gene Bordy children choose between en- (Class of 1973) attended and rolling at Sunny Hills or Ful- graduated as Lancers in 2010, lerton Union High School, 2012 and 2017, respectively. where his wife works at. The campus has two more: Nick Wilde, had planned sophomore Hannah Kim, the to receive his high school ed- Hannah and daughter of English teacher ucation at Sunny Hills when Jennifer Kim David and Jennifer Kim (Class of 1991) he was in middle school. Nick Wilde and freshman Nick Wilde, the “My dad coaches football son of social science teacher here, so this school has al- David Wilde (Class of ‘91). ways just been a part of my “My experience as a stu- life,” Nick Wilde said. FIRST OF FIVE* dent here influenced my de- He said he wanted to join cision in Hannah coming,” the freshman football team Jennifer Kim said. “The cali- without worrying that he had English and journalism ber of the education that I re- to be the model athlete. teacher Tommy Li plans to ceived here assured me that “I never think of him as send all of his five children to my daughter would get a top- my dad on the field,” said the Sunny Hills, and the first here rate education.” running and defensive back. is sophomore Hope Li, who en- Some of the perks of hav- “I think of him as a coach, rolled as a freshman in the last ing her mom on campus in- and I’m a player who has to school year. clude eating tasty lunches — work to earn his spot on the “My dad’s ultimate plan is Jennifer Kim goes off campus field [like all the others]. for all of his kids to take his to buy a meal for her daughter “He knows me as well as English and journalism class- during her free period — and I do, and I can’t say that I’ve es,” said Hope Li, whom her knowing what classes to take, felt pressure on the field.” father had homeschooled be- Tommy and Hannah Kim said. David Wilde said his son’s tween pre-school and second Hope Li “She knows the other coming here has worked out. grade. “It was interesting to be teachers and their teaching “Our relationship has be- in his class because I got to see styles,” Hannah Kim said. come better because of foot- his teacher side.” ask her first-period teachers to be “She’ll know which teachers ball,” he said. “[Nick Wilde] Because they live in Irvine, more forgiving of her tardies some are good for me and what pro- likes to play football, and I about a 30-minute drive de- mornings. grams will benefit me instead like to coach it, so we’ve been pending on freeway traffic, “The long drive allows me to of wasting my time.” able to spend a lot more time and her father has to drop off get some extra sleep,” she said. As a student, Jennifer Kim together.” her two younger siblings at Another perk is being able to their middle school first, Hope heat up her lunch using her dad’s *To read more about these students and their parents, find the Li said her father has had to microwave. full story on The Accolade’s online website, shhsaccolade.com. 24 FEATURE BEEN THERE, DONE really friendly and nice.” THAT* Because he oversees all the high schools in the district, the Freshman Nathaniel Valen- superintendent said he didn’t zuela is the last of physical ed- have any trouble choosing Sun- ucation teacher Jimmy Valen- ny Hills for his daughters. zuela’s four children to attend “We sent them and Victoria Sunny Hills. here because it had a good rep- “All of my children have utation and was recommended been in my classes, but I don’t that we send our kids to Sunny advertise it,” Jimmy Valen- Hills,” he said. “It’s an excel- zuela said. “This year, it took Scott and lent learning institution, and I over half a semester before the Jimmy and Victoria Scambray highly recommend it [to other kids realized Nathaniel was my Nathaniel Valenzuela parents of high schoolers]” son.” Even though she is the su- Transitioning into high perintendent’s daughter, Vic- school was fairly easy for Na- toria Scambray chooses not to thaniel Valenzuela because he here, and this is his place.” July 2015. make it known to her peers. had been coming to the campus Like Nathaniel Valenzuela, “I just had some trouble ad- “I mean, no one [around me] all his life. sophomore Victoria Scambray justing [as a freshman] and not really knows that I’m the super- “When I was coaching, [Na- — whose father is district su- knowing anybody since I came intendent’s daughter because I thaniel] was here all the time,” perintendent Scott Scambray from Brea Junior High,” she keep a low profile,” she said. Jimmy Valenzuela said. “When — had two older sisters who said. “But it was easy to make “Only the teachers know who I he walked into here, it didn’t came here after they moved friends here, and I like the en- am, but that’s it.” scare him at all — he grew up from Northern California in vironment here. Everybody’s

MORE FAMILY TIES IN HIGHER PLACES* Before the November 2018 elections, sophomore Jacob Klatz- ker did not have anyone in his family connected to Sunny Hills or the Fullerton Joint Union High School District [FJUHSD]. But all that changed when his mother got elected to the FJUHSD school board, taking one of three seats up for election. Lauren Klatzker serves as one of five trustees who will vote on all matters pertaining to the district, including FJUHSD personnel, curriculum and operations. Jacob and Craig and “Even though I’m the school board member’s son, I’m not Lauren Klatzker Luke Weinreich much different from everyone else,” Jacob Klatzker said. Klatzker’s mother had nothing but praise for the campus and what it has to offer all students. “Sunny Hills has programs like AVID and also has very hard and rigorous classes,” Lauren Klatzker said. “I wanted my son to FROM HOME- Elizabeth and get the best education he could get.” SCHOOL TO PUB- Scott Rosenkranz Even though freshman Luke Weinreich’s dad is one of three LIC SCHOOL* assistant principals on campus, the student felt nervous and ex- cited about what high school had to offer as opposed to his middle This is freshman Elizabeth my classes, so I have way more school, Christ Lutheran Brea. Rosenkranz’s first year at a friends,” she said. “I didn’t know a lot of people, and I didn’t know what Sunny public high school. Scott Rosenkranz said hav- Hills was going to be like.” Weinreich said. “I thought it was going “[Before], I had a teacher ing his daughter with him on to be hard, but it’s not.” that I went to twice a week, campus did not seem like a ma- The ninth-grader chose Sunny Hills because he liked the school but most of the time my mom jor difference. and already had planned it since middle school. would teach me,” the daughter “It’s kind of like any other Assistant principal Craig Weinreich said seeing his son at his of English teacher Scott Rosen- parent’s experience drop- workplace is great because it is easy for him to check up on him. kranz said. ping their kid off and going to “It’s a lot of fun to have him here on campus and see him every The freshman said she likes work,” he said. “I just get to do single day and be a part of his high school experience,” the admin- it here more. both of those things at the same istrator said. “I met a lot of great kids in time.” 25 FEATURE Teacher Throwback Instructors who also graduated from Sunny Hills share their memories of school life in the past

ANDREW HONG Staff Reporter

The year is 1978. Live bands play at Sunny Hills’ homecoming, sound systems only run on cassette tapes and Lancers head off to football games against their biggest rival –– Fullerton High School. Now in 2019, DJs use MacBooks to program music and Bluetooth wireless speakers to blast rap tunes at school danc- es, while students strive to outperform their academic rival –– Troy High School. ‘78 ‘91 Instructors such as English teacher Mike Paris Jennifer Kim and social science teach- Jennifer KIm ers Mike Paris and David Wilde are SH alumni who have seen how much changes in technology have affected the campus. eos created by the ASB, pep rallies held Although they enjoyed their time here during assemblies and occasionally as students, it is difficult for them to pick lunch promoted upcoming games. their favorite era because both time peri- “If Fullerton High School and Sunny ods had their pros and cons. Hills High School were competing in a “I’m fortunate to have students who are sport, the pep rallies would center around willing to put [Chromebooks] to maxi- that game during the assembly,” said mum use and to work with fellow staff Wilde, a 1991 alumnus. members who are constantly looking for Sports offerings differed in the past. new ways to improve instruction,” said “There were about the same dances Paris, a 1978 alumnus who also co-advis- and sports,” Paris said. “[But] we had a es the ASB. badminton team, gymnastics and pole Despite the advantage of having each vault.” student use a Chromebook now on cam- And what about Lancer spirit in the ‘91 pus, Paris misses the social interaction he past vs. now? had with his high school friends. Despite not having a student gear store David Wilde “I don’t miss so much of the school when Kim was a student, she recalled events, such as football games or dances, that school spirit was alive and well. but I miss more of the time I spent with “If you hung out with the football my friends there,” he said. players and cheerleaders and ASB kids, Back then without modern technology, you were into school spirit,” she said. events such as assemblies had to be cre- “School spirit is 100 percent dependent ative to keep the audience’s attention. on the kids themselves,” she said. Instead of sports season montage vid-

26 Reprinted with permission from Helios OPINION pinion from the

A student’s experience with vaping and the consequences

hate losing. Losing means that I wasn’t For this reason, I haven’t tried to get help Igood enough; I wasn’t strong enough. from my parents or professionals. I hate Yet I lost to nicotine, a mere substance how I can sense the disappointment of that took over my life and put my mind in my “pure” friends when they see me vap- shackles. And as much as I hate admitting ing or how my parents believe me when it, I’m addicted to vaping. I say I’ve never touched an e-cigarette. I first tried vaping in sophomore year And I’m disgusted when I remember that after a friend introduced me to his new freshman-year me who vowed to never go device while we were chilling in my car. down this path. Listening to him rave about the “buzz” it That’s why I’ve had many, many at- gave him, I grew super curious and de- tempts to quit. The withdrawal symptoms cided to hit it. The sensation it gave me are so real. After about four hours of no was so unique that I instantly fell in love nicotine, my mind usually enters panic with nicotine. mode, making excuses for me to vape. I soon bought my own device from a Once this subsides, my body starts to feel local shop so physically uncom- that I wouldn’t fortable with anxi- have to keep “There’s so many better ety, and my fingers asking friends shake when I write. to hit theirs. things to do than faking Yet, the physical Although I withdrawals aren’t barely used it pleasure to your body.” the hardest part. It’s at first, I slowly difficult to quit be- started vaping cause vapes are so more. A few hits on the way to school, a available. I can’t eat out with a group with- couple hits while doing my homework at out at least one person having a vape. The home. Without realizing it, I was drasti- abundance of e-cigarettes just shows me cally increasing how much nicotine I in- that teens my age are becoming frighten- haled into my body. ingly hooked on nicotine. I still can’t pinpoint when I became ad- It’s just scary that I, and many other dicted because the addiction crept on me nicotine abusers, may never be able to so subtly. All of a sudden, I noticed that I quit vaping. Most of us start the same couldn’t go many hours before my body way, thinking that just one hit won’t hurt; urged for inhaling more of that substance. as you can probably tell, that rarely works When I hung out with my friends, they out. All I can recommend to non-vapers would ask to borrow my vape, but I would is to never even try it; there are so many decline because I was scared of not hav- better things to do than faking pleasure to ing a device. It became like a body part — your body. something I needed to function properly. *The name of the writer has been with- Through all of this, I’ve felt so ashamed. held for confidentiality Source: Food and Drug Administration Complied by Noah Somphone 27 OPINION

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: STAND AND DELIVER? In light of the controversy in the National Football League over athletes who have chosen to kneel during the National Anthem, two Accolade columnists share their perspectives about the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom

ERIN LEE | theaccolade “In every public secondary school there shall be con- States of America shall satisfy such requirement.” ducted daily appropriate patriotic exercises. The giving — California Education Code 52720 of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United KIHOON KIM: Standing and reciting not actively involved with any particular it. As students become more insightful on the Pledge of Allegiance isn’t for personal social issues at the moment. However, I social and political issues in America, they gratification but to give our respects to am a proponent of the idea that students should wisely decide for themselves to those who granted us such opportunities. have the option to kneel to spread their either exercise their rights when reciting ANDREW HONG: Just as how athletes message about social issues. the Pledge of Allegiance or not. nationwide have participated in the oppo- KIHOON KIM: I’ve been standing, KIHOON KIM: The issue seems to sition of showing respect to the National too, during the pledge since I was a fresh- center on patriotism. Do we care enough Anthem by kneeling, students should be man here. The pledge is mainly symbolic to do research about our rights in a public allowed to express their personal opinion now. It is symbolic of American unity. school campus? Or do we just walk without fear of criticism. By no means am It’s important to continue this tradition of around the campus hallways from bell to I advocating students to kneel during Pe- standing and reciting the pledge. bell just going through the motions of high riod 2’s Pledge of Allegiance to disrespect ANDREW HONG: Fortunately, in school? our U.S. veterans or to anyone else who this modern era, schools don’t expel ANDREW HONG: Every student have fought for our country. However, I students because they refuse to salute the is different and some are more actively advocate the kneeling as a form of peace- flag. Students should not be pressured by involved in tackling social issues. Students ful protest for people to use to express any school faculty members or administrators can be informed about some rights that social issues in America. to recite the pledge, either. they did not know about and can person- KIHOON KIM: So are you saying that Do not get my perspective twisted; just ally research additional information to fur- you have started kneeling in your Period because your educational rights gives you ther expand their knowledge. Therefore, it 2 class? the option to salute to the flag, it does not all depends on each student’s perspective ANDREW HONG: I do not kneel dur- mean that you should kneel without mean- on the need to know and research student ing my second period class because I am ing or cause or for the sake of just doing rights.

28 SPORTS THE UGANDA CONNECTION Past Lancer jerseys and soccer balls shipped 9,000 miles away to meet needs of African primary school athletes

HANNAH JEONG Staff Reporter Imagine going to a school where fund- ing is so scarce that it cannot provide for its students’ sportswear and equipment. Nor could these athletes’ parents afford to pay the cost of these items. For many in Orange County, it is hard to picture. But it is the reality for many living in Third World nations. Take the St. Kizito Primary School in the Mpigi District in central Uganda. It’s about 9,000 miles from Fullerton, and it is known for its many poverty-stricken students from kindergarten to seventh grade. The school works to give students bet- ter chances at healthier lives, said the Rev. Raphael Ddamba, who grew up in this area and experienced the perils of poverty first- hand. This prompted the Catholic priest to find ways to help this school since 2013. “The hope is that at least each year, I can lift up a few kids at a time from the poten- tial lives of illiteracy and poverty to greater Reprinted with permission from Father Raphael Ddamba lives,” Ddamba said. SHOWING OFF THE JERSEYS: St. Kizito Primary School students Sunny Hills’ boys soccer head coach smile with appreciation for the jerseys and soccer balls donated by Mike Mike Schade met the minister through Schade, the head coach for Sunny Hills’ boys soccer team. Schade’s attendance of Sunday mass at the St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, where soccer jerseys, most of the athletes did not thing. Ddamba works as a chaplain. have any shoes because they could not af- May God bless you and reward you The science teacher learned from a ford them. That need still needs to be met. a bu n d ant l y.” Sunny Hills alumnus and parish member “With regards to shoes, maybe we can Schade shared with the team about the around April 2018 that Ddamba was going follow in the footsteps of TOMS [shoes] donation to Uganda and how the team back to Uganda to help out. founder, Blake Mycoskie, and donate a pair there used the uniforms. “I asked [him] if he would be interested of soccer cleats every time a player buys a “We were excited that it meant some- in soccer stuff, and he said that [the school] new pair of cleats,” Schade said. thing to them and that they played to a would love it,” Schade said Meanwhile, St. Kizito principal Mukasa championship while wearing them,” he For the 34 years as head soccer coach, Joseph Balikuddembe sent a thank-you let- said. whenever his squads received new jerseys ter to the soccer team dated July 26, 2018. Midfielder senior Jesus Mendoza didn’t every two to four years, Schade has always One part of it reads: know about Schade’s donation until he saw tried to donate the previous uniforms to “The soccer uniforms arrived at the time an announcement about it on the cam- various groups that need them. our school soccer team was to compete pus’ jumbotron at the beginning of the fall So this time around, the coach decided with other schools. 2018-2019 school year. to give members of the Ugandan team 40 I am happy to inform you that our “I feel proud to be part of a program that old soccer jerseys and two used soccer balls school team emerged [as] the champions of is doing things not just to make our com- delivered by Ddamba on July 20 of last year. 2018 in all the categories. munity better, but the world,” Mendoza Ddamba said while they had the SH We are indeed very grateful for every- said. 29 SPORTS THE RACER Senior Riley Shea cracks the national Top 10 BMX rankings after two major injuries

Age 17 U.S. Rank 10 Team 316 Racing

HANNAH YI to the year.” Staff Reporter BMX racing consists of a sprint-style bicycle race on dirt and a paved track with eight racers lined along the starting line, usu- Whittier Narrows — senior Riley Shea crashes by a strong ally lasting around 30 seconds in an outdoor stadium. gust of wind, breaking his right hand on Jan. 28. Then, on Oct. Other categories of BMX include dirt biking, street and park 2, Shea takes a turn the wrong way, causing him to crash and BMX. Despite the many options, Shea prefers to focus on racing. break his collarbone; it seems that the odds are not in his favor. “I enjoy the thrill of racing, going as fast as I can and doing Despite his unfortunate occurrences, he finishes the 2018 whatever I can to win,” he says. “I am super competitive, so rac- season of BMX racing with 10 wins and No. 10 in the National ing satisfies my competitive edge; other disciplines are fun but Age Group for 17-20 cruisers — a class with a larger bike — and does not allow me to compete at such an intense level.” regional No. 1 in 17-20 expert after winning the Iron Horse Bi- Going through 11 different bikes, Shea has stuck with his cycle Classic competition on May 27. 2018 DK Bicycles Professional V2 frame for a year and a half. National rankings take the best eight scores from national “I love the bike I have right now, as it allows me to be more events and the grand nationals at the end of the year and use a dynamic on the bike and move it around more,” he says. points system to determine rank, Shea says. Shea’s passion for BMX racing began at the age of 6 when his “This past year has been difficult, as I have broken both my friend, Nicholas Spinella, introduced him to this sport. hand and collarbone throughout the year,” he says. “To place “I’ve always loved to ride my bike, so one of my friends from Top 10 in such a large age group nationally was a good finish

30 elementary school asked if I would go says. “Although he isn’t my coach any- While being in the Engineering Path- ride with him,” Shea says. “I became in- more, our relationship as a team manager ways to Innovation and Change program stantly hooked.” and rider still keeps me upbeat and pro- at Sunny Hills, Riley Shea also manages With his 11 years of BMX racing, he vides me with opportunities most other to squeeze in time after school for daily had first been on a local team called Pow- riders don’t have.” weight training each weekday for two erhouse Racing that disbanded after a Currently, Shea is talking to Brown hours and riding on Tuesdays, Thursdays year before he joined 316 Racing/DK Bi- about scholarship opportunities and and Saturdays. cycles on Jan. 11, located in Chula Vista. hopes to attend Fort Lewis College in He also volunteers at Whittier Nar- Shea’s team manager and former Durango, Colo. It offers scholarships for rows BMX in South El Monte on the coach Tyler Brown, who has been with cycling, as well as engineering, which is same three days, where he helps the man- Shea since the beginning, created the something he wishes to pursue as an oc- ager set up the track for the public for team 316 to keep in contact with the rid- cupation. races or practices. Along with that, Riley ers he has trained. “I hope to split my scholarship on ac- Shea teaches a class for younger riders on “[Shea] knows how the program ademic and sports, so I will be on their Thursdays for an hour and a half from goes,” Brown says. “He is great with rid- cycling team for a scholarship,” Shea says. 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ers, showing them the ropes and making “I also hope to get money academically.” Riley Shea says he looks up to famous everyone feel like they are a part of the Shea also gains support from his par- BMX racers, such as Maris Strombergs, 316 racing family.” ents, Cari and Kevin, and his 13 year old Billy Griggs and Jason Morris, who all BMX has teams that provide spon- little sister, Keiley, who also started BMX have introduced him to new parts of the sorships and allows riders to represent racing from the influence of Riley Shea. sport. brands with discounts on certain items “My little sister races as well, so it’s “Not all of them were wildly successful and benefits like rider promotion. definitely more of a family sport for us,” riders on a results standpoint, but they all “I’m super happy with the program he says. “[My family] loves that it makes taught me what BMX is really about,” he they are running, as well as the support me so happy and are willing to do what it says. I’ve been given over the years,” Shea says. takes to make sure I succeed.” Future goals for many young athletes “It would be pretty difficult to convince Besides family members, fellow BMX include competing in the Olympics; how- me to switch teams anytime soon.” racer Brian Dorsey, 50, appreciates Shea’s ever, Shea has another goal for his future The team has expanded to about 60 fearlessness and humility. with BMX racing. different riders ranging from kids as “The guy truly has amazing skills and “Recently, I’ve been putting a lot more young as 5 years old to elite racers as old a lot of control over his mental game,” into trying to grow the sport and have as 35. Dorsey says. “His riding has certainly a positive influence on the next genera- “[Brown] has been such a big contrib- evolved since I first saw him years ago, tion of riders,” Riley Shea says. “I think utor not only to my success, but [also] but he’s always been very relaxed and cal- it would be cool to impact the sport like to my motivation to continue riding,” he culated on his BMX bike.” that in some way as well.”

Reprinted with permission from Riley Shea MENTORSHIP: Senior Riley Shea (right) prepares for a race with a younger rider at the starting line.

31