ISSUE 966 June 1, 2020

T ORRANCE NEWS TORCH

Lighting the Way to Torrance High School Since 1922

SENIORS: ACHIEVERS OF 2020!

THERESA HOLLIS RETIRES BY MIKI IGNACIO Staff Writer After twenty-three years, Theresa start of the school year and graduation, kept her Hollis, one of Torrance High School’s most busy, but Mrs. Hollis stated, “you just work significant faculty members, is retiring on through to get everything done.” September 11. Throughout her career at THS, With her husband and THS’s football Mrs. Hollis has held leadership positions in the coach, Rock Hollis, she looks forward to her Curriculum Office and as the Principal's retirement. Although Mrs. Hollis will have more Assistant. leisure time, she admits she will “miss the hectic Mrs. Hollis is a Torrance High schedule of the school year” and the “wonderful DR. MANNON RETIRES School alumnus from the class of 1972. She faculty and staff.” Working at THS brought started working in Torrance Unified School pleasant connections and friends for a lifetime. BY USHNA ANWAR District in September of 1993 at Bert Lynn After retirement, Mrs. Hollis plans on Middle School and Calle Mayor Middle working on several projects at home, and desires Staff Writer School. to take a vacation during the fall to see the “fall Torrance Unified School from Glendora Unified School Later, she worked at West High foliage on the east coast.” Mrs. Hollis also plans District Superintendent, Dr. District where he had been the School as an assistant to the Assistant Principal. on traveling to Texas to visit her daughter, son- George Mannon, announced his Superintendent since July of 2000. However, when a chance to work at THS in-law, and grandchildren more often. plans to retire at the end of June Prior to that, he was the opened up, Mrs. Hollis “jumped at the Mrs. Hollis has made many memories 2020. Dr. Mannon has spent fifteen Superintendent of the Tustin Unified opportunity to return to [her] alma mater.” The during her time at THS, but one memory in love and passion for her school brought her particular is very special to her: a student’s years as the Superintendent of School District from 1996 to 2000, back even after graduation. grandfather walked into her office and Torrance Unified School District. and Carlsbad Unified School District Each day brought valuable and reminisced about an outstanding athlete back in He is a well-known citizen of from 1993 to 1996. cherished experiences for Mrs. Hollis, and his time. As the conversation progressed, Mrs. Torrance and an active member in He transferred to Torrance students played an endearing role. “I love being Hollis realized the athlete in question was none his community. from Glendora Unified School around students,” she remarks, “...the students other than her husband, Rock. Mrs. Hollis is Dr. Mannon is very well- District where he had been the are so smart, bright and clever.” Keeping up thankful for her time at THS supporting the with the latest trends, gazing at the senior patio students she holds so dear. educated, to say the least. He Superintendent since July of 2000. earned his Bachelor’s in Social Prior to that, he was the from her window, watching freshman grow up Because much of the Hollis family into seniors, and hearing them laugh in the halls are Torrance High School graduates, Mrs. Hollis Superintendent of the Tustin Unified Studies at the University of were the little things Mrs. Hollis appreciated expresses sadness knowing the connection she Tennessee in Knoxville and went School District from 1996 to 2000, while working at THS. has of the past and present will end with her on to gain his Master’s in History and Carlsbad Unified School District “One of the reasons I enjoy my job retirement. Although the connection may from Marshall University in West from 1993 to 1996. is that you never know what each day will dissipate, Torrance High School will never forget Virginia. Dr. Mannon ultimately Along with being an bring.” Some may dislike unpredictability, but the happiness she brought to this campus. earned his Doctorate in Education excellent superintendent for many Mrs. Hollis looked at it in a positive light— Wishing Mrs. Hollis all the best seems grossly Administration from Arizona State years, Dr. Mannon is also an active though she has had her fair share of challenging inadequate compared to the legacy she leaves University. member in his community. He has times. Numerous school events, such as the behind. Like most been involved with Rotary administrators, Dr. Mannon International for twenty-three years, FAREWELL TO FOOTBALL, ROCK HOLLIS garnered years of teaching in addition to being the President of experience before becoming an the Tustin Rotary Club for one year. BY VERONICA GARZA administrator. He was a Social Dr. Mannon is still an active member Studies teacher at Charleston High of the Torrance Del Amo Rotary Staff Writer under the Friday night lights,” he remarked. “My Rock Hollis, Torrance High School’s daughter was a cheerleader and my son played School in West Virginia, and Club, along with being on the head football coach of twenty-six years, gives a ultimately became an Assistant Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation for me.” fond farewell to football and a warm welcome to The legacy Mr. Hollis leaves behind is Principal there. Following that, he Advisory Board. retirement. After beginning his coaching career one of great impact and gratitude. George was hired as Executive Director of Dr. George Mannon has in January of 1991, Mr. Hollis quickly became Tachibana, Director of Athletics at THS, Kanawha County Schools, also in done a superlative job serving the the head football coach for THS in 1994. commented: “He has always cared deeply for all West Virginia, from 1984 to 1987. City of Torrance within the confines Previous to coaching high school of his players and the feeling was mutual.” Mr. Dr. Mannon then worked as a of education and community service. athletes, Mr. Hollis coached his own children in Tachibana added, “He was always there for his sports, including “running, baseball, basketball, principal for the Phoenix Union Mr. Don Lee of the Torrance Unified players, pushing them to improve as both football swimming, tennis, and volleyball.” When his players and people.” Throughout his career, Mr. High School District from 1987 to School District Board of Education predecessor, Bill Bynum, offered him a coaching 1993. stated, “Torrance Schools are a far Hollis proved to be a mentor as well as a coach. position, Mr. Hollis said he “jumped at the “I’ve juggled two jobs since I started The Torrance Unified better place because of Dr. Mannon.” chance to make a difference and inspire the guys coaching and it will be nice to have extra time to School District Board of His time as Superintendent has to play with intensity,” eager to aid in the focus on my business and family.” Mr. Hollis Education hired Dr. George impacted the lives of students in mentoring of the next generation’s athletes. looks forward to retiring with his wife and fellow Accepting a coaching role pushed Mannon in 2005 as Torrance tremendously and we wish THS faculty member, Theresa Hollis. He plans on Superintendent of Schools. He him all the best in his future Mr. Hollis’ involvement in the sport of football focusing on his electrical business, as well as to come full circle, as he finds it to be “an honor visiting his daughter, son-in-law, and transferred to Torrance endeavors! to coach and play at the same school.” As a grandchildren in Texas. player at THS, Mr. Hollis was a Blanket Award However, as excited as he is to begin recipient, explaining it was “exhilarating to writing a more relaxed, leisurely chapter of his coach Blanket Award winners each year.” He life, when asked what he will miss most, Mr. found passion in guiding student athletes along Hollis responded, “I will miss the excitement and a path of success similar to the one he had walked intensity of the game....when I hear the fight song, years ago. smell the fresh cut grass, hear the roar of the After approximately two decades of crowd, and see the cheerleaders on the sidelines, I coaching football, Mr. Hollis walks away with an get goosebumps.” extensive highlight reel. He joyfully recalls As a former THS student athlete and moments such as the “second round of CIF football coach, Mr. Hollis expresses a nostalgic playoffs in the 2011 season” in which “we won sadness with his retirement, thinking of all of the over Ojai to put us in the semi-finals.” In addition to memories made with athletes who have run onto the field before him, his athletes, Mr. Hollis was fortunate enough to and those who will in the future. Mr. Hollis have made memories with his family. “From concludes his thoughts with the two words he has 1993-1998, my whole family was there together spent a good portion of his life chanting: “Go Tartars!”

Local News 2

Recovering the Economy Reopening from Quarantine BY MIKI IGNACIO BY JOSHUA FLORES Staff Writer Staff Writer During COVID-19 has will increase the global economic By press time, it will be 81 days Texas Governor Greg Abbot affected the economy on a global flow, even by a miniscule margen. since the stay-at-home orders permeated was quoted: “Starting immediately, scale, but recent reports have shown a According to Yahoo, the universal society. The quarantine has child-care services are able to open,” hopeful return. Economies in some nearly “40 million [Americans] are caused devastating effects on working and “that also includes programs like countries have slowly started to out of work,” and “more than 2.4 class Americans and the US economy. Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCA improve as businesses reopen and million people filed for According to Anneken Tappe and Tami programs.” It is logical to assume people are returning to work. Luhby of CNN Business, the amount of medical professionals in Texas unemployment claims” last week. Stock prices have made a Although the economy is slowly first-time claimants for unemployment acknowledge the fact it is safe for Texas steady rise, as CNN Business reports. returning to the thriving entity it was estimated at “36.5 million since mid- to reopen its businesses in phases. As of May 27, companies such as was three months ago, many March,” or about 22% of the US American small businesses Delta Air Lines, Inc., and Bank of Americans fear losing their jobs or workforce. This means millions of are still struggling from the quarantine America Corp. have increased by at having their salaries reduced. As families are relying on stimulus checks and governmental overreach. The least 7% in their stocks. In addition, the economy cannot immediately from the government as their source of government has decided to revise the income. Paycheck Protection Program, which is Anthony Scaramucci, founder and improve, workers must endure the managing partner of SkyBridge harsh conditions until stable relief Javier Simon, a banking, a loan that helps businesses keep their Capital, claims the possibility of a becomes eminent. retirement, and investing expert for workforce employed. The government “20% move [to go] in the structured COVID-19 has made the smartasset.com, concluded over “128 is expected to extend the time to spend credit markets.” This recovery could year a challenging time for million stimulus checks have been paid the money an additional two months be the catalyst of an economic everyone. Those with and without out for a total amount of almost $220 according to an article by Fox Business. recovery in America many citizens jobs hope for the pandemic to ease billion,” or about 39% of the US Under the PPP, 75% of the are anticipating. in order to recover the economy population. money given to businesses is to be used China has also been and return back to a normal The amount of Coronavirus on employee salaries. Despite the loans, showing signs of recovery, as lifestyle. Millions of people seek an cases in the US is over one million, and businesses are still losing significant industrial output has increased. optimistic outcome, and it is the state of New York is the most affected revenue. Janice Riordan, who runs a Bloomberg reports, “Industrial output coming; all sources conclude the with over 250,000 confirmed cases, women's clothing boutique in Venice, rose 3.9% from a year earlier,” which economy is making its way according to worldmeters.info. Despite Florida, has lost 70% of her revenue means there are more products to be upward. Florida having a larger population than between mid-March and early May. exported universally. This, in turn, New York, the Sunshine State has fewer Many other entrepreneurs are cases and a lower amount of deaths from in similar situations, which means the the coronavirus in comparison. sooner all businesses reopen the better. Armed Forces Day Parade Canceled Texas, a state that also has a Small businesses who employ less than higher population than New York, has a twenty-five people make up 90% of the BY JOSHUA FLORES lower amount of cases as well. Silas American economic landscape. We Allen, an editor for the Dallas Observer, must give those businesses a chance to Staff Writer reports Texas is currently in phase two of recover from lack of revenue for the This year the City of Did you know that the City of reopening businesses. good of the country. Torrance would have hosted the 61st Torrance is one of the few cities in the US Annual Armed Forces Parade but due sanctioned by the Department of Defense the Coronavirus quarantine it was to honor our military by being able to cancelled. The parade, which includes host an Annual Armed Forces Day military displays and other activities, Parade and Celebration? It is also the was scheduled to last from May 15 to 17. country’s longest running military parade The Torrance Police Department, who sponsored by any city. organizes the parade, notified volunteers Each year, the City of via email on March 18 according to an Torrance chooses a branch from the PHOTO article written by Nick Green, a United States Army, Marine Corps, the journalist for the Daily Breeze. Navy, the Coast Guard, or Air Force in COURTESY: The email read: “As always, recognition. A high ranking member of CNN we appreciate all of your hard work and the branch serves as the Grand Marshall. dedication in planning this amazing Last year, Rear Adm. Babette “Bette” event,” and “We hope you all take the Bolivar, commander of Navy Region necessary precautions to stay healthy Southwest, served as the parade Grand with the current health concerns and we Marshall. look forward to planning next year’s The Armed Forces Day event with all of you.” Parade celebrations began in 1960 under Last year's Armed Forces Mayor Albert Isen. Until recently, Day Parade celebrated the US Navy. The nothing has ever stopped the parade from parade attracted 60,000 people being presented. This tradition has been according to Discover Torrance. Last around for a long time and it is a shame year’s celebration had military exhibits that we were not able to experience it this on display, including aircraft, vehicles, year. Hopefully, our city will be able to and support equipment. Two free honor our servicemen and women concerts were also held last year by a without any interruption next May. military band at the James Armstrong Theatre over that weekend.

PHOTO COURTESY: Axel Koester

Entertainment 3

Eduardo Benitez on… Eduardo Benitez on…

WHERE ARE YOU SCOOB!Y DOO? XENOBLADE CHRONICLES DEFINITIVE EDITION Now on Video-on- The style and look of the The desperately-deserved North various combos and other special Demand comes Warner Bros. movie resemble the original cartoon American release of the definitive techniques in the game are on a animated classic and cowardly slightly where they give it the 2D Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition completely different level. canine mystery solver, Scooby look with 3D visuals most animated is finally here! Produced by Nintendo and The graphics in the game are Doo, in his latest animated films try to portray today. The developed by Monolith Soft and Monster simply gorgeous. The landscape of the picture, Scoob! Directed by Tony movement and flow of the cartoons Games, thi is the super-enhanced and game’s world is truly a wonder to Cervone, the film tells the origins could be a bit more expressive as gorgeously-reconstructed rerelease of behold! Many players will sit in awe at of how Shaggy (played by Will some characters have a rather slow 2010’s Xenoblade Chronicles. the scenery changes as well as the tone Forte) met his faithful companion and stiff movement. After discovering he is the true in the music, depending upon the Scooby Doo (played by the Reviews of this film are wielder of the legendary sword, the regions of the game being played, of original voice actor Frank mixed. Brian Lowry of CNN.com, Monodo, our protagonist, Shulk, along with course. Welker) as well as the rest of the says, “Beyond the improved his party, band together in search for the The game has its fair share of Mystery Gang. computer animation… sequences answers clouding the mystery surrounding problems, like learning the intricate After finding out worthy of attention are too few and the Monodo and its purposes. They do all of combat system, improvement with the Scooby’s true purpose, Shaggy very far between.” Christy Lemire, this while attacking and defending voice acting, and a few tweaks are and Scooby are chased down by from RogerEbert.com, compares it themselves from giant evil robots bent on needed to the story line. But the game is the film’s villain, Dick Dastardly to“a confounding and convoluted using the sword’s power for evil. a massive reward to dedicated players (played by Jason Issacs) who origin story to a pretty The game is difficult to master. who put their time and effort into it. intends on capturing Scooby and straightforward Saturday morning The combat within this game is very unique The game is priced at a using him for his evil intent. cartoon.” and reasonably hard to understand for any whopping $59.99 and is a testament to true RPG games of the past. Any The film blatantly This film suffers from its experienced player. appeals only to children. Unlike child-like writing and depends on hardcore RPG fans will definitely want Button commands will appear most animated pictures where fans of the old Hanna Barbera to try out this remaster. each time you select a move and learning even parents can enjoy a bit of cartoons to understand references sense of it, Scoob! delivers permeating the film. Parents set your nothing for the family to enjoy and lovely children in front of the screen primarily focuses on telling and play this inane film for them modern day jokes that only kids while working on more important will appreciate. things.

Prom 2020 BY KAYLA COLLINS Editor-in-Chief Prom is a formal dance held outfits for prom and wanted to finally by high schools at the end of the academic be able to show off their hard work. But year, typically for students in their senior the unfortunate circumstances or junior year. This year Covid-19 has stopped them from having one of the unfairly stripped seniors of their last few most memorable nights in high school. months of their high school experience. 17-year-old Aaliyah Flores- What's their side of the story? Pliego told the New York Times “I New York Times interviewed always envisioned prom as something 18-year-old Trey Hepburn about his special, something memorable, just opinion on prom 2020. He stated” I was because you only go to high school actually hoping that I would get prom once”. Prom has been and always will king… I was thinking, I’d be dancing with be a big part of the high school somebody, and then the music stops, and experience. Every high schooler has they announce it, and as soon as they do, their own take on prom. But every high everyone starts cheering and chanting my schooler looks forward to their own name”. For many senior’s prom was one high school experience and the forever of the biggest things they were looking lasting memories that comes with it. forward to. 2020 graduates have shown nothing, Many seniors worked all year but strength and determination and long and put all of their creativity in their their hard work will be recognized and greatly remembered for years to come.

4 Senior Quotes

“If you do “To me, freedom is something to be expressing what I remembered then want to express […] I want to be a you did something above and person who breaks

beyond.” unspoken rules.” -Son Chaeyoung

“The person you “What can I say are today is the about school? I accumulation of laughed. I cried. It all of your past was fun.” selves.”

“The most “Keep going even important thing to though times are life was never the hard.” destination, but rather the journey.”

“I’d rather be “Through doubt at exclusive than neglect, we already known.” thrive.”

Senior Quotes 5

“Just keep “I don’t really care swimming!” cause I’m done.”

-Dory -Lil Uzi Vert

“I wish there was a way to know you’re “Nice work you in the good old did. You’re gonna days, before you’ve go far, kid.” actually left them.” -The Offspring -Andy Bernard

“I’m outta here!” “I’d like to thank -Incidental 49A coffee for Fish from allowing me o get Spongebob, to this point.” episode “Opposite Day”

“Let us not seek to “Just because you fix the blame for are trash, doesn’t the past. Let us mean you can’t do accept our own great things. Its responsibility for trash can, not the future.” trash can’t.” -John F. Kennedy

Senior Quotes 6

“Whether you hate school “The best way to “Laughter is or not, this year goes to “Frankly my dear, I show how fast high school predict the future timeless, goes (or life in general). It is to make your imagination has no don’t give a damn.” only happens once so own.” age, and dreams -Rhett Butler make the most of it before you go onto your next -Flynn Rider are forever.” journey in life.” -Walt Disney

“Life is like a camera -FOCUS on what’s “It really doesn’t “sick girl “Graduating important matter how bad it summer!...or -CAPTURE the good gets, there will always already?!?! Damn, times whatever Megan time flies when be someone you don’t -DEVELOP from the expect right down Thee Stallion you sleep through negatives with you that will get said.” And of things don’t work first period.” you out of there” out, take another shot.”

“Always believe in “Be responsible yourself. Do this for your own and no matter happiness an where you are, you never let anything will have nothing to else get in the fear.” way of it.” -Hayao Miyazaki

Activities 7

8 Student Life

Pets of the Week! MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2020 BITTY 20-03 476

3 Years Old DSH Male

Available at the spcaLA PD Pitchford Companion Animal Village and Education Center 7700 E. Spring St. Long Beach, CA 90815 spcaLA is offering adoptions by appointment. Go to spcaLA.com for info. Bitty here. I have been aptly named, you may say, as I only weigh 8 lbs. I assure you though, that what I lack in size I make up for in personality! https://spcala.com/adoptable/pet/?ss=20-03476

DUKE 20 -03385 3 Years Old Pit Bull Mix Male

Available at the spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center 12910 Yukon Avenue Hawthorne, CA 90250 spcaLA is offering adoptions by appointment. Go to spcaLA.com for info. My name is Duke. I am a handsome Pittie looking for my Friend for Life. I love pets! I will put my head in your lap for some lovin'! I am looking for a home with an experienced dog owner, kids 15+ and where I can be the only pet getting pets! https://spcala.com/adoptable/pet/?ss=20-03385

Tommy’s Graduation Dilemma EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CLUB WRITERS TORRANCE BY USHNA ANWAR KAYLA COLLINS NATALIA CORRALES Staff Illustrator HIGH STAFF WRITERS USHNA ANWAR CONTENT EDITOR SCHOOL EDUARDO BENITEZ EDUARDO BENITEZ KAYLA COLLINS 2200 W. JOSHUA FLORES PAGE ILLUSTRATOR VERONICA GARZA USHNA ANWAR CARSON ST. MIKI IGNACIO TORRANCE, CA. DAEZSA PASION BUSINESS MANAGER 90501 JOSHUA FLORES PAGE EDITORS KAYLA COLLINS ADVISOR JOSHUA FLORES MR. J. PARKER VERONICA GARZA FOR AD INQUIRY: BOSTWICK [email protected] DAEZSA PASION

In response to school being interrupted by the Coronavirus as well Seniors not being able to get a normal graduation the staff at THS decided to make a video titled “Torrance High Cares.” in which faculty and staff send a message to all Tartars. The 11 minute and 38 second video can be found on the Torrance High ASB channel on YouTube. In the video THS faculty and staff remind students that they care about them, they miss them, and they can’t wait to see them again. Some staff members give advice to students understanding that although times may be tough now, they will eventually get better. During these troubling times we must remember we have people that care about us even if we feel that we don’t and that as long as we do our part the faster things will return back to normal.