CRIMSON THE SENIOR ISSUE
Volume 74 | Issue 7 | 6.5.14 | Paso Robles high school
It’s time.
NEWS
| Table of Contents
04
03 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT 04 NEW STUDENT GOVERNMENT 04 TRAGEDY STRIKES
EDITORIAL
06
05 Gratitude
CTE
06 CULINARY ARTS
08 11 46
FEATURE
08 MISSIONARIES IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES
SENIOR SECTION
02 | crimsonweb.net | 6.5.14 | Table of Contents
11 CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2014
SPORTS
44 BEARCATHLETES 46 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 47 CIF SUCCESS
Crimson Paso Robles High School 801 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 769-1500 ext. 50033 Room 604 Co-Editor in Chiefs Jordan Nevosh, Editorial Angela Lorenzo, Center Sydney Matteson, Front Page Courtney Thompson, InDepth Copy Editor Analia Cabello Editors Emily Ayer Environment, Amy Cantrell Fun & Games, Carly Cargill Feature, Jessica Cole A&E, Rachel Cole Feature, Matt Durian Health, Claire Farrell Business, Pearl Herrera Opinion, Brandon Kearns Sci-Tech, Natalie Martin Blind Date, Michelle McPherson Career, Danae Ontiveros Sports, Eden Peterson Food, Maureen Pushea Photo Director, Lauren Reed Fun & Games, Matt Tyra Sports, Mariela Villa World Reporters Madeline Raithel, Rebecca Mitchell, Mila Robb-Hiteshew, Nick Larazinni, Mayer Pohlod, Lauren Wassam Adviser Jeff Mount Facebook www.facebook.com/crimsonnewsmagazine Website www.crimsonweb.net Email prhsjournalism @pasoschools.org Instagram @crimsonnewsmag Crimson, an open forum for the exchange of student ideas, is an independently funded newsmagazine of the journalism class at Paso Robles High School. Crimson reflects the majority opinion of the staff and does not necessarily reflect the views of Paso Robles High School, its faculty, administration, or students. All stories, graphics, typesetting, and layouts are completed by Paso Robles High School students. We are happy to talk with you further about our content, subscriptions in U.S. Mail, and advertising on our pages.
Victorious valedictorians by Emily Ayer, Environment Editor From the tardy bell of the first day of school to the last ringing on June 13, seniors Brandon Racca and Ethan Serpa have soared above 4.0’s, keeping A’s in their AP and Honors classes and still finding time to play soccer, and run cross-country and track, respectively, leading them to the top spots in the senior class.
Brandon Racca | Co-valedictorian
“
All I did was take a bunch of AP classes and did the work. Since I've been challenging myself all through school already, the amount of work I took on didn't seem much different. And I still had time for soccer, music, friends, and family. It's a busy lifestyle, so it's hard to be bored.”
Ethan Serpa | Co-valedictorian
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I have started all of my years off with a determined mindset and focused on getting my A’s early in the semester, and maintained them by staying ahead on my school work, and avoiding procrastination. I also took many AP and Honors courses which were crucial in earning the honor of Valedictorian.”
Tragedy strikes UC Santa Barbara
News
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Elliot Rodger injures 19 people at UCSB by Rachel Cole, Feature Co-Editor
Screeching tires, screams, and gunshots marked the deaths of six victims and the killer, 22 year old Elliot Rodger, an angry Santa Barbara resident, at UC Santa Barbara on May 23. Thirteen victims were wounded, six were killed, and a self-inflicted shot to the head also ended Rodger’s life. Rodgers posted several videos on YouTube, threatening people around Isla Vista, and ended with the video the “Day of Retribution,” which was posted hours before the mass murder occurred. In the videos, Rodger’s claimed that he felt that he had been sexually deprived by all females and that the men they chose over him were also to blame. This tragedy has reached beyond the lives lost and those forever changed by injury, and has touched upon the debate about gun control and the laws surrounding gun rights. Richard Martinez, father of deceased victim, Christopher Martinez, who was shot in the deli from the black BMW, blames lawmakers and the National Rifle Association, NRA. “It’s intolerable. Not one more person should have to die because of this ridiculous situation,” Martinez said.
However, Rodger did not only use guns to act out his revenge. He also rammed his car into several bicyclists and skateboarders, and stabbed three men to death in his apartment, at least two of them his roommates. The tragedy struck the community and brought them closer together, according to UCSB student and PRHS alumnus Sarah Wilson. Students of UCSB flocked to the streets of Isla Vista on May 24th, the night after the shooting, and held candlelight vigils and created mounds of flowers and cards of remembrance at the sites of violence. The UCSB held the formal memorial service on May 27 was attended by thousands. On May 28th students held a “paddle out” off of the shores of IV, and formed a circle of hundreds of surfers and tossed flowers into the ocean. Although the Santa Barbara community grew closer together, the rest of the state is also reaching out to them and remembering the victims. Several planned vigils occurred at other UC’s, according to Fox 5’s website. Vigils on May 26 were at San Diego, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles, May 27 was Irvine, May 28 was Riverside, and Davis was on May 29.
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Read former Bearcat & UCSB student Sara Wilson’s editorial about the Isla Vista tragedy > PAGE 43.
Interim superintendent named
Photo used with permission by Sarah Wilson
Jim Brescia will assume duties in July
School board officials released this month their choice of Jim Brescia for Interim Superintendent. He will replace Kathleen McNamara, the current superintendent, on July 1. While already the Superintendent of Cayucos Elementary District, he will be filling the position until a permanent replacement is found. Brescia will succeed Julian Crocker as the County Superintendent in January of 2015.
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More on Interim Superintendent Brescia at crimsonweb.net.
State medals for job skills Students place at the 47th SkillsUSA conference
SkillsUSA State Medalists
by Mila Robb-Hiteshew, Reporter
Tristan Balson
Plumbing
Fifty-four PRHS students attended the 47th annual SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference, held on Apr. 24-27 at the Town & Country Conference Center in Mission Valley. Nineteen returned with state medals. Seventy schools attended the conference, totaling 1,595 contestants from around the state. Building trades teacher and SkillsUSA Director, Randy Canaday, feels that because of the larger competition, "we will get better. If you don't compete [against worthy competitors] you don't get any better." PRHS fielded 54 students; 19 came home with a state medal (see sidebar for names of medalists). The gold medalists in each competition will be invited to the National competition in Kansas City, MO. Paso Robles will send six state gold medalists from June 23 to June 27, 2014.
Robert Comstock III
Marine Technology
Haley Dotson
Early Childhood Education
Wes Harmon
Mobile Electronics Assembly
Violet Lopez
Criminal Justice
Parker Pilg
Electrical Construction Wiring
Matthew Dodds
Electrical Construction Wiring
Clem Lessi
Motorcycle Service Technology
Austin Lloyd
Plumbing
Cassidy Moses
Early Childhood Education
Caleb Rivera
Oxy-Acetylene Welding
Adrian Robles
Power Equipment Technology
A. Van Rensberg
Power Equipment Technology
Lauretta Closser
Commercial Baking
Ryan Colvin
Arc Welding
Takeru Konno
Plumbing
Taylor Lamascus
Power Equipment Technology
Colby Mathe
Electrical Construction Wiring
Hannah McMinn
Early Childhood Education
PRHS medaled in 12 of the 109 competitions. To win a medal, competitors had to test well on the SkillsUSA knowledge test and material pertaining to their selected competition. "The testing was pretty basic. They had a test about SkillsUSA at the beginning of the conference," said senior Robert Comstock lll. SkillsUSA has large opportunities for job applications in the desired fields of trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It also allows students to receive direct information from business industries. Students can also receive scholarships for showing success in the program, not to mention important resume and job skills experience.
“We will get better. If you don’t compete [against worthy competitors] you don’t get any better.” —Randy Canaday
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Read Randy Canaday’s Letter to the Editor on PAGE 5.
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
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Photo by Lauren Wassam
Juniors represent PRHS at nationwide leadership conference
uniors Mason Hargrave, Michael Horne, and Emma Zelus have consistently been top performers in their class, and while earning the respect of both students and faculty they were nominated and selected to represent the school at Boys and Girls State. Boys and Girls State is a way of reaching out to those interested in jobs in the political field. Founded in 1935 and 1937 respectively, their main goals are to prepare interested students. The nominees for each state are selected by the teachers; once whittled down to around 4 final contestants, an interview is conducted where the candidates are asked various questions pertaining to their leadership skills and qualities. Two boys were selected from the rigorous interview process. “Obviously, I put on a suit. I tried to remain formal and basically I just tried to be professional. I was very ready to go in and be very straightforward,” Horne said. Hargrave has worked hard to foster good relationships with his teachers and fellow students, and believes that this is a return for his connections. “It makes me feel appreciated, and it is good to feel like I have harbored healthy relationships with enough teachers that I was able to make it to the interviews. I feel it’s a payoff from my attempts to reach out to a lot of teachers across
Ruling the school Newly elected officers share their hopes for next year
campus and really show them who [Hargrave] is,” Hargrave said. “The interview process was very intimidating,” he added, “I was in a room with 3 other guys who I knew were just top-notch people, and I knew that it was going to be hard to get the spot.” Hargrave also cited senior Nickie Gurney on how to prepare for the actual interview, as well as some general information on what to say and expect. Gurney was the Boys State nominee from last year. Horne also reached out to Gurney for advice. “He’s a really chill guy and he was super encouraging,” Horne said. Unlike Hargrave’s interview, the Girls State interview process was quite relaxed. “The women there assured me that it would be a very casual sort of conversation; they told me that I had no reason to be nervous.” Zelus said, who requested advice from last year’s Girls State representative, senior M’Lynn Martin. “From what I could tell, they were trying to gauge my character, my ability to solve social issues, and [my ability to] be a leader.” Hargrave, Horne, and Zelus will attend a leadership conference where all of the Boys and Girls State winners will gather, giving them the opportunity to see much of what national politics include. “We’ll see where it takes me,” Hargrave said. by Mayer Pohlod, Reporter, and Rachel Cole, Feature Co-Editor
by Pearl Herrera, Opinion Editor
Blair Orlando Senior Class President
“Taking on the senior class is a huge task— figuring out the things we want, comparing them to the things we need, and determining how we are going to afford them—but I'm excited to make senior year one to remember.”
Alissa King
Amy Cantrell
“I am so looking forward to planning prom and incorporating the ideas of our peers! It’s going to be a lot of hard work and dedication, but I'm excited to take on the challenge, so thanks for granting me this opportunity!”
“I'm going to work really hard using the experience I had this year as junior class president to make next year super awesome!”
Junior Class President
ASB President
Jake Van Wiggeren
Sophomore Class President
“I can’t wait to lead and represent the sophomore class as president next year!”
Saying goodbye by Mila Robb-Hiteshew,
Photos by Jessica Cole, Maureen Pushea, and used with permission by Blair Orlando and Alissa King
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Assistant Principal and former PRHS teacher Ed Arrigoni is transferring to Paulding Middle School in Arroyo Grande to become the school’s principal. Arrigoni has served as AP since September 2013 following the departure of Chris Jones, who is now AP at Morro Bay HS. Although he has decided to “Expand his horizons... [he] will miss the students of PRHS most of all,” he said in an email to the staff.
Editorial
Letter to the Editor
2340
A number we can be grateful for
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Staff Editorial
his is the end, but before the diplomas are passed out and names are called, the credit must be given where it is due. So take a moment and end the year with thanks for the acts that helped us along the way. End the year with tears and love and the kind of beautiful recognition that comes with acknowledgment. And every year the faces that have created the memories walk from the halls to War Memorial Stadium in crimson caps and gowns. For 113 years Paso High has been in this business, sending us on to start our lives. That moment, frozen in time by pixels and parents’ memories, has 2,340 days behind it. 2,340 dark mornings where we dragged ourselves out of bed. 2,340 days where we’ve survived until the final bell. That’s 18,720 hours of learning, of hard seats, and fluorescent lights. All of it feels like a life encompassment, a daily commitment for as long as we can remember. But that moment isn’t ours alone. It holds the 2,340 days when we were driven to, taught and coached by PRPS saints, helped with school work, and guided along the way. That’s 2,340 days supplied with our backpacks, pencils, calculators, glue sticks, clothes, shoes, haircuts, and appointments. Graduation belongs to those who raised us– parents foremost, teachers, administrators, coaches, site staff, custodians and the army that has seen us through to this moment. Graduation belongs to us who battled and to adults who pushed us to do our best. Graduation belongs to the teachers who donate their lives to watching kids walk across that stage, the teachers
who say the same thing redundantly year after year and somehow find new ways to make it fun. All this is to say there is a plenitude around us. Gratitude is our best response. Let’s feel grateful for the triumph of holding that piece of paper in our hands. Whether we are a wide eyed map-equipped freshman, or a confident senior, the goal of every faculty member is to get you across the stage with that diploma in your hand. But that moment with the tassel hanging over the brim of your cap, is just the beginning. The beginning of our lives. It is, as the profound statement goes, the first day of the rest of our lives. Underclassmen, listen to Corita Kent, and be grateful for the opportunities ahead. Kent said, “Life is a succession of moments, to live each one is to succeed.” Try out for the school play, join the Adventure Club, take AP Chemistry, talk to that shy boy in the hallway. Step out of your comfort zone and find yourself. As far as we know that one seating arrangement could let us meet our new best friend, and the day that you say hello to someone knew, could save them from suicide. These are great times. Dream big, fight hard, love constantly, work diligently, remember the happy moments,stand up for what you believe in, be your own person, and live each moment. And be grateful.
“Life is a succession of moments, to live each one is to succeed.” —Corita Kent
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s an instructor and CTE Dept. Chair I found your article concerning Dr. McNamara’s retirement offensive. I have worked with three Superintendents during that duration of time. Only during the tenure of Dr. McNamara have we witnessed one of the most difficult financial periods for education in California. The District Administration and School Board Members had to make very hard decisions to keep our district from being taken over by the State. In the end, we have several new facilities and most of the High School courses survived the cuts that unfortunately had to be made. The High School had one of the highest ratings given by WASC, test scores increased, AP classes continued, and many of our graduates moved on to higher education and occupational opportunities. Dr. McNamara and the District Staff have been very supportive of the extended curriculum offerings at PRHS. Her directive has been to make the CTE Applied Technologies, Agriculture, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts viable and accessible to our entire student body. It would have been a very easy fix to the financial difficulties of the past several years to cut these programs. Dr. McNamara and the elected School Board members did not allow that to happen. Dr. McNamara and the School Board have whole heartedly supported the courses that serve the education required to prepare students. They did this by asking the entire staff to participate in the financial cuts required. This was to the benefit of our students. Dr. McNamara has made hard decisions for this district. Sometimes those decisions were not agreeable with teachers, clerical staff, custodians, building maintenance, and site Administrators. However, unless someone makes the hard decisions, no decision at all, can be tragic for all concerned. As a district taxpayer, business owner, and member of the staff teaching elective courses, I am proud to say Dr. McNamara has done a great job keeping our district under local control. As Dept. Chair, I and most of our CTE Staff would say: thank you, Dr. McNamara, for your hard work, hard thinking, and compassion she has for Paso Robles Public Schools and the children we serve. – Randy Canaday, Building Trades Instructor, CTE Dept. Chair Editorial | 6.5.14 | crimsonweb.net | 05
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Recipe for success Culinary alumni finds future for her passion by Madeline Raithel, Reporter
There is a certain formula for success, and it’s no secret. PRHS alumni Amanda Franklin knows this recipe of passion, dedication, and experience, and has witnessed the delicious outcome firsthand. Franklin joined the culinary arts academy at Paso High her junior year and felt inspired by the enthusiasm of her teacher, Phillip Ricciomini. “My teacher always pushed me to do my best and he seemed like he enjoyed it so much and I felt that I would enjoy it just as much,” Franklin said. Franklin realized she wanted to continue cooking as a career when she was in the summer program at the Culinary Arts Academy in Paso almost three years ago. Her favorite part about the class was learning the different ways to prepare dishes. “I just really enjoyed everything that we were learning and had a passion for it,” Franklin said. Her passion is what Ricciomini says makes it a better learning experience for him and the students. Since graduating in 2013, Franklin has been attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and is currently working on her Associate in Occupational Studies degree in Culinary Arts. She hopes to work on getting her Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts. Franklin says that her favorite part about cooking is the versatility. “We have so many different things to work with and not just food, chemicals too. We can make a chicken breast with duck skin or watermelon bobbles if we want. We have so much to work with. The creativity can never end. There’s always something new and exciting to make or invent. That’s what I love about the culinary world,” said Franklin. Franklin has big goals for her future after school. She hopes to return to Paso Robles and “start a sort of pop up little food stand where all the fruits and veg are grow on my land and grown with mineral water instead of fresh water to show people how much more nutritional mineral water can be for crops. It will be a kind of farm to table food stand.” Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and is currently working on her Associate in Occupational Studies degree in Culinary Arts. She hopes to work on getting her Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts. Franklin says that her favorite part about cooking is the versatility. Photo used with permission by Amanda Franklin.
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Words from the kitchen
IN THE KITCHEN: (above) Culinary students pose for a quick shot in the kitchen. Photo by Angela Lorenzo
Students share their experiences in the culinary arts program by Eden Peterson, Food Editor The Culinary Arts Academy currently provides approx. 45 juniors and seniors with the opportunity to explore many aspects of the culinary industry including nutrition, sanitation, bookkeeping, and basic and advanced cooking skills according to pasoschools.org. The off-campus building contains both an instructional kitchen and a production kitchen used for producing food for sixteen other district sites. The culinary program gives students the opportunity to work in a commissary kitchen, and also provides students experience in other food service operations such as a coffee shop, banquets, catering, dinner house, fast food as well as making and food and waiting tables for the Academy Cafe.
Chef Phillip Riccomini:
Alejandra Saucedo, 12:
What is the most rewarding thing about being a culinary teacher, and how passionate are you students about cooking and the culinary arts? “Watching the kids learn and progress and getting what I’m teaching. There’s not really one thing I enjoy teaching them most. I enjoy teaching it all from baking to cooking the hot food, I just love all of it, so when I see a student get it and the start to understand what I’m teaching them that’s the greatest feeling of all. About 60 percent of the students enrolled in culinary are pretty passionate [about cooking and the culinary arts]. Many students have discovered what they want to do or discovered a passion for cooking after enrolling in culinary.”
Out of all the things you get to do in culinary class, what activity is your favorite? “I would have to say making cookies and desserts, or really anything that has to do with pastries or baking. I want to be a baker, it’s why I took this class. I get to take home some of the things I bake and my friends and family will just take them from me. They’re usually a pretty big fan [of my baking].”
Justin Oshiro, 12: What’s your favorite dish that you’ve learned to make? “My favorite thing about culinary is learning to make special dishes and learning how to plate. Chef will have us make random dishes here or there for catering or things like that. The other day we made a rack of lamb dish. It’s probably my favorite thing we’ve learned to make actually. It was really good.”
Gabby Robbins, 11: What inspired you to enroll in the culinary program? “I want to be a chef when I get out of high school so this class is my number one favorite. I’ve known that I’ve wanted to be a chef since I was twelve. I’ve learned a lot of different things in culinary. I’ve learned what some foods are that I’d never tried before. I’ve learned cutting skills and techniques, how to plate. Just a lot of things that are going to help me when I work in a restaurant after high school. [When I’m a chef] I want to cook things like seafood, hamburgers, and Italian foods like pasta.”
A word about this section
Crimson thanks Cuesta College and its SB70 Minigrant program for supporting this monthly project. Funds go towards coverage in various media—print, web, video—of high school students building career skills.
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HELPING THE HELPLESS Sophomore Marlee Drake and Junior Vanessa Napoli share their experiences as missionaries in third world countries
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he dust is everywhere, cloaking the world in powdery substance. From the haze emerges a man carrying his frail 15 year old daughter—malnourishment and dehydration have confined her within the frame of an eight year old—moments away from death. Sophomore Marlee Drake was fortunate enough to be a part of the clinic that stabilized the girl’s condition and transported her to the hospital for further treatment. Drake went overseas to Sendafa, Ethiopia on a mission trip: she travelled a total of 20 hours by plane, with one connecting flight in and stayed for ten days. While in Sendafa, Drake, along with a team of 19 people, including her dad, Bill Drake, worked in a clinic that focused on eye health, yet were also able to help . Over the course of five days, they saw a total of 1200 people, all desperate for medical attention. “There were so many we were never able to get to… and when we ran into someone we couldn’t help, it hurt me… to have to turn them away. It was heart-wrenching,” said Drake, who witnessed completely blind people asking for glasses. On the last day of the clinic, a 14 year old girl came in who, as a child, had been beaten to the point of losing one of her eyes. Her school had expelled her due to her bad vision which caused her to be under performing. Drake’s team was able to give her glasses that allowed her to have 20/20 vision; Drake’s only hope was that the school would allow her to return. “These girls were my age, and yet their lives were completely different. But when I looked at them I realized the biggest difference between us was where we were born. They face such extreme poverty and I wish I could do more for them,” Drake said. Even with such immense poverty, Drake noted that the people were gracious with what little they had and were willing to give up their comfort for others. While at a church service, the congregation set out popcorn and cookies with Coca-Cola and coffee, despite their lack of resources. Then when one of the nurses on Drake’s team admired a woman’s scarf, the woman took the
scarf off of her shoulders and gave it to the nurse. This trip was Drake’s first overseas mission trip. “I just want to say that if anyone ever gets the opportunity to travel to another country and see real poverty or do missions work, they should take it. All the pictures and videos I've seen of the living conditions and culture don't do it justice and could never have prepared me for seeing it. It's something you have to experience firsthand,” Drake said. Junior Vanessa Napoli took the opportunity to do missions work in Nicaragua for a week. The trip took her a total of eight hours, on three different airplanes. While in Nicaragua, Napoli’s job was bringing healthcare to the people that couldn’t afford it. “This trip really opened my eyes to how lucky Americans have it, and I don’t think people realize how grateful we need to be,” said Napoli, who went with a team of nine people, including fellow students: sophomore Lauren Griffin, seniors Maddie Berry, Alyssa Harris, Hannah Paul, and juniors Keenan Harris and Grant Britton. Similar to Drake’s experience, Napoli marveled at generosity of the people, despite their dilapidated conditions. “They literally have nothing, but they make the best out of what they have, which really inspires me. The most amazing thing is how friendly and peaceful the Nicaraguans are. They are just so welcoming: allowing complete strangers into their homes,” Napoli said. Missions trips are a way for people to get out of their comfort zones, and help the less fortunate, whether it be through providing basic needs such as healthcare, or food, or sharing the love of Christ. They are as much about helping the helpless as they are about growing the faith of those on the mission trip. “God is everywhere, with everyone. I was shown that there is always a reason why we go through hard times,” Napoli said.
“These girls were my age, and yet their lives were completely different. But when I looked at them I realized the biggest difference between us was where we were born. They face such extreme poverty and I wish I could do more for them.” —Marlee Drake, 10
Photo used with permession by Marlee Drake
A HELPING HAND: (above) Sophomore Marlee Drake smiles with the young girl who spurred her interest to travel to Ethiopia in March 2014. CHURCH GATHERING: (left) Ethiopians gather in the church to hear a sermon and eat food from the mission group.
> 08 | crimsonweb.net | 6.5.14 | Feature
Watch a video clip of sophomore Marlee Drake telling her experience in Ethiopia. > crimsonweb.net
– Lauren Reed, Fun & Games Co-Editor
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THE SENIOR SECTION
CRIMSON
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| Table of Contents
Senior Section Class of 2014! It’s time- Soon seniors will be packing their bags and leaving their parents behind. After 13 years of elementary, middle, and high school, it is finally time to change the world. They will forever have a place in Bearcat history, no matter where they find themselves in society You can achieve all your dreams and more, seniors. Congratulations, Class of 2014! You made it!
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super seniors 24 senior destinations Teacher Shoutouts
40 blind date
Super Seniors
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Total drama queen
chool spirit, a positive attitude, and a compassionate heart: these are just a few common phrases that come to mind when someone is asked to describe senior Sydney Throop. Throop is an all-around pleasant person, and if that wasn’t enough, she’s also dedicated and hard-working. Throop has helped
Sydney Throop
develop the drama department, was elected the 2013-2014 Homecoming Queen, has received a Girl Scout Gold Award, and has been a keynote speaker at the Madonna Inn– All while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. If senior Sydney Throop was listed in the dictionary, it’d probably have an entry similar to this: Sydney Throop (proper noun): a quirky 5’ 2’’ “costume designer obsessed with dolphins and princesses. Can often be found in the drama room during breaks, completing homework or studying hiking trails.” Throops are easily identifiable due to their unique yet trendy style, extreme dedication, love for the planet, and kind heart. Throop is an all-around pleasant person, and if that weren’t enough, she’s also dedicated and hardworking. Throop has made many contributions to the drama department through her behind-thescenes work as an assistant stage manager and/ or costume designer for the school productions Dracula, Seussical, Check Please, Guys and Dolls, Our Town, Once Upon a Mattress, Robin Hood, and then head stage manager for the most recent school musical Hairspray. Migrant education resource teacher and head costume designer Ruth Enriquez-Bague recognizes Throop as a major influence in the drama department and will miss her leadership after she graduates. “Sydney has a gusto for life that is contagious, she is kind and very generous with her time, her commitment to all she chooses to pursue is to be admired, she is respectful, she is a diligent student, she is responsible, and lastly she puts all others above herself yet she is confident and ready to take on the world! From the get-go she made it a point to learn all she could about theater by completely immersing herself in the program...Her creativity, organizational skills and ability to work well with others are aspects of her personality that have contributed
greatly to the program,” Enrique-Bague said. One of Throop’s major achievements has been reorganizing the costume warehouse. “[The costume warehouse] was gross. There was trash and moldy costumes. There were rats and leaks in the building. It was all dirty and dusty because we share it with the track barn. It was just not clean. It was super chaotic, and things were on the floor, and it was just not organized at all,” Throop said. Throop devoted over 130 hours to reorganizing the mayhem and now thanks to her dedication, the new costume warehouse in the 500 building is well-organized. “When I reorganized the costume warehouse, I had to make sure that the system I designed [for pulling and returning costumes] was easy to understand, and I could pass on what I’ve learned over the past four years to new kids next year. It was a lot of hard work and organization because we had to move all the costumes from the track barn into our new facility. It’s worked out pretty well: we’ve used [the new system] for two shows now,” Throop said. Senior Logan Ferry believes it’s Throop’s dedication to the drama department that has helped grow it in to what it is today. “I see Sydney as one of the founding members of what Paso High Theatre Co. has become right along-side Mrs. Goodnow. The progress she has made in the department has made it what it is today. She does a lot of work that many people will never see or know about, but she still does it because she loves it. Overall, Sydney is the kind of person that I feel everyone should strive to become. And I am so glad that she is being recognized for who she is,” said Ferry, who was been involved in drama with Throop since their freshmen year. It was her hard work in the drama department’s costume management that lead to her receiving a Girl Scout Gold Award, a gold, sun-shaped patch and pin that features the traditional girl scout symbol in the center. This award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, according to girlscouts. org, and it requires that a young woman in 9th-11th grade develop a project that solves a problem in their community. She must dedicate at least 80 hours to their project. Throop has more than met that standard. On April 5, Throop was a keynote speaker at an annual Girl Scouts of the Central Coast meeting at the Madonna Inn, a specific council of the Girl Scouts that contains 10,000 of the 2.3 million total members. During her speech she discussed her Gold Award and her dedication to drama and the arts as Girl Scouts from Los Angeles to San Francisco listened supportively. “The Gold Award is the highest level award you can get. It’s what many girl scouts strive to get before they age out and it’s a pretty big honor. When I was chosen to be a keynote speaker I was excited. I’m really proud of my project [her work organizing the costume warehouse] and the fact that I got to talk about it was really cool. I ended up getting a standing ovation,” said Throop, who’s been a girl scout since
the age of five. Besides devoting many hours to fix an issue in the community, inspiring others is also a requirement that needs to be met in order to receive a Gold Award. Many, including senior Melanie Moretti and sophomore Isabella Marziello, believe Throop’s constant positivity and school pride motivates others around her. “I think she has had big impact on PRHS. She is constantly spreading her love for everyone and the planet and you can always count on her to make you smile. Seeing her smile truly makes a day at school more enjoyable,” said Marziello, who became very close to Throop through their involvement in the 2014 fall play Robin Hood. Moretti also agrees that Throop’s positive attitude that has impacted PRHS. “Sydney is one of the greatest people I know. I think Sydney brings a lot of positivity to our school. She has a lot of school spirit and supports everyone. She also makes everyone feel welcome and spreads happiness. She leaves her mark and spreads her love around to everyone she meets” said Moretti, who’s been close friends with Throop since their freshman year biology class. It’s clear that Throop has left her mark here on PRHS through her improvements to the drama program, and through simply spreading her positivity. After high school she plans on pursuing an education in environmental science with a focus on conservation biology at Northern Arizona University, becoming a field researcher, and later becoming a teacher. “I want to be a teacher later on because I’ve had a bunch of really good teachers here like Mrs. Goodnow, Mrs. Neely, and Mr. Dimaggio and I want to inspire kids like they’ve inspired me. I want to take all my favorite qualities from each of them and use them to become one super teacher,” Throop said. – Eden Peterson, Food Editor
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l espíritu escolar, una actitud positiva, y un corazón compasivo: estas son sólo algunas frases comunes que vienen a la mente cuando se le pide a alguien que describen a Sydney Throop. Throop es una persona agradable, y si eso no fuera suficiente, también está dedicada y trabajadora. Throop ha ayudado a desarrollar el departamento de drama, recibió una Medalla de Oro, fue el orador principal en el Madonna Inn, y fue elegido el 2013-2014 Homecoming Queen. Todo mientras se mantiene un promedio de 4.0.
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| Super Seniors
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No place like home plate
he crowd is quiet. A proud father occasionally yells, “Battle! Battle!” from the stands, and the final, game-making pitch is thrown from the mound as fans anxiously await the umpire’s official call. After four days, six games, 38 innings, 49 runs scored, and only seven runs given up, the ’Cats hurry to each other, high five, and walk off the field as the summer tournament champions. Senior Kai Bedell smiles proudly underneath his catcher’s gear. He has led his team to victory—one of his biggest achievements.
The crowd is quiet. A proud father occasionally yells, “Battle! Battle!” from the stands, and the final, game-making pitch is thrown from the mound as fans anxiously await the umpire’s official call. After four days, six games, 38 innings, 49 runs scored, and only seven runs given up, the ’Cats hurry to each other, high five, and walk off the field as the summer tournament champions. Senior Kai Bedell smiles proudly underneath his catcher’s gear. He has led his team to victory—one of his biggest achievements. With three years of varsity baseball under his belt, Bedell has played through the lowest of seasons as well as League Champion seasons and is positively proud to be a Bearcat. His loyalty, friendliness, and leadership have made him a captain and teammate to look up to on the field and in the classroom. “The people here are way cooler than at any other school. I mean, we’re the Bearcats; we kinda rock,” said Bedell, who has caught on varsity since his sophomore year, but graduated to starting catcher his junior and senior years. Close friend and teammate junior Jonathan Baldwin notices Bedell’s strength on the field as well as a part of the team. “Catchers are arguably one of the most important players on the field. Kai is a great example of a trustworthy catcher as he makes little to no errors behind the plate. He’s also able to make people laugh and smile when they’re feeling down about the way that person might be playing,” said Baldwin, who played on AAA Mets Little League Team with Bedell around six years ago, where Bedell played third and Baldwin played first. As a captain, he shows more than hours of practices and skill: his leadership is beyond compare. “He handles our pitching staff. He calls the pitches. It’s the first time in probably my coaching career here that we’ve let the catcher call pitches, so it speaks to the confidence that we have in him to be able to do that, and I think he’s done a tremendous job. I think this might’ve been our lowest team ERA (earned run average) we’ve ever had,” said Government and Economics teacher, Derek Stroud, who has watched Bedell work hard and grow as a leader as well as a player
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over the years. His people skills, undeniable humor, and work ethic make Bedell and all-around leader and will be hard to replace after he graduates, according to Stroud, who has coached varsity baseball for 16 seasons. “He is compassionate and truly cares about the well-being of others… His passion for the sport shows both on and off the field. His drive, positive attitude, and good sportsmanship make him a great leader for his teammates... He is one of the most admirable people I know,” said close friend senior Chase Manske, who says that Bedell can light up a room with his country charm. “Kai is going to be a customers’ clothes hanger salesman when he grows up,” Baldwin jokingly said about Bedell’s future plans. Manske, however, believes that Bedell will one day be married with a family and have a master’s degree in business or sports. “He will have a very successful career and most importantly, he will be happy,” Manske said. As if ruling on the baseball field was not enough, Bedell excels in his academics; he scored a four on the AP Physics test as a junior, and will be attending California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo starting on Sept. 22, 2014 to earn either a sports business or agricultural business degree. “In ten years I’ll have my own business, and I’ll be starting a family somewhere around the area,” Bedell said. He either wants to go into career marketing for a sports team or follow his father’s footsteps and manage ranches, which he has grown up with his whole life. He has also been an active FFA (Future Farmers of America) member since 2010 as a freshman, where he has shown three heifers and earned $11,000 at the California Mid-State Fairs. He will be showing a fourth at this year’s fair as well.
Bedell’s passions have shaped his plans for the future, and his leadership in baseball has played off as the team traveled to CIF and won the first round along with winning PAC 7 League Championship. – Carly Cargill, Feature Editor
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a gente mira tranquilamente. Un padre orgulloso grita, “Battle! Battle!” de vez en cuando desde las gradas, y el último lanzamiento del juego es lanzado desde la lomita AS los fans esperan ansiosamente. Después de cuatro días, seis partidos, 38 entradas, 49 carreras anotadas, y sólo siete carreras entregados, los Bearcats apresuran el uno al otro y caminan fuera del campo como los campeones del torneo de verano. Senior Kai Bedell sonríe con orgullo por debajo del engranaje de su receptor. Él ha llevado a su equipo a la victoria y uno de sus mayores logros.
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Kai Bedell
Super Seniors
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Supergirl in training
he strides across campus with a sense of purpose, but will stop in a second to offer a classmate an energetic greeting and a warm hug. Arms that once held a wooden, stringed instrument are now laden with books and binders, but she’s not too busy to lead. She’s a scholar, she’s a musician, she’s a friend...or is she Supergirl? No; she’s senior Sarah Matthews, and she’s all of the above. Matthews, a fouryear Leadership veteran, learned the discipline and responsibility necessary for leading at the age of eight, these valuable life lessons taught by an unusual teacher: the violin. Matthews, a four-year Leadership veteran, learned the discipline and responsibility necessary for leading at the age o f
Sarah Matthews
eight, these valuable life lessons taught by an unusual teacher: the violin. When the Santa Barbara Symphony visited Kermit King bearing violins, cellos, clarinets, and other symphonic instruments, a third-grade Matthews held the violin for the first time and fell in love. “I went home and said, ‘Daddy, I want to play the violin.’ And, four months later, he surprised me with my first violin,” said Matthews, who took lessons once a week for two years afterwards. “When I began playing the violin… it allowed me to reach beyond my school and be a part of something that was amazing in its own right. Although it did have its hardships, with practice and stress, it taught me to have a work ethic and to always do my best.” As a sixth grader, Matthews’ father encouraged her to join the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony; she began in the Academy Strings, a subset of the Concert Orchestra, and ascended to Concert Orchestra after two years. During her first year in the Concert Orchestra, the group traveled on tour to San Diego over the summer, where the group was able to tour UCSD’s music department. The visit was one of Matthews’ favorite parts of the SLO Youth Symphony. “Playing violin is one of her outlets,” said BYU graduate and fellow musician George Major. “She truly does it because she has something to share, a message to bring out, not just noted to play or a flashy passage to get attention. She is honest and deep and
caring and she shows that in every sphere of her life.” Though Matthews hasn’t performed with the symphony since the summer of 2012, she played in an alumni concert on May 25 at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the SLO Youth Symphony and its founder, Wachtang Korisheli. The alumni concert consisted of Tchaikovsky’s “Marche Slave”, conducted by Berlin Philharmonic conductor Kent Negano, and “The Little Fugue”, conducted by Korisheli. In addition to her musical prowess, Matthews has held many positions in Leadership, including Freshman and Sophomore Class President, Commissioner of Academics, and Commissioner of Community Relations. “This year, specifically, she’s been in charge of team bonding. We’ve been able to see her in more of a teacher role and really attempting to get things out of other kids,” said Marcy Goodnow, who teaches Leadership alongside Jennifer Bedrosian. “She’s very self-directed, very self-motivated, and she loves it, so there’s passion behind everything she does… She’s really been dedicated to the program and watched things grow and put on some amazing events. She’s contributed quite a bit.” Matthews’ experience in the class has been overall positive, with vivid memories of event-planning that “shows how to deal with stressful situations effectively” and team bonding exercises that “allow the students themselves to open themselves up to their peers.” “My favorite part of Leadership would have to be the Electric Palms dance. The dance was a risk for our class, but we pulled off an amazing event together. I also loved planning it with [seniors] M’Lynn [Martin], Logan [Ferry], and Priscilla [Ruiz] because all of us were in Leadership together in eighth grade,” Matthews said. Ruiz, Matthews’ friend since meeting in their eighth grade Leadership class, seconds the motion: her favorite committee with Matthews was the Electric Palms dance committee. “[Sarah’s] best qualities are that she never gives up and never lets a friend down,” said Ruiz, a two-year Leadership veteran. “She is so kind and funny, and she doesn’t judge.” Matthews plans on bringing the experience gained from leading the school abroad to an eventual goal of working in international relations. After applying and getting into five other universities– all outside of California–Matthews’ decision to attend Richmond College in London, England, was even tougher to make. “I knew I got in, but I didn’t think I was going to go… but I decided that Richmond was more me--there are only about 1000 undergraduates, the campus is beautiful, so I
get a rural feel in a metropolitan area, and the internships are endless, so I decided to make the jump. If I don’t go now, I’m never going to go,” Matthews said. She has her eye on internships in Parliament, which would eventually lead into diplomacy, but there are also many internships at the embassies to choose from. One of Matthews’ greatest fears is stretching the ties that bind family together–because of the eight hour time difference, she won’t be able to call home on impulse, and because of the 5,422 mile separation, she’ll only return home during her winter and summer breaks. Despite the nerves, she manages to recognize the positive aspects of her future university. “I’m most looking forward to meeting all the new people, because thirty-five percent of accepted applicants are from North and South America, and then about fifteen percent are from Africa–only about three percent are actually from the United Kingdom,” said Matthews. “I’m also looking forward to all the opportunities that are there, because this is a new thing for me: I’ve never left the country before, and I don’t really know what I’m getting into.” Regardless of the zipcode, country, or even continent, Matthews’ responsibility, work ethic, and generous and kind spirit will serve her well. – Analia Cabello, Copy Editor
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lla camina a través del campus con un sentido de propósito, pero dejará su senda en un segundo para ofrecer una compañera de clase un saludo enérgico y un abrazo animable. Brazos que una vez cargaron un instrumento de madera ahora están cargados de libros y carpetas, pero ella no está demasiado ocupado para dirigir. Ella es un erudito, es un músico, es un amigo … ¿o es ella Supergirl? No; ella es senior Sarah Matthews, y ella es todo lo anterior. Matthews, un veterano de Liderazgo de cuatro años, aprendió la disciplina y la responsabilidad necesarias para conducir a la edad de ocho años, estas valiosas lecciones de vida enseñadas por un maestro insólito: el violín.
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| Baby Photos
bABY pHOTOS 2014 Graduating seniors in their younger years
Devon Bone
Abel Campoverde
Tori Barron
Makiala Carlson
Jon Barrios
Lauren Bettencourt Devin Corea
Delaney Cline
Nykie Carr
Logan Ferry Steven Deaville Dillon Brown-Silva
Ruan de Nysschen CassIE Gomez
Delaney Drake Keegan Keelan
Justyn Hindley
Saweyer Grudzien
aLYSA hANSEN
Guadalupe Hamamoto Taylor Holden Ashley Lawson
Angela Lorenzo
Michaela Howard
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Taylor Harrington
Paul Andersen
Nickie Gurney
RayeAnn Leatherwood
Baby Photos
oh ba by, ba by! Courtney Thompson
Bryan McGuffin
M’Lynn Martin
Mathew Mihelic
Melanie Moretti
Matt Neumann Gage+Colin Lux
Drake Phillips
Hannah Paul
Hilda Perez Courtney Paris
Gabriel Mondragon
Jack McCue Diana Palafox
Brandon Racca
Kyle Ravera Jordan Ramirez
Michelle Pridgeon Parker Pilg Keanu Redongo
Tanner Rose
Stan Shulte
Jordan Nevosh
Anthony Spencer
Page Rodriguez Nicolas Sottile Taylor Smeltzer
Nathan Taylor Simon Schoennauer Emily Vallejos
Claire Verzin
Jacob Trout
Laileha Vermy
Nick Lazzarini
Zoe Zepp
Sydney Matteson
Austin Wiemann
Michal Mokry
Kailey Warren
Zachariah Wilson
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| Editorial
s f ie h C in s r o it d e 2014 Co S! F f O n ig S Cou ney
Syd eson Matt It’s been a fantastic four years; I still remember my first day of high school. I had convinced my mother that I obviously needed a color coded map to find my classes, and even with those little highlighted yellows, pinks, and greens, I still managed to get lost. Four years later I look at the ground and often wonder how many times I’ve walked that exact path, maybe hundreds of times. It’s weird thinking that one day it will be my last day of high school and I’ll be off to Cal Poly. Anytime someone asks where I go to school they hate on Paso, but it’s my second home; sometimes I’m at this campus more than my actual house. It’s exciting to leave, but scary at the same time, I’ll miss the place that taught me so much, not the physical place you know, but the teachers, the students, and the staff. It’s this place that’s made me: me, and if I had gone anywhere else I wouldn’t be me. Oh, and good luck to next years staff. Here’s to the cheesiest ending ever, but I’ll miss it here.
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la Ange nzo Lore After four years of high school, I haven’t just learned how to finish my sentences, or identify 81 muscles in a cat. I’ve grown and learned more about the person I am going to become. The times we’ve all been through-the heartbreaks, the friendships, and the stressful days of family disease, sickness, and deaths--have showed me who I am in some of the hardest times so far. We change and we wait, all the while learning to accept others and welcome them into our hearts. Thousands will pass through these halls and feel the frustration of essays, finals, or betrayals. Although we have petty fights and failures, remember, high school is not your enemy. Paso Robles has grown and graduated exceptional students that have moved on to play professional football, intern for top notch magazines, and design unique software apps. Learn to appreciate our teenage learning home for the teachers who strive to helps us walk down War Memorial Stadium and hope for us to grow into wonderful adults. While I’m happy to be a Mustang next year, I am thankful I found myself throughout four years in Bearcat country.
Jord Nevosan h
When I was a baby freshman I would always look up to the seniors who would strut around like they knew everything that there was to be know about PRHS. Four long years later I am finally filling their shoes and seat at War Memorial stadium. I always just kind of thought I would be in high school for the rest of my life and June 13th would never come. It is hard to fathom that next year will be starting a new life down in San Diego, Go Aztecs! But we have done the time and have earned the infamous crimson cap and gown. I have conquered p-values and normal curves, finished an 800 page Russian novel (only cried twice), and became a bio boss. So we deserve it Class of 2014, we deserve every single bit of it. I want to thank the PRHS staff for teaching all of us angsty teenagers and never giving up on us, even though you probably really wanted to at one point. Thank you to the entire Crimson Newsmagazine staff, it has been one hell of a ride and I love you all, even Sydney, Angela, and Courtney. Oh shout out to the sassy and lovable advisor Jeff Mount, for teaching me everything I know today about graphics. Paso Robles High School will forever be embedded into my memory, all the good, the bad, and even the ugly. When I toss my cap into the air and walk off of the field with paper in hand, I will cherish the life changing lessons I have learned, and all of the astonishing people I have encountered in this wonderful little place we call Paso Robles. Cheers.
r Thom tney pson
It is really surreal to think that as I sit here typing, I am typing my last words for the Crimson Newsmagazine. And while my brain is trying to process the right words to say for my last article, I come up blank. There is nothing I can say that can describe what these past four years have meant and I know that anything I say won’t satisfy my need to say everything. How, though I didn’t know it at the time, I will miss this school. How, though I said I hated it and complained about it, I will miss journalism and all the staff so much. And how, even though I had to drag myself out of bed every morning to get to this campus, it won’t feel real next year when I don’t. My past four years have been spent on this campus and the truth is, they have flown by (as cliche as it sounds). And I don’t think I am ready for them to just stop. So, thank you Paso Robles High for being my home for the past four years, thank you to the teaching staff for getting me prepared for college (even though I don’t feel ready), and thank you to the student body for putting up with me through the years. Specifically, thank you to my fellow Editor-in-Chiefs Angela, Jordan, and Sydney for making me laugh, cry, fight, forgive, and feel all emotions in between that have made this year so memorable. Good luck to Carly, Rachel, Brandon, Emily and the rest of the staff; make next year even better than this one. The hardest part of this letter is the last two words; goodbye Bearcats.
Retiring Teachers
Friendly faculty farewells
Mr. Dave Schleppenbach 1983 Teacher of the year 37 Yrs at PRHS Taught Math
What will you miss most? I will miss the opportunity to assist students reach and put together plans for their future. I will miss my fellow teachers because of their passion for learning and life.
What is your favorite memory of PRHS? There isn’t just one [favorite] memory I will have about Paso High. I have many good memories about successes and triumphs in the classroom and on the sports’ fields.
What won’t you miss about your experience? I won’t miss the fact that in school we are all constantly run by “the bell.”
What are your after you leave?
plans
My retirement time will be spent with my family as I have missed numerous events in their life because of coaching football for 25 years, baseball for 21 years, and girls soccer for 5 years.
Do you have any advice? All students need to find their passion and follow their dreams. Go Bearcats!
Photos by Lauren Wassam and Heather Stover
Mrs. Anne Spohnhauer 2001 Teacher of year AVID Director 21 Yrs at PRHS Taught English 9-12, including Honors levels, ELL, and core
What will you miss most?
I will most definitely miss having the privilege and opportunity to contribute to the intellect, values, and futures of my students and the incredible reciprocal blessings I personally received from the enthusiasm and intellect of my students; all of which have made me a better person. Without a doubt, I will miss the AVID program…watching the life-long successes begotten through the “individual determination” of every single AVID student and my AVID teacher colleagues.
What won’t you miss about your experience here?
I will not miss the stifling, encroaching government involvement in the curriculum and teaching process. Because of these constant changes and regulations, we are no longer afforded the opportunity as professionals to develop, refine, perfect, deliver, and love our curriculum that we know would inspire and equip our students to be contributing members of society and life-long learners.
Mrs. VAL Poalillo 19 Yrs at PRHS Taught independent living and living skills
What will you miss most?
I have taught infants to college students since 1976. I have stayed in contact with many students and their families over the years, through Facebook and lunch conversations, so I won’t have to miss them.
What is your favorite memory of PRHS?
Each year I’m blown away by the incredible insights, goals, talents, skills, and potential of our PRHS students. I have such fond memories of watching our AVID students start their freshman year with shaky self-confidence but lofty goals and finish their senior year with “individual determination” and college acceptances.
What won’t you miss? I won’t miss waiting for the bell to ring to pee.
What are your plans after you leave?
What are your after you leave?
What is your favorite memory of PRHS?
What is your favorite memory of PRHS?
I’m so very fortunate to be able to retire at a relatively young age so that I can devote the rest of my life to volunteering and serving others. I’m not certain yet exactly where and what you will find me doing in the future, but I hope to utilize my teaching skills and love for ministering to the spiritual needs of people around the world…maybe in an orphanage in Turkey or India!
Each year I’m blown away by the incredible insights, goals, and potential of our PRHS students. I have such fond memories of watching our AVID students start their freshman year with shaky self-confidence but lofty goals and finish their senior year with “individual determination” and college acceptances.
plans
I am very fortunate to start a new chapter in my life as a Real Estate agent with the Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate office in Paso Robles. I’m inviting everyone to come and visit me there!
I truly loved being a counselor; working one on one with students and their family’s, helping them sort out issues, planning for their future and getting to know them as individuals. Retiring Teachers | 6.5.14 | crimsonweb.net | 19
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| Foreign Exchange Farewells
Foreign Far ewells
Charlotte Legrand
Exchange stu dents from eight countr class to pro ies attended m. what mom everything f entos will th rom your ma ey tuck into th their luggag e this june?
“If there is something I’m going to bring back, it is the American hug! In my country, we don’t hug, but I’m kind of used to it now.”
“Schools are very free here. Teachers are friends with their students, which never would have happened last year. Students behave differently here too.”
SO Min Lee
Belgium
“When I go home, I will want to take back traditions like carving pumpkins for Halloween, building Gingerbread houses during Christmas, and finding eggs for Easter.”
Isabel Ramos SPain
Momoka okoda japan
“My greatest memory is the time I spent with my all friends and family. I have so many great memories, so I can’t really choose only one.”
South Korea
“The biggest shock when I came to this school was that boys and girls go here. At my school in Japan, we are separated by gender, but here, we all go to school together.”
Takeru Konno
Japan
Futaba imai japan
“Fugitive was the best memory! It is a race where people try to get to a goal without being caught by hunters. I was running and hiding in the bushes with my friends in the dark. That was so much fun.”
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Urkia Sanchez spain
“I can’t really choose one, but Prom was probably one of the best.”
Michal Mokry
slovakia
“I went to lots of places and did lots of things, but my best memory is Las Vegas.”
Shout Outs
nt e r Pa outs ut & dadsr o h S s ei h m Mo il in t ma glee
Michaela Howard Michaela, we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We look forward to what the future holds at CSU Northridge! Congratulations! We love you! Mom and Dad
Justyne Hindley We can’t believe you are leaving sis! Good luck at AU. Knock them dead. We love you. Gabe and Nick
Our baby girl (Guadalupe Hamamoto) You should be so proud of yourself. Remember to set your sights on the stars and to reach for them always. Believe in yourself, because you are so unique with no limit to what you can do! May you always keep learning, growing, and realizing the best in yourself This is your moment, this is your year 2014! You make us proud! May your graduation be the beginning of a future filled with success and happiness! Love, Mom and Dad
Tori Barron
Jon Barrios
Devin Corea,
The only people who never tumble are those who never climb that ladder and the only thing that stands between you and the top of that ladder is the ladder. This is your moment, own it.
Congratulations JB, we are so proud of you. Good luck in your next step of life. We will always be here for you!
“Open different doors, you may find a you that you never knew was yours. Anything can happen” (Poppins). “There is something that you must always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think...The most important thing is, even if we’re apart, we’ll always be with you.” (Pooh) Love Dad, Mom and Jena
Nykie Carr Adorable then! Adorable now! No words can express how proud your family is of you! You have driven in the right directions with ambition, drive and confidence. You have proven yourself to be responsible and trustworthy, soared academically, and Wow just a fantastic daughter! You absolutely are an amazing, lovely, and intelligent young lady! We love you beyond the moon! Go Navy! Go Nykie!
Emma Marsh Congratulations Emma! You have truly been a pleasure to raise and a source of incredible joy and pride. I am so pleased the you have retained your best childhood qualities: humor, extraverted friendliness, and a passionate approach to life! These will serve you well in your future. You are all grown up now, but you will always be my Peanut! Love, Mom
Jordan Nevosh WE can’t believe how fast the time has gone by! We are so proud of you and excited for what the future holds for you at SDSU! Love Ya, mom and dad
Love, Mom and Dad.
Abel Campoverde Abel, Estamos muy orgullosos de ser tus padres. Gracias por ser un buen hijo, que más un padre puede pedir. Nosotros hemos visto madurar y crecer a un joven adulto que lo quiere. Como ya empiezas una nueva etapa en tu vida, nosotros estamos aqua para ayudarte y apoyarte en lo que tu ocupes lla sean consejos o sobre tu carrera. Felicidades hoy en este dia es tu graduacion.
RayeAnn Leatherwood You go girl! So proud of our sweet Baby Raye. Words cannot express how proud we are of your hard work and dedication to everything you do. You inspire us with your joyful resilience.
Te queremos mucho, familia campoverde
Much love, Mom, Dad & Morgan
Delaney Cline
Taylor Harrington
We are incredibly proud of the person you’ve become. You have a heart of gold and you’re one of the most genuine people we know. Go out and make the world a better place. We love you!
We are so proud of you Taylor. As you start your new adventure always know we are proud of you and will be there for you.
Mom and Dad
Ashley Lawson Ashley, we are so proud of the beautiful young woman you have become. You are such a joy to us, a true blessing. Your love for the Lord is inspirational to us and to those around you. You’re amazing!!! God truly has great plans for you and your future. Congratulations Ashley! Love, Mom and Dad
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Love , Mom, Dad, Lauren & Morgan
Makaila Carlson Congratulations Makaila! You did it baby girl and now you’re off to exciting new adventures in life. We are so proud of you and can’t believe that we’re about to have a daughter in college. I still remember you running around in diapers, our precious little sissylala..... Well you know the rest, I won’t embarrass you. We love you! Parent Shout Outs | 6.5.14 | crimsonweb.net | 21
| Parent Shout Outs M’Lynn Martin Your perseverance has most definitely paid off. Bouncing on to the next chapter you go, inspiring all whom you meet along the way. “She is clothed in strength and dignity. She laughs without fear of the future” Proverbs 31:25 XO, Mom
Dillon bROWNsILVA We are so proud of you! “The world is at your fingertips, play your favorite tune and sing it in your own voice.” We hope all of your dreams come true.
Bryan McGuffin Congratulations Bryan! Ah yes! To our boy who has grown into a successful, responsible, loving, caring young man; we are so proud of you! Your love of learning and limitless imagination has served you well. We have no doubt that you’ll continue to inspire others and make the world a better place. We love you! Mom & Dad.
Keanu Redongo, Kon- You did it SpaceJam! We knew you could fly. Congrats and we love ya! Dad, Mom, Justin, Kodie and Chad
Love, Mom, Dad, Austin, and Ethan.
Hilda Perez You did it! All your hard work has paid off. Now on to your new adventure in college. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see excel in your life! Thank you for being a great daughter. We love you. Love: Mom and Dad
Nicholas Sottile You made it! All that stress was worth it! We are very proud of you!! We love you very much! Mom & Dad
22 | crimsonweb.net | 6.5.14 | Parent Shout Outs
Sawyer Nealon Grudzien We are so very excited about the young man you have become. You are going to make a fine marine and our hearts filled with more pride and love than we can express. Stay true, stay strong, and stay courageous. Love, mom, Rob, Mason, sissy & Jake
Jacob Trout Jacob, I can’t believe I finally get to see you get a diploma and start your life as a graduate. I am so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you will accomplish in the future. Love, Mom
Brandon Racca You have grown into an amazing young man. We know that all of your hard work will lead to great success. Congratulations on your title of class of 2014 Valedictorian and acceptance to Stanford University. Wishing you nothing but happiness in the next exciting chapter of your life. We are so proud of you son. Love, Mom and Dad
Matthew Neumann We are very proud of the well rounded young man you have grown into. It has been thrilling watching you compete in soccer and track over the years! We will greatly miss that! You are a leader, friend, mentor, and great sport to those around you. Keep your integrity, honesty, and faith strong. God has great plans for you and we look forward to what your future holds. We will love you always! Mom and Dad
Anthony Spencer This last year has flown by and you’ve stayed on course. Life hasn’t always been an easy one for you, but you’ve made good choices for yourself -even when they were tough. You’ve been blessed with family and friends who love you, as well as great athletic ability. Your accomplishments have made us all proud and we are more than excited to see what your future holds.
Melanie Alexa Moretti We could not be more proud of the amazing person you are. You have excelled at everything you put your mind to. We look forward to seeing you succeed in the rest of your bright future. We love you! Your family
Hannah Paul Congradulations! We are so proud to be your parents! Thank you for being the best daughter a parent could ask for, we are so blessed! So proud of you!
Simon Schoennauer Simon, we are so very proud of you! You’ve grown up to be such a blessing to us! You’re a wonderful Son, Brother, & Friend. Keep following your dreams & never give up hope! God Bless you & Jesus watch over you! All Our Love, Mom, Dad, Eli, Emily, Sparky, & Jamie
Taylor Holden Congratulations Taylor! We are extremely proud of you. You have always filled our hearts with such pride and joy. You are such an amazing bright, and athletic person. May you always strive to be the best you can be, reach for your goals, and never stop smiling. We love you! Mom and Dad.
Parent Shout Outs Emily Vallejos
AlysA Hansen
Laileha Vermy
Four years have passed since you began high school and from the start you took advantage of all that your high school experience could offer. Five sports, four years of dance, Key Club officer, countless all-nighters studying and many football and pep rally performances later, it’s clear you thrived at PRHS! By investing in yourself you’ve learned that a distinct package of skills and abilities, cultivated through education, experiences and sweat, is the most valuable asset you’ll ever own. Soon, the demands of college will be great and you may sometimes feel unsure of what choices to make. While introspection is valuable, the best way to move forward is to challenge yourself with new undertakings, even if you don’t know where they’ll lead. Like I always say “Responsibility is your Ability to Respond”! I am extremely proud of you Emily and forever grateful that you are my daughter. Love, Mom
We are so proud of you! You have grown into such an amazing young woman. You have given us such joy over the years from watching you play softball to dedicating your time to help others, we are excited for what the future holds for you. Remember to always stay positive. We love you. Mom and Dad
You have made us both very proud! From the moment you took your 1st breath you took our breath away! Our “Little Peanut” has grown into an amazing, dedicated athlete and hard working, intelligent, young woman. You are both beautiful inside and out! Follow the Lord’s lead in all that you do. We love you, Mom & Dad
Taylor smeltzer
Cassie Gomez,
Kailey Warren
Zoe Zepp
From the day you were born loving someone took on a whole new meaning in my life. I am so proud of who you are. Your kind heart, sweet soul, inner strength, and unending faith always amaze me. I know you will do great things. Never lose sight of the beautiful person you are. I love you, Auntie Keri
Another milestone successfully completed! Zoe we love you so very much and are extremely proud of you! Mom and Dad
Kailey Warren We knew the first time we saw you that you were going to be special! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We know with your strength and goodness you will always succeed! Congratulations and we wish you luck, happiness, and lots of love as you go on your next adventure! Gammie and Poppa.
Matthew Mihelic Congratulations Matthew! We are very proud of the well rounded young man you have grown into. It has been thrilling watching you compete in soccer and track over the years! We will greatly miss that you are a leader, friend, mentor, and great sport to those around you. Keep your integrity, honesty, and faith strong. God has great plans for you and we look forward to what your future holds. We will love you always! Mom and Dad
God gave you as a gift to us, so precious. You are one of the most incredible persons we know and are thrilled to be able to share your life with you! Now we have to share you with the world. It is your time to choose your path. We send you out with blessings to explore and find all that God has in store for you. We are so proud of you and the man you are becoming. Have fun, be free, and live life to the fullest. PS. Remember to call your Mama!
Sydney Matteson You have made us so proud of all of your hard work and accomplishments over the last 18 years. Seeing you grow up to become an outstanding young lady has been a pleasure. We can’t wait to see what the future holds. Cal Poly here you come! Much Love, Mom, Qweeka, Sarge & Polly
Dad and Mom love you very much we congratulate you and we couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments and we know that you have a bright future ahead of you. Love Lex, Nan, Mom, and Dad
Courtney Thompson You are such a beautiful person both inside and out. We are so proud of all that you have accomplished and who you have become. The opportunities are endless for you. Keep us laughing. Love, Dad and Mom
Iris Flores Congratulations to you on becoming a high school graduate. Words cannot describe how proud we are to have such a wonderful daughter like you. Love you very much mi chiquita hermosa! Mom and Dad
Parent Shout Outs | 6.5.14 | crimsonweb.net | 23
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4 1 0 2 s n io t a in t s e D Senior
| Senior Destinations
Sonoma State
Chico State
Cal Poly SLO Kai Bedell Angel Berg Meredith Butz Analia Cabello Cecilia Gregory Nicholas Gurney Jonathan Katches Mitchell Keller
Angela Lorenzo Sydney Matteson Bryan McGuffin Michael Mitchell Michalann Mott Matthew Neumann Taylor Page Kyle Ravera
Ethan Serpa Catherine Silliman Teryn Steaffens Courtney Thompson Emily Vallejos Zachariah Wilson
Jaylon Davis Andrew Guglielmo Dominic Guglielmo Julia Manson Amelia Mincitar
Caitlin Knoll Juan Majano Madeline Raithel
Laura Ernst Joseph Fairchild Jasmine Ford Adam Friberg Emily Garcia Hernandez Emilio Garcia III Monica Garcia Sarahi Garcia Cassandra Gomez Viridiana Gomez Boymer Gonzalez Granados Guadalupe Hamamoto Laura Henderson Sierra Henry Amairani Hernandez Jayce Homewood Abraham Jansen van Rensburg Lyric Jefferson Esmeralda Jimenez Kurt Johnson Jasmine Joslin Sean Kennedy Anthony Kerstiens Austin Kirby Emily Knupper Alexis Kuehl Ashley Lawson Violet Lopez Jason Mariscal
Skylar Marshall Andrea Martinez Aguilera Luis Martinez Xochil Martinez John McCue Hannah McMinn Rebecca Mitchell Gabriel Mondragon Sierra Mosely Elijah Newton Angelique Nunez Ashley Perez Reid Phillips Yuri Pineda Jesus Ramos-Morfin Shannon Rees Page Rodriguez Audriana Rokes Shelby Rosales Nadia Ruiz Priscilla Ruiz Simon Schoennauer Rebecca Schulze Wyatt Smiley Naomi Elliese Solomon Kendall Solway Patricia Stotts Amy Sudberry Mariah Taylor Allison Thatcher
Emilia Trejo Troy Trujillo Michelle Turner Diana Valenzuela Shelby Van Wagner Aaron Yost Gunner Young Antonio Acosta Josefina Aguilar Ashley Aleman Fabian Arellano Vanessa Casillas Teofila Chavez Mike DeLaRoca Alondra Fernandez Rudy Garcia Godoy Jorge Gonzalez Mario Alberto Herrera Bejar Taylor Holden Jordan McCrum Collin Nuworsoo Justin Oshiro Francisco Sandoval Anaya Norma Solis Sara Vernetti Victoria Barron Emilee Brown Samantha Brown Jaclyn Callahan Abel Campoverde
24 | crimsonweb.net | 6.5.14 | Senior Destinations
Olivia Campoverde Maricruz Cendejas Ayala Eric Ochoa
UC Davis Chase Manske
UC Santa Cruz UC Berkeley
Community College
San Jose State
Colin Lux Gage Lux
Dulce Ventura
Viridiana Gomez Maria Gutierrez Emily Knupper Daniel Maloney Alicia Nungaray Nunez Courtney Paris Dominique Perez Jacob Peterson Drake Phillips Yuri Pineda Elina Ponce Morgan Rehner Alicia Rodriguez Yurittsi Rosales Valenzuela Laura Sanchez Lourdes Saucedo Lindsey Seebart Evan Serpa Tristian Sexton Ryan Shephard Erika Soto Eduardo Torres Natalie Tripp Lucas Trompeter Jasper Utter Jose Uzeta Jose Velazquez Kirby Walton Jr Preston Zaver
Houstin Headley
Sierra College
Brandon Racca
Anthony Spencer
Butte Community College
Hannah Paul Kailey Warren
University of Colorado Denver Dalton Smith
Graham Yoshida
Adrian Robles Aguirre Maria Escamilla
Eli Johnson
Clem Lessi
Fresno State Marisol Granados Chiadez Juan Perez Angelica Vazquez
Warren Willis
Westmont College
UC Santa Barbara Cornelis De Nysschen Carly Liddicote Matthew Mihelic Hunter Burggraf
Anthony Gobea Michelle Munoz
CSU Northridge Michaela Howard Danly Torres
Santa Barbara City College Elizabeth Echevarria Bryanna Siguenza Alyssa Harris Lucero Hernandez Jon Barrios Morgan Ciampi Kelsey Vaughn
UC Irvine
Cal Lutheran
Josie Anderson Claire Verzin
Xavier Galsim
CSU Long Beach Laileha Vermy
Emma Marsh M’Lynn Martin
West Los Angeles Community
Jimmy Pacheco
Disney College
CSU Channel Islands
Megan Roberts
Jacqueline Cuatepotzo Mary Ortiz
UC Los Angeles
Orange Coast College Hannah Fitzpatrick
Chapman University Michelle Pridgeon
Fullerton State Omar Guillen Kiana Morales Hailey Pietz
Alysa Hansen
UC San Diego Fashion Institute Keegan Keelan of Design and Merchandising Ryan Ramos Hailey Wofford
Triston Wilkerson
Jimmy Angel
Marie Thompson
Kayla Bourdon
Saddleback College Jamika Martin
Vrigina Community College
Sydney Throop Rhiannon Trumpore
Fullerton Community
University of San Diego Devin Corea
San Diego State Jordan Nevosh Samantha Anderson Paul Andersen Lauretta Closser
Justyne Hindley
Pulaski Technical College (Arkansas)
World’s Only Tattoo School (Lousiana)
Cynthia Ramirez
American University (Washington D.C.)
Western Kentucky University (Kentucky)
Northern Arizona University
Makaila Carlson Madison Heely Tanner Rose Jeremy Woodruff
Madeline Berry
Erik Chavez Almanza Emmett Rudesal
University of Alabama
Full Sail University (Florida) Kali Sorensen
Arizona State University University of New Mexico
Modesto Junior College
Cal Poly Pomona
Gordon College (Massachusetts)
Lincoln College of Technology (Ohio)
Brigham Young University (Idaho)
Motor Cross Mechanics Institute (Arizona)
Joshua Wilderness Institute
Emily Esquivel Dorien Banks
Genaro Olveda
Wyoming for Wyotech Boise State University
Fresno Allan Hancock Community College
University of Rochester (New York)
Wrolson, Ty
Delaney Cline
Devon Bone Jessica Bartlett Simpson University Stanton Schulte Eduardo DeLeon Jr. Ryan Springer Carter Angelica Martinez Nicholas Lazzarini Tyler Mallory CSU Monterey Bay Alexis Morgan Garrett Tibbetts Zoe Zepp
Wilson North Dakota College
Seattle University (Washington)
Stanford University
Point Loma
Graphics by Jordan Nevosh & Sydney Matteson
Sacramento State
Kaleigh Lacouture Brigitte Maina Melanie Moretti Diana Palafox
Delaney Drake RayeAnn Leatherwood Chabot
San Francisco State
Cuesta College Isabella Aguilar Maria Aguilar Breanna Anderson Ruby Aviles Tristan Balson Maria Barrera Diaz Carter Bernal Annissa Brandonisio Spencer Brock Candace Bucins Carmen Bustillo Iris Campos Gutierrez Jasmine Chairez Paula Ciricuti Denisse Cisneros Soto Nicole Clarey Raymond Clifford Ryan Colvin Adriana Contreras Ana Cruz Jesus Cuara Dara Dargatz Kenia De La Cruz Steven Deaville Blaine Deverick Shay DiPrima Haley Dotson Trever Dunn Rita Echeverria Brittney Ellart Hebat Allah Elsayed Parker Englert
University of San Francisco
Amanda Oliver
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Scho Braulio o Aguirre C Trade wald y Diez orth Os a ic adem s c s w A Je anie Ells e r Fi n Steph Hernandez ondso n A e s Cha Victor Heredia n a id g v o a D pher H Christo Redongo Keanu
Taylo an r Grog yk Nathan adden e if n n e D J Collin Mous Bass w Van ll Matthe Taylor o d e r Marce Alf Dakota s Huckabay, es Nichola z Marin inez Jimene o Mart
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Robert r Grudzien ernan. Sawye uel Garcia H ig Luis M
o ry hary H stice Nykiris Flores c Milita a Z z u e Os ler Gutierr Steven J Julian Chand man Honey el Roberson Micha Senior Destinations | 6.5.14| crimsonweb.net | crimsonweb.net| 23 | 25 Senior Destinations | 6.05.14
s t u o t u o h Teacher s
| Teacher Shout Outs
–Claire Farrell, Ad Team
Dear Senior, Congratulations! The teachers, staff, and I are very proud of your accomplishment as you should be too. I take great pride in the fact that you are graduating from this wonderful school and I am confident in the fact that the education you received here will serve you well into the future. I am also proud of the traditions you have been part of at PRHS. These traditions are best illustrated in the motto; “Bearcat Pride”. Beginning four years ago, you were introduced to the idea of taking pride in being a Bearcat! For many students, this sense of being a Bearcat centered on participation in athletics. However, as you ready yourself to leave Paso Robles High School I expect that Bearcat Pride is really much more. The inspiration about Bearcat Pride came from Coach Gil Asa. Coach Asa taught at Paso Robles High School from 1956 to 1982. Gil’s love of students, teaching, and Paso Robles High School endeared him to everyone that knew him. He wrote the tenets of Bearcat Pride. For Coach Asa, having Bearcat Pride meant so much more than pride in your school. It meant having pride in yourself, and having the skills, temperament, and understanding to positively effect your actions and those around you. What Gil understood is Bearcat Pride is something that could and should form the foundation for a person’s life. For those of us who have been at PRHS a long time, we also understand and agree with Coach Asa’s message: having Bearcat Pride can serve you well throughout your entire life, not just while you are here at PRHS. Think about it. Behavior that is acceptable to others around us. Effective to lead others to be successful. Attitude for a better understanding of others. Respectfulness for the rights of others. Courage to overcome hardships. Affection, friendship and love we learn to share with one another. Truthful to yourself and to others. Proud of being yourself. Reality of accepting the things that can be chanced, those that cannot and the ability to know the difference. Important to know that you are not alone in this world. Dependable enough for others to know, if needed, you will always be there. Effort to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself during your life on Earth. Congratulations again on this worthwhile accomplishment. My hope is that along with the academic preparation you have received at PRHS that you also take with you the endearing pride that you are and always will be a BEARCAT!
Randall Nelson, pRINCIPAL 26 | crimsonweb.net | 6.5.14 | Teacher Shout Outs
Class of 2014, you’re almost out the door. It won’t be the same game when you’re here no more! (Word from your teacher.) Here’s a Bucket List for Life after High School for your consideration. 1. Continue your education in some way. 2. Follow your passion and find your purpose. 2. Leave Paso Robles for a while (you can always come back). 3. Live simply and tread lightly on the earth. 4. Stay in touch with your parents. 5. Stay out of debt. 6. Stand up for your beliefs. 7. Be nice. 8. Read the newspaper and stay up on the news. 9. Get involved and help your community. 10. Leave the U.S. for a while to learn about the world. 11. Be the change you want to see in the world 12. Travel to Washington DC. 13. Register to vote and make a difference. 14. Know you’re gEOFF always in the Land of Land.
lAND, gOVERNMEN T
To the seniors who were enrolled in French classes: This is it - your chance to travel and use that French. There is so much of the world to see. Go to a French speaking country and immerse yourself in the culture and language. It will enrich your lives. Good luck and bon voyage.
French , r a b l Del Michae
Be Ambitious, Be Great. While you are closing the first big window of your lifetime, graduation, you are opening up the windows to the rest world. No, I didn’t mix up my analogies; I said windows, not doors. Anyone can walk through a door; life is much more like climbing through a window. Doors trap the past and block the future. Windows allow you to see how amazing the world is ahead of you. Windows, even when closed behind you, allow you see all the valuable lessons you’ve learned and people you’ve cherished. The climb out of the window of high school wasn’t easy and neither will the next climb. Keep looking forward through the many open windows ahead of you, remembering to strive for your dreams and ambitions. Lastly, cherish the moments when you can take the time to look back through windows you’ve closed remembering all the great things you’ve accomplished. "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." --Mark Twain
Overton, Anthony y Chemistr
Graduating Bearcats, As you leave this wonderful institution we call Paso Robles High School, I would like to pass along some things I have learned in my life. They have served me well. 1. Be nice: Humans are social animals. You will be remembered more for your relationships with people than your intellect or the amount of money you make. 2. Do not underestimate the power of a smile or a kind word. It may not change the world but it certainly will make it a better place. 3. Pursue excellence in every aspect of your life. Note, I did not say achieve excellence. Be the best spouse, parent, employee and person you can be. Commit yourself to constant improvement. 4. Work at making things happen rather than finding ways to say no. 5. Be part of the solution… not the problem. 6. While you are young and single, travel throughout the world. Do not put this off. 7. You will face adversity in your life. Be remembered more for how many times you got back up than how many times you fell. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Tom HarringtoN aSSISTANT pRINCIPAL Photos by Lauren Wassum and Mila Robb
Teacher Shout Outs Good luck, class of 2014! I want to mention a few young women that made an impact on the basketball court and as good human beings. Jamika Martin, your leadership through a season ending ACL injury was astounding. To have the fortitude and the commitment to your team when you knew your dreams of playing again where through is unparalleled. I commend you for being an exemplary teammate and captain. Kailey Warren, you stepped up and did everything you could for your team under tough circumstances. You kept fighting and kept playing all the while being the backbone of the team. Violet Lopez, you were always a fun player to coach because of your hustle, but what amazes me most is your work ethic outside of basketball and with the childcare you provide. I wish all the seniors the best of luck! Shout out to my first semester and second semester 3rd period senior government students! Chaske has the best hat game around!
To My Wonderful Senior Yearbookers! Thank you so much for making this year one to remember (in more ways than one). Through the thick and thin, you pulled it together, and I’ll always remember your push at the end to make this a book to remember. G.O.: Where do I begin? I remember you still as the quiet, studious young kid in Freshman English J It’s been an amazing experience to see you grow up into an even more amazing young man. Your determination will do you well as you pursue your medical career and face those cold New York days. I know you’ll do wonderful things with your life. P.R.: I’m so glad we got to share this experience together, and I wish you would have been on staff longer. Your smile made my day and you’ll forever be the princess of yearbook. Good luck in all you do and I will miss you more than you know. Also, I know what you’re thinking, and you know I can’t tell you who my favorite was! A.M.: Your sweet smile and wonderful sense of commitment ALWAYS made my day. I remember you as well as a shy, quiet freshman. Thank you fore taking on this task and doing such an incredible job. Good luck in all you do. A.J.: Wow! Thank you so much for all your hard work; I REALLY mean it. You just jumped in and got going and that’s exactly what we needed. I wish you health and happiness and lots of good things to eat. R.A.: Ruuuub! Wow! Am I ever glad you wanted to be a part of this team. You kept it real and made every one laugh. I wish you would’ve have been here longer, but the world needs your talents now, and I know you’ll give it all you’ve got. M.P.: You were another of my freshies that came back and I was so happy. Your outlook on life is awesome, and I know it is one aspect of your personality that will serve you well. Thank you for wanting to be a part of this crazy group. I wish you all the luck in the world. S. R., G.L. & L.V.: Thank you for all you did for me this year. You kept me from going crazy!! I will miss you all and wish you all the best.
Maggie Roberts, Yearbook
Dylan Music Histo al, ry
We started at this school at the same time...you all as scared 14 year olds and me as a scared new teacher, but we made it though the last 4 years together. Thank you to all of my amazing Drama babies: Logan, Sydney, Caitlin, Hailey, Teryn, Lyric, Meredith, Morgan, Stephanie, Alexis, Delaney, Nykie, Nathan, Jenna, Hannah, Ryan, Samantha, Sierra, and David. I have loved watching you fall in love with theater. Thank you for giving me your trust, time, and energy over all of these years. You make me so proud and I know you will all live honest and passionate lives. To my Leadership seniors: Devin and Marcy Goodno Stephanie thank you for leading our class and this school with such passion. AJ, w, Sarah, Logan, Hailey, Delaney, M'Lynn, and Pricilla thank you for your hard work Theatr e all of these years and for wanting to make PRHS a place we are proud of. I am going to miss all of you! Miller’s Teacher Rap I’m just a poor teacher I feel like a preacher As my senior students go crawling through here. They should be working, But they keep shirking Their duty to class work at the end of the year. To keep up their interest And urge them to do their best, I brainstormed a lesson I thought would be great. Saddened, not gladdened, And most often maddened, Their reaction? Inaction, distraction and hate.
There is a special place in my heart, just for my Seniors...most of you have been on the journey with me for the last 3 or 4 years, and I can't appreciate you enough. I hope you have learned from me as much as I have learned from you. Devin, Omar, Emily, Chase A., Brielle, Chase M., Jessica B., Mariah, Skyler, Nicole, Amy, Laura, Bella, Summer, Hailey W., Ayshia, M'Lynn, Sarah M., A.J., Logan, Hailey P., Sydney, Makaila, Michelle, Lupe, Priscilla, Stephanie...and so many more. Be you, be strong, be amazing, inspire, love with all your heart, dream big and reach for stars. Shine!
Seniors they salivate. Can’t wait to graduate. But what must we do to get them to think? It’s just so mysterious. Why can’t they get serious? And put their thoughts down on the paper in ink!
Jean Miller, English
jENnIFER Bedrosian, Dance Teacher Shout Outs | 6.5.14 | crimsonweb.net | 27
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| Teacher Shout Outs As you look back four years and remember the fear and trepidation you may have felt, it seems like only yesterday. When you ask a Freshman; “how long until you graduate high school?” the answer is, “not for a long time”. You have completed the first step of your journey to adulthood. There will be many more steps, all of which are important one at a time. Each step must be savored, investigated and understood. Take the necessary time to do your due-diligence for each of the new and exciting paths through life. You are moving forward, sideways or backwards in all that you do. The more time you spend going backwards or sideways, is less time you have moving forward. If nothing else, please take this advice with you. Think and Work Hard – you have to do both. Get Prepared if you want Success. Nothing good just happens, you have to make it happen. Get you’re A.C.T. (Attitude, Character, Tenacity) together and go make a difference in this World. Be a Bearcat!
Randy Canaday, Construction
As you approach the end of this chapter in your life take a moment to reflect; savor the fond memories, make note of the challenges you overcame and celebrate them, and look ahead to the goals you have set for yourself. When things get difficult in life (and they will) how will you respond? Remember you have people who believe in you and are willing to listen, share wisdom, or lend a helping hand. Best of Luck!
Joh Hea n Mal in lth car owsk i, e
To the class of 2014: Congratulations on your accomplishments! You have worked diligently and made us proud. Here are two things to consider as you embark on the next phase of your journey: Always be thankful (because it could be worse) and always seek the truth (because you could be wrong). To my AVID 12 family: When you entered my class as freshmen, you were full of dreams. Dreams of succeeding in A-G courses and AP classes. Dreams of getting involved in your school and your community. Dreams of going to college. With individual determination and help from others, those dreams are now coming true. Well done! I am so proud of each of you and all you have accomplished. Seniors, you have reached the end of the beginning. As you start the next chapter, remember what you have been taught. And know that you are cared for and supported as you continue on your journey to success.
Ted Wagner, AVID
28 | crimsonweb.net | 6.5.14 | Teacher Shout Outs
A culture change must begin with a paradigm shift from within To my wonderful seniors, each of us. We can not expect This year, I have seen you do incredible things. I have the culture to change without first watched you perform hilarious and moving dances. I have changing ourselves. Our language, seen you brilliantly adopt your roles in Robin Hood, Hairspray, manners, behavior patterns and and during Mock Trial. I have laughed hysterically at your beliefs are passed onto others. As (usually corny) jokes and "passionate" campaign speeches. I we change ourselves for the better have been mystified by your magic tricks and moved by your we will create positive change in artistic eye for detail. I have even listened as you tearfully others. This change begins by told your story with such courage and conviction as I could keeping the end in mind and making never fathom. I have seen you humble yourself, apologize, proactive decisions. Our response to and make amends. I have witnessed the bravest stand to the countless demands put upon us bullying imaginable in my own classroom. I watched you each day determines the type of day excel in sports, skills, peer, and many clubs as you realized we will have. Make each day a great life is meant to encompass something much greater than day by choosing your attitude, others a report card. Yet I have also seen you push yourself will be thankful. Be playful, you can to excellence in every project, every assignment, every be serious about a task without being challenge to move a bit farther from your comfort zone. serious about yourself. Be present in the And still, this list cannot contain the caring, passion, moment and when you feel low on energy work ethic, humor, kindness, and boldness you possess. give a helping hand, listen and compliment Thank you for a wonderful first year teaching-remember someone who is in need. to finish this last month well.
Katherine Sanine, History
Mark Fairbank, Physics
Super Seniors
MMA marvel
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enior A.J. Rosas uses his difficult childhood and the three suicides of his friends to push him to not only dominate the MMA scene but also to pursue a career in medicine and to serve in the military. Rosas has trained himself in Mixed Martial Arts, not so that he can fight for the sport of it, but so that he can protect the ones he loves. But the callouses on his hands are not just from his fighting skill but from his guitar playing. Rosas plays about every other night, and uses music as his tool to express himself. The lights are dim as he bounces on the balls of his feet, his whole body tensing and releasing as he prepares to add this fight to his other 12 wins. He has trained hard. Between three to eight hours a week for this moment but the crack of his knuckles is his triumph: not the pain of the person he battles, but the rush of knowing that he can protect someone, anyone that he loves. But this fist of justice has a softer side. In his free time, the final chord vibrates through the air, finding only his ears to echo in. His fingers not only have callouses from his mixed martial arts skill, but from his guitar playing. Senior AJ Rosas has risen from a difficult home life and the tragedy of death to conquer not only the MMA scene but also to aspire to a field in medicine and serve in the Navy. Rosas, however, says that his two core passions are tightly linked. “I’m very passionate about MMA and music. Both have always helped me in hard times. MMA made me grow up and it taught me discipline and respect, whereas music is a way for me to express myself: I like to write songs and play my guitar, since it relaxes me, and both allow me to vent,” Rosas said. Rosas has been a competing Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA fighter, for 8 years. He only fights, however, so that he can defend his loved ones, a passion that stems from his difficult childhood. But what really drove him to need to express and vent himself through physical activity and music was three tragedies. “I guess what sparked my passions was the way I grew up and support of my three dearest friends who all were victims to suicide, but I owe them a lot for pushing me and helping me to find myself and pursue my passions on my own,” said Rosas. But it is his loved ones in the present that drive him to continue. His passions spill over into education and future plans: Rosas loves anatomy and is working towards attending medical school, while he serves in the reserve United States Navy. He was also in a band and
AJ Rosas
writes and plays music almost constantly, because he uses music as his tool to express himself. Close family member, Matthew Rosas, recognizes his brother’s value as a person and a brother “He’s a total dork but somewhat lovable. You get used to him, and he’s a really great person when you get to know him and I wouldn’t ask for anyone else as a brother. He’s my older brother and he’s always been there when I needed him. Like I said, he’s a great guy, trustworthy, funny, understanding, and caring and you can count on him for almost anything.” Matthew said. But Matthew also supports Rosas’s passion for MMA and music “MMA is a good sport to get into because it can teach you how to defend yourself. Who doesn’t love music? It brings such a great vibrancy to life that is unmatched by any other form of art. Music can induce feelings, match your emotions, cheer you up when you’re feeling down, bring life to a party, and even pump you up for a game. Music is an important aspect of life and has been around for centuries. If you don’t love music, you can’t really enjoy life,” Matthew said. Ty Wrolson, Rosas’s best friend for a year supports Rosas just as strongly. “I know he does MMA, and I honestly think it’s pretty awesome because I’d like to learn how to fight and defend myself,” Wrolson said. He has also seen Rosas’s heroic abilities when it comes to taking care of people. “I consider him as a role model for younger children because not only does he think of some dreams and goals, but he also goes after and achieves them. I’ve only known him for a year, and I could say he is my friend I go to if I need help or need something.” – Jessica Cole, A&E Editor
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enior A.J. Rosas usa su difícil infancia y los tres suicidios de sus amigos para empujarlo, no sólo para dominar la escena de MMA, sino también para aspirar a una carrera en medicina y para servir en el ejército. Rosas se ha entrenado en las artes marciales mixtas, no para solo poder luchar por si mismo, pero para que se pueda proteger a los que ama. Sin embargo, los callos en sus manos no son sólo de su capacidad de lucha, sino de su forma de tocar la guitarra. Rosas juega sobre cada otra noche, y utiliza la música como su herramienta para expresarse.
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Leading the way
he blaring music fills the quad, students start laughing and dancing, something is going on in front of the Leadership room, and there’s senior Logan Ferry, right where he has been for the last three years, smiling and DJing the music. Fifteen drama productions and every assembly, lunch music jam sessions, and dances can all be connected by one thing: Ferry, who does it all at PRHS and works hard to spread love to the campus.
The blaring music fills the quad, students start laughing and dancing, something is going on in front of the Leadership room, and there’s senior Logan Ferry, right where he has been for the last three years, smiling and DJing the music. “[I enjoy] events and seeing people respond positively and being excited to be at Paso High. That’s why I enjoy hosting a lot of the lunchtime activities and assemblies, I like being in the thick of it and helping everyone enjoy their time here. I like to make people happy,” said Ferry, who has been in the Leadership class for the past two years and has been helping out for three years. Ferry is the ASB Parliamentarian which means that he ensures that the rules listed in the ASB constitution are being followed. Ferry is also a leader in the drama program. “I have spent more time with Logan than any other student-he is the other Goodnow at school. He has been a part of each assembly and a one-act play I have produced. He is also directing a one-act play with beginning drama students,” said drama teacher Marcy Goodnow, who has worked with Logan in all eight main stage productions that she has done at the school. Ferry has also taken five drama classes which include Tech Theater, Beginning Drama, and Advanced Drama. He’s taken Leadership, and Beginning Dance with Goodnow as well. He has enjoyed the experiences of the many drama productions that he has participated in. “It’s a tie between ‘Seussical, The Musical!’ and ‘Robin Hood’ [for favorite show]. ‘Seussical’ was the first show that I really felt like I had a hand in putting together and every night was just so fun, while “Robin Hood” was such a new experience, and being able to play Robin brought a lot of new challenges, plus I got to carry around a sword and choreograph fight scenes,” Ferry said. Goodnow said that she has too many favorite moments with Ferry to count them. “I loved moving into our new theater with him. We had a light carrying ceremony taking one light each from the storage space to the new theater. After we got there many of us just laid on the stage attempting to soak in what we were experiencing. I saw him cry for the first time. He didn’t have to tell me why he was crying because I then understood what this theater company means to him. I then saw the moment I
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saw him realize that other actors look up to him. After opening night of Our Town, a few students told him they appreciated all he helped them with. This touched his heart so much — again I could see how much he cared,” Goodnow said. Friend and fellow senior Sydney Throop also has fond memories of the night when they said goodbye to the old theater, as well as the night when they said hello to the new one. “The last day we could be in the old theatre, we laid on the stage and reflected on everything that had happened that year and how much our lives had been changed. Then we were allowed to see the [new] theatre before it was finished. We had the theatre to ourselves and laid down in the same spot but in the new theatre and it was really emotional because while we were getting the new theatre, we also were receiving the program because our role models were graduating and it was our time to take over. We just like to sit at the top row of the theatre and take in all that we’ve done and we do that every show,” said Throop, who has worked with Ferry in every play since their freshman year. Goodnow took the seniors from the Advanced Drama class and a few select juniors to New York on Apr. 21 and returned on Apr. 25. While there, the students and teacher got to stand on the Broadway stage. “We got to go backstage at the Neil Simon Theatre which was really cool and a once in a lifetime experience,” Ferry said. “What I find most impressive about Logan is his ability to overcome any and all obstacles that he faces. He is good at everything and when he doesn’t know how to do something someone needs him to do he learns! He is also an exceptional leader and problem solver,” said senior Hailey Pietz, his girlfriend of one year, three months and three days (on June 7), who has been in nine drama shows with him. Pietz has aslo been in Leadership and believes that Ferry is important to the school as well as to herself. “My favorite moments with Logan are when I see the influence he had on people. Whether it’s teaching people how to use the spotlight or being the MC for an assembly, he brings people in and makes them feel a part of something. I think that’s the most precious gift you can give and Logan is like Santa. He knows what they need to make them feel special, cared about. I love him to death for that,” Pietz said. – Rachel Cole, Feature Editor
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uince producciones de teatro y cada asamblea, el almuerzo jam session de música, y la danza pueden ser conectados por una cosa– Logan Ferry, quien hace todo en PRHS y trabaja duramente para difundir el amor al campus.
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Happy helper
enior Matt Neumann has spent five years volunteering at a camp for elementary aged students with speech and language disabilities. Neumann, who goes by the nickname Stone at camp, works hard all day, five days a week for four weeks each summer to attend to an elementary-aged camper’s attitude, homesickness, and learning. T h e s e years of camp have
helped Neumann to become a more vocal, and less shy teenager. Although this is his last year as a TIGR, Therapy Individual Goal Reinforcer, who hopes to one day be on staff as the male intern. Four years, five weeks, five days a week, 24 hours a day; the dedication is clear as senior Matt Neumann continues to return to volunteer at Camp Hapitok, a children’s speech and language camp, for the fifth summer. “I really enjoy how much energy the kids have and how much fun I have getting to know them,” said Neumann, who quickly bonds with his campers over hanging out and just being guys together. He originally went to camp in the summer of 2010, when he was making
Matt Neumann
the move from eighth grade to high school, because his younger brother was attending as a camper, and Neumann wanted to make sure he wasn’t as homesick. Neumann has returned every summer since. “Camp is my summer, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go,” said Neumann, who loves how he gets the feeling of a fresh start and new goals with every camper over each summer. Neumann also looks forward to his final summer at camp this year, due to an age limit of 18, with a bittersweet mix of feelings. “Being a fifth year at camp is like being a senior at school, you’re older than everyone and you get to pass your knowledge along to others,” said Neumann, who hopes to one day be on staff, as the male intern. Neumann’s mother, Amanda, loves that her sons were able to spend more time together and appreciates the positive attitudes of everyone at camp. “Not only did the time together at camp strengthen their bond as brothers, it helped them learn and appreciate different skills and talents that they each bring. They compliment each other well.” Amanda said. “Camp Hapitok is a magical place where young kids who maybe feel a little different and sometimes alone are anything but.” Camp Hapitok, in commission since 1970, runs out of the Rancho El Chorro Outdoor Educational facilities, which are operated by the SLO County Office of Education. Twenty-eight elementary-aged campers are paired one on one with a teen volunteer for the four week camp, Monday through Friday. Neumann, or Stone, as he is referred to at Camp Hapitok, is a TIGR, a Therapy Individual Goal Reinforcer, and he is paired with a younger camper for the whole summer and helps them throughout the weeks. Throughout his four years so far, Neumann has had five campers. After his third year at camp, he was particularly close with his camper and hung out with him after camp was over. He attended his birthday party at the Ravine, and even went bowling with his family. Each day’s activities include taking campers to breakfast, attending events such as PE, the Adventure Zone, along with arts and crafts, and themed field trips, all while keeping track of the camper’s individual speech and language goals. These specific goals include saying their ‘R’s correctly at the end of words or answering questions in full sentences. Campers are required to fill out one grid for every activity they attend throughout the day; each grid is 25 punches, a punch for each time they complete the “grid goal” correctly. Each day, the speech therapists meet with the camper and give them new goals to work on throughout the day. “I struggle with trying to do a million things at once.
As a counselor, I have to think about my camper’s safety, scheduling, entertainment, homesickness, and basic needs, all while trying to prompt him for good speech sounds throughout the day,” Neumann said. Amber Eye, a 2013 graduate, doesn’t see his troubles with multi-tasking. “What makes Stone such a good TIGR is his ability to watch what his camper needs and role with it,” said Eye, who was also a five year TIGR. “Over the years he has simply grown into an amazing person and an Amazing TIGR. I am grateful for getting to see his transformation from a shy TIGR into an adult and a strong, brave person,” said Eye, who added that Neumann is one of her best friends and views him as one of the best people she knows. Neumann’s dedication these past years have been shared with his family as well. Aside from his brother Will, who first attended camp in 2010 as a camper, Neumann’s other brother, sophomore Jeff Neumann, attended camp as a TIGR beginning in 2012. Neumann’s mom, has seen the positive effects that this child’s camp has had with all of her sons. “The confidence and maturity that he has gained through this experience was invaluable,” Amanda said. Neumann does believe that one thing camp has greatly helped him with was speaking out or being able to talk to large groups of people, at camp you do silly skits in front of the whole camp, which has helped make things easier for Neumann. Neumanns favorite part about camp is the end of the year banquets where the camper and the TIGR both dress up nicely and eat a nice meal and give each other handmade gifts. “It closes the summer and concludes the year nicely,” Neumann said. – Angela Lorenzo, Co-Editor in Chief
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enior Matt Neumann ha pasado cinco años como voluntario en un campamento para estudiantes de primaria con problemas de habla y lenguaje. “El campamento es mi verano, yo no sé lo que haría si yo no voy”, dijo Neumann, que se esfuerza por hacer un millón de cosas a la vez, como mantener su campista feliz, sano, interesado, toda vez que mantiene un registro de sus metas del habla.
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Cheer leading the way
isions of high ponytails, glittery eyeshadow and brightly colored uniforms are many ten year old’s dreams. While doing double fulls, standing tucks, standing fulls, and back handsprings, senior Jessica Bartlett also managed to keep a 4.4 GPA, and get accepted to UC Berkeley all while travelling over 20 hours per week to practices in Ventura in her senior year. For eight years, Bartlett has been tumbling, stunting, and performing her way to the top on the local competitive cheer team, senior level 3 California Gold Shockwaves. Bartlett has now been a part of a senior level 4 team California Allstars: Ventura for one year, and on May 18, Bartlett found out she made the three time world champion team Smoed. “I’ve always dreamed of becoming a world champion in cheerleading and knew that making the move to California Allstars was my best chance,” said Bartlett, whose team has been World Champions in the ‘Super Bowl’ of cheerleading. “This is the most stacked team in the history of competitive cheer, so everyone better watch out because were coming for a 4-peat!” said Bartlett, meaning that she plans on winning with her new team for Smoeds fourth win at Worlds. She began cheerleading when she was ten years old at California Gold Shockwaves under the eye of her coach Amber Davis. She made the move to California Allstars, in June of 2013. She practiced three to four times a week from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Ventura, about a three hour drive. The earliest that Bartlett comes home from practices is 10 p.m., and the latest is 1a.m. The competition season doesn’t start until November, so the team will spend the next six months without competitions, instead choosing to work on new tumbling and stunting skills and learning new routines for the next season. Bartlett switched teams so she’d be able to try out for Smoed, a level five team that Bartlett had always dreamed about being on, she would have to be on a level four team for at least a year first. Smoed has won the World Championship in Orlando, Florida, for the past three years. Since California Gold was only a level three team, and Bartlett had learned skills that surpassed a level three team, she tried out for the California Allstars team and made it. Bartlett only has two more years left in competitive cheer until she ages out at 18 and could only be on international teams. “My first [Smoed] practice was unbelievably hard.. If I could take the hardest conditioning from all my practices and combined them into one, it would still not compare to how hard this one was! But I also had a lot of fun. Everyone is so nice and encouraging,” said Bartlett, who has practices six or seven times in Ventura. She’s traveled to 145 practices in Ventura, meaning 800 hours on the road, or a total of 33 days a year, on just driving to practices alone. “The conditioning and training is a lot harder than I have ever
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done, so it was cool to experience something that was out of my comfort zone,” said Bartlett, who can now do a double full, a backflip with a straight body and two full twists. Her cheerleading coach, is a four time world champion and considered one of the best coaches in the industry. On the days that Bartlett doesn’t have practices she trains at her home gym, California Gold, and catches up on her sleep and homework. Of Bartletts four classes, she has three periods of AP classes: English, biology, government, and economics. Bartlett also has her own personal cheerleaders, a team of family members that support her. “We support her financially, emotionally and with all the love in our hearts,” said mother Alicia Bartlett, who attends almost all of Bartlett’s competitions. And the cost does add up. Tuition, uniforms, camp, and choreography each year is 5,000 dollars. Gas and hotel and plane tickets add an additional 13,000 dollars, according to Bartlett. “She has always been so driven in everything she’s put her mind to. Anything short of the best is unacceptable to her. She has an incredible work ethic,” said Alicia, who was a ballet dancer at her daughter’s age. Before each competition Bartlett prepares by driving to her competition location the night before and getting ready with the other girls. They have a practice in the competition venue the day before the competition that will follow in the next few days. Her team of 20 other girls, ranging from ages 12-18, travel around California and to Dallas, Texas, Orlando, Florida, and Philadelphia where they fly there as a team. “I am very competitive and love that you can always improve and better yourself in cheerleading. There is always a new skill to learn in both tumbling and stunting and I love the endless possibilities to get better,” said Bartlett, who plans on cheering with Smoed next year and attending Berkeley after her childhood dream is accomplished. – Angela Lorenzo, Co-Editor in Chief
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isiones de altas colas de cabello, sombra de ojos brillantes y uniformes de colores brillantes son sueños de ninas chiquitas de diez anos. Mientras que anima su camino en el California Allstars, senior Jessica Bartlett también se las arregló para ser el capitán del equipo de la alegría del equipo, mantener un GPA de 4.04, y ser aceptada por la Universidad de Berkeley. Su equipo, que ha llevado el oro en los Campeonatos del mundo de tres años en una fila, practica en Ventura.
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Touching hearts, Preaching truth
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’Lynn has touched the hearts of most everyone that she meets. Her charismatic personality is one that many look for in a friend. Her enthusiasm for her Christian faith, has lead her to her future in being a youth pastor, and is attending Point Loma Nazarene University to help her pursue this career. She has found her passion and is running towards it with open arms; she is a true role model. A typical teenager will wake up in the morning and complain about how much they don’t want to go to school. However, senior M’Lynn Martin wakes up in the morning ready to take on whatever the world throws at her with a levelhead and a huge heart. Though she runs through a routine that consists of studying all night long, staying after school for softball practice and finding time to maintain her GPA of 3.92. Martin also has found her passion in spreading the word of God wherever she goes and inspiring others to follow their dreams. “My dream is to become a youth pastor, so I can minister to teenagers who are going through hard times, just like the times I went through in high school,” Martin said. Like most, Martin had a hard time transitioning into the high school scene, but she took the tribulations with a grain of salt. “My high school experience was a crazy uphill battle, with lots of fun mixed in! I gained some friends and I lost some friends. [It] is super confusing, and I lost myself freshmen and sophomore year. But luckily the summer between sophomore and junior year, I found myself in Jesus Christ, and I’ve been living a super rad life ever since,” Martin said. Because of her own difficult life experiences, Martin has turned to her Christian faith to help get through the rough times in her life. “I began to feel super unimportant, and like I didn’t matter. I felt like I hadn’t made a significant impact in anyones life, I would beat myself up and felt like if I was gone, the world would just go on,” Martin said. Martin had to climb a few mountains in her life to be the person that she is today. In her troubling times, her youth pastor, Jesse Loftin, however, was the inspiration that Martin needed to bring her back up on her feet. “My youth pastor, Jesse Loftin, has had such a huge impact on my life. He has taught me how to live my life according to the word of God and not according to the word of society. He is always filled with the Holy Spirit, and it has been such a blessing to be discipled by him,” Martin said. Most students know that finding friends can often be difficult in high school. However, Martin flocks to anyone who needs a helping hand. Senior, Omar Guillen, has seen this firsthand. “There are no words to describe M’Lynn. She is like no one I have ever met before. She’s reliable, wise, genuine, loving, caring, inspiring, determined, diligent, and joyful,” said Guillen, who has been best friends with M’Lynn since seventh grade. M’Lynn has made such an impact on most everyone that she meets and her friends find her to be a true inspiration. “She is the most genuine person I have ever met. She is
M’Lynn Martin
kind and passionate and truly cares about everyone who crosses her path. She has inspired me to be an overall better person, and to care for every person through every situation. Most importantly she has inspired me to be a better friend because she’s the best friend I could have ever asked for,” said senior Delaney Cline. Even on the softball field, Martin continues to spread joy and love to her team. “She is so hardworking, especially under pressure. When we need her on the field she will come through and is the base of our team. Under pressure, she didn’t stress out and knows that whatever happens is meant to be. So pretty much, she is the best person ever!” Cline said. Martin tries to encourage her team to always stay positive and puts a spin on her outlook on the game. “Softball has been a part of my life since I was four years old. It’s a team sport that teaches you how to trust yourself, how to trust others, and how to be disciplined under pressure. Softball is basically a mini game of life,” Martin said. Martin speaks enthusiastically about how you should be yourself whenever possible. She also believes that individuality is what makes a person admirable, and now is the time to do so. “High school is a time to recreate yourself. It’s a time to be who you want to be, not who others think you should be. I went through some difficult times in high school, but I know that those difficult times made me who I am today. I’m proud of the person I have become because I fought to become her. I’ve realized that if you choose to surround yourself with positive people your life will be full of joy, peace, and love,” Martin said. The passion is in Martin’s eyes as she preaches and spreads the Lord’s word. Even with everyone’s eyes shut, you can hear the love in her voice. The way she expresses her life through her prayers proves that God has most indeed changed her life. “M’Lynn would not be the same person today without her passion to serve God with her gifts. She was called to be a youth leader and she plans to pursue exactly that. Her future revolves around speaking and motivating. Spreading the word of God has changed her life and the lives of those around her forever,” Guillen said. The past four years, M’Lynn Martin has made her mark on the school. Her inspiring spirit and passion has lead her to her major in Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University, where her dreams are inches away. – Michelle McPherson, CTE Editor
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’Lynn ha tocado el corazón de todos que le han conocido. Su personalidad carismática es una que muchos buscan en un amiga. Su entusiasmo por su fe cristiana, tiene la llevó a su futuro en ser un pastor de jóvenes, y asiste a Point Loma Nazarene University para ayudarla a seguir esta carrera. Ella ha encontrado su pasión y está corriendo hacia él con los brazos abiertos; ella es un verdadero modelo a seguir.
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In it to win it
attling with a season-ending injury is no easy journey, especially after you have been in the game for over half of your life. Senior Jamika Martin shows courage and passion as she proves herself worthy on the basketball court despite her torn ACL. Martin’s achievements don’t stop after the last buzzer. Off the court, Martin is an academic overachiever and a dedicated athletic trainer. Martin will be attending UCLA, one of the most prestigious colleges in California, this upcoming fall and studying pre-business economics. Since sporting a Lewis Lady Leopard team jersey in her middle school days, senior Jamika Martin has held an undying love for the court and dreamed of being captain of the Varsity basketball team. However, when she envisioned being Varsity MVP her senior year or making it to the county-wide tournament, a season-ending injury wasn’t in her plans, a torn ACL hasn’t stopped this motivated player. Martin has been playing on the court for eight years now. When she reached the high school level, she was sweeping the floor in her position of point guard. After her freshman year playing for the freshman team, she was recruited for Varsity, where she remained for the next three years of her high school career. While on the team, Martin maintained a 4.2 weighted GPA and other academic achievements, while also staying committed to Athletic Training for the past two years. “I just developed a passion for the game and was willing to put in hours a day to improve my skills. Once I started proving myself, I didn’t want to stop. Basketball has done so much for me socially, physically, and just personally. It really built me as an individual and it is something I’ll continue doing even if it’s just for fun,” said Martin. Her first big breakthrough was when she was a starting shooting guard her junior year for the Bearcats. Martin was given the title captain of the varsity team her senior year for her efforts on the team. One of Martin’s personal record games was the last game before she injured her knee. Martin was a point guard for the Lady Bearcats and that game scored 16 points and had numerous steals and assists. Success took a quick turn for the worst when she injured her knee at a Righetti tournament a week later. At the time, Martin didn’t understand the full extent of her injury. Her knee was dislocated and it was treated as that. About four weeks later, Martin returned and re-injured her knee doing a lay-up at practice. “The second time when I injured my knee was the most depressing. I was one of the players that you counted on to score and do well and you needed on the team. So just to have that taken away. I also had a lot of goals for my senior year, like MVP, or to play in the county tournament, but I wasn’t able to do that. Especially being captain and being a leader
on the team and not being able to go out there and support them was tough,” said Martin. Martin tore her ACL and had two tears in her meniscus, the second injury that left her on the bench for the rest of her senior year. Even though she couldn’t command while playing on the court, Martin never missed a practice or game. For her dedicated efforts, she received the Lions Club Coaches Award this year. “She earned being captain this year because out of everyone on the team she had the most experience, always worked hard, and helped the team as well. She was a respectable captain because she took charge in a friendly way instead a coach type of way. She also pushed us to work harder so we could get better as a team and not individually. Her injury changed her as captain on the court but off the court she was still helping us with mistakes and still encouraging us to keep working hard even if the game was out of reach.” said junior Karlee Ulrich, who has played basketball with Jamika since seventh grade and is now one of Martin’s Varsity teammates. Martin’s athletic motivation rivals her ambition to succeed in the classroom. Throughout high school, Martin has taken the most rigorous and challenging courses the school has to offer, including AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Statistics, and passing all with flying colors. She also received a superscore of 2010 on her SAT and a 30 on her ACT testing. Martin will be attending UCLA in the fall, majoring in Pre-Business Economics with a minor in Nutrition. “My whole academic career I have just had the mindset of good grades equals a good college. And it really did pay off. When I found out that I got into UCLA, I was extremely excited. They sent me an email about decisions being posted and my heart dropped. I went onto the portal and it said ‘UCLA bound.’ At the time, I was alone in my house, and I started screaming and jumping around. I was overjoyed”, said Martin. Martin’s academic successes doesn’t end there. On Tuesday, Apr. 29, Martin hopped into a Paso Robles High School van with seven other AP Statistics students including teacher Rich Schimke and traveled to Bakersfield for a regional statistics competition. The eight Bearcat statistics students were hand picked and personally invited by Schimke to attend this competition. Out of around 40 teams, with four students on each team, Martin and her team, including seniors Angela Lorenzo, Bryan McGuffin, and Nickie Gurney, placed second overall, beating the other team from Paso Robles High who placed fourth which included seniors Matthew Mihelic, Warren Willis, Ethan Serpa, and Mitchell Keller. For individual placement, Martin ranked sixth out of the whole competition and placed as the top statistic student representing the bearcats that day. – Jordan Nevosh, Co-Editor in Chief
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uchando con una lesion que termina una temporada de baloncesto no es camino fácil, especialmente después de haber estado en el juego por más de la mitad de su vida. Senior Jamika Martin muestra coraje y pasión como ella demuestra a sí misma digna en la cancha de baloncesto a pesar de su ACL desgarrado. Logros de Martin continúan después del último timbre. Fuera de la cancha, Martin es un mérito académico y un entrenador de atletismo dedicado. Martin va a asistir a la UCLA, una de las universidades más prestigiosas de California, este próximo otoño para estudiar Pre-Economía de la Empresa.
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Jamika Martin
Dancing King S enior Omar Guillen found his niche of freestyle dance in the fourth grade and has been grooving and moving ever since. Guillen is this years PRHS Advanced Dance President, and has been a part of three dance companies in Paso Robles over his career. Just recently Guillen tried out for a popular television show “So you think you can dance?” in Los Angeles, and made it to the second round before getting cut. His next step is being a part of CSU Fullertons dance program this upcoming fall to continue his dancing career. When performing, he glides across the floor, weaving his body in an intricate and dynamic manner without worrying about the next step or move. Because he has been going through the counts over 20 hours a week, and the moves are now simply second nature to him. He successfully mesmerizes the entire audience through his native language of dance. It’s a rare phenomenon to come across a single person that can captivate the attention of an entire room of people, let alone high school students perfect, but senior Omar Guillen completes this task effortlessly. For Guillen, dance isn’t just an elective or a hobby; it’s his way of life. It’s what drives him to be the charismatic, passionate, and, at times, a little sassy human being that he is known as today. It’s easy to spot Guillen on campus, trotting around with a grin painted over his face and greeting e v e r y friend, and sometimes stranger, he comes across. He is well
known for his infamous pep rally performances, always leaving the crowd applauding and screaming for an encore. Guillen found his niche of freestyle dance in the fourth grade and has been grooving and moving ever since. At the beginning of Guillen’s freshman year, he attended God Squad, and sophmore year joined Street Dance and Street Krew, in Paso Robles. “My favorite dance memory of all time was my first performance at my first competition, which was during my sophomore year. It was the tremaine dance competition held in San Fran. When you step on stage and you’re being judge it is kind of scary but it just felt so right. I got up there and I did my very best. Everyone else did super good. When we did awards and I got first place for my solo I was speechless then they were doing best of show for the entire competition and I literally almost started crying. It was a very cool experience.” said Guillen. Guillen took his moves to the next level when he decided to try out for the popular TV show “So You Think you can Dance” in March of 2014 after getting a link over Facebook about auditions in Los Angeles. He packed up his dreams and headed down to Southern California, he auditioned with 666 other contestants. Standing in line at 4:30 a.m. with around 100 contestants already in front of Guillen in line. Each contestant had their own dancing style; Guillen was focusing on contemporary. After an approximate four hour wait, he finally got to perform his improv dance. After his dance Guillen received a “Golden Ticket”, which advanced him into the next round. Only 200 out of the 666 that audition received this ticket. He was sent through an extensive paperwork process and interview, and then was filmed, allowing him to go home at around 11:30pm. On the second day, Guillen arrived at the studio at 8:30 a.m. The next day consisted of another round of improv and a group warm up; then the judges from the show would enter and decide who to cut and who to keep. “I was really happy with my second day performance. However, they didn’t even watch me at all. So I was cut before I got to do my solo. After, when I was leaving, they went onto the microphone and, ‘If you were good and you didn’t get picked, it’s because we already have someone like you.’ I was like.... that didn’t really make sense. I don’t know if I would want to go back because the audition process was terrible. But I did meet some really amazing people and so I would go back for the experience,” said Guillen. Guillen will attend California State University Fullerton in the fall as a dance major. To be accepted for this major, Guillen had to audition for the dance program in mid February and made the
Super Seniors
class of 22, when around 60 people auditioned for. Guillen plans on working in the field of therapeutic dancing in his future. A dance therapist’s job is to perform sessions with individuals, groups and/or families where dance and physical is the form of communication. Movements are used to observe and explore demeanor, attitude and emotion of the patients. Some of these emotions may be subconscious thoughts, or repressed memories, according to targetjob.co.uk. “I want to give people the opportunity to allow their bodies to tell a story, a story that no word will ever be able to tell. I want to give people a release for the stress, depression, anxiety, and fear of everyday life. Dance is more than just movement; it is a gift, and I want to show people the beauty that comes with dancing,” said Guillen. Guillen is equally as passionate about friendship as he is about dance. Senior M’Lynn Martin, a long time friend of Guillen since the awkward years of middle school, knows Guillen inside and out. Sometimes friends come and go, but these two have stuck together like glue and have bonded more ever since. “I really admire his compassion. He has a heart that bleeds through the wounds of others...He’s taught me how to love God, how to love others, and also how to love myself. We have felt literally every single emotion on the spectrum in each other’s presence. With that being said, the biggest thing Omar has shown me is that I am not, nor will I ever be, left to face this world alone. We will always be together, bestest friends for life,” said Martin. – Jordan Nevosh, Co-Editor in Chief
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enior Omar Guillén encontró su nicho de baile de estilo libre en el cuarto grado y ha sido moviéndose desde entonces. Guillén es el presidente de PRHS avanzada danza este año, y ha sido parte de tres compañías de danza en Paso Robles sobre su carrera. Recientemente Guillén probó para un popular programa de televisión “So You Think You Can Dance?” En Los Angeles, y llegó a la segunda eliminatoria antes de ser cortado. Su siguiente paso en su carrera de baile le a ser una parte del programa de baile de CSU Fullerton este próximo otoño.
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Omar Guillen
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Mastering a balancing act
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ost people are good at one thing. Lucky people are good at two. Senior Devin Corea, however, sets a new standard with three impressive skills that lead her to success in one of the school’s most important positions; ASB President. Corea masters a balancing act being involved with leadership, 4-H, water polo, track, cross country and now the California Mid State Fair Pageant. Her leadership ability and self initiative to get involved allow her to exemplify the definition of a true leader. You may have seen her at lunch planning events to get students involved, or running track and cross country. Maybe it was showing her steer in 4-H at the fair or shooting goals in water polo. The truth is, you’ve probably seen Corea doing all of these activities, not to mention maintaining a 4.05 GPA and balancing two AP classes. Sophomore year, Corea was urged to run for junior class president by her friends, and decided to run because of a single word: prom. She looked forward to the challenge and was confident that she could get the job done. When some “Prama”, prom drama, struck about the limit of tickets sold due to the venue size, she put on a brave face and took some brutal comments from students and even parents. Prom went off without a hitch and people apologized for their wrong comments to her. Corea claims that all of the hard work was absolutely worth it. She got multiple compliments saying that it was the “Disneyland of all Proms”. “Being able to give someone the experience of prom was so rewarding and it helped a lot coming into being ASB President,” Corea said. Corea enjoyed the satisfaction that being junior class president gave her and she decided to take on the role of becoming ASB President this year. She wanted to push herself even further and become more involved than she already was with the student body. She believes that being Junior class president gave her the skillset to be a successful ASB President. “She is respected by her peers and her teachers, she is bright and intelligent, she is like another teacher in our class, she is loving and caring, and has a tendency to recognize when people need help and then she follows through and helps them. She’s one of the nicest people I know and she is beautiful inside and out,” said leadership teacher Jennifer
Bedrosian. Corea was only in the leadership class her junior and senior years; however, she thrived as a leader in many other aspects of her life. Corea joined 4-H about nine years ago and began showing a market hog. After three years of hogs, Corea made the challenging switch to raising a steer and has been doing that for six years. Last year, she raised a replacement heifer along side her steer, doubling up her work load. “All of the younger kids look up to her and ask for advice. She puts aside her own stuff to help. She is very easy to get along with, making being in a group and leading people much easier,” her sister, sophomore Jena Corea said. Corea has been a teen leader for the Santa Lucia beef group for the past three years and prospers as a leader in the barns. “I arrive hours early to shows in order to ensure that all of the younger members and show animals are properly prepared. I feel that I have an obligation to help them the way I was aided as a junior member,” said Corea about her role as the groups leader. Her time in 4-H has inspired Corea to be a part of the California Mid State Fair Pageant this summer. Her platform is promoting 4-H and a Healthy Living and she feels that this is the perfect opportunity to give back to 4-H and all that it has taught her in her nine years of membership. Corea feels extremely passionate about promoting a healthy living due to an injury that occurred spring of her sophomore year. During track of her sophomore year, a pain in her foot began while running, and she had a stress fracture in her left foot. Her injury resulted in physical and emotional pain and she began physical therapy junior year in order to speed up the healing process. She was able to return to track at the final meet of her junior year; however, her times had increased drastically. Her sophomore year, Corea was the top girl runner on the cross country team, was voted team MVP, and received PAC-7 All League team honors. This year as a senior, she dropped down to the sixth fastest senior in the county. It was her leadership, however, that granted her the position of team captain this year. Throughout the year Corea was always an encouraging leader and often was referred to as the “team mom” because she always wanted to push the younger girls to be their best. She was voted for Lions club this year for cross country by her team because of her immense love towards the team. “Of course she was bummed that she wasn’t able to compete at the level she wanted to but she was always really supportive of the rest of the team! She kept a positive
attitude and really routed for the rest of us. The fact that she wasn’t racing didn’t cause her to care less about the team. It showed a lot of character for her to not dwell on her injury in a negative way but to instead devote her energy to supporting her team and getting better,” said alumni Danica Boggs, who ran with Corea her sophomore, junior and senior years. Corea ran varsity track and cross country every year of high school and played jv soccer her freshman year. As a
junior, Corea had been swimming with the girls water polo team in the mornings before school to keep herself in shape while having to go to physical therapy. While there she discovered a love for swimming, so she decided to play jv water polo last year. She was voted for Lions club for the jv water polo team and regrets not joining the team earlier in her high school life. This year, as a senior, Corea was team captain of varsity cross-country, varsity water polo, and varsity track. Corea’s injury wasn’t all bad, however; it actually helped her decide on a career and college path. This setback influenced Corea to aspire to become a physical therapist, in order to help other athletes recover from their injuries and get back to their sports just as she did. Corea will attend the University of San Diego in the fall to major in Biology. After college she hopes to go to graduate school and achieve her doctorate in physical therapy. Whether it’s 4-H, sports, or leadership, Devin Corea does it all. And that’s how you master a balancing act. – Maureen Pushea, Sports Editor
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a mayoría de la gente es buena en una cosa. Las personas afortunadas son buenos en dos. Semior Devin Corea, sin embargo, establece un nuevo estándar con tres impresionantes habilidades que la conducen al éxito en una de las posiciones más importantes de la escuela; Presidente ASB. Corea es una experta en acto de equilibrio está involucrado con el liderazgo, 4h, polo acuático, pista, campo traviesa y ahora el California Mid State Fair Pageant.
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Devin Corea
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Red, white, and black
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nder racial stigmas and targeted hate crime , senior Hebat Elsayed conquers bigoted opinions by pulling through trying times. She doesn’t allow, these opinions to bring her down. She has dreams of living in Egypt after high school after visiting the country last summer and partaking in a revolution. “Our culture is so rich and our people are the best I’ve ever met. Everything I’ve ever seen from Egypt is happiness and good times,” Elsayed said.
Hebat Elsayed
Red, white, and black fabric of the Egyptian flag waved among the busy streets of Cairo, Egypt. The tension in the air was thick as Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s reign was questioned. Thousands of young, innovative activists gathered in masses in Tahrir Square to bring a new rise of democracy to Egypt, and among them stood senior Hebat Elsayed. Elsayed, born in Paso Robles, CA, has deeper roots outside of the United States. Her heritage lies directly at 28.8013 degrees south and 31.1711 degrees east separated by the gulfs of Aqaba and Suez, and though Elsayed may call Paso home, her heart lies in Egypt. “It’s the sense of community and awareness of others that continues to draw me back to Cairo,” said Elsayed, remembering a moment when a little girl whose mother, an English teacher, taught her the Arabic alphabet. And on the day of the protest, “there were shops opening their doors and giving away free things. The people were so unified in one cause and that feeling is what draws me back time and time again.” But as racial stigmas are prevalent in today’s society, Elsayed’s strong sense of pride in her country has been the root of many controversial hate crimes. On September 11 of every year, Elsayed and her family face overwhelming amounts of racism and terror from the public. However last year, Sept. 11, 2012, marked a time in Elsayed’s life that she will never forget. Scrawled in silver Sharpie was the word “terrorist” on Elsayed’s locker and lying on the inside was a 176 word note blaming Elsayed, her family, and her people for the 2,752 lives lost in the Twin Towers bombing. “This note was what pushed me over the edge. I’ve never received a note before, especially not one that brutal,” Elsayed said. “When I first got the letter, I decided to not give them power. That, and I didn’t want to be the girl crying in class. But then I couldn’t handle it anymore; I broke down.” But Elsayed’s tears are what impacted many students and faculty. “Her tears made her human. There is something about
her maturity that strikes me. She told me once that if she ever found out who wrote the letter, she would just want to sit with them and talk,” said AP English teacher Aaron Cantrell. However, Elsayed isn’t ignorant to the circumstances of one’s belief. “Their judgement is only coming from somewhere else. People aren’t born thinking that way,” said Elsayed, who doesn’t blame the person who wrote the note. “At Paso High, I found that many folks simply didn’t understand Islam or Muslims, or understood that in many respects, religion and culture can not only be decoupled from one another, but that culture may influence the practice of religion,” said alumni Nisreen Hasib, a friend to the Elsayed family. Elsayed’s cousin, Chymuh Elsayed, is proud of her cousin’s integrity and maturity during these trying times. “Hebat knows there are racist people all around her. This is something that will never come close to affecting her life in anegative way. If anything, she finds it very shocking that there are people who will take the time to show how uneducated they are. Then again, racist remarks come from those who don’t want to see a world become a better place, and Hebat doesn’t have time to let this kind of behavior get to her when her goal in life is to make a difference in the world,” Chymuh said. But Elsayed feels like this event was more of a “push toward Egypt, not a pull to Paso.” “I’m going to the American University of Cairo after two years of community college. Unfortunately I have to learn written Arabic before I go, so I decided to transfer,” Elsayed said. “She loves to read and learn. Hence, having the opportunity to attend the American University in Cairo will only educate her more, something she loves to do. Her open mind and willingness to educate herself will lead her on the path to success,” said Chymah. And her reason for moving 7600 miles away? “Our culture is so rich and our people are the best I’ve ever met. Everything I’ve ever seen from the Egyptian people is happiness and good times,” Elsayed said. – Courtney Thompson, Co-Editor in Chief
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ajo estigmas raciales y los crímenes de odio dirigidos, senior Hebat Elsayed conquista opiniones intolerantes tirando a través de tiempos difíciles. Ella no permite estas opiniones de los con mentes estrecha para traerla abajo. Ella tiene sueños de vivir en Egipto después de la escuela secundaria después de una visita al país el verano pasado y participando en una revolución.
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The keys to success
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mid working at Boys’ and Girls’ club everyday after school and the weekly Tuesday Key Club meetings, senior Maria Gutierrez has spent more than 200 hours in community service. She is also taking the leadership positions in Key Club and leading the next generation into her compassionate outreach. Her charismatic personality radiates from her everyday speech and her love of people brings a smile to their faces. As the bell starting lunch rings, senior Maria Gutierrez heads to room 922 for the weekly Tuesday Key Club meetings. After school she drives across town to Boys and Girls Club and begins her work day. Gutierrez’s charismatic personality, leadership roles, and love of people is what others admire about her. Her positive attitude shines through in every dialogue, even if someone just asks her how her day is going. “I feel so good. Hold up, wait up, let me put some booty in it,” Gutierrez said. Expressing her quirkiness while singing and dancing when someone asks her how her day went. Not only is Gutierrez a charismatic person, she is also involved in the community. Gutierrez has participated in Key Club for 3 years, which is a student–led organization where members participate in community service while building character and leadership skills and has brought her opportunities to grow. Her junior year, she was Community Service Organizer, and then became Vice President this past year. Since Key Club helps the local Boys and Girls Club, members will volunteer and help the kids; Gutierrez has put in more than 100 hours into Boys and Girls Club in a year alone, and was offered a job there last summer. “Key Club has brought me the job opportunity to now be a fourth grade Youth Development Leader at the Boys and Girls Club. It’s also brought a great child care experience that will help me along my way on becoming a second or third grade teacher,” said Gutierrez, whose duties as a Youth Development Leader include mentoring and protecting the kids, making sure they don’t get into trouble. “[It] really impacted me because I used to go there and I can look back at those Youth Development Leaders. Being back, I see that people have impacted my life and it makes me want to do that too.” Students admire Gutierrez’s hard work and her passion towards Key Club, who has put in more than 200 hours in community service, along with the 100 hours put in with Boys and Girls Club, and meetings alone. Friends and members envy Gutierrez’s dedication to everything she does. “Maria is a totally dependable and charismatic person. She is always a blast to be around and makes all the Key Club members feel welcomed and important! Key Club is all about
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giving back and serving the community, and Maria embodies the very meaning of service learning! She’s fabulous!” said senior Emily Vallejos, who is also in Key Club. Friend senior Naomi Solomon agrees. “I’ve never met anyone so dedicated to helping the community; she’s outgoing, optimistic, and really awesome because of her sense of humor and positive outlook in life. She encourages me to help the community, too--something I’ve shamefully never considered doing,” Solomon said. Her best friends love Gutierrez to death and put up with her sassy and dorky personality. “I’ve known Maria since seventh grade, and she’s truly one of the most honest and most hilarious people in the entire universe. Of course, this is totally an honest and unbiased opinion of my best friend,” said Solomon, who has known Gutierrez for five years. “She’s more involved in being a nerdy, sassy, comedic kind of person, and she can just be a total dork without any shame when around her friends; she is just a complete joy to have and is an amazing friend,” said senior Eric Ochoa. Gutierrez is known for her upbeat and positive attitude. When Gutierrez enters the premises of The Boys and Girls Club, swarms of children greet her, and she’s ready for the day. Amid leading art classes and playing kickball, she always has a smile on her face. “I love the childrens’ enthusiasm and energy! Every day that I go [to the boys and girls club], I always have something to do, whether it be play checkers or kickball. They always keep me upbeat and excited and that’s what I love about the place. The kids definitely [inspire me], how they react to me. Like when they see me, [they say], ‘Maria!’ and I’m like ‘Kids!’ They make me want to be a better person. They will look back and say ‘That person inspired me and made me who I am today.’” –Mariela Villa, World Editor
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n medio de trabajando en Boys ‘and Girls’ Club todos los días después de clases y las reuniones semanales de Martes del Key Club, senior María Gutiérrez ha dedicado más de 200 horas de servicio comunitario. Ella también está tomando las posiciones de liderazgo en Key Club y liderar la próxima generación en su alcance compasivo. Su carismática personalidad irradia de su discurso cotidiano y su amor por la gente trae una sonrisa en sus rostros.
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Maria Gutierrez
ASB Send Offs
Stephanie Flores ASB Vice President “The past four years have been very unforgettable and being in ASB has been an honor. Being involved in so many projects and activities has been amazing from being to dances, assemblies, tournaments, Student Senate or spirit days; they were all very memorable and such a blast. To all the incoming officers, I hope you enjoy every moment you have on campus, have fun, try new things, and get involved as much as you can. A memory I will never forget at PRHS is when Devin and I escorted Congresswoman Lois Capps and received rewarding advice from her. I will miss all my amazing teachers and peers who have helped me transform into the person I am today. Thank y o u PRHS and everybody’s whose paths I’ve crossed for making this a great year!”
Devin Corea ASB President “I have been in leadership my junior and senior years. I have worked on multitudes of projects but the most noteworthy ones would be the dances I’ve helped with. Also, this year as ASB president I have been able to be a part of everything leadership has done this year. To future officers, pay attention to deadlines, plan well ahead, and stay organized, positive and confident. I will miss the people in leadership I’ve been able to work and become friends with the most. B & G are two of the most amazing and influential teachers I have ever had and I know my experience in leadership wouldn’t have been nearly as meaningful if i t weren’t for them.”
Student Sendoffs A s seniors prepare to hang up their crimson capes fly off and tackle new endeavors, the superhero to
es of this year say farewell to the campus they’ve fait hfully served. –Amy Cantrell, Fun & Games
AJ Saucedo Commissioner of Entertainment “Joining leadership was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I have been in leadership for three years, last year being ASB secretary and this year commissioner of entertainment, have been such a great experience for me. During these past years I've been involved in planning things such as dances, assemblies, spirit weeks, teacher appreciation weeks and other events that went on. Being part of planning Electric Palms was a great opportunity because it was a new concept and had a different venue that everyone loved and it proved that it was okay to try different things! I will always remember the feeling you get after the event you put on, like a dance or an assembly. Seeing everyone walk out with a smile or talking about how much fun they had is such a great feeling because you know your hard work and dedication really paid off! I am going to miss being part of the school and planning all the amazing events that leadership puts on for the students. And of course I will miss my leadership family, Mrs. Goodnow and Mrs. Bedrosian have always been my favorite. I hope that all of the new officers enjoy being part of such a big and amazing difference.” Photos by Maureen Pushea and Lauren Wassam
“We've tackled planning all of Grad Night, Senior Week, and the Graduation Ceremony. Each activity has its own large areas to tackle, but Senior Week has probably been the most difficult because of how much planning goes into it all since we want it to be one of [the seniors’] best weeks. It can get stressful and overwhelming, but it's definitely worth it when every finally thing comes together. I'll miss who I was able to share this all with. I was fortunate enough to do all of this with friends I've had since freshmen year. Being able to plan our senior year together was unbelievable. I couldn't have picked a better team. [Regarding Senior Week,] There was a point where students thought it wasn't happening anymore, and I had people from all grade levels saying the tradition has to keep going. I think the uproar it created throughout school made us work harder at making the week even better. We chose a different Grad Night location, along with doing a 'carnival' for one of the days. I hope it inspires the next Senior Class to try their hardest to really make some of their last days at Paso High memorable.” Senior Class Vice President
Morgan Rehner
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| Blind Date Team Melanie & Keegan
#SENIORSELFIES
Four graduating Bearcats team up for a fun night in SLO
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by Jordan Nevosh, Co Editor-in-Chief
xford Dictionary, which just might be the most prestigious keeper of the English language, pronounced “selfie” as the 2013 word of the year. What better way to honor this mark of distinction than to challenge graduating seniors Melanie Moretti, Keegan Keelan, Tricia Stotts, and Eli Johnson to a double blind date to show how well they can display the 2013 word of the year. Moretti, Keelan, Stotts, and Johnson arrived at the PRHS parking lot at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15. The two couples--Moretti and Keelan, Stotts and Johnson--set off to their date location: Farmer’s Market in San Luis Obispo. On the trip down, the daters shared comical stories of near death experiences and hypothetical situations. They also confessed that none of them had ever experienced an evening at Farmer’s Market. Stotts couldn’t resist chronicling the ride by taking some group selfies and posting them to her Snapchat story. The quartet then proceeded to make relevant small talk and giggle the 25 minute ride away. Thursday nights around 6:00 p.m. street vendors of the Central Coast line up and down Higuera Street , selling fresh produce, clothing, or other miscellaneous items. Families, students, and teens mill up and down the buzzing street soaking up, the warm summer air and vibrant atmosphere. The daters immediately jumped in and joined the Farmers Market crowds. After a quick walk down Higuera to allow the couples to get a feel for their surroundings, they were assigned the “#SelfieChallenge”. These aren’t typical selfies of a sole participant making the duck face, no sir. The couples had to take unique and creative selfies to fit each of the five categories, which included taking selfies with an innocent bystander, a street vendor, a street performer, a statute, and an animal. They were given a time limit of 45 minutes to complete the task. The winning couple with the most creative selfies out of the five categories won an ice cream cookie sandwich from local business Batch. Keelan and Moretti were the first couple to send in a picture of them posing with a painfully awkward man, oblivious to the selfie phenomenon
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occurring right before his eyes. This selfie completed the innocent bystander category. “People’s expressions were the most enjoyable part about the selfie competition. Almost everyone was really willing to take a picture. And the people not so willing were in the selfie anyways,” said Keelan. Stotts and Johnson may have not been the first to send their pictures, but they dominated as the most courageous selfie-takers. One selfie in particular showcased their outgoing nature: they stood on top of the counter at the Cal Poly store and took a selfie with the cashier, who was giving the thumbs up approval in the lower corner of the picture. “The funnest selfie we got was probably the guy without a shirt on. He was just strolling down the street with a personal boom box blasting in his ear. Every time we saw him after that we would always say hi and give a nod,” said Stotts. Ten selfies later, the group worked up an appetite and walked to Woodstocks Pizza to hash out the results. “We won, it was obvious. We took a selfie with ten other people in one picture, for gosh sakes! Ellen couldn’t even fit 10 people in her selfie. So by default we win,” said Johnson. Over the extra-large pepperoni pizza, the daters discussed their future colleges. Keelan will be attending UC San Diego, Johnson Brigham Young University, Moretti Sonoma State University, and Stotts Cuesta College. After they finished gobbling down the meal, tensions were rising on who really did win. It was a tough decision, but the creativity was equivalent in each of the group, so both couples won the prize. The couples headed to go collect their winnings at Batch. Johnson had a single chocolate chip cookie, Keelan treated to a rootbeer float, and Moretti and Stotts had ice cream sandwiches. With full bellies and a borderline food coma, the daters headed back to the high school to finish the night.
Team Eli & Tricia
Quadruple threat (upper left): The four set their rivalry aside and take a heart felt photo. Cheesy (upper left): Moretti and Stotts giggle over a slice of Woodstock pizza.
RATE THE DATE:
Johnson:
Keelan:
Rate: 10 Favortie Part: Eating pizza and looking at the pictures. Date Again or Nah?: I would!
Rate: 9 Favortie Part: Selfie challenge. Date Again or Nah?: Yes I would!
Stotts:
Moretti:
Rate: 9 Favortie Part: when Eli and I stood on the desk to take a selfie with the cashier. Date Again or Nah?: YES!
Rate: 9 Favortie Part: Running around finding random people. Date Again or Nah?: As Friends!
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Opinion
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In mourning, in solidarity by Sarah Wilson, UCSB freshman & PRHS alumni
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hen I returned to UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday, May 27 from my weekend home in Paso Robles, a cold cover of gray clouds hung over campus. It seemed that even the weather wanted to mourn. Campus was still. The usual crowds of students heading to class were gone. I was met with silence. Four days prior, a buzz from my phone alerted me of a 411 text message: “At this time, there is no further threat. Everyone is encouraged to stay indoors.” Onehundred thirty miles away in Paso, I wondered at the words on my iPhone screen, thinking only that some sort of mayhem must be happening either at UCSB or in the neighboring town of Isla Vista. These text alerts were nothing new to me, I’d received plenty over the course of my freshman year at UCSB—Isla Vista is known for its party culture and tendency for trouble. This was different. Within the hour, I would receive worried texts from friends asking if I was okay, asking if I’d heard what had happened: someone had set out on a shooting rampage in Isla Vista. Seven people were dead. For days I remained in quiet shock. One moment I’d been stressing over the impending deadline of my philosophy paper, and the next thing I knew, I found myself fearing whether my friends had been shot. This didn’t seem real. What do you do when the Facebook posts turn into frantic messages, letting your family know you are still alive? What do you do when the world turns upside down? So much changed over the course of that weekend, and by the end of it many of us at UCSB and in IV felt lost and hurt. Twelve crime scenes now stained the town I loved, the places I knew: the IV Deli across the street from my favorite restaurant is now the location of a death; the 7-Eleven my friends and I frequent when we get bored of the dorm vending machines wears bullet holes; the Capri Apartments, where I thought about living next year, now the old refuge of a madman. I wasn’t there when the beach air filled with the
crack of gunshots. I wasn’t there when the people of my community ran for their lives through bike-infested streets I knew all too well. I wasn’t there when Elliot Rodger murdered six of my fellow classmates and harmed 13 others. I wasn’t there. But I got the phone calls, I read the posts, and I cried from the deep ache of having my home and peers wantonly attacked. This is my school, my home, and seeing such pain brought to a place and to people I love is so vastly different from any sensationalized version spewing forth from television screens. Six Gauchos are dead; our school is shaken. This is real. The murders continue giving rise to more challenges than we anticipated. News reporters determinedly press their bulky cameras and microphones in the faces of grieving students, eager to publicize the pain; members of the Westboro Baptist Church protest in the streets of Isla Vista after tweeting, “#GodSentTheShooter” on the day of the victims’ memorial; angry students, parents, and citizens post about misogyny, feminism, rape culture, race issues, violence against women, and gun rights, blaming the deaths on these issues and demanding for change. This chaos from all corners of the world bombards the small square mile of Isla Vista, and all the while we try to mourn our immense loss in a peace we cannot seem to find. This is not a news special. This is not an opportunity for ratings or views or likes. This is not a chance to protest or throw signs in the air declaring we deserved this. This is not about misogyny, feminism, rape, race, violence, or guns. This is not a political debate. This is a tragedy. While the world catches flashing scenes of yellow crime tape and bullet holes in windows on the news, the inhabitants of Isla Vista are left broken and despairing. After the news crews go home and the world loses interest, we will still live on the streets of our fallen friends. This is not just some new topic for your social media page, and in the end, blaming men
Photos used with permission Jack Betz and Sarah Wilson or therapists or politicians ameliorates nothing. Let this be a time to remember those we have lost, and to gain some perspective. I never thought my home would fall victim to such an event. No one ever does, I suppose. But what the cameras and Facebook posts don’t show is the incredible outpouring of love and support that residents of this unique community have shown for one another in such a trying time. Students are supporting each other like never before and coming together in solidarity when it is most needed. Candles, flowers, photos, and encouraging chalk messages cover the streets and sidewalks; candlelight vigils have formed here as well as at the other UC campuses; and on Tuesday, May 27, declared “A Day of Mourning and Reflection,” over 20,000 people came together in blue and gold for a memorial in honor of the deceased. An indescribable feeling of alliance surrounds this little town by the sea. Suddenly petty differences are forgotten, and unconditional camaraderie takes its place. Things are different now. We will continue to feel the devastation long after the news crews grow jaded and turn away—they have that luxury. But we have been scarred; our mental state of being has been altered. There is no walking away for us, no changing the channel. The pain is immeasurable, but it is transient; the will to stand in spite of our pain is infinitely more powerful. So we will stand together in compassion and allegiance as a community, and we will not forget May 23, 2014. Three days after the shooting, I read a message of hope: “A solid challenge will bring forth your finest abilities.” We, of UCSB and Isla Vista, have been presented with a solid challenge—the challenge to overcome an act of hatred on our home. How do we recover from such heartbreak? How do we heal? The events of May 23 have confirmed our finest, most salient ability: solidarity. Instead of wallowing in
abjection, we as a community, as a family, have risen up as one to show the world something truly newsworthy: the unity and hope of thousands in the wake of actions meant to tear us down. Let it be known that we did not run from this or wait for it to become an echo in the depths of our memory. We will remember the pain, and the things we learned along the way; things we learned about ourselves, about others, and about the unfailing love to be found in people. We cherish the unexpected good that has sprung from this devastation in this unmatchable place on the edge of a beautiful transformation in the eyes the world. From the ashes of our greatest tragedy, we are united like never before. May the pain in our hearts be an impetus for strength in the days to come. Never have I been so proud to be a Gaucho. Rest In Peace: George Chen, Katherine Cooper, James Hong, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, David Wang, Veronika Weiss
Sarah Wilson is a Crimson veteran and PRHS alumni. She is currently finishing up her freshman year at UCSB as an English major. Opinion | 6.5.14 | crimsonweb.net | 43
| Sports
FeMale
BeaRCATHLETE
Of the year
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enior Kailey Warren, the paradigm of a student-athlete has earned female Bearcathlete of the Year by excelling on varsity track, basketball, and volleyball while managing a sky-high 4.2 GPA. What makes Warren so valuable is her versatility; obviously, it takes a competitor with a wide array of abilities to start and compete at the varsity level of three separate sports. When she’s prowling the volleyball court, Warren’s athletic prowess reaches its apex. There’s something to be said about a student who can take three AP classes, pull straight A’s, and still finds the time to play 3 varsity sports. There’s considerably more to say about senior Kailey Warren, who has earned female Bearcathlete of the Year by excelling on varsity track, basketball, and volleyball while managing a sky-high 4.2 GPA. Digging deeper yields that Warren also contributed to each individual sport in profoundly differing ways. On varsity track, Warren competed in three events; long jump, high jump, and triple jump. For basketball, she took on the “Swiss Army Knif e” role, playing any and every position asked of her by her coaches (though she’s a natural forward) while leading the team in scoring with 6.3 points per game. However, Warren’s athletic prowess reaches its apex when she’s prowling the volleyball court. “I’m way better at it than I am at the other sports. I was on varsity for three years. And I just love it. I never get tired of it. It’s something I want to continue playing for the rest of my life,” said Warren, whose contributions include
S
enior Kailey Warren ha ganado Bearcathlete de mujer de los honores del año por sobresalir en track, baloncesto y voleibol, mientras manteniendo 4.2 GPA; Warren es el paradigma de un estudiante-atleta. Lo que hace Warren tan valioso como un atleta es su versatilidad; Obviamente, se necesita un competidor con una amplia gama de habilidades para iniciar y competir en el nivel del equipo universitario de tres deportes distintos. Dónde destreza atlética de Warren llega a su ápice, sin embargo, es cuando ella está rondando la cancha de voleibol.
being top four on the team in kills (4.4 per game), digs (3.5pg), aces (1.3pg), and blocks (0.4pg). Warren describes herself as a player with strong court vision, which aides her ability to block shots, hit the ball in the gaps of opposing defenses, and react quickly to hit balls in order to make outstanding saves. Her coach, DJ Bigelow, is most impressed with the power Warren shows off while playing. “She’s a fierce competitor. She’s a really strong player, whatever she’s doing. There are players that are good but they’re not...strong; whether she’s passing or hitting she’s definitely a strong player,” said Bigelow, who coached Warren this year. Such praise is backed up by Warren’s sophomore teammate Chloe Kerns. “She was one of our best hitters and she was a great digger in the back row,” said Kerns, who added that, “She encourages everyone and always gives 110 percent...She was always willing to help us with anything.” Helping is something Warren excels at both on and off the court; as a member of both advanced peer and athletic training, where she managed to work games all year even while constantly playing sports of her own, Warren has dedicated a large portion of time to helping those around her. It’s characteristics like this that make her a natural leader, someone willing to say and do everything the team needs. “I've learned that the best way to win is to communicate. I'm constantly talking to make sure everybody is on the same page, and this year I feel like my biggest role was uniting the team and keeping them together through tough games. I'll be the one to pick someone up after a dive, or give small tips for improvement, or get everyone together in between plays to celebrate. I lead by example. It's easier to keep a positive attitude, when you know the rest of the team is depending on you,” said Warren. Bigelow lauded Warren’s organization as another large leadership trait. “She’s very organized, and especially off the court, that impacted us in a bunch of positive ways, she wanted to be able to be doing things together, and planning things together whether it was team lunches or something else. She’s very organized and took the initiative to lead,” said Bigelow. Warren is preparing to head off to Boise State on academic scholarship this summer, where she hopes to continue playing the sport she loves. Though she’s received offers to
play volleyball at different schools, she’ll attempt to walk-on to Boise’s volleyball team and play club if she doesn’t make the school team. In leading the volleyball team, competing at the highest level in basketball and track, and putting together an academic record to be proud of, Warren exemplifies what the student-athlete should strive to be; she is without the shadow of a doubt a Bearcathlete. – Matt Tyra, Sports Co-Editor
Carmesí
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Kailey warren
Sports
Male
BeaRCATHLETE
Of the year
T
he crowd goes wild after a touchdown, and he’s on the field. Not as a football player, however, but as a flag runner. This is the life of a cross country and track runner. This is the life of senior Kyle Ravera. After eight years of hard work and dedication, Ravera has achieved PAC 7 and CIF Southern section times and has been track and cross country team captain for the past two years.
And to think, running wasn’t a part of the original plan. Around fifth grade, Ravera started running on his own merely to stay in shape for basketball and football, his two main sports at the time. After joining track in middle school, Ravera sparked an interest in the sport and was naturally good at it. As a freshman, Ravera started off the school year with a spot on the freshman football team. Following a disappointing season, only winning one league game, Ravera showed his skill on the court and was on the freshman basketball team. As track season rolled
around, Ravera joined the JV team with no doubt and instantly showed skill in running. After track season ended, Ravera made the decision to quit football, a sport he had played almost his entire life in favor of cross country. Ravera was granted new friends and coaches his freshman year of track that he did not want to miss during football season, so he decided to make the change and run year-round. “I just felt like I had a bigger future in running than I did with football or basketball,” Ravera said. After eight years of ups, downs, and changes, Ravera has achieved multiple notable accomplishments. Last year he placed 5th in league for both the mile (PR 4:25) and 800 (PR 1:59). This year, Ravera qualified for both the mile and 800 placing 2nd in the mile with a 4:27 and third in the 800 with a 2:00. Ravera placed 15th at CIF Prelims in the mile 4:27.38) and14th in the 800 (2:01.50). He was also named to the PAC 7 All League cross country team junior year and has received the lions club award for football and basketball his freshman year. Not to mention he maintains a 4.29 grade point average while balancing two AP classes. Not the titles or awards, but the 5th place CIF finals finish with his cross country team junior year was Ravera’s biggest accomplishment. The team went on to the state CIF meet to be rewarded with a 10th place finish. Not only did he achieve a 10th place state win, but he got to do it with some of his best friends, junior Zachary Chamberlain and senior Ethan Serpa, among others. These two in particular help Ravera grow as an athlete “We all want to be the best in our event so we challenge each other and it’s really competitive. Even though we’re friends, we’re not really friends on the track,” Ravera said. He believes that the “friendly competition” between him, Chamberlain, and Serpa pushes each one of them to become better athletes. “Being able to run with Kyle year round is not only beneficial to my own training, but also a lot of fun. He is definitely one of the hardest working runners I have met and is always looking for ways to improve his times from running a little further during
runs to doing a few more strides than needed at the end of practice. He always pushes me to work a little harder during practice and the results always show during the races,” Chamberlain said. Ravera runs an average of 7 miles per day during track season and that number increases to 9 miles per day during cross country season. He runs year round, even in the winter, his off season, to improve more and more every day. Ravera’s work ethic and commitment is second to none. “He is absolutely over the top committed. When he picks a sport he takes it seriously and doesn’t give it half, he gives it 100 percent all the time,”Coach Jon-Paul Ewing said. Ravera will attend Cal Poly next year where he will major in kinesiology and attempt to walk on the cross country and track team in hopes of practicing with the stronger athletes to build up his strength and maybe officially join the team his sophomore year. Ravera’s commitment, speed, and academics no doubt show that he is worthy of the title of male bearcathlete of the year. – Maureen Pushea, Sports Co-Editor
E
l público se vuelve loco después de ganar unos puntos, y él está en el campo. No como un jugador de fútbol americano, sin embargo, sino como un corredor de bandera. Esta es la vida de un corredor de distancias largas y corredor de track. Esta es la vida de Kyle Ravera. Después de ocho años de dedicación y trabajo, Ravera ha logrado PAC 7 y CIF de sección sur y ha sido la pista y distancia capitán del equipo durante los últimos dos años.
Carmesí Kyle Ravera
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| Sports
Where are they now? Crimson checks in with past Bearcat athletes by Matt Tyra and Maureen Pushea, Sports Co-Editor
Molly Donovan
Mitchell Van Dyk
Recovering from shoulder surgery
Drafted by the St. Louis Rams
Class of 2013
Class of 2010
Molly Donovan, last year’s female Bearcathlete, tore her labrum (shoulder muscle) in four places while practicing for Sonoma State, ending her chances of playing basketball this year. She went into surgery in November and is now starting to get back on the court. “It’s a mental mindset you have to put yourself in because having had surgery, there is obviously going to be pain and for how long, I don’t know. I do know that I have to ignore the pain in order to get in shape for season,” Donovan said. Donovan is confident that she will be prepared to play again next season.
Megan Clark Class of 2013
Ranked 49th nationally in shutouts Former Bearcat softball pitcher Megan Clark attended San Francisco State and excelled in her freshman year, ranking 49th nationally in shutouts with a 3.01 ERA and 70 strikeouts. Her season was highlighted by throwing 13 innings while giving up one run in a 2-1 win over UC San Diego, as well as throwing eight innings without giving up an earned run against Cal Baptist. Aside from pitching, she also had a .292 batting average and scored 8 runs in 24 at bats.
Kellie Reynolds, Class of 2013
Swimming collegiately for New Jersey IT
Playing softball in NYC Four-year varsity softball player and 2012 female bearcathlete Kellie Reynolds who was named first-team All-League from 201012, team MVP in 2011 and '12, all-CIF as a shortstop in 2012 still thrives in softball in college. She hit .293 with seven RBI in 33 games, made 20 starts, scored 12 runs and recorded four outfield assists in her sophomore year at Stony Brook University in New York.
46 | crimsonweb.net | 6.5.14 | Sports
Mitchell Van Dyk, former Paso high football player who played for the Portland State Vikings on scholarship, was drafted with the eleventh pick of the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams on May 10. The 6’7”, 314 lb Van Dyk was named to the first-team all Big Sky Conference roster after a standout senior season for the Vikings. Van Dyk spent a few days in Ram’s training camp fighting to make early impressions on the franchise before leaving to finish classes at Portland State, “It is hard to describe my feelings about getting drafted. I was in shock and really didn’t think it was real at the time. I was also very excited to start things and start the real work,” said Van Dyk. “The short time I was there was an amazing experience. I am hoping to make an impact on the team when I am able to return, whether that is down the road, in the future, or soon.” Van Dyk also had words of advice for athletes back in Paso, saying, “No matter where you come or where you have been you need to make the best of your situations and surroundings. You can control two things and that is attitude and effort and those things can get you far in life if you put your mind to it”.
Collin Moore Class of 2013
After attending Cuesta part time for the past school year and not swimming there, Collin Moore has signed on a scholarship to swim at the New Jersey Institute of Technology next year. Moore was on varsity swim his sophomore, junior, and senior year, went to CIF both junior and senior year and took 2nd in league as a senior, for the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. As a senior he swam those same two events at CIF. After going to New Jersey on an official visit, Moore knew he was making the right decision becoming a Highlander. “Seeing the campus and meeting the team helped me know that the school was the right fit”, said Moore.
Photos used with permission by Megan Clark, Mitchell Van Dyke, Colin Moore and Molly Donovan
Sophomore Varsity first baseman Matt Keller stretches for the ball. The Bearcats beat the Yucaipa Thunderbirds 10-7 on Tuesday, May 22, in CIF first round.
Sports
14 and cif success
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New Records
Swimandand track times shattered at CIF CIF,honors of honors to baseball a stellar performance Swim track times shattered at CIF; go togo baseball for a for stellar performance. by Matt Tyra & Maureen Pushea, Sports Co-Editors
T
he varsity boy’s baseball team pulled off a big CIF playoff victory, beating the Yucaipa Thunderbirds 10-7 on Thursday, May 22. Senior starting pitcher Paul Andersen gave up a two run homerun in the first inning in part of a 3 and 1/3rd innings, three run outing that included two strikeouts. Junior Jonathan Baldwin earned the win for pitching the last 4 and 2/3rd innings while giving up four runs, three of which were earned. Baldwin also contributed to the offensive attack, adding a hit in the bottom of the fourth and later coming in to score as part of a 4 run half inning for the Bearcats; Baldwin finished with a hit, walk, and RBI on a fielder’s choice. After establishing a 4-3 lead in the fourth, the ‘Cats disappeared in the fifth, as Yucaipa came back to score and tie the game 4-4. Paso was far from done, however, which they proved with a five run inning in the fifth. The inning featured an RBI single from junior rightfielder Tyler Ridino and a two RBI single from junior centerfielder Ben Mecham to score Ridino and senior catcher Kai Bedell. Two runs from Yucaipa in the top of the sixth and another run for Paso in the bottom of the inning put the score at 10-6 in the top of the seventh. After yielding a run earlier in the inning and with two men on and two out, Baldwin ended the game by getting the Thunderbird’s last batter to pop out to sophomore first baseman Matt Keller; the Bearcats had won, 10-7, and celebration ensued. Other notable performances included senior leftfielder Collin Lux legging out two bunt base hits, one of which scored a run, senior second baseman Taylor Holden singling, walking, stealing two bases and scoring a run, and freshman Christian Erickson singling in a run, walking, and scoring on a passed ball in the fourth. The victory lined Paso up for a match up with the Great Oak Wolfpack, ranked fourth in the nation and first in the state by Maxpreps. Paso won home field advantage on a coin flip. Paso’s season would go on to end as they lost 9-4 on Tuesday, May 27. Starting pitcher, freshman Nolan Binkele gave up one run in two and1/3rd innings before he was replaced by Anderson. The Bearcats were trailing 6-0 and being no-hit before junior Bailey Gaither’s single in the fourth ended the opposing pitcher’s no-no bid; Gaither and Mecham would score in the inning to cut the deficit to 6-2. Baldwin replaced Andersen with two outs in the fourth and gave up three runs while closing out the game. The Bearcats got the crowd going in the seventh when they scored two runs with two outs, but the comeback fell short as Paso lost 9-4. Despite the loss, the Bearcats climbed huge mountains this year by turning a sixwin performance last year into one of the most successful seasons any Bearcat sport’s team had this year. Their final record is 20-7-2. “It really speaks to the heart and the determination of everyone else on the team, not just the starters. Every game we had players in the dugout who were just as into the game as the players on the field and it was truly incredible to have a senior season like that,” Bedell said.
Senior Taylor Page (bottom) and junior Maddi Moore (top) achieved school records in the 100 yard Freestyle and the 800 meter at CIF on Saturday May 17. Page raced a 47.24 at CIF in Riverside and Moore ran a 2:16.62 at a county meet. Photos by Maureen Pushea Graphics by Nick Lazzarini
RECORD 800 meter Maddi Moore
2:16.62
RECORD 100 Freestyle Taylor Page
47.24
Sports | 6.5.14 | crimsonweb.net | 47
| Fair Pageant Contestants
Q&A
California Mid State Fair pageant girls
Zoe Zepp Platform: Save the Cayucos Pier Talent: Singing and guitar playing Most Excited About... Getting to know the other contenstans
48 | crimsonweb.net | 6.5.14 | Fair Pageant Contestants
Summer Botts Platform:
Discovering Youth Sports Talent: Hula Hoop Dancing Most Excited About... The entire fair in general
Amanda Oliver Platform:
No Kill Animal Shelters Talent: Dancing and Hula Hooping Most Excited About... Going on community outings
Laura Henderson Platform: Voices against Violence Talent: Gymnastics and Dancing Most Excited About... The actual pageant day
– Maureen Pushea, Sports Co-Editor