The Wildcat (#6 June 2016)

Super Seniors Every year, the seniors embark on a new journey to discover their powers in the world.

Wildcat brea olinda high school

volume 85 issue 6

June 2016

2

index

17 8 Officer Moon

After 16 years of service, Dan Moon, BOHS police officer, will retire. Moon worked to stop drug abuse at BOHS through programs such as Every !5 Minutes.

Transgender rights

The Wildcat explores the controversy surroundng the rights of transgender individuals. A survey also reveals the school attitude towards transgender rights.

PG 6

PGS 7-10

Nolan Witt

Devyn Lopez

Nolan Witt, senior, will attend Fullerton Junior College this fall, but plans to transfer to San Francisco Academy of Art to pursue his art career.

PG 17 Super Seniors Every year, the seniors embark on a new journey to discover their powers in the world.

Wildcat brea olinda high school

volume 85 issue 6

June 2016

17 the Wildcat EDITORS-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR

Anabel King and Astyr Ko Nicole Nam and Stacy Uhm Matthew Moon

FEATURE EDITOR

Samantha Magpantay

OPINION EDITORS

Anabel King

NEWS EDITOR

Jacob Nam

Devyn Lopez, senior, will attend Loyola Marymount University this fall. She will continue her passion of cosplaying, hoping to play her dream character of Zelda.

HEALTH EDITOR

Anabel King

TRENDS EDITOR

Astyr Ko

PG 17

PHOTO EDITORS

Harry Cho, Rachel Lin, and Brandon Yun

STAFF WRITERS

Erin Chung, Vivien Coop, Amos Heo, Juliet Isles, Diana Jarrah, Aisha Khawaja, Ethan Pham, and Amber Tovar

on the cover Josiah Hatch, senior, poses for the Wildcat wearing a graduation gown and a Superman shirt. The graduation ceremony of Class of 2016 is on June 16 at 7 p.m. in the Widcat Stadium.

A&E EDITOR

FOODS EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS ILLUSTRATORS ADVISER

Astyr Ko and Stacy Uhm

Stacy Uhm

Monica Hiemer, Halie Nam, and Deval Patel Deziree Cervantes and Halie Nam Alex Koers

Front cover photo by RACHEL LIN

mission statement The Wildcat is the voice for the student body of Brea Olinda High School. The purpose of our publication is to inform and educate the Brea community, as well as to highlight campus life and student achievement. Our energy is dedicated to the research of facts and opinions, and focusing on issues that concern the high school experience. Opinions stated in the Wildcat do not necessarily belong to Brea Olinda High School administration, faculty, and students. Unsigned editorials reflect the views of the staff. Bylines columns reflect the views of the writer.

the Wildcat

Brea Olinda High School 789 Wildcat Way Brea, CA 92821

bohs.wildcat.newspaper@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: The BOHS Wildcat Newspaper

the Wildcat voice

Breaking down the

O

3

bathroom bill

n May 13, President Barack Obama released a statement urging public schools around the country to grant transgender students access to the bathroom and locker room consistent with the gender they identify with. The statement was in response to North Carolina’s recently passed bathroom bill which bans transgender people from using the bathroom of the gender they identify with. The bill claims that it protects religious freedom, but by doing so, it actually restricts the personal freedom of the transgender community and promotes discrimination.

But how protective of freedom can a law claim to be if it is at the expense of an individual’s access to a basic public commodity? The bathroom bill is not only denying transgender people the freedom to use the bathroom of their choice, but it’s also saying that the identity of a transgender person is not worth the recognition nor the respect that any other human being deserves.

Part of what seems so jarring about North Carolina’s bill is that it’s the exact opposite of California’s “school bathroom bill”, which allows transgender youth to use the bathroom, locker room, and sports team of their choice. Not only was it enacted three years ago, but it also made the state the first in the nation to pass such a bill.

California is known to be one of the most liberal states in the nation, so it’s no surprise that, in a poll conducted by the Wildcat, 61 percent of BOHS students believe transgender people should use the bathroom of their choice and that 81 percent of students believe the government should provide protection for transgender people from

discrimination. In fact California has passed antidiscriminatory laws for transgender citizens over 10 years ago, and even today still legislates acts to protect the LGBT community.

If bathroom bills like that of North Carolina really wanted to protect the safety of its people, they would not be aimed at those who promote fear and hatred. They would not be aimed at those who instill intimidation and create a hostile environment for those excluded by the law. If bathroom bills really wanted to protect the public, they would protect all of the public, not a select majority that faces no threat nor harm when they use a public bathroom.

A transgender citizen is still a citizen no matter

a private individual’s religion and a public facility.

The ignorance of this law and its supporters prove that the bathroom bill is not about safety and protection, it’s about hate and bigotry and transphobia. And until the law is repealed, North Carolina, and all the other legislators and states proposing similar laws, will continue to symbolize these values. But then, hate and intolerance have always been the virtues of religious people whom the law claims to protect and defend. So, as implied by the bathroom bill, those that preach hate and intolerance are held to a higher priority than those who just want to use the bathroom.

We often fear what we do not understand.

But often we do not understand because we

The bill claims that those who preach hate and intolerance are held to a higher priority than those who just want to use the bathroom. what pronoun they use, what clothes they wear, or what bathroom they prefer. All citizens under the eyes of the law are entitled to basic civil rights and basic federal protection. No one’s religious beliefs should be a means to strip others of their rights.

And no one’s safety should be jeopardized or violated just because one person doesn’t approve of another person.

The fact that North Carolina’s bathroom bill is based on the promotion of religious freedom is not a valid argument. There is no correlation between

are not informed. While the anti-transgender bathroom bills may seem like a dangerous step backward, at the very least they elevated the national conversation about transgender rights, a conversation that is too often quieted or ignored.

But to keep the conversation progressing forward, the first step is to be informed, not to make hasty judgements without learning all the facts. The more we shed light on the issue, the more people will work towards solving the issue, which will bring us another step closer to being a more perfect Union.

4

news

Brea Canyon named Model Continuation School

by VIVIEN COOP

photo by MONICA HIEMER

CANYON COMMENDATION: Brea Canyon High School was recognized as a 2016 Model Continuation School by the California Department of Education.

Brea Canyon High School (BCHS) was named a Model Continuation School of 2016 by the California Department of Education on March 26. BCHS was recognized at the 2016 CCEA State Conference, which was on held April 20 to May 1, for innovative teaching styles and

helping students with a variety of different needs to conclude their high school education.

Continuation schools are designed for students ages 16 to 18 who either haven’t graduated from high school or are behind in school credits and are at risk of not

being eligible to graduate. As of the BCHS is a great school just like all 2014-2015 school year, there were the other schools in BOUSD, and approximately 460 continuation high now it has finally been validated,” schools within the state of California, Carol Christman, BCHS principal, according to the California said.

Department of Education, of Despite being categorized which, 37 were named as a “continuation school”, a Model Continuation BCHS uses the same School. textbooks and largely BCHS participated in the same teaching an extensive application methods as BOHS. process to qualify for the BCHS will continue award. After submitting the to be recognized as a The Model application in September Model Continuation Continuation School Award was of 2015, representatives School for up to three given to 37 out of visited BCHS a month later. years, which is the 460 continuation high schools in A team of two then visited duration of the award.

California. the school to validate “BCHS is an what was stated in the amazing school that application. supports students who need a “Obviously, as the principal, smaller environment in order for I was very elated to have BCHS them to excel and to be successful. named as a Model Continuation We are still responsible for preparing High School. However, it goes much our students for college and career deeper than that because I know readiness,” Christman said.

Biannual blood drive held on May 26 Batchelor’s grandson catches About ten doubles the pints of blood amount of red home run ball make up the blood cells,

by ERIN CHUNG

photo courtesy of LAUREL BATCHELOR

HOME-RUN: English NY Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon (left) hit his first home run at the May 27 game against the San Diego Padres. English teacher Laurel Batchelor’s grandson, Ryan, caught the home run ball.

photo by HARRY CHO

human body, then each and only one person can pint of it was save 6 lives,” donated by Jane Lee, each student junior, said. at the biannual According blood drive on to Lee, about May 26.

98 students Located in donated blood. the Auxiliary Although Gym, the blood BLEEDING FOR LIFE: American Red Cross nurses prepare to draw many were drive was held blood from student. From every pint of blood donated, it can save hesitant to three lives. throughout the donate at first, day as trained professionals from the American they were able to overcome their fears and enough Red Cross organization conducted the process of blood was donated save about 294 lives in the end. blood donation.

“This year, I was finally old enough to During the process of registration, students are participate in donating blood. When I first came required to be at least 16 years old with parental [into the blood drive], I saw that people were consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good sticking needles into the students’ arms. It was general health, according to redcrossblood.org. kind of intimidating, but [the pain] only lasted for “[By donating one pint of blood], each person a second. But that second can save three lives, so can save three lives, but if donated through the it’s worth it. I’m just looking at the bigger picture,” [Alyx Component Collection System], which Ben Dotan, sophomore, said.

news

CA raises minimum wage

by ERIN CHUNG

photo by MONICA HIEMER

As of April 4, California’s minimum wage will gradually increase from $10 an hour to $15 by 2022, giving the state the highest minimum wage pay in the country.

The new law will require employers to increase the wage by 50 cents per year until 2019. After that, the salary will jump by $1 annually, until it reaches $15 in 2022. Smaller businesses will have an additional year to raise the current minimum wage.

In several cities that passed their own minimum wage hikes, including Los Angeles and San Francisco about 800,000 workers in California were already promised raises to $15, according to the LA Times.

Senior Jordan Paragas, who currently earns minimum wage, believes the raise is “beneficial” for students and adults “because they will be able to financially support themselves and their families.” Paragas has been working at Lollicup Fresh in the Brea Mall for a year, saving up for college and treating his family to their favorite restaurants.

On the other hand, senior Alannah Gomez, who has been working at Souplantation for about four months, believes that the increase of minimum wage wouldn’t be fair to people with careers such as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).” An EMT’s hourly wage is $15, the same amount as the upcoming change in minimum wage.

“I believe that if the minimum wage for people working at places like Souplantation, were to increase to $15, it isn’t fair to people with jobs such as an EMT, who work to save lives, to get paid the same amount of $15. So if there were to be an increase in minimum wage, those jobs like EMT should also get an increase in pay,” Gomez said.

Currently, restaurant sector employees work an average of 26 hours per week. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, raising California’s minimum wage to $15 an hour results in an annual cost increase of $6,760 for each employee.

This act will affect an estimated 605,000 Orange County workers over the next seven years, according to OC Register, and about 6.5 million workers in California overall, according to USA Today.

“Minimum wage is supposed to be a living wage. We have it to help those who cannot gather a larger wage through the increase in personal human capital. The idea is that minimum wage buys the basics: a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear. In the Orange County, for instance, it costs far more than $15 an hour to make ends meet,”

FAST FACTS

$

Minimum wage will increase by

Staff Writer Erin Chung asks Stephen Teal, economics teacher, about the issue on minimum wage.

50%

600,000 the cost of raising the minimum wage $3.6 billion will be 5.6 million workers affected by the raise have the highest California will minimum wage in the U.S. California workers earning less than $15 per

5

source: latimes.com

Stephen Teal, economics teacher, said.

Following California and New York, who have already decided to raise the minimum wage to $15, other states including Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington are taking “Fight for $15”, a protest to increase the minimum wage to $15, efforts into action, according to USA Today.

Some critics, however, claim that raising the minimum wage will force employers to raise the prices of their respective products and cut down the number of employees in order to pay their workers a higher wage. According to the Pew Research Center, the federal minimum pay was most recently raised in 2009 to $7.25 per hour.

However, it had unsuccessful results when the money’s value decreased by about 8.1 percent due to inflation.

Jessica Dombrowski, health teacher, has formerly worked at minimum wage at TGI Friday’s, Jamba Juice, and Vons.

“Overall, I think [raising minimum wage by 15 percent] is a terrible idea because when you raise the pay by [a big amount], this increase is going to affect the cost of living. People that are protesting about how they [aren’t able to] create a decent living off of minimum wage still won’t be able to, because the cost of living will increase dramatically,” Dombrowski said.

The rising stipend of minimum wage workers will eventually force California taxpayers to pay an additional $3.6 billion each year, according to the U.S. News and World Report.

“The combination of these events leads to a lower real wage rate, [or a] reduced buying power of money. What could conceivably happen is prices rise the same percent as the wage rate increase.

This nullifies the increase. So ultimately what happens is the economy runs a very nice cycle and prices rise to the point where wages cannot keep up,” Teal said.

How controversial is the issue of minimum wage in AP Economy?

Wow, minimum wage is a fairly complex topic in terms of ECON. And it is a fairly controversial hot button topic in general.

How is the minimum wage currently in the US? Minimum wage is what we call a price floor. People can receive no less than the floor. Floors in economy are always above equilibrium. This creates a surplus. In this case, we have a quantity supply of labor that exceeds the quantity demand for labor.

So people want more jobs than the number of jobs available in the minimum wage job market.

How will this increase in minimum wage affect the US economy?

When minimum wage goes up, this is a rise in an input cost. This always leads to a lowering of the output. This shift results in less supply and higher prices.

What will happen if minimum pay is raised?

The first thing that occurs after a minimum wage increase is some employees are laid off. The second thing that happens is prices rise. This is because the firm has fewer people working so they now produce less output. To continue to maximize profit they raise prices.

What is your opinion on this issue?

My thoughts are that it does not matter. In the words of Yoda, “Do or do not.” The economy finds equilibrium in the long run. An increase in minimum wage has a short-run impact, but in the long run, the economy as a whole will tend toward a price level that returns things to a place where minimum wage will always seem like not enough. Heck, probably most people feel like any wage is not enough.

6

feature

The right to remain retired

ith a 20 pound duty belt on his waist as well as a positive attitude, Dan Moon, Brea police officer, has been returning to BOHS with the students and staff every Fall for 16 years -- however, after 16 years of service, Moon will retire at the end of the year.

“I’m going to miss the day to day fun of getting to work with [the students] and getting to participate in school activities. It has been a tremendous blessing for me to be in this position and to be able to do it for 16 years and to know all the people that I’ve gotten to know and to see all the kids that I’ve been able to see progressing the years,” Moon said.

Despite serving as a police officer for 27 years, the occupation was not one he saw ever himself pursuing his college years. After graduating Cal State Fullerton in 1983, he was faced with the dilemma of either becoming a teacher or a lawyer.

Eventually, Moon went on to attend Western State University of Law, a venture he dropped after realizing that “lawyering was not meant to be.”

Moon came back to Cal State Fullerton to achieve his teaching credential and with it, he was able to

W

After 16 years of school service, Dan Moon, Brea police officer, is retiring at the end of the school year.

be a student teacher in BOHS for one full year . Besides teaching academic classes such as world history, he also coached swimming and water polo.

However, once the campus relocated in 1989 from the present day Brea Marketplace Shopping Center to its current location, Moon was forced to find another job as the school no longer had any need for his position as student teacher.

It was then that a friend suggested that Moon try police work that same year.

Moon was assigned to BOHS by the Brea Police Department in order to curtail and minimize, delay, and stop drug use. Due to his conviction that early intervention prevents future conflicts, Moon hopes to see BOHS enforce harsher consequences for first offenses in order to save teenagers from potentially harmful brain damage. Teenagers who resort to drugs have a one in two chance of developing a mental disorder, according to Moon.

His strong beliefs quickly shaped the direction of the high school’s atmosphere and environment.

“When you think of what the term a ‘school resource officer’ is, Moon really fits the bill. He worked in a direction that ensured we did not violate anybody’s rights. Moon was

Doctrine from Talbot Seminary in Biola University, Moon plans to apply to Orange Luther to lead theology classes. As for his family, Moon is excited to visit his four children who are scattered across the world as well as possibly move to Colorado.

Even after his retirement, Moon

“It has been a tremendous blessing for me to be in this position and to be able to do it for 16 years and to know all the people that I’ve gotten to know and to see all the kids that I’ve been able to see progressing the years.”

- Dan Moon, Brea police officer

always there as a safeguard, and he was always an extra set of eyes by keeping us updated with the pulse of the community,” Jerry Halpin, principal, said.

Compared to when he first started his law enforcement career in BOHS, Moon states that there have been notable advancements in communication devices and ways of policing. These developments have made the last six to seven years “very good years,” according to Moon.

In the future, with his Master’s Degree in Christian Theology and

hopes everyone in BOHS will continue to “be men and women of integrity.”

“Moon really shows his passions for what he does here; he truly cares and puts 100 percent into whatever he does. I am very happy for him, and I hope he enjoys his retirement. But I’m sure that his legacy of what he has done here is going to continue,” Donna Prince, Principal Jerry Halpin’s secretary, said.

by AMOS HEO photo by HARRY CHO

feature

7

Transforming barriers Are transgender people allowed to use the bathroom of their choice?

A special feature explores how society treats the transgender community. illustration by NOLAN WITT

by ANABEL KING

W 8

feature

hat do Caitlin Jenner, President Barack Obama, and BOHS have in common? They all promote bathroom rights for transgender youth.

But should transgender individuals have the right to choose the bathroom of their choice? According to a New York Times poll conducted in May, 41 percent of Americans believe they should. According to a CBS poll, the percentage drops to 26. But according to a Wildcat survey of 613 BOHS students, that percentage is 61, and even more numbers reveal that statistical attitudes at BOHS toward transgender issues are higher than most national polls.

In March, North Carolina passed a bill banning

transgender citizens from using a bathroom that did not correspond with their original gender. The so-called “bathroom bill” sparked a national controversy, with many businesses and corporations, like PayPal and Deutsch Bank, refusing to expand their business in the state; big-name music acts, like Maroon 5 and Bruce Springsteen, canceling concerts;, and sports organizations like the NBA re-evaluating their relationship with the state. A lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice and then a public directive from Obama urging public schools to let transgender students use the bathroom of their choice followed.

In California, however, Obama’s statement is already a state policy as Gov. Jerry Brown signed the state’s own “school bathroom bill” almost three years ago. The bill, also known as the School Success and Opportunity Act, allows transgender students to use the bathroom, locker room, and join a sports team consistent with the gender they identify with. And California’s anti-discrimination laws for gender identity and expression have been in effect for the past 13 years, in contrast to North Carolina’s bill, which allows gender identity discrimination based on religious beliefs.

The Wildcat survey also revealed that 81 percent of students believe that the government should protect transgender people from discrimination (compared to CNN’s poll of 75 percent), and 65 percent of students oppose North Carolina’s bathroom bill (compared to CNN’s 57 percent). “[Transgender people] should be allowed to use whatever bathroom that they feel comfortable with. If they feel more comfortable, then it’s the best thing for anybody. If somebody believes with their heart, mind, and soul that they weren’t born in the right body, then they should be able to do something about it. They should use whatever bathroom they feel comfortable with and wear whatever they want. I think we should just respect that,” Isabel Garcia, sophomore and LGBT rights supporter, said.

The CNN poll also found a significant trend among those against transgender rights, revealing that most tended to be male, Republican, associated with a religious group, and over 45. But for Jamison Cooper, freshman, religion is a reason to support transgender rights.

illustration by KALEIGH WYCKHOUSE

feature “I believe in God, so I think God made everybody for a reason. He made transgender people in that way, so I think it’s perfectly fine.

They should have the right to feel [like they] fit in. It’s hard enough for transgenders already to be in high school, especially with people who judge so much, and I think [allowing them to use their preferred bathroom] would make it easier for them.

It would also give them some more equality to have them feel like they have the right.”

According to Cooper, she had a friend in elementary school who is transgender who impacted her position on transgender rights.

“People tend to see them as different than us, but [my friend] is no different. She’s very sweet, and actually, if anything, a lot nicer than most people.

You can’t look at somebody in that way. I think this issue is just like religion or skin color. You shouldn’t view them to be any different than us.”

Senior Erick Flores’s views on transgender rights were also influenced by transgender friends.

“They were my friends, and they still currently are. Honestly, they just had a hard life, and would be better for them if a couple people were nicer to them because not a lot of people are,” Flores said. “[Transgender people] should be perfectly comfortable in choosing which type of bathroom they want to use, and we as straight people shouldn’t disagree with their choices. They are people just like us. If we start segregating them, what is that going to turn into?”

BOHS’s stance on transgender students follows the state law, allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Of the 10 students interviewed for this article, six agreed with the policy, two were unsure, and two opposed it.. “[The school policy] is definitely a step in the right direction as it tells the transgender people, ‘Hey, it’s okay, you can feel this way. It’s okay and it’s not wrong,’ and I think we need that now especially,” Leilani Whitmer, freshman, said. “[Prohibiting a transgender person from not using the bathroom of their choice] [is] not right; it would be like you not being able to shop at a store you want to go to because of your gender. It’s similar to that and it’s not fair to them.”

Out of 615 students

61%

believe transgender individuals should have the right to choose the bathroom of their choice.

65%

oppose North Carolina’s bathroom bill, which requires transgender citizens to use the bathroom of their original sex.

But not everyone is supportive of BOHS’s policy. According to Aidan Yeung, sophomore, the school’s bathroom policy is “inappropriate”.

“I disagree with [the policy] because, knowing teenagers, I think some kids would be using it to go into the opposite gender’s bathroom,” Aidan Yeung, sophomore, said. “Just because you think you’re a girl doesn’t mean you get to go into the girls’ bathroom. You’re still a boy so you have to qualify with the male bathroom.”

When Target announced their policy of allowing transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice, many critics, ranging from politicians to the OneMillionMoms campaign, argued that it promotes sexual predators to pose as transgender people and access a certain bathroom with wrong intentions. Many supporters of North Carolina’s bathroom bill started a #KeepNCSafe movement, stating the bill was to protect public safety. “[The bathroom bill] would make other people in the bathroom uncomfortable, number one, and number two, yes, people like that would be going into bathrooms to spy on other people and to stalk, because whenever a rule like that occurs, you can always count on humans and other people to kind of bend the rules and get around it,” Yeung said.

However, a liberal group called Media Matters for America has studied the bathroom issue for several years and polled public school systems with pro-transgender bathroom policies. They reported that in all the 17 public school districts with a total of 600,000 students, there was no reported case of “harassment or inappropriate behavior” related to the issue. In addition, according to the Transgender Law Center, the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union, there is no statistical evidence to support the claim of transgender-related violence in public bathrooms.

According to Principal Jerry Halpin, there have been no reported incidents of transgender- and bathroom-related misconduct at BOHS, although he has no knowledge of any transgender students at BOHS. (UCLA estimates the transgender population in America is 0.3 percent, or 700,00 people, and claims it might even be higher.)

Studies have even found that in cases where bathroom-related violence has occurred, most

61%

support Target’s policy, which allows transgender customers to use the bathroom of their choice.

57%

would support BOHS’s policy that allows transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice.

9

of the time, the transgender individual was the victim. A report by the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 63 percent of transgender people “had experienced a serious act of discrimination” in their life, and a 2013 Williams Institute study found that “roughly 70 percent of trans people have reported being denied entrance, assaulted or harassed while trying to use a restroom”. But even though there is statistical evidence of discrimination toward transgender people in bathrooms, laws like that of North Carolina aim to protect the safety of the public, to which there is no evidence that the public is being threatened.

The Wildcat survey also asked students if they would support BOHS if it imposed a protransgender bathroom policy. Although the question did not inform them of the current BOHS policy, 57 percent of the students said they would support it while 40 percent said they would not.

Lastly, the Wildcat survey revealed that 65 percent of students oppose North Carolina’s law and 61 percent support Target’s policy.

And while BOHS’ statistical evidence seems to be higher than similar national polls, it comes at no surprise, considering that California is one of the most progressive states in the nation.

California was one of the first states to pass antidiscriminatory laws against the LGBT community and the first to pass a pro-transgender bathroom bill.

And its path toward LGBT rights continues even today, whether it’s at the local level, like the Los Angeles City Council prohibiting government workers from taking federally-funded trips to North Carolina, or at the state level, like California lawmakers passing unanimous legislation in April to label single-occupancy bathrooms as “allgender” and earning the state another “first” in the country for LGBT rights. “[BOHS’ bathroom policy] allows transgender students to express themselves and be who they want to be,” Flores said. “But [policies like North Carolina’s] impede on one’s personal rights: freedom of speech, liberty, all of that. If we put restrictions on that sort of thing, people are going to be outraged by the restriction of freedom.”

94%

know what “transgender” means (i.e. someone whose gender does not match coventional definitions).

81%

believe that the federal government should pass laws to protect transgender people from discrimination.

feature

10

LGBTQIA

Bi the Numbers

The Wildcat presents a by the numbers look at the discriminations that the LGBTQIA community face. compiled by DIANA JARRAH & AISHA KHAWAJA

infograph by MATTHEW MOON

source: www.hrc.org/youth

I don’t fit in...

48%

of LGBT youth say they live in places where they are not accepted.

Most LGBT youth hear negative messages about their sexuality from the...

I hate you

the internet

and from school.

90% 64% POW!

of LGBT youth are “out” to their closest friends only.

2X

as likely to be physically assaulted at school or in the real world.

of LGBT youth say their friends d0 not have a problem with their sexuality.

of LGBT youth say they are more honest about themselves online than in the real world.

92%

their peers

HIGH SCHOOL

of LGBT youth are “out” to their classmates.

73%

75%

11.7

of LGBT youth say they regularly hear negative things about their sexuality.

an estimated

million people out of 318 million in the US are members of the LGBTQIA community.

77% But...

of LGBT members believe things will get better.

25-50%

of homeless youth are members of the LGBT community.

LGBT students drop out of school at a rate that is

3X

the national average.

health

11

Health & Fitness

Categories

HEALTH APPS

Fun phone apps to help lead a healthy lifestyle.

compiled by ERIN CHUNG & VIVIEN COOP

sources: itunes.com

Sworkit

Nike+ Running Health and Fitness

Health & Fitness

Fitbit

Sleep, Cycle, Alarm Clock

Price: Free Description: Rated number one

Price: Free Description: The Nike+ Running

Price: Free Description: Fitbit is able

Price: Free Description: The Sleep Cycle

Health & Fitness

by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Sworkit app allows you to personalize workouts that fit your schedule and your goals. With this app, you can work out anywhere and anytime, even without a gym or personal trainer. You can choose from strength, cardio, yoga, or stretching workouts, and follow the video trainer for a virtual workout session.

Pacer

Health & Fitness Price: Free Description: With no wristband

or other hardware required, the Pacer app tracks your steps all day long. The app has the ability to record your calories, distance, and active time. You can also use the GPS to track outdoor running, walking, and biking on a map.

You are able to track both weight and BMI (Body Mass Index), and create walking groups with friends and family who have smartphones to compare steps in real time.

Featured

app tracks your workouts and motivates you to reach “the finish line”. No matter where you are, this app keeps track of your route, distance, pace, and time. The Nike+ Running app provides exclusive running events, workouts, elite coaching and guidance, all of which can help you push past your goals. It provides a feature where you can compare and compete with your friends to further motivate your runs.

to track your basic activities, stats, and routes for runs, hikes, and walks. In addition, you can connect and sync wirelessly with Fitbit’s line of activity trackers from your iPhone. You can also branch into your diet health with Fitbit’s ability to easily log calories with a credible food database, set goals, enter your weight, record your sleep, and start a food plan.

Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker 7 Min. Workout Challenge

Health

Alarm Clock monitors your sleep movements using sound or vibration analysis to analyze how well you sleep. By producing detailed sleep statistics and sleep graphs, the app is also able to wake you up in your lightest sleep phase so you feel rested and relaxed.

Plant Nanny

Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Price: Free Description: The Calorie Counter

Price: $2.99 Description: 7 Minute Workout

Price: Free Description: This app helps

app keeps track of what you’re eating to help you maintain a better diet. It has more than 6 million foods in its database and remembers the foods you prefer. With the ability to scan barcodes for nutrition facts, sync to other apps, and connect to over 50 devices (Apple Health, Fitbit, MapMyFitness, and more), it unlocks may means to obtain a healthy lifestyle.

Top Charts

Challenge provides high-intensity training and simple exercises that can be done anywhere without any equipment. This researchbacked workout program consists of 12 seven-minute-long exercises performed at high intensity. With benefits equivalent to an hourlong workout, these short sevenminutes will result in higher daily metabolism and allow you to track your progress in the process.

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users to meet their daily goals of water intake through virtual planting. Users choose a plant to grow, and they need to feed it according to the amount of water they drink. If the plant needs watering (meaning if the user needs to drink more water) , then the app will make a notification.

The plant will perish in a few days if the user does not drink enough water.

Updates

12

seniors

UP, UP, AN

Class of

Josiah Hatch Brigham Young University

Abrahamson, Jocelyn Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Abrego, Daniel Adler, Chloe Joshua Wilderness Institute Aguirre, Elizabeth Fullerton College Ahn, Ethan CSU Fullerton Allen, Jensen Boise State University Allred, Samantha Fullerton College Altamirano, Jorge Orange Coast College Ambrose, Jalani Santa Clara University Lantyer ADF, Maria University of Buffalo Anguiano, Alexandria Golden West College Arasoghli, Leila Fullerton College Arellano Delgado, Karina Fullerton College Armas, Zaidy Fullerton College Armstrong, Gavin Mt. SAC Arnold, Zachary Fullerton College Arteaga, Gabriel Fullerton College Asuncion, Elise Fullerton College Baker, Jared Santiago Canyon College Barney, Dustin Lincoln Massage Institute Batchelor, Hannah Mt. SAC Bates, Daniel Bauer, Danielle UC Irvine Beckham, DeonteĚ Belaire, Roman CSU Fullerton Belanger, Rhyan American Academy of Dramatic Arts Bell, Elizabeth Fullerton College Bianchi, Joseph USMA at West Point Bilotta, Brian SDSU Black, Brandon SDSU Blake, Lauren CSU Fullerton Boatright, Cassidy Fullerton College Bolotin, Peter Fullerton College Botello, Stephanie Fullerton College Botello, Anallely police academy Boucher, Josephine not attending Bouvier, Logan Fullerton College Bower, Caroline Cal Lutheran University Bradford, Coleton not attending Brahim, Cody Fullerton College Braun, Rebekah Fullerton College Brawner, Matthew Arizona State University Brondani, Mathews Fullerton College Bryant, Myles Fullerton College Budds, Erica SDSU Buell, Dustin Golden West College Burciaga, Samantha Boise State University Burt, Evelynn Laguna College of Art and Design Burt, Noah BYU

Jeremy Muehlhoff Biola University

Burton, Austin Northern Arizona University Busbin, Robert Fullerton College Caldera, Fabian Fullerton College Callison, Rylie Fullerton College Camacho, Alexis Cal Poly Pomona Camacho, Ashley not attending Campbell, Malik Linfield College Campos, Matthew CSU Fullerton Canale, Dakota Mt. SAC Candelario, Jovany UC San Diego Carrillo, Nathalie CSU Fullerton Casas, Jack Mt. SAC Castro, Jazmin Mt. SAC Catano, Victoria Fullerton College Cawdrey, Cynthia Mt. SAC Cazares, Alexander Fullerton College Cervantes, Isaiah Fullerton College Chacon, Alyssa Whittier College Chaffin, Austin Fullerton College Chahal, Bandana Brea Olinda High School Chammas, Andrew Mt. SAC Chavez, Gabriel United State Marine Corps Cheah, Ashley Biola University Chee, Sara Arizona State University Chen, Dominique UC Irvine Cho, Woon Young Mt. SAC Cho, Harry UC Davis Choi, Hanna UC Riverside Choi, Joshua Fullerton College Choi, Gina undecided Chow, Kyle Mt. SAC Clark, Brianna CSU Fullerton Clark, Steven Purdue University Cline, Erica Cypress College Contreras, Trevor UC Riverside Cortes, Christine Mt. SAC Corzo Palma, Getsy Fullerton College Crist, Riley Fullerton College Cruz, Gabriel trade/technical school Cruz, Monica Orange Coast College Currey, Lacey Fullerton College Dailey, Jonathan Fullerton College Dalton, Kelsey Chapman University Davis, Joseph UC Santa Barbara De Jesus, Juwan UC Irvine De Los Reyes, Alexander Mt. SAC Delgado, Nathan trade/technical school Deming, Jonathan CSU Fullerton Dewell, Amanda undecided

Nick Drury University of Mississippi Isaac Meda Fullerton College

Drury, Nick University of Mississippi Duthie, Alana Eickhoff, Jacob Fullerton College Eisenberg, Shauna CSU Fullerton Emosi, Kawehi University of Hawaii West Manoa Escobar, Stephanie FIDM Espinosa, Michael Fullerton College Espinoza, Carol Cypress College Espinoza, Kareen CSU Fullerton Esteban, Aaron Fullerton College Estrada, Felipe Etter, Gwenyth University of Kentucky Evans, Jordan undecided Fagen, Kailie Chapman University Fandino, Valerie Fullerton College Farias, Christopher Fullerton College Faulkner, Kristol Fullerton College Feazell, Chase Fullerton College Felix, Audrie CSU Fullerton Ferrell, Madison Community College, San Diego Fishman, Luke SDSU Flores, Erick University of La Verne Flores, Skyler CSU Long Beach Francis, Renae Fullerton College Franklin, Mara Fullerton College Franz, Daniel University of Montana Frausto, Tayler CSU Fullerton Frazier, Jennifer Boise State University Fregoso, Sean Long Beach City College Gaeta, Myra Santiago Canyon College Gall, Ryan Gallegos, Daphne UC Riverside Gallegos, Hailee Fullerton College Garcia, Elizabeth Fullerton College Garcia, Esmeralda Orange Coast College Garcia, Jacqueline Fullerton College Garcia, Jessica Fullerton College Garcia, Julissa Concordia University Irvine Garcia, Kerrie UC Irvine Garland, Britney Fullerton College Garnica, William Irvine Valley College Garza, Serena Mt. SAC Gates, Maddy University of Hawaii at Hilo Gibson, Justin Santa Ana College Gibson, Starla Gillanders, Liam Fullerton College Giorgi, Samantha Community College Godinez, Christopher Fullerton College Goldstraj, Kyle Fullerton College

seniors

AND AWAY Andrew Soby Clemson University Golshan, Ayla CSU Fullerton Gomez, Alannah Cypress College Gomez, Gabriel Colorado State Pueblo Gomez, Nathaniel Mt. SAC Gonzalez, Alma CSU Fullerton Gonzalez, Brandon Gonzalez, Jacob Fullerton College Gray, Gavin Orange Coast College Grover, Caitlin Washington State University Grubbs, Kylee Guerrero, Gerardo Orange Coast College Gutierrez, Ryan Cerritos College Gutierrez, Jada Fullerton College Gutkowski, Brent Ohio State University Hale, Madison Mt. SAC Hall, John Golden West College Hall, Joshua Vanguard University Hallo, Eddie Santiago Canyon College Hallowell, Brandon Fullerton College Halm, Carly Calvin College Han, Danielle UC Irvine Han, Eric Santiago Canyon College Hanano, Kami Orange Coast College Hanna, Brandon CSU Fullerton Hannum, Michael Cal Poly Pomona Harpster, Benjamin undecided Harris, Abby CSU Fullerton Hatch, Josiah Brigham Young University Utah Haugen, Jessika Santiago Canyon College Hawkins, Michelle Rio Honda College Hebert, Kayla Fullerton College Hernandez, Josias Mt. SAC Herr, Kelsey Santa Barbara City College Hiemer, Monica SFSU Hobby II, Kevin Morehouse College Hong, Samuel Mt. SAC Hoogeveen, Owen Fullerton College Hu, Wenxi UC Santa Barbara Hua, Thao Nguyen Fullerton College Hutchins, Samantha Mt. SAC Hwang, Emily Harvey Mudd College Hwang, Jun Fullerton College Ichiyama, Tristan Fullerton College Isles, Justin Brea Olinda High School Jacques, Alexander Santiago Canyon College Jaojoco, Justin Cal Poly Pomona Jensen, Hailey University of North Carolina Jimenez, Emanuel Fullerton College Joh, Hyun Joon Vassar College

13

2016

Lauren Rodriguez University of Washington Johnson, Haylie Fullerton College Johnson, Kira Boise State University Jurado, Abraham Fullerton College Kadakia, Asha UC Los Angeles Kamel, Michael Fullerton College Kang, Ryan CSU Fullerton Kang, Sang CSU Long Beach Kang, Sarah Cal Poly Pomona Kanzler, Michael Cal Poly Pomona Kern, Christopher UC San Diego Kilos, Jonathan CSU Fullerton Kim, Andrew UC San Diego Kim, Evan Cal Poly Pomona Kim, Hae Jin Fullerton College Kim, Hanna Boston University Kim, Helen Northwestern University Kim, Hyeonjun Kim, Joseph Fullerton College Kim, Madeline CSU Fullerton Kim, Michelle CSU Long Beach Kim, Patrick Fullerton College Kim, Samantha Fullerton College Kim, Venessa CSU Long Beach Kirk, Kyle UC Los Angeles Koren, Sage Orange Coast College Krause, Melissa Fullerton College Labuda, Tabatha SFSU Lee, Edward UC Los Angeles Lee, Jason UC Riverside Lee, Julia Cal Poly Pomona Lee, Samuel Mt. SAC Legendre, Brandon Santa Ana College Lehman, Meredith UC Santa Barbara Lervold, Ronald not attending Li, Jia Wei Art Center College of Design Liggins, Jordan Seattle Pacific University Lim, Joe Cypress College Lim, Minkyu Fullerton College Limbach, Kaitlyn Cal Poly Pomona Limbach, Kasey Fullerton College Lin, Rachel University of San Francisco Lin, Shenghao UC Irvine Lincoln, Sophia CSU Fullerton Lindenmeyer, Jackson Santiago Canyon College Lockett, Madeleine University of Kansas Lombardo, Jordan University of Alabama Lopez, Devyn Loyola Marymount University Lopez, Gwendolyn not attending Lopez, Jose Mt. SAC

Daniel Parahnevich CSU Fullerton Lozano, Gabrielle East Los Angeles College Lum, Melissa UC Irvine Lumsden, Brett BYU Idaho Luna, Lauren Cal Poly Pomona Lung, Susanna Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Lwo, Linus Fullerton College Main, Madison Mississippi State University Makki, Sarah UC Irvine Mao, Sumaie Fullerton College Mao, Zakaria Fullerton College Marinoff, Jordan Community College, Oregon Martin, Samantha Iowa State University Martinez, Bryant CSU Fullerton Martinez, Ciara SDSU Martinez, Jessica FIDM Martinez, Tristan Fullerton College Matre, Connor High Point University McCallister, Katelyn Pacific University of Oregon McCanless, Kassandra Santa Ana College McCann, Nicholas Santa Ana College McLaughlin, Brennan McPhee, Cecilia SFSU Meda, Isaac Fullerton College Megerdichian, Ana Santiago Canyon College Meidt, Lorelle UC Irvine Mendez, Morgan CSU Northridge MeĚ ndez, Roddy Fullerton College Mendiaz, Gabrielle Orange Coast College Miller, Molle Santiago Canyon College Minor, Victoria University of North Dakota Miranda, Aries Santiago Canyon College Monahan, Jake Santiago Canyon College Morck, Brian Boise State University Moreno, Megan CSU Fullerton Morrissey, Ariana Cypress College Morton, Jacob Saddleback College Motiwalla, Aziz CSU Fullerton Muehlhoff, Jeremy Biola University Muller, Bronson CSU Fullerton Murphy, Kellie Holy Names University Nam, Christine UC Irvine Nam, Nicole Bryn Mawr College Nevarez, Rebecca Citrus Community College Nolen, Nicholas Mt. SAC Nubani, Yasmeen University of Denver Olcken, Volkan UC Irvine Olsen, Jordyn Santiago Canyon College Olvera, Joseph Ondatje, Krystal Fullerton College

14

seniors

Asha Kadakia UC Los Angeles Ajay Vadukul UC Irvine

Ornelas, Jazmin Fullerton College Orozco, Moises Fullerton College Orozco III, Carlos Santa Ana College Otero, Tristan Fullerton College Otto, Stephen Cal Poly Pomona Ousman, Rewa Fullerton College Paek, Jonathan Harvard College Palacios, Lauren CSU Fullerton Paragas, Jordan Cerritos College Parahnevich, Daniel CSU Fullerton Parish, Dylan Fullerton College Park, Joseph CSU Long Beach Park, Ji Woong Cal Poly Pomona Park, Jean Dartmouth College Patel, Amar University of La Verne Patel, Deval The George Washington University Patel, Rishi CSU Fullerton Patel, Sahil Loyola Marymount University Patow, Jessica Chapman University Patrick, Lauren Fullerton College Patton, Robert Pedro, Benjamin Azusa Pacific University Pei, Kady New York University PenĚƒa, Bailey Arizona State University Petersen, Nikita CSU Fullerton Pham, Lena SDSU Phelps, Alyssa University of Alabama Phillips, Nolan Northwest Lineman College Pichardo, Isaac Fullerton College Piper, Kara Santiago Canyon College Placencia, Alyssa CSU Channel Islands Plunkett, Matthew UC Irvine Pommier, Theophilus University of Oregon Potts, Morgan Clemson University Quaranta, Payton CSU Fullerton Quinones, Cristina Mt. SAC Quintana, Zachary Orange Coast College Raigosa, Wendy Biola University Ramirez, James not attending Ramirez, Oscar Sonoma State University Ramirez, Pierson Fullerton College Ramirez, Sherianne Ramirez, Yvonne CSU Dominguez Hills Ramos, Chloe Bard College Ray, Parker Fullerton College Razo, Sharon North Seattle College Recinos, Felix Cal Poly Pomona Rejniak, Pauline undecided Remijio, Mikayla Orange Coast College Renfro, Annika CSU Fullerton Resendiz Jr., Fernando Mt. SAC Reyes, Alissa USC Reyes, Jared Fullerton College Reynoso, Arturo Cypress College Reynoso, Bryan University of New Mexico Ricalde, Amy Fullerton College

Jordan Lombardo University of Alabama

Richardson, Reili Arizona State University Richey, Haley Colorado State University Riley, Hugh University of Kansas Rios, Jonathan Fullerton College Roark, Hannah Biola University Robles, Roberto CSU Fullerton Rodarte, Elaina Fullerton College Rodriguez, David Fullerton College Rodriguez, Jose Fullerton College Rodriguez, Lauren University of Washington Rodriguez, Lorrina Roh, Celeste Northeastern University Romero, Lianna Fullerton College Romo, Kevin undecided Rongavilla, John UC Riverside Ruth, Samantha Boise State University Saffert, Tanner UC Irvine Salas, Matthew Fullerton College Saleeb, Sarah Chapman University Sanchez, Ashlynn Mt. SAC Sanchez, Marcos Sanchez, Starlina Fullerton College Sandoval, Anthony Fullerton College Sandoval, Jonathan Fullerton College Sandoval, Luke The Real Barbers College Sarabia, Alexie Santiago Canyon College Sawamura, Jared Sawyer, Matthew Fullerton College Schatz, Jonathon CSU Fullerton Seo, Seunghyun Cerritos College Serna, Alfredo Fullerton College Serna, Cheryl Fullerton College Serna, Erika Fullerton College Serna, Jose Fullerton College Serna, Meghan Santiago Canyon College Sheikh, Maha UC Irvine Sherif, Mohammed Cal Poly Pomona Shishima, Kylie Orange Coast College Silva, Austin United State Marine Corps Sims, Haley Fullerton College Sims, Ryan CSU Fullerton Smith, James Fullerton College Smith, Janelle Mt. SAC Smith, Maiya Orange Coast College Soby, Andrew Clemson University Sorrell, Madison University of South Alabama Spazafumo, Breanna CSU Fullerton Speer, Caleb Starke, Ethan Chaffey College Steinfeld, Alyssa Chapman University Stendahl, John David University of Redlands Stine, Amanda Fullerton College Strom, Andrew Biola University Swindell, Morgan Takebayashi, Chihiro UC Irvine Talag, Kailani Fullerton College

Jackson Lindenmeyer Santiago Canyon College

Tam, Brittany UC Davis Tamagno, Austin University of Oregon Tellez, Zach CSU Fullerton Thomas, Sierra CSU Fullerton Tobin, Joseph Hope International University Topete, Kristen Cal Baptist University Torres, Ralph Fullerton College Torres, Esmeralda not attending Tosta, Heather Orange Coast College Tousignant, Connor Fullerton College Trujillo, Elisa University of Oregon Tsabadze, Sophiko Mt. SAC Tyree, Sophia Xavier University of Louisiana Uyemura, Ethan Santiago Canyon College Vadukul, Ajay UC Irvine Valdez, Avery Fullerton College Valencia, Noah Mt. SAC Valentine, Cole BYU Valles, Celena CSU Fullerton Van Beek, Shane Vanderlaan, Gunner Santa Barbara City College Vargas Velasco, Alejandra CSU Fullerton Vazquez, Marlene Santiago Canyon College Veikoso, Tea Irvine Valley College Veitch, Kellianne Cypress College Velazquez, Erick Fullerton College Verne, Johnathon CSU Fullerton VillicanĚƒa, Melissa Fullerton College Vosecky, Emily Biola University Wagner, Daniel Biola University Wall, Ryan not attending Wang, Phoebe SDSU Warren, Makayla Fullerton College Wedin, Camille USC Weiss, Jacob Arizona State University Williams, Libby Biola University Williams, Taylor undecided Wilson, Jaymi University of San Diego Witt, Nolan Fullerton College Wood, Kyle Fullerton College Worker, Rylan UC Los Angeles Wren, Jessica Cal Poly Pomona Wright, Summer Orange Coast College Wu, Chia CSU Fullerton Yang, Eric UC Los Angeles Yang, Max Cal Poly Pomona Ybarra, Jose CSU Fullerton Yoon, Chanyoung Fullerton College Yoon, Ji UC Berkeley Yoon, Mitchell Fullerton College Yourstone, Madison University of Nebraska Yun, Brandon CSU San Marcos Zarate, Matthew not attending Zarrilli, Lexus Fullerton College Zeko, Christopher Fullerton College Zenzola, Dominique Zordani, Jeffrey Golden West College

seniors

you realize what it is you truly want to do. In the meantime, we’re supposed to be as successful as we possibly can be to prepare ourselves for that moment. I mean, that’s what high school really is, isn’t it? Preparing yourself for your future through education and experience, whether that future is in college, the work force, military, or anything else because you’ll only have one life to live.

But the question remains, what is success?

For an athlete, success may be winning a championship, or sinking a game winning shot.

that level of success matter?

The past four years of my life, the entirety of my high school career, has been to prepare me for the next steps of my life. I sought success through my work, and failed many times throughout the process. And that’s absolutely fine.

But what I’ve come to realize during my senior year is that while there are many different end-goals in life and many different roads to achieve these goals, success from a holistic perspective is not relative.

At the end of my life, during my funeral, I truly hope there are better things to discuss in my eulogy than my GPA, test scores, college degree, income, or any of those things we exert so much energy worrying about. Yes, it is important to work hard and get a job to provide for your family and those around you. But too often we focus too much on what we’re striving to achieve that we forget where we currently are and those who are currently with us.

What I’m here to say is that I don’t think our means of success truly measure success. Just because you pull a Steph Curry and hit the game winning shot doesn’t make you successful; nor does getting accepted into Harvard, or becoming rich make you successful.

So at the end, I make this argument: High school might be about preparing for your future, but, YOLO. High school is equally about enjoying your life in the moment and making memories to reflect on throughout your lifetime. As much as you should strive for academic success, you should equally strive to have fun at school. You only have four years in high school, each day will hopefully contain a memory to look back on.

Don’t get so caught up in achieving success

For a scholar, success might look like getting straight A’s or getting accepted into a prestigious university.

There is an infinite quantity of means to measure success for each individual because at each moment, every individual has unique goals and aspirations. But does success carry over? If a basketball player hits a game winning three pointer in a championship game but fails a final, is he or she successful? More importantly, does

that you forget the little things that keep you going when challenges impede your progress to make a dent in this world. Work hard, but have fun. Realistically speaking, we will spend nearly a fourth of our life receiving education (more for you over-achieving doctors and lawyers) and it would be a great shame if during that time we had no memories to reminisce on or experiences to add to the breadth of our knowledge and wisdom.

impaekable advice

by JONATHAN PAEK

T

photos by RACHEL LIN

he most important lessons I learned in high school were not the fundamental theorem of calculus, the Treaty of Versailles, nor how a bill turns into law. In fact, the most important lesson I learned isn’t even academic. The most important lesson is that you only live once. Now before you roast me for wasting this space by talking about “YOLO,” give me a chance.

It’s true, we do only live once (I think). We’ve all known deep inside that our time in high school isn’t permanent. Some of us have anticipated graduation ever since that first day and some of us have feared that transition from high school into our adult lives. Somewhere between those four years we were expected to be prepared for our future. The reason why YOLO is so pertinent throughout all this is because we, as a generation of angsty teenagers, often focus too much on high school graduation and not on the journey that leads us there.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to graduate as much as everyone else does and begin a new chapter of my life to learn and experience new things, but the path to success is equally, if not more so, important than the end destination.

Whether you spend your weekends studying for the SATs or partying (age-appropriately, of course), we are all trying to graduate and pursue something greater than our high school career.

From what I’ve been told by mentors, teachers, and other role models, life is really short, but there will eventually come a moment when

15

As much as you should strive for academic success, you should equally strive to have fun at school.

16

seniors in the spotlight

helen kim

Helen Kim, senior, paused before carefully typing a complex sequence.

Coding gyro gimbal animations for the California Missile Research Section wasn’t a task to be taken lightly.

In the summer of her junior year, Kim was selected to intern at BOEING by an application process. Among coding gyro gimbal animations, Kim also coded the chemistry website on BOEING’s extranet.With four years of GITA and a summer internship at BOEING under her belt, Kim applied to Northwestern University for computer science, and was accepted.

“Such a complicated subject like computer science at such a high-ranked college will obviously give Helen enormous challenges and pressure. But I know Helen will successfully complete and achieve whatever goal she has set.” John Kim, Helen’s father, said.

After pursuing a computer science major at Northwestern University, Kim plans to attend law school.

And with computer science as her technical degree, she is one step closer to fulfilling her dream of being a patent lawyer, which involves her passion in coding, without becoming “redundant.”

“Computer science has been part of my life for a while, so I definitely want to do something with that [in the future]. I just want to have an extension of that because sometimes computer science can get redundant. I want to go out and talk with people, and I think being a patent lawyer provides that and computer science. It isn’t really law, it’s more like engineering, an applied engineering to the whole world,” Kim said.

bryan reynoso

“Just focus,” Bryan Reynoso, senior, told himself while he aimed the soccer ball towards the white net. Before he knew it, his team members, and family, and fans, were cheering—the goal was made. Reynoso’s hard work yet again paid off.

“While [Reynoso] has many qualities as a soccer player, his sheer will to outwork the other team is one of his really amazing qualities,” Stephen Teal, boys’ varsity soccer coach, said.

Reynoso will enroll at University of New Mexico (UNM) and walk-on for the NCAA Division I soccer program. The opportunity to compete was earned when he was spotted by UNM at a showcase in Florida.

“From a very young age, I knew that soccer would be the best way for me to develop as a person, and it really has,” Reynoso said. “I’m really thankful that I got into this university.”

Reynoso first started soccer at the age of 9 simply because a close neighbor introduced it to him, and he began at the lowest of eight league levels, Recreational. Due to his dedication to the sport, he was able to jump four league levels within only two years.

“Bryan has really matured as a soccer player during the last two years [in academy],” Teal said. “He decided he wanted to do something with his abilities, [so] he is serious about what he is doing.”

Reynoso advanced to the Academy level, skipping three levels, right after being in the Silver Elite team for one season. In the future, Reynoso hopes to try out for a professional soccer club. compiled by SAMANTHA MAGPANTAY, STACY UHM, & ASTYR KO

photos by DEVAL PATEL, MONICA HIEMER, BRANDON YUN, & RACHEL LIN

devyn lopez

As Devyn Lopez, senior, adjusted her wig, the long, green locks of hair fell out of their twin ponytails. Lopez deftly tied her hair before inspecting the costume she crafted herself. Seeing no holes or tears, Lopez smiled, satisfied with her hard work.

Lopez first gained interest in cosplaying by dressing as Miku Hatsune at Anime Expo in eighth grade. Both the appreciation for her skills and enjoyment of being in costume sealed cosplaying as Lopez’s new passion.

“The best part of cosplay is it’s a form of art I get to wear on my body. I’m a naturally creative person, and bringing some of my favorite characters to life through sewing and crafting is very fun for me,” Lopez said.

This coming fall, Lopez plans to major in Marketing at Loyola Marymount University. As for her cosplaying, she will continue to perfect her armor crafting, sewing, embroidery, gem casting, wig styling, and painting skills in order to pull off her dream character this summer: Twilight Princess’ Zelda.

“I think [cosplaying] is fun and creative, and a little weird at times. I definitely admire her drive. [In the future], I expect her to be a happy, well-

seniors in the spotlight

balanced, productive human being. Hopefully, she will get to make a living off of what she loves to do.” Celeste Lopez, Devyn’s mother, said.

luke sandoval With a decisive snip of his scissors, the barber completed his final touches of the drop fade. And as Luke Sandoval, senior, assessed his pristine look, he knew that being a barber was his new dream.

nolan witt

Growing up in an artistic family, Nolan Witt, senior, was always encouraged to be creative. With a magnetic doodling pad at hand since the age of 2, he quickly learned to draw superheros before writing his own name.

Witt learned to use his artistic abilities after taking the graphic design class at BOHS. Encouraged to join by Franco Ciccarello, graphic design teacher, Witt went to San Diego and won the state title his first year competing”. The following year, he entered the competition and won the state title again.

“It’s stellar to win two state championships and it’s a big honor. My dad always said that if you work for something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. So [art] doesn’t feel like work to me,” Witt said.

After attending two years at Fullerton community college, Witt plans to transfer to the San Francisco Academy of Art. He hopes to design for various companies for individual cases as his career.

17

Despite wanting to be an athlete during childhood and dreaming to be an audio engineer for most of his high school life, Sandoval is not pursuing any of those careers in the near future. Rather, he’s dedicated himself to become a barber, a passion which stemmed from regular trips to the Strait Up Barber Shop in Brea, Calif. and watching videos of Schorem Barbier on YouTube.

“Just being apart of a man’s environment in which guys can just cut hair, get a haircut, relax while watching a basketball game, or help every guy look their best is pretty satisfying. I just love the atmosphere,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval’s new-found passion in being a barber led him to enroll in The Real Barber’s School in Anaheim this summer.

“Luke talks about how he’s so excited about becoming a barber almost everyday, so [Lisa and I] feel that he can become a great barber if continues to stay motivated,” Jeff Sandoval, Luke’s father, said.

18

seniors

meet THIS YEAR’S valedictorians and salutatorian

VALEDICTORIAN

Our 10 valedictorians and one salutatorian share their random favorites.

Danielle Bauer

compiled by VIVIEN COOP, JULIET ISLES, & ETHAN PHAM

UC Irvine

Favorite Teacher: Mr. Henderson Favorite Class: AP Physics 1 Favorite Superhero & Villain: Superman and Loki Dream Job: Forensic scientist Favorite moment at BOHS: “Probably being valedictorian.”

VALEDICTORIAN

VALEDICTORIAN

Jonathan Paek

Payton Quaranta

Harvard College Favorite Teacher: Mr. Morlan and Mrs. Collier Favorite Class: AP Econ and AP Calculus AB Favorite Superhero & Villain: Deadpool and the Joker Dream Job: Pope Favorite moment at BOHS: “Dancing at the dance concert with the freestylerz””

CSU Fullerton

Favorite Teacher: Mr. Sink Favorite Class: Honors Lit. 2 Favorite Superhero & Villain: Captain America and Loki Dream Job: Accountant in New York Favorite moment at BOHS: “Being in the dance program”

VALEDICTORIAN

Brent Gutowski

Ohio State University Favorite Teacher: Mr. Morlan Favorite Class: AP Government Favorite Superhero & Villain: Captain America and Bane Dream Job: President of the United States Favorite moment at BOHS: “Dislocating my knee in front of the audience at Mr. Brea.”

VALEDICTORIAN

Sarah Saleeb

Chapman University Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Collier Favorite Class: AP Biology Favorite Superhero & Villain: Iron Man and Loki Dream Job: Professional Tennis Player Favorite moment at BOHS: “When we come up the hill after a tennis match and sing the alma mater in unity as a team”

seniors VALEDICTORIAN

Abby Harris

CSU Fullerton Favorite Teacher: Ms. Welch Favorite Class: AP Biology Favorite Superhero & Villain: Captain America and Two-Face Dream Job: Professor for nursing Favorite moment at BOHS: “When I got to speak at the rally as the swim captain.”

VALEDICTORIAN

Rylan Worker

UC Los Angeles Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Collier Favorite Class: AP Calculus AB Favorite Superhero & Villain: Spiderman and the Joker Dream Job: Astronaut Favorite moment at BOHS: “This school year’s ‘Dance or Dye’ Hello Dance”

VALEDICTORIAN

Emily Hwang

Harvey Mudd College Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Collier Favorite Class: AP Physics C and AP Calculus AB Favorite Superhero & Villain: Deadpool Dream Job: Undecided Favorite moment at BOHS: “Being involved in band.”

VALEDICTORIAN

Eric Yang

UC Los Angeles Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Collier Favorite Class: AP Chemistry Favorite Superhero & Villain: Batman and Venom Dream Job: Doctor Favorite moment at BOHS: “The AP Chemistry Scandal”

19

VALEDICTORIAN

Kyle Kirk

UC Los Angeles Favorite Teacher: Mr. Koers and Mrs. Teal Favorite Class: AP Euro.

Favorite Superhero & Villain: Batman and Darth Vader Dream Job: Billionaire Favorite moment at BOHS: “Winning Mr. Brea this year.”

SALUTATORIAN

Chris Kern

UC San Diego Favorite Teacher: Mr. Henderson Favorite Class: Lit/Comp 4 EWRC Favorite Superhero & Villain: Deadpool and the Joker Dream Job: Baseball player Favorite moment at BOHS: “Not my favorite, but my most memorable. When I tried to backflip at the rally and fell.”

20

sports

O N E

F I N A L

W O R D

Elisa Trujillo

girls’ track & field captain “Never be afraid to try new things because you might end up loving it.”

Daniel Parahnevich boys’ swimming captain “GET HYPED.”

Jose Lopez

boys’ track & field captain “Work hard every day like it’s your last because it will be over before you know it.”

Brett Lumsden

boys’ basketball captain “Have fun while you grind.”

Jordyn Olsen

girls’ volleyball captain “Balls to the wall ladies, and set Carina.”

John Rongavilla Erica Budds

girls’ volleyball captain “Believe in yourself and trust your training.”

boys’ golf captain “Even if you’re having a bad day, just find a way to finish strong.”

Reili Richardson

Jensen Allen

girls’ basketball captain “When days are hard, just keep pushing through, finish strong, and think of the outcome.”

girls’ volleyball captain “Play hard and good luck next season.”

Carly Halm

girls’ XC captain “Each and every person has the opportunity to constantly improve so never set a limit.”

Meredith Lehman girls’ XC captain “Running is a beautiful experience; the more you sacrifice for it, the more you will fall in love with it. It’s a gift-- don’t waste it.”

Madison Yourstone

girls’ soccer captain “You realize that in the end, the friendships are more important.”

Andrew Soby

boys’ basketball captain “Keep trying as hard as possible and work hard for every goal so that you may achieve it and be successful.”

Maddy Gates

girls’ soccer captain “Work hard but have fun and just enjoy it-- [high school] goes by really fast.”

Kellie Murphy

girls’ soccer captain “Before you know it, you’ll be playing your last high school game ever.

Enjoy it while it lasts.”

sports

21

Senior captains from BOHS sports share one last word of advice for their teams. compiled by MATTHEW MOON & JACOB NAM

Jeff Zordani

photos by MONICA HEIMER, RACHEL LIN, DEVAL PATEL, & BRANDON YUN,

Arturo Reynoso

boys’ baseball captain “No matter what, always give your best and just remember that the flowery ball from the east is still going to rise.”

boys’ soccer captain “Never give up. Always work 100% and believe you can achieve anything.”

Michael Hannum

boys’ XC captain “Be more invested, don’t take the easy days off, and just give your all.”

Joe Tobin

boys’ XC captain “Running is a lifestyle, set your goals high and train your butt off to reach them. Embrace the pain.”

Abby Harris

girls’ swimming captain “Even though you’ll be in a higher division next year, just remember what winning felt like and go for that again.”

Sarah Saleeb

girls’ tennis captain “Always fight strong, continue to follow your dreams, and be happy.”

Evelynn Burt

girls’ tennis captain “Keep fighting-- you can win as long as you fight, and stop losing balls.”

Brian Bilotta Ryan Gutierrez

varsity wrestling captain “Good luck.”

varsity wrestling captain “Stick with it no matter how terrible it gets.”

Brandon Yun

boys’ tennis captain “Please don’t slice if you don’t know how to slice.”

Hailey Jensen

girls’ softball captain “Never give up when things become difficult-remember to push through and that you are capable of great things.”

Victoria Minor

girls’ softball captain “Go all out and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is how you learn.

Success doesn’t come to those who don’t push themselves pass their comfort zone.”

*not pictured: Connor Tousignant & Jose Ybarra (baseball), Malik Campbell, Nick Drury, Zack Arnold, & Brandon Legendre (football)

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sports

PLAYER PROFILES

Varsity TRACK & FIELD

Both girls’ and boys’ track and field placed second in league overall.

ELISA TRUJILLO

JOSE LOPEZ

> Who is your biggest inspiration?

> Who is your biggest inspiration?

> How does track prepare you for life after high school?

> What has been your favorite moment on the track team so far?

“My biggest inspiration is Usain Bolt.

He was raised in poverty and worked his way up to the top even with all the odds against him.”

“Nadia Comaneci, a gymnast. I used to be a gymnast, so she inspired me to pursue my passion and go further in the athletic field.”

“My favorite moment was when I won the League Championship in the 4x100 race.”

“Track definitely disciplines you and allows you to understand that you have to push yourself in order to stand out.

You just have to put yourself out there, really try your hardest, and expose your best attributes.”

> What advice would you give to future athletes?

“Never let anything keep you from reaching your goals. “

> What is your favorite part about being on the team?

>Do you have any pregame rituals?

“I like how track and field is a team sport, but at the end of the day your main focus is on bettering yourself. Track is known as mainly an individual sport, but I still love how you can share your victories with your team.”

“I eat a double-stacked peanut butter and jelly sandwich and listen to Future.”

> How does track prepare you for life after high school?

“Track taught me to never let bumps on the road affect my goals.”

> What has been your favorite moment on the track team so far?

“My favorite moment is probably the

> What obstacles have you had to overcome to become the athlete that you are today?

Arcadia meet last year because I was one of the first girls to get invited, and it’s a really prestigious track meet to get accepted into. I was super scared because it was only my first year in the sport, but the experience was super exciting and I enjoyed every single second of it.”

“An obstacle I had to face was when I was injured during the beginning of my senior year. I was out for the first month of the season, and it was really hard to keep my motivation going. ”

> What is you favorite part of being on the team?

>What obstacles have you had to overcome to become the athlete that you are today?

“My favorite part is to watch the 4x100 relay at the end of the meet. It’s the last event and everyone goes crazy. I also enjoy the bus trip while going to meets.”

“At first, I struggled to push myself because I knew I didn’t need to do a sport as a junior. But, even if training became tough I reminded myself that this is what I wanted to do and that I loved it.”

> Why are you involved in track instead of other sports?

“Everyone always told me I was a fast runner, so I tried it out and ended up loving it.

> Do you believe that track and field is a good preparation for life?

“I believe that track teaches you perserverance and to give your all in life.

Track helped me to realize my goals and to reach them.”

> What are your plans after high school?

“I plan to attend the University of Oregon.”

Elisa Trujillo and Jose Lopez, senior varsity track and field captains, share their favorite parts of being on the team and give future athletes a word of advice. photo by RACHEL LIN

compiled by STACY UHM

> Do you believe that track and field is a good preparation for life?

“Yeah, I think it taught me about commitment to a sport because of all the difficult practices we have.”

> What are your plans after high school?

“I’m going to go to Mt. SAC.”

sports

Spring Wrap-up

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photos by MONICA HIEMER, HARRY CHO, BRANDON YUN, & DEVAL PATEL

Damian Norte, junior, practices his pitch at a varsity team practice. Boys’ varsity baseball placed third in league with an overall record of 15-13.

Boys’ varsity volleyball state rank has moved +1 and finished their last home conference against Canyon. The team finished with an overall record of 0-11.

Girls’ varsity swim was undefeated this season and emerged as the co-Crestview League champions.

Logan Forde, sophomore, practices his butterfly stroke at a varsity swim practice. This year, boys’ swim achieved a Crestview League title with their overall record of 4-2.

Aidan Yeung, sophomore, performs a backhand stroke at a home game.

Boys’ varsity tennis had a 0-1 overall record.

Girls’ varsity swim was undefeated this season and emerged as the co-Crestview League champions.

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The Wildcat seniors

Graduating the Wildcat Seniors (from top to bottom left): Brandon Yun, Rachel Lin, Monica Heimer, Harry Cho, Nicole Nam, Deval Patel

photo by ETHAN AHN