Vol. 4, Issue 8 - Elite Eagles

Congratulations, Class of 2013 Cleveland High School

Vol. 4, Issue 8 clevelandjournal@gmail.com

5511 15th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98108

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Elite Eagles Meet the Class of 2013’s Top 10

Princess hangs up her crown Principal retiring after 6 years at Cleveland

BY ALIVIA SANDERS AND SHEBA NSAMBA Cleveland Journal reporters

MICHELLE WASAN

RODRIGUEZ PHAM

MICHAEL NGUYEN

BARBIELYN ONG

CLEVELAND JOURNAL

CHRISTINA CAMILON Salutatorian

MAI-KHUE NGUYEN Valedictorian

ZACHARY TONG

CLAUDETTE SAMBAT

Oh! The places they’ll go!

Read the Elite Eagles’ profiles PAGES 6-9

Parting words from the Class of 2013 PAGES 7, 8, 10-12

KATIE BUI

LIZBETH PASCUAL

Cleveland High School hasn’t always been a place where students were able to express how they really felt about one another. You were either cool or got treated as an outcast. Teachers could never leave a class unattended, and if they did, they would either have their things stolen or a fight would break out. But in 2008 the school was graced with royalty in the form of a new principal, Princess Shareef.

Shareef wanted to make the school a better place where the teachers want to teach and the students wanted to learn. She feels as though she has done a good job to help Cleve- Princess land to become Shareef took an amazing over as CHS school.

Now, principal after six years in 2008. at Cleveland and over 38 as a teacher and administrator in Seattle Public Schools, Shareef is retiring.

“I am very sad that she’s leaving,” said Language Arts teacher Adam Burden. “We came at the same time five years ago.” Burden has noticed some changes in Shareef since their time together at Meany. “I think that she smiled more at Meany Middle School,” he said. Burden also believes that high school students gave Shareef gray hair.

Shareef earned her bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and her Master’s in Education from Seattle University. Before comSHAREEF > PAGE 3

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CLEVELAND JOURNAL STAFF Content Editors Daniel Doan Elizabeth Paulson

Staff Manager

Lawanna Abercrombie

REPORTERS Isabella Abad Alina Amkhavong Rayshawn Blackwell Jennifer Chhan Irina Del Donna Joshua Elaydo Jose Elenes Edwin Garcia-Felix Emonie Larry Izet Mendoza Ruiz Binh Nguyen Sheba Nsamba Makala Roper Alivia Sanders Autumn Williams TERESA SCRIBNER Adviser

POLICY

The Journal is a student newspaper produced for the student body of Cleveland High School in Seattle, Washington. Our right to free speech is guaranteed under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

The Journal will be objective, concise and will not contain unethical or obscene material. The newspaper staff will report the news fairly and accurately.

Letters to the Editor: Readers are encouraged to voice their opinions to the Journal. The paper will publish as many letters as space allows. Letters must include the author’s name, signature and class or position relative to the letter. Typed or legible, hand-written letters are acceptable. The Journal reserves the right to edit letters for grammatical errors, accuracy and spelling though every attempt will be made to preserve original content.

Address letters to the editor to: Cleveland Journal Adviser Cleveland STEM High School 5511 15th Ave S. Seattle, WA 98108 Students and staff of Cleveland High School may leave submissions in the school mailbox of Teresa Scribner, newspaper adviser, or e-mail the Journal at clevelandjournal@gmail.com.

Editorials: The editorial section of the Journal serves as a forum of expression. Views printed herein are meant to be opinionated and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Journal staff, the student body, faculty, administration or school board. Opinions, commentaries and perspectives are the views of the writer, not the Seattle School District or Cleveland High School.

Advertising: The Journal will not accept any advertising that is deemed to be factually inaccurate, designed to mislead, deceive or defraud or services illegal for teens to possess, buy or use.

Thursday, June 6, 2013 The staff of The Cleveland Journal is devoted to promoting unity among students and staff. Each month, a Journal reporter will commit to performing an act of kindness, a community service

ONE THE POWER OF

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Gandhi

BY ELIZABETH CACHUELA Special to the Journal Mentoring has been a great experience for me. It allows me to practice communication skills, discipline and understand other people.

A few months ago, I met my mentee, freshman Kanai Watson, and created a plan for him to get to school on time.

Through my time spent mentoring him, I knew he was capable doing so. My goal was to meet with my mentee at least once a week. During our meetings, I would check in on how he is doing in class and personal well-being. I would also check on his grades to make sure he was completing the work. When his

project or step out of their comfort zone in the hopes of affecting one person who is then compelled to do the same. All it takes is one.

grades were off, I would check to see what he needed to turn in and make a plan to bring his grades back up.

As a mentor, I have created a relationship with my mentee that enables me to understand his struggles. It was really important for me to prepare Kanai for the next few years of high school. I’m really proud of the hard work he has put into his education, and I’m flattered that he looks up to me as his older sister. Overall I am proud of my mentee, and I’m happy that I made a positive change in Kanai’s life.

Mentors don’t have to be upperclassCLEVELAND JOURNAL men. Students can mentor each other All itCOURTESY takes is TO theTHE power of one. by pushing your peers to do better, be Youth Ambassador Elizabeth better. Be the change you want to see.

Cachuela, a junior, made a positive impact on her mentee, freshman Kanai Watson.

What do you love?

BY CHEVAS GARY Special to the Journal Last summer on July 1, Sherry Soth was murdered. She was at a house party hanging out with friends when gunshots erupted and several people were struck.

She didn’t do anything to deserve this.

She was simply hanging out with friends.

How many times have you heard the phrase “‘the wrong place at the wrong time?” Whenever I hear this, it usually goes along with a sad story about how someone’s life will never be the same – that’s if they’re still alive.

I think about what happened to Sherry last summer, and the thought of her death shakes my very being. I know that it could very well happen to any one of the students at Cleveland if they were ever in the wrong place at the wrong time. The most traumatic thing about this is that nobody ever thinks it could happen to them.

And yet, I’m positive that those who are reading this are already dismissing any chance that they will ever be that person.

For your sake, I hope that you’re right.

Sherry wasn’t in a gang, she didn’t sell drugs, she didn’t go around getting into fights, and yet that meant nothing when she lost her life.

Recently, I spoke with one of Sherry’s friends, Moni Tep. I asked her if she had any words of wisdom for the students here at Cleveland. “I guess the important thing from me, would be encouraging youth to find something that they really love doing,” she said. “Something that will keep them occupied and safe, whether sports or art, involve yourself in an activity.”

So here’s the question for you: What do you love? How will you enjoy your time while also being safe this summer?

You can’t control everything, so be smart about what you can control.

Familiar faces leaving the nest next year

BY ISABELLA ABAD Cleveland Journal reporter

Kinney’s first year and a half of CHS were the most memorable because three of her students were Change is never easy. At the end shot. They were involved in gangs, of each school year, seniors gradu- and it was hard for her to see her ate, freshmen move up and teachers students with such potential die so leave. This year Principal Princess early.

Shareef is retiring and a number of More than one bird leaves the teachers will be leaving Cleveland flock at a time. In addition to KinHigh School. ney’s departure, Geometry and AlLanguage Arts and special edu- gebra I teacher Jeremy Hudson is cation teacher Karol Kinney is leav- leaving Cleveland after a year and a ing Cleveland after seven half. He is leaving to work closyears. In that time, she er to his wife, who commutes has grown attached to to Olympia from Tacoma. He the students. hopes to teach again at his “I’m going to miss next job. these kids, and I wish Hudson likes how CHS is I could take them with smaller than most high schools. me,” she said.

“When it’s smaller, you get to Kinney, who also know the students better,” he taught U.S. history and Karol Kinney said. Hudson is going to miss yearbook, said she is leavhis students and some of the ing for family reasons other teachers. and to gain professional Hudson’s most memorable growth. She will be teachstudent is Meysam Adibzadeh. ing at Lake Washington He calls Adibzadeh “a good stuHigh School in Kirkland, dent” and the two share some which is adding the interests. Hudson also taught STEM program and team some of the girls from the Lady teaching to their curricuEagles basketball team and Jeremy lum. was happy to witness their Hudson Kinney has many fond championship win. memories at CHS, but Eagles never stay in one her favorite is when her graduated place forever. Some teachers chose students came back to visit her. Her to say their final goodbyes while othmost memorable student is Jeremy ers slip through the branches in priVillars, a graduate of Cleveland. Vil- vate. They may be leaving this nest, lars decided to become a teacher but they will always be a part of the and credits Kinney and Mr. Drape CHS family. for his choice.

COME JOIN THE FUN! SIGN UP FOR NEWSPAPER OR YEARBOOK!

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District names Hale assistant principal as CHS interim leader George Breland to replace Shareef next year

BY BINH NGUYEN Cleveland Journal reporters

RAYSHAWN BLACKWELL / CLEVELAND JOURNAL, 2012

Principal Princess Shareef has spent over 13 years working in Seattle Public Schools.

SHAREEF

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ing to CHS, Shareef served as assistant principal at Washington Middle School and as principal at Meany. She started her teaching career as a Language Arts teacher.

Marcilyn McCarthy, a SoLS Special Education and Spanish teacher has worked at CHS since 2005. She had taught under two other principals before Shareef. “One by one, each of the principals have been a vast improvement,” McCarthy said. She saw that Shareef had an idea of the way she wanted to organize things. Seeing her leave will be very hard.

George Breland, assistant principal at Nathan Hale High School has been hired as the interim principal. Even though Shareef didn’t have a say in the hiring of the new principal, she wants the person to be brave, smart and have a vision on where they want to carry Cleveland.

“Starting something, making something better, building schools up academically, enhancing the culture and diversity, and make sure there are strong teachers. Cleveland is ready for the next step and it’s time for a new leader to take charge and to make Cleveland better than better,” Shareef said.

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent

José Banda called Shareef “an outstanding school administrator who has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of students and their families.”

Shareef has been the recipient of several awards, including the Thomas B. Foster award for Excellence and the University Council for Educational Administration Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the University of Washington.

Shareef has a lot of confidence in CHS. She knows for a fact that the school will be okay without her. She is “almost 101 percent positive that the new principal will take Cleveland beyond the top.” Shareef hopes that the next principal is willing to work long hours and be encouraging to the staff. “I visualize a superman or woman when I think about the next principal, someone that’s going to make CHS a huge resource to the community.

Shareef plans to stay in the education field in some capacity, but she hasn’t decided what path she’ll choose. One thing she’s sure of is that she won’t principal at another school. She plans to travel, but she will still live in the area.

Information from the Journal’s archives and the CHS website were included in this report.

es could lie ahead. “I am no expert, you know,” he said.

Breland graduated from Garfield As our Princess Shareef enters her High School and earned a master’s final weeks as Cleveland’s leader, a new in education from the University of interim principal has been named to Washington and a Bachelor of Science fill the big shoes she’s leaving behind. degree from Oregon State University.

George L. Breland will take over for He received his Principal and Program Shareef beginning July 1. He is cur- Administration Certification from the rently the assistant principal at Na- Danforth Educational Leadership Prothan Hale where he’s served for the gram at UW and his teaching certificapast three years. Breland is familiar tion from Pacific Oakes College in Sewith Cleveland’s STEM program. Hale attle. has a similar project-based learning Prior to Nathan Hale, Breland program, but theirs focuses more on de- served as Dean of Students at Rainier velopment of global citizens Beach. He acknowledged and economy. that the culture at Hale “I would focus more on is very different from STEM because there are Rainier Beach. many outsourced jobs,” “There are several Breland said. “I want to preproblems, but they can’t pare students to be globally just punish, they have competitive so America can to educate … It is about be stronger.” honesty and hard work,” Breland’s philosophy on he said. leadership is that he wants Breland also held postudents and staff to model sitions as assistant printhemselves for the future. cipal and taught middle DANFORTH EDUCATIONAL “The high expectations LEADERSHIP PROGRAM school math and science have a purpose in the stuat the African AmeriGeorge L. Breland dents as they reach high pocan Academy. He was is Cleveland’s new tential,” Breland said. “The the athletic director at interim principal. curriculum is relevant for AAA during the 2007-08 the students with a frame of school year. He started mind to be able to get into his teaching career in their career.”

1994 as K–8 head teacher at Seattle’s As an assistant principal at Hale, Zion Preparatory Academy, where he Breland has many duties. He oversees taught in math, science and language the freshmen and sophomores and co- arts. ordinates with the athletic director Born and raised in Seattle, Breland to make sure programs are running and his wife Latonya have three kids. smoothly. He maintains the transpor- In his spare time, he enjoys working at tation, special education classes and home and spending time with his famsafety checks, and he regularly evalu- ily. One of his favorite activities is playates the teachers, assistants and secu- ing ball with his children. rity team.

Breland is ready to roll up his sleeves Breland’s appointment could be a and get to work at CHS. He is thankful temporary one. Whenever Seattle Pub- for the opportunity. lic Schools appoints an interim employ“I am looking forward to meeting ee, the school has the opportunity to new people. I can say that I am ‘coming provide feedback at mid-year. The dis- home.’” trict will then decide if a search needs Journal reporter Daniel Doan to be conducted for a permanent prinassisted with the interviewing cipal. Breland recognizes that challengfor this article.

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Thursday, June 6, 2013

New ASB, class officers plan to mix leadership, fun

BY BINH NGUYEN Cleveland Journal reporter Out of many of the previous ASB and class officers, the next year’s officers are one of the most creative, progressive and social group hoping to change CHS. Some of them have experience, others are new. Even though they barely know each other, they all have one thing in common: they are here to lead.

The ASB officers are a hardworking, but funny bunch.

Newly-elected secretary Ryan Rabia brings the creativity. He is well organized and honest in his work. He thrives to make CHS a batter place. Treasurer Sofia Sen is funny and timid while Vice President Sunshine Arcilla is a go-getter with a lot of charisma. Before she does something, she makes a plan of action. She is full of ideas and works hard to accomplish. President Elijah “EJ” Pinera wants to make an immediate impact on the school.

“If we can impact hundreds of people, we can make a huge difference,” he said.

They all have the same reason to run for ASB: “SUP.” The slogan was created by Arcilla and stands for spirit, unity and

PHOTOS BY BINH NGUYEN / CLEVELAND JOURNAL

ASB officers, from left, President EJ Pinera, Vice President Sunshine Arcilla, Secretary Ryan Rabia and Treasurer Sofia Sen. progress.

“It is not just about being cute,” said Pinera, “but being honest, social, funny and a great listener. I want more for the school, making a change and take action. I may be new in this school, but I will step up

CLASS OF 2014 OFFICERS: Secretary Sabrina Mohamed, left, Treasurer Elizabeth Chung, President Monica Lui and Vice President Prinnces Doniego.

and be brave.”

The class of 2015 officers are hard-working and dedicated people who know one another quite well. Even though they’re all SoLS students, they want to connect with SoED to show they are a part of one school.

Secretary Alana Gwilym-Tso, Treasurer Abdirisak Aden, Vice President Lynh Tran and President Amir Yocoub want to set great examples of teamwork, quality and leadership. The group plans to increase communication to promote school

CLASS OF 2015 OFFICERS: President Amir Yocoub, left, Secretary Alana Gwilym-Tso, Vice President Lynh Tran and Treasurer Abdirisak Aden.

sports and events. They also have plans to raise funds for the school and prom. They want the opportunity to help everyone.

Girls will rule the class of 2014. The leadership team is all female. Secretary Sabrina Mohamed, Treasurer Elizabeth Chung, Vice President Prinnces Doniego and President Monica Lui want to develop fundraisers to host a nice prom and increase school spirit while minimizing complaints. “We hope people who didn’t get elected will be in good hands,” said Lui. The ASB and class officers are excited and nervous at the same time about next year.

However, they are confident they will achieve and thrive.

They won’t be able to keep every promise, but their goal is to try. “We will go as far as the students go,” said Arcilla.

All of the officers will use their efforts the make a change to CHS. When there is a problem, they just do what they have to. They won’t be perfect, but they will learn from their mistakes to prevent new ones.

“Next year, get ready,” said Tran, “because this will be a fun year.”

CLASS OF 2016 OFFICERS: Treasurer Lee Flesher, Vice President Robyn Gamboa, President Leena Saephan and Secretary Bariso Hussein.

New classes will add more options to next year’s schedule

BY MAKALA ROPER Cleveland Journal reporter Upcoming, motivated seniors should consider taking Dr. Grant Storey’s new class, Biology 100 - Addiction and the Brain.

Throughout the year, students will be studying the brain and how it’s affected by addiction. The main focus of the course will be how drugs affect the brain long term at the cell level. Students also will come up with ideas why drugs make people act the way they do.

The course will benefit seniors because it’s a biology course where students can earn college credits. Students will pay a reduced rate of $350, much less than the normal $800-$900 the University of Washington charges.

Storey will be teaching the class with help from UW graduate students and professors. The graduate students will serve as mentors, guiding students

throughout the year and a professor will visit from time to time.

In addition to the biology course, Storey will continue to teach Medical Intervention next year.

Storey is excited about teaching the biology class. He knows a lot about neuroscience and is happy to share his knowledge with students. “CHS students are capable and ready for college classes,” he said. “This class will give students exposure to what college courses are like and students will get biology credits.’’

The course will be open to both SoLS and SoED students.

SoLS students also will have an opportunity to tackle multimedia. Although multimedia isn’t new, the course is being restructured. Students will learn how to present information across different platforms, such as print, web or video.

Teacher Teresa Scribner currently

works at CHS part time as the adviser to The Cleveland Journal and teaches one section of multimedia. Next year, Scribner will be teaching all sections and the course will be a semester long. “It’s exciting and scary,” she said.

The school newspaper and the yearbook will also be getting a makeover.

There will no longer be a separate class for each product. Students who sign up Graphic Design and/or Journalism Writing will be responsible for producing content for both the yearbook and the Journal.

Students who sign up for Journalism Writing will write for the yearbook and the newspaper while kids who sign up for Graphic Design will be responsible for page layouts, illustrations and photographs of the yearbook and newspaper.

Transitioning from a part-time teacher to full-time teacher will require some changes for Scribner. As a full-time teacher, she will get to work with every

sophomore at CHS. “I’m a detailed person, so I like to take my time with making projects and grading,” Scribner said. “I won’t have that much time because I will be working with more students.”

Seniors will also see a new and improved process for senior projects. Instead of the standard presentations, students will sign up for a class like biology or journalism and produce a final project for that class.

Each student will be responsible to building a portfolio of their work and writing a reflection paper on the work they do over the course of the school year. Courses will also provide industry mentors to aid students in their projects.

Details are still in the works as teachers decide which courses will qualify as a capstone class.

The Journal

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Thursday, June 6, 2013

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STRONG IN THE BROKEN PLACES

Math teacher moving forward after devastating family tragedy

BY IRINA DEL DONNO Cleveland Journal reporter When you wake up and get ready for a cruise to the Bahamas, you would assume the worst case scenario would be running out of food or the boat runs out of gas. However, something unthinkable happened to Jake and Kelley Branam.

Jake Branam lived in Miami, Fla. where he owned a charterfishing-boat business. People could rent his boat and Branam would drive them to their fishing spots. Two men, Kirby Archer and Guillermo Zarabozo, rented Branam’s boat to set sail for the Bahamas. Branam’s wife, Kelley, had not been in the Bahamas since the birth of their son and wanted to go with her husband as a trip along with his half-brother, Scott Gamble, and friend, Sammy Kairy, who were crewmembers. Unfortunately, the trip to the Bahamas would be their last.

It was later revealed that Ar-

FAMILY PHOTO

Kelley and Jake Branam cher was on the run after stealing $92,000 from a Wal-Mart in Arkansas where he worked.

Archer hid in Florida where he befriended Zarabozo and paid Branam $4,000 to take them both to the Bahamas. Their true intentions were to escape to Cuba – Zarabozo’s native country – to avoid extradition back to the U.S. Once the boat was 10 miles from the Bahamas, Archer and Zarabozo shot

everyone on board and threw their bodies into the sea. The men were later found by coast guards after the boat ran out of gas as they were headed towards Cuba.

“At first they (Archer and Zarabozo) lied and said Cuban pirates had boarded the boat and killed everyone else and let them live,” Kelley Branam’s sister and Cleveland math teacher, Genny Van Laar said. “Evidence came out pretty quickly that no one came on the boat.”

Not only did officials have to deal with the prosecution of Archer and Zarabozo, they also had to figure out who would Genny gain custody of Van Laar the Branams’ adopted her young chil- sister’s kids. dren, a son and daughter. After a long legal battle, Van Laar became their official guardian.

“It took about a year to get custody of the kids. After I had them for a while, I was able to adopt them,” Van Laar said.

“They regularly ask about their parents, especially the daughter.” Van Laar also mentioned that her niece, now daughter, asks a lot of questions on death such as what will happen to her house cat or her home when she dies. “It’s just something kids her age don’t really think about.

I don’t think it’s fear so much but she’s just really concerned.

It’s just affected her.”

Even though it has been about five years since the tragedy, Van Laar still finds it difficult to cope with the loss of her sister, Kelley, someone she thought she would grow old with and remain the best of friends.

A year and a half ago, Van Laar decided it was best for her and her kids to move from Michigan to Seattle to start a new chapter in life. She said that Seattle’s scenery has helped her see how bright the world is.

“I miss her every day, but

New baby on the way for the Pratts

Staff searching for middle ground on new discipline policy Cleveland Journal staff

BY LAWANNA ABERCROMBIE Cleveland Journal reporter After almost six years of marriage, Kyrsten and Steve Pratt are ready to welcome a new baby to the world. The timing couldn’t have been better. The Pratts wanted to both be married and successful in their careers before they decided to add a baby to the mix.

Kyrsten was four weeks along when she found out she was expecting. Her excitement extends to their parents as well. Prior to sharing the news with her parents, her mom already had an idea she was expecting. Kyrsten’s mom called her twice to tell her that she’d dreamt she would soon be expecting a grandchild. After sharing the news with them, the soon-to-be grandparents mailed all sorts of gifts to help prepare them for the new edition.

Kyrsten is most excited about being able to watch her child grow and become a wonderful person.

“I’m just ready to watch my child experience the world, playing at the park, first days of school, really just the first everythings,” she said.

Being a first-time parent can be a scary thing if you are not prepared.

Kyrsten is most nervous about not knowing what to do or expect. “I feel like there are things that you want to protect your child from, like hurt and pain. But, knowing that is a part of life and support-

moving to Seattle and realizing how beautiful life is, just looking at the mountains reminds me how pretty the world is. I thought the world was an ugly, dark place after this happened, but I just try to focus on the beautiful things in life,” Van Laar said as she held back tears.

Van Laar believes that teaching will help students in the long run and tries to put what she knows about life into her students’ lives.

“Time is our most valuable commodity, meaning it’s more important than money and a lot of things are how we spend our time,” Van Laar said. “I believe teaching is a lot of fun, plus education really determines the rest of your life and future.

It sets the tone for your life and helps achieve your dreams. It’s a positive feeling to know that I’m doing something that can potentially make a difference in people’s lives.”

COURTESY OF JULIE HOANG

Kyrsten and Steve Pratt hold up a onesie that was given to them at a baby shower hosted by students. Both Pratts are science teachers. ing them through difficult times, but still allowing them to experience pain because that’s how they grow,” said Kyrsten.

Everyone around Cleveland is certain that Baby Pratt won’t be failing one class: science. Both Kyrsten and Steve are science teachers – Steve teaches AP Chemistry and Physical Science in the SoED building while Kyrsten on teaches Chemistry and Forensics in the SoLS building.

Their baby girl is due Oct. 6.

Kyrsten plans to take off about three months of school to care for the baby.

Babies on board

Two Cleveland staff members gave birth this year. Music teacher Michelle Maury is now mother to Nigel Owyn. Her son was born on March 8.

Basketball coaches Stephenie and Derrick Wheeler-Smith wel-

JENNIFER CHHAN / CLEVELAND JOURNAL

Students line up for food at the Pratts’ baby shower on May 30. comed their son Judah on May 21.

The baby weighed 6 lbs., 6 oz.

Congratulations to both families on their new bundles of joy.

Cleveland staff members are hard trying to establish a new discipline policy. The new plan will encompass both academies as the school moves toward a restorative justice plan. SoLS science teacher Amanda Weaver and SoED math teacher Nicola Wethall are two of the teachers responsible for writing the new plan.

The new policy will be introduced at the start of the next school year. Currently, each academy has its own policy, although, according to Wethall, the SoED plan isn’t enforced by all teachers in the academy itself. Some teachers believe the SoED policy is too punitive and restricts the relationship between teacher and student. The goal of the new policy is to offer students a chance to reflect on their actions while suffering the consequences for bad behavior.

This gives students a chance to build a relationship with teachers and administrators.

The structure of the new policy is causing a divide among staff members. Some think that under the new plan, it would take too long to get administrators involved while others believe that students who are habitual offenders will continue to abuse the rules.

Spanish teacher Katie Wallace would like to see both academies have a consistent discipline policy.

“I hope it supports students instead of putting restrictions over students,” she said. Gary Chevas agrees. “I think no matter what the policy is, there should be one policy for the whole school.”

Earlier this year, the staff underwent training in understanding restorative justice. The process of disciplining a student using this type restorative justice requires both the teacher and the student to reflect on the disruptive behavior and how it affects themselves and their peers. The purpose is to build a relationship on mutual respect and trust.

Journal reporter Rayshawn Blackwell contributed to this report.

6

A Look Back

Thanks for making this a newsworthy year!

The Cleveland Journal staff

The Journal Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Journal Thursday, June 6, 2013

A Look Back

7

8

Seniors

The Journal Thursday, June 6, 2013

Valedictorian MAI-KHUE NGUYEN — 4.0

THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

College: Seattle University Major: Political Science “You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights!

You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

Oh! The places you’ll go!

“Focused, inquisitive, passionate and intelligent,” is how AP U.S. Government teacher Shie Benaderet describes Mai-Khue Nguyen. These are all qualities you would expect to find in a student who is number one in their class. Nguyen is the Class of 2013’s valedictorian and tops the Journal’s list of Elite Eagles, seniors with a GPA of 3.9 or above Although Nguyen has maintained a 4.0 GPA since her freshman year, she realizes that there’s no such thing as perfection.

She continues to challenge herself even more to become better in her academics. AP Biology was Nguyen’s toughest class because of the college level work. Using a planner gave her the advantage of prioritizing her work and personal responsibilities.

In her free time, Nguyen enjoys playing the piano, a talent she’s had since she was young. She will attend Seattle University in the fall.

By Rayshawn Blackwell, Cleveland Journal reporter

Cover photographs by

RAYSHAWN BLACKWELL AND DANIEL DOAN Cleveland Journal reporters * Elite Eagle rankings are based on grade point averages from the first semester of the 2012-13 school year.

Some rankings may have changed.

CHRI

The seniors are off and on their way, off past high school and on to brighter days They have brains in their heads, and feet in their shoes.

They will steer themselves down whatever path they choose.

With diplomas in their hands. and tassels turned to the right Some will stay in touch, some will disappear out of sight and some will move on to much greater heights.

Oh! The places they’ll go!

Bang-ups and hang-ups will happen to them, but they will drive on by for we have faith in them.

They are Cleveland’s role models.

Seniors, you’ll be on your way up, seeing great sights, with wings spread like eagles, who will soar to new heights.

Oh! The places they’ll go!

If you’re ever in a slump and not in for much fun.

Think back to the great times at Cleveland.

Wrap yourself in fond school memories.

You’ll move mountains!

You’re off to great places!

This year is your year!

Your mountain is waiting!

So get on your way Class of 2013!

Oh! The places they’ll go!

By Isabella Abad Cleveland Journal reporter

College: U Major: Bu

Throughou people you su senior Christ she has. Cam Elite Eagles.

Driven to high school c port system w “I always s of things scar Camilon re got accepted t panic attack o For Camilo that scholarsh repaying loan her fears by r with struggle been there for Keeping he accomplishm an average of Quiet but c to succeed an

“On and on up to your p

The Journal

Seniors

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Salutatorian ISTINA CAMILON — 4.0

MICHELLE WASAN — 4.0

9

What are your plans after high school?

“I plan to attend Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee and get a bachelor of science in nursing.”

Oscar Rosas

IZET MENDOZA / THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

IZET MENDOZA / THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

College: University of Washington Major: Biochemistry

University of Washington usiness and/or Social Work

ut life, we are told to choose our friends wisely. The urround yourself with, you become. When looking at tina Camilon, one might wonder what kind of friends milon is the Class of 2013’s salutatorian and one of our

succeed, Camilon strived to get the most out of her career. When doing so, she found that her biggest supwas her friends and family. stress and freak out regardless of the level of work; lots re me,” she said. ecalls to a moment of hardship. “I remember when I to my first college. I was ecstatic. Then, I had the worst of my life.” on, college would pose a financial burden. She knew hip money alone would not suffice and was afraid of ns. Fortunately, her support system was able to calm reminding her of how much she has achieved. “Even es, I think of all the different times my friends have r me,” Camilon said. er 4.0 GPA since freshman year is one of her biggest ments. At the start of the school year, Camilon studied f seven hours a day. Now she is down to five. confident Camilon came into high school with the will nd accomplished just that.

n you will hike, and I know you’ll hike far and face problems whatever they are. Oh! The places you’ll go!”

“Never ever give up,” is what Michelle Ann Wasan tells herself when she starts to feel discouraged. Emigrating from the Philippines to the U.S. last year was one of the biggest challenges she’s faced, but being the optimist that she is, Wasan turned her obstacle into an opportunity.

With her perfect grades and rigorous classes, school seems to come easy for Wasan. Her easygoing attitude toward senior year was hard-earned through years of practice. It took two challenging exams and an interview for admission into Regional Science High School, a prestigious Filipino boarding school. “We studied from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and had major exams with no retakes or extra credit. It was like college, and I became very independent,” she said. Countless hours of studying and her eagerness to learn are two things that have given Wasan the foundation for success.

Although school in the U.S. is stress-free for her, Wasan admits that AP Biology is her hardest class. She has it with her twin brother Nino, who’s also an academic scholar. Maria Bunn, the AP Biology teacher, says she is a very hard worker in the class.

When she isn’t studying, Wasan can be found playing tennis, a sport she’s recently fallen in love with. But she won’t be around for long; Wasan loves traveling and plans to explore the world one day.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the girl who’ll decide where to go. Oh! The places you’ll go!

By Alina Amkhavong, Cleveland Journal reporter

“Attend South Seattle Community College for the 13th Year Scholarship and get a computer science degree somewhere.”

Ginger Rabun

“Attend UW Bothell and major in Psychology and go in to law school in the East Coast. Then I will become a criminal defense attorney for a private law firm.”

Hiba Mohammed

By Daniel Doan, Cleveland Journal reporter

RODRIGUEZ PHAM — 3.99 College: University of Washington Major: Mechanical/Bio-Engineering Ranking in the top 10 of your senior class comes with a lot of hard work and focus. For Rodriguez Pham it comes natural. Some may wonder how he maintains such a high grade point average. For Pham, it’s simple. “If you put in the work, everything should work.”

Starting out his journey as a freshman at Cleveland, Pham was quiet and kept to himself. His original plan was to come into high school and just get it over with. That soon changed after Pham joined the Cleveland Breakdance Team. Not only was this a chance for him to have fun but to break out of his shy shell and give him opportunities to meet new people.

High school is not easy and to get through all four years you need lots of support. Pham’s most challenging class was a Running Start Calculus III, and just like everybody else, he could not do it alone.

He committed himself to tutoring and studying at least two hours each night.

THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.) Oh! The places you’ll go.

By Lawanna Abercrombie, Cleveland Journal reporter

“I’m going to show people from my visit to China around Seattle and attend Seattle University in the fall.”

Khyree Smith

Compiled by Jennifer Chhan, Cleveland Journal reporter

The Journal

Seniors

10

Thursday, June 6, 2013

What are your plans after high school?

MICHAEL NGUYEN — 3.962 College: University of Washington Major: Computer Engineering

“I plan to attend UW and major in criminal justice.”

Pamela Lyons “Major in Environmental Science at University of Washington.”

Kathy Le

DANIEL DOAN / THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

If you know Michael Nguyen, you know that education comes before everything. Instead of hanging out with friends, you’ll find Nguyen hanging out with his homework. But being able to choose between hanging out with friends and doing homework was not so easy his freshman year. “I am way more proactive now than when I was a freshman,” said Nguyen.

It was not an easy road to Nguyen’s high GPA, but with supportive parents who made sacrifices, he was able to work with a tutor. The extra help has put him in the top 10 of the graduating class.

Nguyen plans to attend UW to major in computer engineering. He realized that he wanted to study computer

engineering after one of his biggest accomplishments. He participated in a national website competition, and his group won the third place bronze medal. “I want to … share my ideas and better the world,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen participates in Upward Bound and is currently an intern at Microsoft as a business apprentice. He said graduating is very exciting for him, and he’s proud of himself. He hopes that in the future that he can make an impact on the world with his ideas.

Congratulations! Today is your day.

You’re off to great places! You’re off and away! Oh! The places you’ll go!

By Alivia Sanders, Cleveland Journal reporter

BARBIELYN ONG — 3.960 College: University of Washington Major: Nursing

“I’m going to the senior trip at the South Dominican Republic and in the fall attending Seattle Central Community College.”

Keano Debari “To seek the truth.”

As the majority of seniors prepare for college, Barbielyn Ong is already on top. Ong participates in Running Start full time at Seattle Central Community College. Her head start on college will not only save her money, but also prepare her for nursing school at University of Washington.

Ong’s typical day starts at 6 a.m. and ends around 9 p.m. She spends about two and a half hours doing homework or studies while she waits for her first class to start at 10 a.m. The next five hours are filled with sociology, biology and Spanish. On top of school, Ong has a job. She does all this hard work to be successful.

And when you’re in a slump, you’re not in for much fun.

Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

Oh! The places you’ll go!

A good day for Ong is when there is little homework to finish and she gets enough sleep. On her free days she usually spends time with her friends or goes to the mall to have fun. A bad day is when there are stacks of homework, she barely sleeps or there is just so little time to do anything.

The most difficult class for Ong was AP World History, but in order to overcome it she put more time and effort in that class.

THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

Other difficult classes that she took were Language Arts Honors and her college classes.

Ong is very determined to attend college and become a nurse.

Her parents are very supportive about her plans after high school.

They are not the kind of parents who constantly check her grades.

No matter what score she gets, they are happy with her grades.

By Izet Mendoza, Cleveland Journal reporter

Nasif Islam

ZACHARY TONG — 3.957 part of the Cleveland Journal’s Elite Eagles, seniors with a GPA of 3.9 or above. He has managed to keep a high GPA during all four years at Cleveland by studying hard and doing homework for four to five hours every day.

Tong’s best subjects in school are math and science, while AP Literature was his most challenging. But Tong stayed after school every day and asked questions, sometimes even giving up his lunch to get help. Tong says, “I had to study twice as hard as everybody else.”

Everyone changes as they get older, and Tong has made a change for the better. “I started to lose motivation over time in what I do, but I still do it,” he said. Tong is motivated to succeed and to do better each day than before and make his parents proud.

He challenges himself to keep pushing in the direction toward doing something he loves to do.

Tong plans to attend the University of Washington and major in chemistry. He wants to get his pre-med requirements so he can get into medical school. He also plans to have fun and relax after high school.

“My plan after high school is to get a summer job and go to South Seattle Community College.”

Luigi Garcia THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

Compiled by Jennifer Chhan, Cleveland Journal reporter

College: University of Washington Major: Chemistry “If you want to succeed, as much as you want to breathe, then you will succeed.” This is the motto Zachary Tong lives by. He is a

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

Oh! The places you’ll go!

By Emonie Larry, Cleveland Journal reporter

The Journal

Seniors

Thursday, June 6, 2013

11

CLAUDETTE SAMBAT 3.953

KATIE BUI — 3.925 College: University of Washington Major: Chemistry or Global Health

RAYSHAWN BLACKWELL / THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

College: University of Washington Major: International Business and Cinematography On first glance at Claudette Sambat, you see someone who’s smart, caring and has many charms; a girl who has conquered all of her battles and made it to the top as one of Cleveland High School’s Elite Eagles. Sambat was awarded a full scholarship to the University Of Washington where she will major in international business and cinematography.

Sambat has plenty of advice for upcoming seniors. “One day your life will flash before your eyes,” she said. “Make sure it’s worth watching.” Sambat encourages underclassmen to be as involved as possible. “Join every club you want and every sport because colleges will like that a lot.”

Sambat is a member of Key Blub, National Honor Society and student government. She survived her busy schedule by using a planner. It helped to insure that she would not miss any assignment due dates or important events. Sambat also said students should seek help from the Career Center because the resources are helpful when applying to colleges.

Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Oh! The places you’ll go!

By Sheba Nsamba, Cleveland Journal reporter

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.

Oh! The places you’ll go!

Katie Bui is involved with almost everything at Cleveland High School. You name it, she’s conquered it. From ASB President, to captain of the volleyball team, to leading the swim team, Bui has done it all and still maintained a 3.925 GPA. That is why she is honored as one of the Journal’s Elite Eagles.

In Bui’s childhood years, she was about five feet tall and very shy. While she is still small in stature, she’s not that shy girl anymore. Although Bui is the same size she was in middle school, she’s grown tremendously as a student.

Coming into high school, Bui realized she needed to change her ways. She began to open up and become a leader. Joining both the volDANIEL DOAN / THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL leyball and swim team gave her the opportunity to show her leadership skills.

School is very important to Bui, but there Bui is heading in the right direction – to the have been times where she’s struggled. She top where a bright future lies ahead. found Running Start Calculus to be difficult.

She took three quarters of it this year. But she

By Makala Roper, overcame the obstacle by asking questions, foCleveland Journal reporter cusing on the task at hand and flat out not giving up. She persevered through the challenges.

LLIZBETH PASCUAL — 3.904 College: University of Washington Major: Business

DANIEL DOAN / THE CLEVELAND JOURNAL

One might learn that work is hard to find as a teaching assistant during the last period of the day. It is because of this circumstance that Lizbeth Pascual has been given the title of “The Useless TA”. But Pascual is anything but “useless.” Her academic achievements have placed her on the list as one of the Elite Eagles.

During her time at Cleveland, Pascual has accomplished many milestones. Whether it be maintaining a 3.9 GPA, or helping students with their chemistry homework, you will find that Pascual’s biggest milestone lies within her character. Pascual crept into high school as a quiet and shy kid. She is now leaving as a confident and assertive individual.

When many students gave up, Pascual’s perseverance burns even brighter. She strives to maintain her GPA because she knows that it demonstrates her passion to be successful. On average, she studies four hours daily.

Of her classes, Running Start Calculus presents her biggest challenge because students are required to apply prior knowledge from previous math classes. Although RS Calculus remains her most rigorous high school course, she is still succeeding. “I’ve always excelled in math; it’s my favorite subject,” she said.

What keeps her motivated are her loving parents. Pascual knows that both her mom and dad have gone through numerous jobs and have given up much of their time in order to make her life easier. For her, inspiration comes from her parents’ self-sacrifice.

And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too. Oh! The places you’ll go!

By Daniel Doan, Cleveland Journal reporter

The Journal

Seniors

12

What advice do you have to offer incoming seniors?

“Always push to be your best and never settle for less!”

Cassandra Douangchai

“Don’t get involved in useless, pointless drama. Chase your dreams instead.”

Julie Hoang

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Advice to incoming seniors: Have fun, but not too much

BY JOSE ELENES AND EDWIN GARCIA-FELIX Cleveland Journal reporters Senior year is but a stepping stone into the rigorous and rewarding life of college.

But being a senior comes with perks and heavy responsibilities. It is the capstone of the public education system; the bridge toward a successful future later in life or the breaking point for some.

A roadblock in that bridge is procrastination. Procrastination, although an easy option, comes with its share of headaches and stress.

It’s one of the toughest things to fight during high school because there are so many other things to do rather than homework. There are few that have the dedication and drive to not put things off.

Overcoming procrastination is possible

if you care about succeeding. Managing time is a procrastinator’s worst nightmare because they want to do what they want to when they want to. By managing your time, it will slowly break you of the habit of leaving things for the last minute.

The most important component in that bridge to a successful future is attending class. If you don’t go, what’s the point of school?

Although people try to say that it doesn’t matter if you miss one day, that day can be the intro to a new lesson, the due date for a big project or the day the teacher hands out extra credit. Soon enough of those occasional skip days will add up, and you will fall behind.

If you are going to miss school, make sure to keep in contact with your teachers.

You could at least work something out with them so that you know what to turn in and keep up with the work missed in class.

While keeping up with classes, seniors also must consider the expenses ahead.

College and university tuitions are increasing. To remove some of that financial burden, seniors should apply for scholarships.

Fill out scholarship applications based on your interests, passions and academic history. You’d be surprised at how many businesses give to prospective college students.

Apply! Apply! Apply!

Though senior year can be taxing, don’t forget that life isn’t all about academics.

Enjoy your year by getting involved in clubs and sports. Introduce yourself to classmates you haven’t met before. Participate in extracurricular activities that are interesting or enjoying. Doing all of these things will provide opportunities for fun, great memories and new friendships.

Jose Elenes and Edwin GarciaFelix are both seniors who know a thing or two about procrastination and having fun.

the north stands lower parking lot which will be marked “GRADUATES ONLY” and need to arrive in their cap and gown. their diplomas. Gowns are op- If seniors want to prepare for tional during the walk through. rain, ponchos can be purchased at www.saraglove.com for GRADUATION DAY $0.55 each.

Commencement will take place at Memorial Stadium GRADUATION PICTURES at 5:00 p.m. It is ideal that seA photographer from Yuen Lui niors arrive at 4:15 p.m. Plan will be on hand to take individual ahead for traffic and parking. cap-and-gown portraits before If seniors arrive after 4:45 p.m., commencement begins. Seniors they will not be able to sit with should arrive no later than 4:15 friends and will have to enter to have their picture taken. Once the stadium last. all seniors have arrived, they will Family and friends who are assemble on the North bleachers attending must sit on the south for a senior class photo before side of the stadium. There are lining up for the commencement no tickets required for attend- march. ees. Seniors must enter through INFORMATION FOR

Graduation information

BY IRINA DEL DONNO Cleveland Journal reporter

“Life is harder than you think. Prepare. Period” Jamilah Ousley “Apply for every college and scholarship out there. Don’t slack off during second semester!”

INFORMATION FOR GRADUATES: REHEARSAL Graduation rehearsal will be the morning of commencement (June 11) at 10:00 a.m. Two school buses will leave CHS at 9:30 a.m. and will return at 11:30 a.m. Seniors may choose with whom they want to sit on the 15-chair rows. The rows will be aligned in an orderly fashion, making it easy for seniors to enter the stage and receive

STAFF MEMBERS Staff members who are a part of the ceremony must to arrive at the stadium the same time as seniors. They must have their own transportation.

INFORMATION FOR BAND MEMBERS Band members must wear concert black and arrive in the band room by 3:15 p.m. with their instruments and sheet music. From there, a bus will drop the musicians off at Memorial Stadium to set up before the ceremony. When the ceremony is over, the bus will drive them back to school where their parents/guardian can pick them up.

Tu Ma “Stay on top of your game.”

Edwin Tablit “Be yourself and strive to succeed in all you do.”

“Learn who to trust and keep open relationships with these people because those are your true friends.”

Victoria Rivera

“Nothing worth having comes easy.”

Markisha Bowen

“Be social, make friends and don’t forget to have fun your senior year.”

Guadalupe Reynaga

“Keep your pimpin’ hand strong and persevere!”

Jhonae Coleman

Michelle Pham “Keep a planner for the whole year and stick to it! Do everything as soon as possible or you will regret it later.”

Elizabeth Santana

The Journal

Seniors

Thursday, June 6, 2013

H

A night under the sea

igh school – it happens to everyone. We go in wanting to leave, and leave wanting to stay. But there is one night of the year where deadlines, college and projects are no longer relevant: Prom night.

On May 10, the senior class held their prom, “A Night Under the Sea,” at the Seattle Aquarium. The girls stunned and the guys looked dashing. As guests entered the aquarium, a wall of fish

was illuminated with shades of blue and pink. Julie Hoang was crowned prom queen, and in a surprising move, Claudette Sambat was named prom king. Sambat is the first girl to be given the honor.

13

What are you most looking forward to after high school?

By Autumn Williams and Jennifer Chhan, Cleveland Journal reporters

“The summer and not waking up early.”

Mykel Brown

“Boot camp and traveling to the Caribbean.”

Senior girls show off their beautiful corsages before prom.

Angel Mason Prom king Claudette Sambat, left, and prom queen Julie Hoang share a royal dance.

“Meeting new people and getting a job; becoming an adult.”

Julie Saelee “Not having to wake up at six in the morning.”

Senior Colvin Fields shows off his dance moves at the Seattle Aquarium.

The line for prom pictures extended all the way to the dance floor.

“Going to South Seattle Community College for nursing and transferring to PLU to continue nursing.”

“Freedom and less work, trying the SPD (Seattle Police Department) obstacle course.”

Daniel Conde

Trevohnne James

Colvin Fields

“Independence, making money and growing up.”

“Moving out and traveling to Mexico and Brazil.”

“I am not excited about anything; it’s school all over again.”

Muhktar Isaac

Nekaylah Skeeter

Leonard Tran

Compiled by Jose Elenes, Edwin Garcia-Felix and Autumn Williams, Cleveland Journal reporters

14

The Journal

Sports

Thursday, June 6, 2013

From the New football coach looking Sidelines to turn Eagles into champions

Soccer team makes the goal

BY JOSHUA ELAYDO Cleveland Journal reporter The Cleveland boys’ soccer team is filled with great soccer players. These men are motivated, to do their best to squash their enemies. The team wants to be called CHS futbol team instead because that’s how the sport is known internationally.

Many people had high hopes for the team, but they won only a single game, going 1-10 for the season. Still, that didn’t dampen their spirits, and many of the players earn All-Metro honors.

“It feels good to be chosen,” said forward Jaspar Wyman.

He was named to the All-Metro 1st Team.

“I am the greatest futbol player ever in this whole school,” forward Abdi Abdi bragged. He tries to model his play after Lionel Messi, an Ar-

gentine footballer who plays forward for La Liga FC, Barcelona and the Argentina national team. Abdi wants to be better than Messi and worked hard by playing soccer nonstop last summer.

Another forward, Agaziyan Mengesha, said he wants to be like Ronaldinho, a Brazilian footballer who plays for Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro. Mengesha also spent his summer playing soccer every day. “The soccer team doesn’t have subs; the players play all game,” said Mengesha. “It’s tiring.”

Both boys love and playing with the CHS soccer team.

The boys are coached by Mark McAlexander who does everything he can do to make the team better.

Jose Perez, Mohammed Mohammed and Temo Hernandez all made the 2nd Team. All of them play forward for the Eagles.

BY ALINA AMKHAVONG Cleveland Journal reporter School is ending and summer is just around the corner, but that’s not the only thing people are anticipating. Although the Eagles had a tough football season last year, the new head coach is excited to turn the team around.

Coach Jeffrey Schmidt holds 18 years of coaching experience and has seen teams go from challenged to champions under his leadership.

Schmidt played football throughout high school, but the game didn’t stop there. After leaving his hometown of Chicago at 17, he joined the Marine Corps for four years and played on their football team. “It was awesome,” he said. “I protected the country and played football at the same time.

Plus I got paid.” After leaving to play for the Puget Sound Jets, Schmidt blew out his knee. His injury didn’t set him back; it gave him the opportunity to live his passion for football by becoming a coach.

For Schmidt, the most rewarding part about coaching is when past players return years later and bring up memories of certain football games or plays.

One of Schmidt’s most memorable moments was the joy he felt when he coached a losing team to winning the state championship game after only two years. Transforming a team of firstyear football players into championship-worthy athletes was an unforgettable achievement for Schmidt that he will always cherish. Those are the moments he lives for, and he firmly believes in building relationships with the kids he coaches. “If you’re not in it for the kids and the lifelong relationships, you shouldn’t coach,” he said.

At Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett, Schmidt brought home two state titles. He

CLEVELAND JOURNAL

New football coach Jeff Schmidt previously led Everett’s Archbishop Murphy High School to two state titles. hopes to do the same for Cleveland’s team and feels “very blessed” for the opportunity. “It’s a great place with good kids and potential. There are just a lot of diamonds in the rough,” Schmidt said. The inner-city environment of South Seattle is what he likes about Cleveland; it reminds him of his Chicago roots.

It’s not all about football for Schmidt. He enjoys going on family vacations and spending time with them. He also loves to see athletes succeed in the classroom, so academics are a big part of playing football.

For those interested in joining next year’s team, Schmidt welcomes you. “If you’re ready to be academic, be part of a team, committed and put in great effort then come out for football!”

COURTESY OF ANNETTE DUVALL

Zachary Tong, left, Winny Wu, Cindy Lee, Katie Bui and Gartiez Darden pose with their plaques.

Athletes honored by 101 Club Katie Bui, Cindy Lee, Winny Wu, Zach Tong, Gartiez Darden and Wilson Yip were honored by the 101 Club for their academic and athletic accomplishments at Cleveland. Bui and Tong both received $1,500 towards their college education after submitting a personal essay.

CLEVELAND JOURNAL

Athletic Director Annette Duvall holds a check for $10,000 from Muscle Milk at the Spring Sports Assembly on March 8. The money will be spent on new uniforms and equipment for the football team.

Muscle Milk gives cheddar to CHS football CLEVELAND JOURNAL

2013-14 Cheerleaders announced In May, 23 girls tried out for the CHS Cheer Squad. The team lost seven seniors this year. Nineteen girls were selected to join the 2013-14 team. They are: Daisha Abercrombie, Gretchen Ancheta, Sunshine Arcilla, Jade Bowen, Yalonda Buchanan, Delannah Collins-Wright, Prinnces Doniego, Asha Graves-Dixon, Emonie Larry, Angela Lee, Daija Levias, Yvonne Quach, Mylena Rodriguez, Leilani Sheffey, Cheiko Stephens, Loni Stubberfield, Antoneyah Washington, Aaliyah Williams and Jennifer Williams. Congratulations, ladies!

BY JOSHUA ELAYDO Cleveland Journal reporter As you walk in Athletic Director Annette Duvall’s office, a huge $10,000 check sits on her cabinet near the door. In February, the Cleveland football program was awarded a grant from Muscle Milk to go towards new uniforms and equipment. Before, the team played in ripped jerseys and pads that were too small or made out of foam.

Over 600 schools and organizations applied to get some of the $250,000 that the Muscle Milk Recovery Grant would provide.

CHS was one of the 22 schools across the nation – and the only one in Washington state – that received some of the money.

“The new uniforms are awesome,” said CHS football player Abdi Abdi.

Duvall was especially happy. “Receiving this grant from Muscle Milk for Cleveland has been the most gratifying accom-

plishment in 18 years in this profession,” she said in an email to staff members. “Amazingly blessed.”

“It’s pretty cool getting new uniforms,” freshman Latrez Darden said.

With athletic programs growing and adding participants, each sports program will need new things. The grant allows the athletics department to redirect and supply needs to other programs.

The Journal

opinion

Thursday, June 6, 2013

15

Have some pride about yourself, your school

Commentary

BY ELIZABETH PAULSON Cleveland Journal reporter As the school year ends, I remember all the things that make me proud to be an Eagle.

Cleveland is an alternative STEM school, which means that all the students chose to enroll here. And even though CHS has to potential to make us college ready, let’s be honest – the main reason most of us came here was to get

“free” laptops. Eventually, reality set in and along came the projects.

It seemed pretty simple at first, get a group, do the project, present, repeat.

Many things can go wrong in between getting the entry ticket and presenting the final project, and I believe this is where we begin to lose pride in ourselves. Though this school can be difficult, we all chose to be here. Let’s be proud of the work we do.

As we all know, when it comes to school spirit, CHS is on the low end of the Clap-O’-Meter. The students and teachers acknowledge this and strive to do better each year. Some ways we could show pride is by having more spirit weeks, more pep rallies, and strong attendance at sporting events. We should all go to home games, especially when one of our teams is having a winning season.

Our Lady Eagles basketball team won their second state title in three years.

There was very little hype among the

students after the win. What kind of school doesn’t celebrate their team’s winning streak? I’ll tell you who: Cleveland High School students.

I’ve heard all of the excuses: “The game is too far away” or “I’m too busy.”

Who cares? Get over it. My personal favorite is “Why should I go? We suck!”

Well, obviously we don’t suck. The big trophy in the main office proves it. I understand where kids are coming from when they make comments like these.

Many of our sports teams have had a few rough years, but have we been supporting them, encouraging them to do better? No, we’re not.

We can’t expect our Eagles to get better, be better, without the entire student body’s support. No, our football team isn’t a powerhouse and yes, our baseball team needs some work, but it’s not always about winning. Sometimes it’s about supporting your peers.

We need to get up, gear up and paint our faces red! We need to cheer until

our voices are hoarse. Show your pride!

If you don’t have pride, then you need to get off your ass and find some!

Though Cleveland does sometimes get a bad rep for being “a south-end school,” we shouldn’t let stereotypes affect our opinion. We have a lot to be proud of here, like our diversity. People of all different races, cultures and backgrounds can come to Cleveland to learn without discrimination. There are no strangers here. Everybody knows everybody and for the most part, we all get along. That’s a rare quality in a high school.

As hormonal teenagers, we believe that what happens in high school stays with us forever. Some of it does, many times in bad ways. But a lot of it doesn’t.

All you can hope for when you leave high school is a diploma and some good memories. One of the main ways to have a good high school experience – which later blossoms into to good memories – is to have pride in the school. You chose it so live it and love it. Go Eagles!

ClubHub

Robotics making big moves

BY EMONIE LARRY AND AUTUMN WILLIAMS Cleveland Journal reporters

PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH PAULSON / CLEVELAND JOURNAL

CHS students and staff stand in front of Ark Lodge Cinemas. Junior Amelia Boyer said, “I read the book, and I’ve seen the old movie and I want to see how this movie was.” Another student who read the book, junior Adam Gruenbaum, said, “I really liked how it was really well written … It’s a day off school, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they interpreted it.”

Library Club views “Gatsby”

Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation and application of robots. As technology continues to advance, we are burdened with keeping up with it.

The Robotics Club at Cleveland has become an innovative experience for both upper and lower classmen. Run by Doug Hartley, this club is nothing short of extraordinary. Building and designing robots is this club’s specialty.

Hartley’s expertise is offered not only as an after-school club, but also as a class for 3rd period. During the robotics season, they have one main goal: Create an efficient robot based off of digital designs that are created on the computer as a 3D model.

Distribution of the work is sectioned off by learning goals and interest in tasks. From the builders to the techs,

the collaborative work is distributed fairly in order to build the life-sized model.

Ryk Murakami, a senior in the robotics program, says that the biggest challenge is money and time. “We don’t always have the funding to create robots, and so we are often creating 3D models,” he said.

The robotics team recently participated in an annual competition where they had six weeks to build a robot that is capable of throwing a Frisbee and climbing a ladder. While the robotics team did well on the engineering of the robot, they were unable to make it past the first level of the competition. Getting the robot to climb was the only thing that held them back.

Overall, the competition proved to be a learning experience. The team was able to draw positive feedback for their next attempt, and they will come back harder and stronger, ready to take the next competition head on.

BY ELIZABETH PAULSON Cleveland Journal reporter On May 15, the Library Club took 36 students and two teachers to see “The Great Gatsby,” at Columbia City’s Ark Lodge Cinemas.

The film, which was directed by Baz Luhrmann, takes place in the summer of 1922. Flappers roamed freely, jazz music rumbled in speakeasies and lavish parties marked the time of the roaring 20s.

This past year, both the juniors and seniors had the opportunity to read the book Librarian Kathleen Dunbar planned the event. “I love Baz Luhrmann, the director, because I love his “Romeo and Juliet” movie that came out in the ‘90s.”

If you missed this event, don’t worry!

The Library Club already has a movie trip planned for next year to see “Maximum Ride.” “Most of the people in Library Club have read “Maximum Ride” and they really like it,” Dunbar said.

Members of the Robotics Club pose with their Frisbeethrowing robot.

The chaperons Laura Blackburn and Kathleen Dunbar posed in front of the movie poster for “The Great Gatsby.”

Dunbar said, “My favorite part was the costumes, the dresses, OMG. I wanted those dresses and jewelry. Those were great.” The brilliant Art Deco jewelry was designed by Tiffany&Co.

EMONIE LARRY / CLEVELAND JOURNAL

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The Journal Thursday, June 6, 2013

World-renowned choir to perform at CHS

BY IZET MENDOZA Cleveland Journal reporter Save the date! The Seattle Peace Chorus will perform their first high school concert, “Canto General,” in Cleveland’s auditorium on June 8 at 7:30 p.m.

This Saturday evening performance will combine Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s poems and renowned Greek composer Mikis Theodrakis’s music. Preceding the performance will be a 45-minute presentation in Room 1201 by a group of Chileans and will include a reading by a Chilean Mapuche poet.

Former CHS foreign-language teacher Dale Rector and his wife Suzanne Hurley are the driving force behind hosting the concert at Cleveland. They both helped coordinate the group’s performance.

COURTESY OF SEATTLE PEACE CHORUS “The chorus has always wanted to reach out educationally to youth,” Rec- The Seattle Peace Chorus has been preparing for the “Canto General” concert tor told The Seattle Times. The group has since November. They will perform at CHS on Saturday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m.

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Soaring & Rising Eagle Awards 6 p.m.

Seattle Peace Chorus “Canto General” Concert; CHS Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

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GRADUATION! Congratulations, Class of 2013

Last day of school; 1-hour early dismissal

been practicing since last November to pronounce every syllable correctly.

A hundred complimentary tickets will be available for Cleveland students, giving them the opportunity to attend the “Canto General” concert for free! For students who miss out on the complimentary tickets, they still can attend for $5. Parents of Cleveland students also will have a piece of this glory. They can purchase tickets for $10.

Those not connected to the Cleveland community can order tickets for $20 in advance online at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling at 800-838-3006.

Tickets are $25 at the door. The ticket price for seniors, non-Cleveland students and special needs is $18. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Cleveland High School music program.

The Seattle Peace Chorus encourages Cleveland High School students to attend this rare performance, so save the date for an unforgettable performance!

Congratulations to our Cleveland Journal seniors

DANIEL DOAN / CLEVELAND JOURNAL

Jennifer Chhan Jose Elenes Edwin Garcia-Felix Autumn Williams

Thanks for your hard work!

From your CJ staff

More senior quotes What advice do you have to offer incoming seniors?

“When there’s work to do, do it. Don’t procrastinate.”

Jonathan Adams “Never give up no matter how hard the challenge is because you have to go through the impossible to make it possible.”

Claira Le

“Keep a planner for the whole year and stick to it! Do everything as soon as possible or you will regret it later!”

Elizabeth Santana

“Don’t be stupid about life; make the right decisions.”

Jenee Wilson