E YE ON E DUCATION
J ULY 2008
Gaines School Receives Statewide Recognition
PHS West Campus Talent Showcase
By Gabriela Pedroza
The Talent Showcase was a night to display talent from the Paramount High School West Campus students and staff for everyone to see in the auditorium.
The show started at 7:00 p.m. and was presented by ASB. It was a time not only to shine a light upon the hidden talent at school, but also a fundraiser that raised $1,080 of PHS West Campus fundraising total of $3,800 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The Talent Showcase was hosted by Alex Gonzalez who brought calmness to the audience as well as to the performing acts backstage. The opening act was the West Campus All Stars made up of singers and musicians from Mr. Morvan’s choir class and guitar club (Jennifer Biger, Kassandra Silva, Jacquelyn Taffoyla, Ivan Aguello, Alex Trinidad, and Zach Holzboog) got the night started with “Our Song”.
Some of the many highlights of the show were Kelvin Woods
Kelvin Woods was a hit singing “Try a Little Tenderness.”
singing “Try a Little Tenderness” and the Raqsy Pirates (Lydia Avelino as “Saguira”, Perla Vargas as “Fareedah”, and Kimberly Delgado as “Kissa”) belly dancing performance called “Real Women Wear Veils”.
Other highlights from the talented people who performed were Paloma Ibarra, Ms. Vu with a piano solo “Sweet By and By”, Alex Gonzalez, Janelle Bluit, Shayteka Stewart, Jacquelyn Taf-
foyla, Ivan Arguello, Alex Sarabia, Gabriela Pedroza singing “Fall to Pieces”, Suzane Alvarez, Yasmeen Andrade, Dal Arguello and 2 ill 4 U (Kelvin Woods, Donnise Hubbard, Shayteka Stewart, Tyna Colen, Victoria Lee, and Christopher Johnson) dancing to “Shawty Get Loose”.
PHS West Campus participated in “Pennies for Patients”, which is a fundraising campaign dedicated to helping kids and teens with Leukemia or Lymphoma. The funds, collected during a threeweek period, benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Everyone who participates is a winner just like all the performers at the Talent Showcase were winners.
Other fundraising activities put into action by ASB were the Pie Throwing lunchtime activity (students had an opportunity to throw a pie in a teacher’s face), Hello Grams, and classroom fundraising competitions with a pizza party as a reward to encourage students to actively give to this wonderful society.
Math Adds Up for the American Cancer Society
Los Cerritos School held its First Annual Math-a-Thon this May. Students in grades 4th through 8th were given 200 math problems to complete. Students gathered sponsors to pledge an amount of money per problem or give a flat monetary donation. The event was capped off with a Dunk Your Teacher Event. This was especially popular with the
students! Kelly Anderson and Stephanie Alexis organized the event to raise money for American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The students and staff of Los Cerritos raised over $1500 and the top fund raiser was Jose Estrada, a 5th grade student. The event was organized in honor of Michelle Summer- Caffrey, a former Los Cerritos teacher who lost
her battle to cancer. Our support will help enable the American Cancer Society fund cutting-edge research, provide education, and help improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The Math-a-Thon was a great way for students to practice their math skills, while supporting the American Cancer Society. Way to go Bulldogs!
Excitedly, a team of staff members and parents from Wesley Gaines School attended the Annual State Title I Conference held in Century City, April 20 through 22. Gaines School was one of four hundred schools statewide recognized and honored at the Title I Academic Award Ceremony. State Superintendent of Education, Jack O’Connell presented Mrs. Stevens, Principal, with an impressive plaque and flag. Also on stage for a cameo photo with the State Superintendent was School Board Member Alicia Anderson and Dr. Morales, Reading First Director.
A reception and banquet dinner followed. All of the Gaines representatives felt especially honored at this statewide event.
State
Lincoln’s Kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Musical
Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick!
Jack Jumped Over the Candlestick! This classic nursery rhyme along with many others such as Hickory, Dickory Dock and The Itsy Bitsy Spider were part of Lincoln School’s Nursery Rhyme Musical presented by the kindergarten students to a packed house on Thursday evening, May 1, 2008. Parents were delighted to see the children beat drums, clap hands, and dance while chanting and singing to a variety of rhymes.
Nursery rhymes have been shared from generation to generation and are a perfect way to teach to children how to read. Young children enjoy the humor, rhythm, rhyme and colorful characters that nursery rhymes provide. They also include a variety of subject matter and have a simple story line. They can be repeated over and over without boredom,
provide an opportunity for drama, and are so easy to remember.
Learning nursery rhymes is a part of the Kindergarten Open Court Reading program. Through nursery rhymes, students gain important knowledge about language through chanting and singing. Rhyme activities help students focus on and manipulate sounds. Words are made up of specific sounds that can be taken apart, put back together or changed to make new words. As children learn to manipulate the words of nursery rhymes, they are indeed emerging as readers.
Thanks to Mrs. Figueira, Ms. Lindsey, and Mrs. Tanner, Lincoln’s Kindergarten students twinkled like little stars.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES
July 8, 2008 – August 19, 2008
Board of Education meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Boardroom at the District Office, 15110 California Avenue, Paramount, and are open to the public
Superintendent of Education Jack O’Connell congratulated the Paramount Unified School District representatives.
Cheryl Figueira
Michael Naruko
Alvin Heng 2008 Salutatorian
On your mark, get set, go! Ever since freshmen year, Alvin Heng has been part of the swim team. Not only was he Varsity Swim Captain, but he’s class of 2008 Salutatorian. During his four years of high school, Alvin has managed to balance his school work and social life. He has taken 14 out of the 17 AP/Honors courses offered including AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Physics and AP Chemistry. He was able to maintain a GPA of 4.43. He has been involved in “Putting on the Hits,” “Faculty Follies, ” and the Spring Musical as well as being a member of Corsaires, Macaws, Leadership, and CSF. Alvin plans to study computer Engineering, and work in the media business. He would also like to get involved in the music industry.
“My spidey sense is tingling!” As so is Alvin’s. His hero is Spider-Man because he’s a hero who puts others before himself. He does great things, yet he hides behind a mask, never asking for recognition. Alvin has achieved many awards which include being a Bank of America Plaque Winner and being accepted at Stanford, his college of choice.
Attending Paramount High has given him many memories, but his most memorable recollection was being a part of the Varsity swim team. Swimming at CIF was
exciting, exhausting, and nerve-racking. At CIF, hundreds of swimmers and coaches come together to race and compete. It took perseverance and dedication to compete in state finals.
Alvin’s message to the class of 2008: “I wish you good luck, and ignore all negative influences around you, and take advantage of every opportunity you are given to succeed. Believe in yourself! The possibilities are endless! Have a good time and stay focused. Peace is Easy.”
“Don’t make yourself the victim, make yourself the VICTOR!”
GPA 4.44
Raul Gutierrez
Valedictorian
“According to aerodynamics laws, the bumblebee cannot fly. Its bodyweight is not the right proportion to its wingspan. Ignoring these laws, the bee flies anyway.” (M. Saint League)
Much like the bumblebee, Raul Gutierrez has ignored the negative stereotypes and overcome countless obstacles in his personal, financial, and academic life. As a small boy, Raul looked upon his dad as his superhero who inspired him and taught him the value of hard work, the importance of determination, and the will to succeed and read for his dreams. He has fulfilled his dream to become the valedictorian of the class of 2008 with an overall GPA of 4.64. Raul’s high school experience was similar to a math problem; it required managing formulas and calculations of long equations in order to obtain a single value. He has managed taking 16 out of the 17 AP/Honors courses offered at PHS and was involved in extracurricular activities, including Macaws, Football, and Comedy Sportz. His many personal sacrifices paved the path that led to his accomplishments. Among the honors earned are the Gates Scholarship, Bank of America Plaque Winner, and AP Scholar. He received a full scholarship to Notre Dame and has been accepted at Stanford and Cal Tech.
He encourages other students to believe in themselves. “People should
reach for their goals no matter what others may say, because dreams are meant to be conducted by those who created them.”
His future plans are to major in electrical engineering with an emphasis on computer hardware, attend Cal Tech, and work for Intel. Raul thanks his teachers, family, friends, and counselors, and will continue to pursue his dreams to make his family proud.
One of his most memorable high school experiences will always be when Mr. Cantrell told him, “I’m proud of you, Raul.”
“Once you acquire GANAS, no one can impede your path to SUCCESS!”
GPA 4.63
2008 Pete Pirate
Chosen as Pete Pirate because of his active involvement in the life of the school, Felipe Hernandez was a role model for following students to admire. His many interests drove much of his involvement at school, and he was able, as well, to place academically in the “Top Ten” of the Class of 2008.
Felipe was involved in Football as a freshman and sophomore, was President and co-founder of the Debate Club, was active as a performer on the Comedy Sportz Team, and served as treasurer for Class of ’08 for his junior and senior years. In addition, he was a member of the Macaws, the Latino Club, the College Club, CSF, MESA, and on staff of the Porthole.
Outside of school, Felipe attended the California Think Tank debate forum, and was a 2008 California State Youth Ambassador, which allowed him to visit the State Superintendent of Schools and present their survey findings and propose actions to help improve the quality of education. He received recognition for participating in these activities as well as a National Mathematics Award from the US Achievement Academy.
The other part of Felipe’s life revolves around music. He is a member of both the Jazz Band and the Funk Band which performs frequently. As a senior, he participated in “Puttin’ On The Hits” as guita rist and singer of an original song. He is
also a working musician on weekends and holidays working private parties and festivals where he plays guitar, drums, and sings.
Felipe Hernandez is truly a wellrounded product of Paramount High School, who represents the best of what Paramount has to offer to the outside world.
“I embody the spirit because I have pursued my passion of music without restraint. Music flows through my veins and when I play I reach a nirvana that delivers me from this world into the next. In addition, I have pursed the treasure of knowledge and working to my fullest potential, in regards to academics. I have steered away from the negative influences that surround my community and have responded by volunteering my time and offering my ideas. I have also gone outsided Paramount in order to gain knowledge and returned to influence those around me.”—Felipe Hernandez
2008 Polly Pirate
As the 2008 Polly Pirate, Triana Patel has set a high standard for those who will follow in her footsteps. Her extensive involvement with school started as a fresh[wo]man and has continued through her senior year. Work is not an unknown verb in Triana’s vocabulary. Each and every task, whether academic or activity, was given 100% of her effort.
She was a member of leadership for four years, and as such, has been instrumental in the planning and preparation of both campuses for many different types of activities. Some of her other leadership activities included attending the Rotary Leadership Camp, the Red Cross Leadership Development Center, and the CADA Leadership Camp. She was also a student representative on the School Site Counsel, which meets monthly. This group includes administrators, teachers, classified staff, and parents as well as students.
Vivian Hansen, President
Sonya Cuellar, VP/Clerk
Alicia Linden-Anderson, Member
Linda Garcia, Member
Tony Peña, Member
Verdugo, Ed.D.
Triana also accepted leadership roles in many of the organizations she belonged to on campus. She was in the College Club, CSF, Macaws, Class of ’08, and the Choral Music Club. Added responsibility was assumed when she accepted the co-editorship of the yearbook for ‘08. Triana has been in “Puttin’ on the Hits” and participated in the “Rotary Roundtable” for three years, was a multiple semester Gold Card Renaissance member and attended the Perfect Attendance
Carnival.
To top it all off, Triana was in the Top Ten academically in the Class of 2008 and at the same time, took several classes at Cerritos College. Congratulations, Triana Patel, for making a difference at Paramount High School.
“I believe that Pirate Spirit is... a crowd cheering at the football game... the sound of applause at the Winter Formal Rally...the sound of footsteps hitting the ground as sports teams prepare for their competitions...the sound of doors closing at lunch time for club meetings...the joyous faces of families getting helped by Macaws... the joined voices of all the choirs at the Winter Concert...the music of the band pounding into our bodies during assemblies...and the clicking of yearbook cameras as the school is captured, full of spirit and united.” – Triana Patel
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2008
MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2008 RECEIVED NUMEROUS AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND ACCEPTANCES TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Awards
Bank of America Plaque Winners
Math and Science – Alvin Heng, Raul Guiterrez, Felipe Hernandez
Liberal Arts – Michelle Cisneros
Bank of America Achievement Awards Scholarship
Felipe Hernandez (finalist Region 9)
California Scholarship Federation
Lifetime Membership Award
Ashley Anderson, Felipe Hernandez, Krissa Molina, Triana Patel, Edgar Rodriguez, Noel Sanchez, Evelyn Urena, Daniel Varela
Life Membership Award – Highest Honor Ricardo Barahona, Guadalupe Cervantes, Raul Gutierrez, Maria Haro, Alvin Heng, Nora Juarez, Alicia Mangold, Jaqueline Medina, Rene Romero, Laura Romo, Dustin Salazar, Davonda Williams
Academic Graduation Honors
High Honors at Graduation
Grade point average of 3.75 and above:
Raul Gutierrez, Alvin Heng, Guadalupe Cervantes, Rene Romero, Ricardo Barahona, Triana Patel, Maria Haro, Felipe Hernandez, Yubeli Urrea, Jennifer Florimon, Christopher Alvila, Laura omo, Davonda Williams, Diego DelCampo, Nora Juarez, Miguell Toloza, Daniel Varela, Krissia Molina, Jaqueline Medina, Chinedu Nwankwo, Dustin Salazar
Honors at Graduation
Grade point average of 3.5 to 3.74
Julia Adame, Evelyn Urena, Mirza Villarreal, Mayra Espinoza, William Benson, Armando Alvarez, Alicia Mangold, Noel Sanchez, Debbie Duran, Guillermo Parga, Cinthia Padilla, Bianca Martinez, Isis Vargas, Anilia Figueroa, Ashley Riley, Trashonda, Hudson, Lizabeth Iniquez, Elizabeth Alvarez, Dolores Yanely, Sammie Johnson, David Aguayo, Kelly Guerrero, Angeline Ambrosio, Jeffry Mejia, Veronica Salazar, Judith Lopez, Alma Uribe, Kevin Heng, Iris Murillo, Vanessa Ojeda, Michelle Cisneros, Mayra Herrera
Athletes of the Year
All School Male Johnathan Morales
All School Female Stephanie Aliimitafitafi
Scholarships
CSU-Bakersfield
Elgin Scott, Randel Rowley
California Assoc. of Supervisors of Child Welfare & Attendance
CASCWA (Lillie Wilson Scholarship)
Lizeth Ayala
Cal-Soap
Laura Romo, Nora Juarez, Veronica Salazar, Luis Guzman, Sabit Haque, Araceli Gonzalez, Estrella Aguilar, Edie Banuelos, Leza Gonzalez, Jacqueline Medina, Felipe Hernandez, Guadalupe Cervantes, Alex Salazar
Randy Cantrell Memorial Scholarship
(Donor: Mr. Michael Haynes)
Armando Alvarez, Joseph Ayala, Ricardo Barahona, Guadalupe Cervantes, Stephanie Fonseca, Raul Gutierrez, Alvin Heng, Felipe Hernandez, Krissa Molina, Rene Romero
Elk’s Club Student of the Month Scholarship Winners
October 2007
Najee Jamerson, Dustin Salazar
November, 2007
Chinedu Nwankwo
January 2008
Lidia Olvera, Laura Romo
February 2008
Krissa Molina
March 2008
Jesse Recillas
April 2008
William Benson, Raul Gutierrez
May 2008
Alvin Heng
GATES Millennium Scholarship
Raul Gutierrez
Holy Names University Scholarship
Elgin Scott ($48,000), Randel Rowley ($90,000)
Horatio Alger Association
Raul Gutierrez
Hospital Volunteers
Kevin Haylock
KTLA-Pechanga Scholarship
Diego Del Campo
Dr. Sumie Imada Scholarship
Alvin Heng, Guadalupe Cervantes, Diego Del Campo, Triana Pater
Lady Elks Club Noel Sanchez, Laura Romo
Maureen McCarthey Foundation Scholarship for Teacher Ed Miguel Toloza, Lizette Cruz
Mid-Cities Schools Credit Union
Chinedu Troy Nwankwo
Orange County Teacher Federal Credit Union
Veronica Salazar
Paramount PTSA Diego Del Campo, Maria Haro, Noel Sanchez, Davonda Williams
Paramount Council PTA
Guadalupe Cervantes, Alvin Heng, Felipe Hernandez, Triana Patel
Paramount Education Partnership Scholarships (PEP)
Guadalupe Cervantes, Jacqueline Robles, Daniel Varela, Luis Guzman, Chinedy Troy Nwankwo, Alvin Heng, Veronica Slazar, Dustin Salazar, Noel Sanchez
Paramount Tepic/Sister Cities Association
Dustin Salazar, Luis Guzman, Aaron Norman, Maria Haro
Paramount Women’s Club Vocational Scholarship Elizabeth Rios
Academic Scholarship Rosie Valencia, William Benson
Music/Art Scholarship Felipe Hernandez
Principal’s Leadership Award Triana Patel
Rancho Southeast Realtors Association Alvin Heng, Luis Guzman
Robert C. Byrd Honors Raul Gutierrez
Rotary Club of Paramount
Cesar Garcia (Heath Machine), Priscilla Ahfook (Heath Machine), Edgar Guzman (Heath Machine), Nora Juarez (Heath Machine), Maria Haro (Heath Machine), Laura Romo (Heath Machine), Alvin Heng (Heath Machine), Rene Romero (Heath Machine), Felipe Hernandez (Advance Masonry & Concrete) Triana Patel (Cal Tex), Dante Mendoza (Daryl & Barbara Hofmeyer) Kevin Haylock (Gateway Bank) Luis Guzman (Harwick Standard), Jaqueline Medina (Jay Wilbur), Stephanie Zarate (Norma Long), Karla Melgar (Options in Design), Rony Godoy (PC Associates), Rosie Valencia (R&S Processing), Davonda Williams (Royal Truck Body, Inc.), Evelyn Urena (Swift Produce), Jaquelyn Robles (Teri Mouren-Laurens), Aaron Norman (Weiss Properties, Inc.), West Coast-Accudyne, Inc.) Dustin Salazar (California Financial Services), Noel Sanchez (LPA, Inc.), Raul Gutierrez (Weber Metals).
Bob Sawyer Elks Memorial Scholarship Noel Sanchez
SARB Award
Lazeth Ayala (Shirley Abrams Award)
SARB State of California Southern Section KeiVon Drew
Soroptimist International of Paramount Scholarship Business Sponsors: Kevin Haylock (Supervisor Don Knabe), Diego Del Campo (Paramount Petroleum), Triana Patel (Garfield Animal Hospital), William Benson (Carlton Forge), Stephanie Zarate (Landmark Insurance), Laura Romo (Garfield Animal Hospital)
Soroptimist Scholarships
2008 Valedictorian
Raul Gutierrez
2008 Salutatorian
Alvin Heng
Senior Class Award Winners
Pete Pirate Polly Pirate
Felipe Hernandez Triana Patel
Jaqueline Medina, Noel Sanchez, Dustin Salazar, Alvin Heng, Felipe Hernandez, Iris Murillo, Rene Romero, Jennifer Alvarez-Vazquez, Guadalupe Cervantes
Suburban Medical Center Volunteer Scholarship
Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, USA
Dustin Salazar
Teacher’s Association of Paramount (TAP)
Joe Campbell & Prescott Foster Memorial Scholarship in Visual/Performing Art
Randy Rowley, Luis Guzman
Evelyn Smith Memorial Scholarship in Teaching
Miguel Toloza
TAP General
Elizabeth Rios, Nora Juarez, Emily Polanco
U.S. Army Scholar Athletes
Noel Sanchez, Alicia Mangold
University of Notre Dame
Raul Gutierrez ($49,000)
Wiley College
Elgin Scott (full academic)
College Acceptances
Advance College
Ebony Beauford
The Art Institute of California-Los Angeles
Jennifer Alvarez
Boise State
Eddie Banuelos
California Institute of Technology
Raul Gutierrez
Colorado State University
Luis Merida
CS Polytechnic University
Raul Gutierrez
CS Polytechnic University-Pomona
William Benson, Yanely Delores, Bianca Martinez, Rene Robero
CSU, Bakersfield
Randel Rowley, Mary Varela
CSU, Dominguez Hills
Estrella Aguilar, Juan Aguirre, Elizabeth Alvarez, Angeline Ambrosio, Edwin Atilano, Christopher Avila, Alice Babrera, Eddie Banuelos, Marcicarmen Banuelos, Elnora Barrancas, Joel Castaneda, Laura Castaneda, Luis Castillo, Guadalupe Cervantes, Eduardo Cruz, Molly Diaz, Ranely Dolores, Mayra Espinoza, Daisy Garcia, Kiana Glass, Christopher, Godinez, Alexis Gomez, Cynthia Gomez-Chavez, Kelly Guerrero, Daniel Gutierrez, Maria Haro, Gloria Hernandez, Alejandra Juarez, Jessica Lizarraga, Pauletter Madrigal, Diana Magana, Fredy, Martinez, Eric Moctezuma, Susan Mosqueda, Iris Murillo, Rigo Nieves, Chinedu Nwankwo, Cindy Ochoa, Anahi Padilla, Cinthia Padilla, Steffani Peralta, Susana Perez, Martha Quijano, Lizette Ramirez, Estephany Ramos, Ariana Reteguin, Ashley, Riley, Brittney Rodriguez, Hugo Rodriguez, Laura Romo, Noel Sanchez, Emely Silva, Garrett Sloan, Miguel Tolza, Alma Uribe
CSU-East Bay
Kelly Guerrero
CSU, Fresno Kyle Silver
CSU, Fullerton
Maricarmen Banuelos, Joel Castaneda, Adrian Castro, Yanely Dolores, Debbie Duran, Jazmin Flores, Rony Godoy, Raquel Pimental, Daniel Ramirez, Laura Romo, Kevin Haylock, Kyle Silver, Jacqueline Robles
CSU, Long Beach
Julia Adame, David Aguayo, Denisse Alvarado, Armando Alvarez, Elizabeth Alvarez, Angeline Ambrosio, Ashley Anderson, Edwin Atilano, Christropher Avila, Joseph Ayala, Maricarmen Banuelos, William Benson, Robert Bernal, Emily-Corrine Breen, Joel Castaneda, Leonel Castaneda, Luis Casillo, Adrian Castro, Guadalupe Cervantes, Stephanie Chavez, Chris Cho, Michelle Cisneros, Victor Cobar, Viviana Cornejo, Damaris Cruz, Eduardo Cruz, Lizette Cruz, David Diaz, Yanely Dolores, Debbie Duran, Mayra Espinoza, Ina Felix, Stephanie Fonseca, Tremell Fountain, Niabi Gallegos, Daisy Garcia, Kiana Glass, Rony Godoy, Alexis Gomez, Enrique Gonzales, Kelly Guerrero, Raul Gutierrez, Luis Guzman, Sabit Haque, Maria Haro, Kevin Haylock, Felipe Hernandez, Gloria Hernandez, Lizbeth Iniguez, Johathan Kom, Sarah Ly, Diana Magana, Jaqueline Medina, Jeffry Mejia, Joseph Mekhaiel, Karla Melgar, Luis Merida, Krissia Molina, Melissa Montoya, Melanie Mora, Jonathan Morales, Janette Munoz, Iris Murillo, Rigo Nieves, Chinedu Nwankwo, Cindy Ochoa, Vanessa
Ojeda, Hazel Ortiz, Cinthia Padilla, Guillermo Parga, Steffani Peralta, Raquel Pimentel, Eva Quintero, Estephany Ramos, Jesse Recillas, Ashley Riley, Brittney Rodriguez, Laura Romo, Alex Salazar, Dustin Salazar, Noel Sanchez, Kyle Silver, Miguel Toloza, Alma Uribe, Yubeli Urrea, Rosie Valencia, Issis Vargas, Davonda Williams, Elizabeth Zambrano, Stephanie Zibray, Daniel Varela, Luis Guzman, Veronica Salazar, Steffani Perlata, Dulce
CSU, Los Angeles Maricarmen Banuelos, Joel Castaneda, Adrian Castro, Damaris Cruz, Debbie Duran, Stephanie Fonseca, Tremell Fountain, Raul Gutierrez, Susan Mosqueda, Lourdes Murillo, Rigo Nieves, Alfonso Nives, Garrett Sloan, Mary Varela
CSU, Monterey Bay Luis Merida
CSU, Northridge Karla Melgar, Chinedu Nwankwo, Raquel Pimental, Kyle Silver
CSU, Sacramento Alex Salazar
CSU, San Bernardino Mary Varela
CSU, San Francisco Daniel Ramirez
CSU, San Jose Daniel Ramirez
Harvard University
Raul Gutierrez
Harvey Mudd College
Raul Gutierrez
Holy Names University Randel Rowley
Howard University Randel Rowley
Humbolt State University Michelle Cisneros, Luis Merida
Mississippi State University Kelly Guerrero
Notre Dame Raul Gutierrez
Stanford University
Alvin Heng, Raul Gutierrez
UC, Berkeley Raul Gutierrez
UC, Davis Triana Patel, Rene Romero, Laura Romo
UC, Irvine
Julia Adame, Guadalupe Cervantes, Alvin Heng, Chinedu Nwankwo, Rene Romero, Laura Romo, Noel Sanchez, Evelyn Urena, Mirza Villarreal, Ricardo Barahona, Diego Del Campo, Raul Gutierrez, Felipe Hernandez, Triana Patel, Dustin Salazar, Miguel Toloza, Daniel Varela, Guadalupe Cervantes, Dustin Salazar
UC, Los Angeles
Guadalupe Cervantes, Raul Gutierrez, Triana Patel, Laura Romo, Daniel Varela, Chinedy Troy Kwankwo, Noel Sanchez
UC, Merced Kevin Haylock, Blanca Martinez
UC, Riverside Miguel Bravo, Damaris Cruz, Kevin Haylock, Dante Mendoza, Laura Romo
UC, San Diego Triana Patel
UC, Santa Barbara Julia Adame, Armando Alvarez, Edwin Atilano, Ricardo Barahona, Guadalupe Cervantes, Diego Del Campo, Raul Gutierrez, Alvin Heng, Felipe Hernandez, Trashonda Hudson, Jaqueline Medina, Guillermo, Triana Patel, Rene Romero, Dustin Salazar, Evelyn Urene, Daniel Varela, Issis Vargas
UC, Santa Cruz Marilyn Alvarado, Michelle Cisneros
University of Idaho
Donald Gibson
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jennifer Florimon
2007-08 ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
2007-08 Pirate All School Male Athlete
2007-08 Pirate All School Female Athlete
Senior Male Athlete of the Year
Senior Female Athlete of the Year
Junior Male Athlete of the Year
Junior Female Athlete of the Year
Sophomore Male Athlete of the Year
Superintendent’s Message:
Johnathan Morales
Stephanie Aliimitafitafi
Ivan Niebia
Berner Figueroa
Luliana Maldanado
Kathy Guerrero
Eduardo Magallon
Ebony Armstrong
Mark Silva
Sophomore Female Athlete of the Year India Burke
Freshman Male Athlete of the Year
Freshman Female Athlete of the Year
PHS Track Stars
Jorge Montoya
Mariah Richards
Paramount High School Track and Field Coach Christine Barboza is pictured at the State Meet at Cerritos College with senior Stephanie Aliimatafitafi-2 time CIF Shot Put Champion and CIF Masters Champion, PHS school record holder, placed 7th in the State meet) and junior Patrick Hunter-PHS school record holder in the triple jump, placed 7th in California State Meet.
May Happenings at Gaines School
May proved to be a bustling month for students and staff at Gaines School. A representative group from the California Retired Teachers’ Association was invited to a lovely afternoon tea in the school library where the President, Becky Carroll, presented a $1000 check from the Association to the school’s Principal, Mrs. Stevens. The money will be utilized to purchase books regarding flowering plants and trees, flowers, and care for the environment, for students’ enjoyment, both in the classroom as well as in the library.
The same evening, parents enjoyed a spring performance, entitled American Jubilee, where representative classes grades K through 3 performed patriotic musical numbers on stage.
On Thursday, May 8, all of the students gathered in the cafeteria for a STAR Pep Rally. The students were reminded of important testtaking tips and strategies that were presented at a previous Testing 1-2-3 assembly and that they practiced regularly for the past weeks in preparation for the annual STAR test. Pep squad leaders, Mr. Harpst, Mrs. Downs, Ms. Espina, and Ms. Varela led the students in the Pep Rally
song, “We Will Rock the STAR Test”. Students wore their STAR medals to the rally and chanted in loud support of our second and third graders who started testing on Monday, May 12th. Throughout the two week testing period, teachers wore their “Rock the STAR test” shirts. Students received many incentives during the testing period, such as Smarties, licorice, star-wrapped peppermints, lollipops, bookmarks, pencils, and daily snacks. Students received a raffle ticket for coming to school on time and being ready to test each day. On Friday, May 30, students will attend the End of STAR Party, complete with churros and a raffle.
Our Mother’s Day Breakfast was a grand success! We had close to 100% turnout of mothers and grandmas flocking to the cafeteria to enjoy a breakfast celebration, receive a lei, a long stemmed carnation, and to have a Polaroid keepsake photo with their child to proudly display at home.
R. L. Stevens Construction Company donated enough impatients for each child to take a flower home for Mother’s Day. The company also donated a bush for the Kindergarten.
New Principals
As we begin the summer holiday I wanted to share some exciting news with our community and bring to your attention that there will be some new faces at our school sites when our students return to school in the fall. The changes I am referring to are new principals and assistant principals at various school sites across the District that have been selected.
Administrative changes for the upcoming 2008-09 school year:
Paramount Adult School
Principal, Richard Morgan Jackson School
Assistant Principal, Lisa Nunley Jefferson School
Principal, Yuki Mio Lakewood School
Principal, Alvaretta Baxter Mokler School
Principal, Beatriz Spelker Tanner School
Principal, Patricia Brent Assistant Principal, Cordiya Butler
Zamboni School Principal, Valanitta Richard Assistant Principal, Hilda Verdugo
I wanted to make sure that we informed our parents and community of the changes that are taking place. I can assure you that the new principals and assistant principals will continue to focus on improving student achievement and will work collaboratively with staff, teachers and parents.
David J. Verdugo, Ed.D. Superintendent
Spring Sports Reap Many Awards at PHS
The close of a momentous 2007-2008 athletic schedule has brought a welcome respite and much gratitude for all of the hard work done to keep the PHS athletic program viable during the initial construction process. The successes earned this past year, especially this spring, have been made possible by the selfless contribution of many individuals in the PUSD Operations and PHS staff, respectively. From the entire Athletic Department, we’d like to offer a heartfelt “thank you” to those we have e-mailed, called, talked to, met with, and watched work over the countless details that had to be dealt with for Athletics to function and, in some cases, thrive, this school year. You know who you are, and we’re grateful.
Specifically, the Spring calendar yielded a history-making performance by Pirate Swim.
Our boys’ Varsity squad, coached by Roberto Guerrero, secured the first San Gabriel Valley League title in an aquatics sport in the 55-year history of Paramount High, securing 145-139 victory over Warren in the league finals at Downey on May 2. Having lost to the Bears by eight points in a dual meet in April, the Pirate boys needed to win the SGVL finals to secure a co-championship. A new banner will be placed in the gym this summer with the words “Boys’ Swimming - League Champions 2008” to join the many other maroon-andwhite title-holders over the past half-century. Moreover, the Lady Pirate JV swim team also took home a league title. Great job Pirate Swim and Coach Guerrero!
And there was more history as well.
Our Varsity baseball team, led by Cameron Chinn, secured an unheard-of 15-0 record in league play en route to a second consecutive championship. The Pirates are 23-4 overall heading into the CIF playoffs, are ranked #8 in the LA Times poll, and look to keep playing late into May.
In addition, Pirate Track and Field swept to three team league titles, including both Varsity squads, in a testimony to coach Chris Barboza’s determination - the program
practiced every day at Alondra School over the past six months, traveling by district-provided buses, and had no home meets this season. The Pirate track squads will compete in the CIF Prelims at Trabuco Hills on May 10 and qualifiers will move on to the CIF Finals at Cerritos College the following week.
As we are now used to at PHS, coach Curtis Mu’s boys’ tennis squad made the playoffs after finishing third in league play and even earned a home match in the first round. Losing only two seniors from this year’s playoff team, Coach Mu’s returnees have a good shot at moving up in the standings next season.
In other spring sports, our boys’ volleyball team narrowly missed the playoffs but placed three athletes on the All-SGVL squad, a sign of good things to come for coach Jimena Vargas’s program.
As of this writing, Lady Pirate softball was on the bubble for an “At-Large” bid to the CIF playoffs after finishing league play with a 5-5 record under “rookie” head coach John Guggiana, and Pirate Golf saw great score improvement in league play due to the combined efforts of coaches Jason Sewell and Rafa Villasenor.
Now it’s on to Spring practice beginning May 12, and the logistical issues continue - Pirate football will hold spring drills at Alondra, our soccer programs will continue to meet at Wirtz, and our basketball and volleyball teams are happily dividing their time between the PHS Gym and the Paramount Park Gym that the City of Paramount Parks and Recreation Department so generously makes available to us. All this - while the summer looms and a new stadium and field for football, soccer, baseball and track ands field rises from the grounds of the old Paramount outdoor complex. What a summer it promises to be!
Mark Kemp Athletic Director