High Tide June 7, 2013

HIGH

TIDE Redondo Beach, CA // Redondo Union High School June 7, 2013 // Vol. XCIII // Edition 16

A future in medicine

Valedictorian Emily Su chose to go to Union College in New York instead of a better-known school because of its Leadership in Medicine Program, which grants her automatic acceptance to medical school.

by Alina Bieschke and Kolbie Brightwell

More than two thousand miles northeast of Los Angeles in Albany, New York, a panel of admissions staff pressed a group of students with difficult, ethical questions relating to medicine. Among the group was senior Emily Su, who was challenged to think quickly, speak clearly, and portray her best qualities all at once within the two and a half hours in front of the staff and personally with a professor. The subsequent letter of acceptance confirmed Su’s commitment for the next eight years: Union College.

Union College is a small, independent liberal arts college located in Schenectady, New York. Su viewed her acceptance into Union’s Leadership in Medicine (LIM) Program as the pinnacle of her high school career.

“Combined medical programs like these are some of the most difficult programs to apply for and enter as a high school senior because all of them grant automatic acceptance to medical school without need for the medical school application, and most of them do not require the MCAT,” Su said.

Su’s interest in these multiple-degree medical programs, otherwise known as combined medical programs, sprung from her parents’ support over her college applications.

“My parents and I agreed that I would [only] choose from schools at which I got accepted to [their] combined medical program,” Su said.

Although Su was accepted into some of the top universities in the country, including Stanford, Yale, and Rice, Union offered Su a unique opportunity for her medical career. In the LIM Program, Su will be able to earn her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree over the course of eight years.

“Since the LIM Program was my first-choice medical program, being accepted to the LIM Program was definitely the deciding factor for my choosing Union,” Su said. “Finding the right curriculum to fit my interests was the key, and I found exactly what I was looking for

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SENIOR EDITION

Top 25 Seniors >> based on A-G GPA ranking (in no particular order) David Fillman Suzin Kim Mahir Eusufzai Andrew Lew Francisco Peralta

Audrey Lai Emil Shallon Julia Tang Tricia Light Hana Ghanim

Emma Uriarte Zoe Ezzes Emily Su Shivaani Gandhi Navikka Dasz

Channing Lou Katie Antillla Garrett Klatte Curtis Paine Craig Ives

Christian Grantz Cooper Lovano Gus Pamungkas Stephanie Kim Kevin Huynh

Finding strength in pain After her father’s death, senior Julie Tran was able to cope because of her faith, family, and friends.

by Andrew Czuzak

If you asked senior Julie Tran what she thought about life throwing you a curveball, she’d say to just improvise and go with it. If you asked her that four years ago, however, that wouldn’t have been the case. Four years ago when her dad passed away, she didn’t quite know what to do or say.

“Life became very fragile and I was at an impasse, not sure where to go, what to do, what to say,” she said. “I was just lost.”

With her parents divorcing only a few months before and her whole family’s relocation to Redondo Beach from Atlanta, her dad getting sick was the last thing she could bear.

Beginning in March 2009, she, her mom, and younger brothers spent most of their time visiting him in the ICU, then a nursing home in Long Beach, but by June he was able to come back home. When he was home, Tran was responsible for giving him the 14 medicines he had to take daily and his food while her mom was at work.

She also had to talk to the paramedics every other day so he could get dialysis. He had to go back to the hospital in late June because he had internal bleeding and was throwing up blood.

“I remember holding the bucket for him while he was throwing up blood,” she said.

“It still replays in my mind all the time like it was just yesterday.”

He had suffered multiple strokes, aneurysms, kidney and liver failure. On June 26, 2009, he passed away.

“Despite how sick he was, I was so sure he would get better, but he didn’t. Instead, at 6’ and 200 lbs, he became weaker and weaker, becoming emaciated at 130 lbs. It was hard seeing him like this, but I told myself that I could handle it,” Tran said.

As it turns out, she couldn’t handle it.

Tran’s grief began to manifest itself in her life in unexpected way, amounting to dozens of truancies, hanging out with the “wrong people,” staying out until late, and having hard-hitting arguments.

“I was so upset. Upset at everyone, at my mom, my brothers, my friends, and God,

especially God,” she said.

Although she doesn’t usually express her emotions, the impact of losing her dad was evident. According to her classmates, they would often see her crying for no reason.

Even though Tran doesn’t personally remember crying in the middle of class, she does remember asking herself what she was doing with her life.

“I wasn’t doing any of my homework, I was shutting out my friends and my family, and I hated everyone,” she said. “I wouldn’t have admitted it then, but I was impatient, rude, and caustic. I had commitment and trust issues and I was angry and sad and tired all the time. I was I-want-to-kill-myself-depressed, and I wasn’t going to change.”

But she did change.

Last January, a parishioner at her church, St. Lawrence Martyr, called Tran’s mom to invite Tran to a retreat. Of course, like all moms, if she thought that the retreat would help her daughter, she was going to force Tran to go. As her mom expecred, the retreat ended up being much-needed. It was a turning point for Tran.

“To be honest, I wasn’t really handling my brokenness with the awareness that if God took me to it, He’d take me through it. The more I heard about others’ struggles and what it took to pull them through, the more I saw God’s role in my life and how He was pulling me through,” she said. “I found that, in spite of my brokenness, that I was also profoundly loved, loved by God, by my friends like Kylie, and by my family.”

Tran has since found comfort in her faith.

“Julie has found truth and meaning in Catholicism in spite of the personal heartbreak, in spite of the widespread disparity between those who claim Catholicism’s actions and their beliefs, and in spite of the public scandals,” senior Kylie Martin said.

In keeping with her beliefs, her father’s death has allowed her to understand what she would like to achieve in the future.

According to Tran, the primary reason for her father’s death was negligence on part of the doctor.

“My dad was taking Warfarin, a blood

Dear God. Senior Julie Tran finds comfort in her Catholic faith.

thinner, at his doctor’s orders. The thing about taking Warfarin is that your blood has to be checked daily in the initial stages so doses can be administered according to degrees of thinning, or else you’ll suffer the side effects. My dad’s blood wasn’t checked daily and he passed away a few days after his 45th birthday because the doctor was negligent,” she said.

As a result, her mom wanted to sue. It was a good case, lawyers said, but there wasn’t enough money involved.

“What about the pain? Wasn’t that enough? The hurt, the suffering, the black and blue of my dad’s upper torso? The bucket I was holding for him to throw up blood in? What about the fact that none of the ICU doctors wanted to sign his death certificate because there was obvious negligence and his doctor couldn’t be reached?” Tran said. “If I ever became a lawyer, I would never be like those lawyers.”

A law class she took at El Camino College coupled with her faith allowed her to realize that law was her ideal career path.

“I want to become a lawyer because I believe in the Catholic faith. In its purest form, Catholicism teaches us to never give up; it teaches us to love, to lift others up, to go against what the world tells us to strive

BIGGEST REGRET

FAVORITE MEMORY

Not being more involved in school. For example, joining clubs and trying to play more sports. I feel like I would’ve met more people that way and expanded who I know.

ANDREW CZUZAK

ADVICE FOR FRESHMAN Take your freshman year seriously because you can figure out where you can mess around so you can enjoy your later years.

2 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LEE

for, to live for a greater purpose than just ourselves,” Tran said. “The law means nothing if people are willing to just push it aside in the name of the cases that make them the most money. I want to be a lawyer because I understand the importance of laws. I want to be a lawyer to serve the people the law was made to protect. I want to be a lawyer because I’m not going to be like the lawyers who refused to take my dad’s case because it wouldn’t make them the most money. No, I want to be a lawyer because I’m going to be the lawyer who sets a new precedence; I’m going to be the lawyer who can live with herself at the end of the day because she champions for those who need her the most, not for those who can pay her the most.”

According to senior Taylor Brightwell, Tran has always been an amazing friend, so it comes to no surprise that she will be an amazing lawyer. Martin agrees.

“I’m really excited to embark on the next chapter of my life at UC Santa Barbara with someone as smart, talented, and unique as Julie and I know that our friendship will continue to grow and change for the better these next four years. I know Julie is going to find amazing things to do with herself in college and I’m glad I get to be by her side,” Martin said.

Many moments during my high school soccer season like hanging out with my soccer teammates and going on the bus rides going and coming home from the game.

DIANA LUNA

BIGGEST REGRET

I played soccer all four years and I wish I had played or tried a different sport and see if I could’ve been better in those sports.

Uriarte expresses love for different genres of music

by Haley Meyers

In the journalism room, she is often found dropping low to Kanye West, swaying to the soul songs of the Zac Brown Band, or even shaking her hips to Shakira. Always dancing to a beat with a smile on her face, many would never know the amount of responsibility senior Emma Uriarte balances as Ecology Club secretary, High Tide managing editor, sales associate at Jack’s Surfboards, and member of her youth group, all while maintaining a 4.8 GPA last semester.

Just as Uriarte enjoys a variety of interests, she pursues a variety of music including country, rock, rap, Pop, with the only exception being heavy metal–she hasn’t quite delved into that genre “just yet.” These different music endeavors inspire real life adventures for Uriarte.

“Music sets the mood for whatever I’m doing. No road trip is complete without Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, or the Dixie Chicks. When I’m doing yoga, I like listening to Brett Dennen and Ed Sheeran. I have a sassy playlist that I listen to before I go

out with my friends at night, and it mostly consists of Beyonce, Kanye West, and Keri Hilson,” Uriarte said.

Uriarte believes that this diverse music palete roots in her father’s attempts at sharing his family’s cultural music. She thanks her father’s “eclectic” taste for influencing her diverse taste, and eventually bringing her closer to her family, her father especially.

“Growing up in a Latino household, I was exposed to many different types of music. My older sisters got me into rock and my mom and older family members introduced me to Hispanic music and mariachi.

Because I grew up in Mexico and Los Angeles, I had a lot of music genres in my life,” Emma’s father, Fred Uriarte, said.

In addition to the bonds music builds with her family and culture, Uriarte’s music taste also builds on the relationships with her closest friends, including senior Georgia Vassilakis.

“Our similar taste in music has brought us closer as friends. We both have very diverse tastes in music, so I love exchanging

music with her,” Vassilakis said.

As music has been a great inspiration, medium for expression, and foundation to build close relationships, it also helps Uriarte take on all her responsibilities and stress with an upbeat attitude.

“Journalism has been the most stressful part of high school, but seeing the end product and winning awards for your school makes all of the late nights and the stress worthwhile. On deadline nights to keep from going insane, I listen to music and

sometimes get up and dance to keep myself laughing,” Uriarte said.

As music continues to inspire Uriarte to take on the world with finesse, she plans to stay busy as an English Major and aspiring novelist at San Diego University next year.

“I definitely have a lot going on in my life. Between school, journalism, yoga, work, and babysitting, I rarely have time to just sit down and relax, but that’s the way I like it.” Uriarte said. “Life is too short to stay still.”

PHOTO BY MATT MARDESICH

Even though they are best friends now, when they first met in kindergarten at five years old, they disliked each other because they would fight for the attention of a mutual friend.

“Our hatred for each other was instantly squandered when we became seat partners in third grade,” Mushaney said. “We really bonded over our sense of humor and from that moment on, we were inseparable. I always used to copy everything she did.”

According to Martin, her and Mushaney grew even closer when he and his parents moved next door when they were in fourth grade.

“We would make forts and play hide-ngo-seek outside all day long, and then talk to each other at night from our bedroom windows through a tube we made,” Martin said.

Their relationship has matured as they have gotten older.

“Of course we are friends because we enjoy each other’s company, but our relationship is based on more than just that,” Mar-

tin said. “We are always there to support and look out for one another and we always have each other’s best interests in heart.”

After seeing each other almost every day for their entire lives, Martin and Mushaney are parting ways for college. Martin will attend UC Santa Barbara, while Mushaney will attend DePaul University in Chicago.

Despite being more than 2,000 miles apart, they plan to stay in contact, and visit each other during vacations.

“Unlike a lot of people, we actually mean it when we say we’ll keep in touch. It’s not an empty promise,” Mushaney said. “Even though we’ll be far away, I know we’ll just pick up from where we left off when we meet again.”

According to Martin her friendship with Mushaney will be lasting because of the many fond memories they have together.

“RJ has shared so many of my life’s most important moments with me,” Martin said.

“We have been there for each other though a lot, and when you go through experiences

like we have with another person, it creates a friendship that will last a life time.”

Mushaney agrees.

“When I look back on my life, Kylie will be the one person who has consistently been there with me in every stage of my life, through thick and thin,” Mushaney said.

Martin and Mushaney build a lasting friendship

by Yasmeen El-Hasan

Ten years of memories and adventures, ten years of fights and disagreements, and ten years of laughs and giggles—Seniors Kylie Martin and RJ Mushaney are best friends, shaping each other as they’ve grown.

“It’s always really fun when we’re together, even when we aren’t doing anything,” Martin said. “There is never a dull or awkward moment.”

Being around each other brings out different qualities in each of them.

“Kylie used to be a lot more wild and crazy but she still never fails to push me out of my comfort zone and get me to try new things,” Mushaney said.

According to Martin, Mushaney brings out a sarcastic side to her personality, consistently being “sassy.”

“RJ and I are always really sassy around each other, but that’s our sense of humor and that’s what makes our relationship fun,” Martin said.

FUTURE PLANS

To go to Marymount, get my law degree in D.C., become the next Ann Coulter, and marry a good-looking Jewish man a.k.a. James Franco.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

HALEY MEYERS

To do yoga in stressful times, but don’t do Sun Salutaions during the middle of AP Exams because the proctors will get mad at you.

PHOTO BY TYLER EIISENHART

Copy cat. Kylie Martin laughs after best friend RJ Mushaney confesses he has copied her a lot throughout the years.

FAVORITE MEMORY

Adopting my cat Kona because he’s one of my best friends.

BIGGEST REGRET Not having as much spirit as an underclassmen and not dressing up and going to as many sport games as I wanted to.

TATIANA CELENTANO

3 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

A year to remember

by Laura Smith and Cole Stecyk

Mitchell Yonemura went from bad decisions to smart choices. Publications offered him opportunities that helped him find a clear purpose and something he feels passionate about.

“I’ve gotten to experience something I’ll never forget,” Yonemura said.

These experiences brought Yonemura closer to the other students in publications during his senior year. Freshman year, however, Yonemura faced many sports-related injuries.

“I loved basketball, but a bunch of injuries killed that for me,” Yonemura said.

As a result of his injuries and inability to connect with the team, Yonemura began

smoking and received a ticket for marijuana possession, which caused family tensions, but led to a turning point in his life.

“I decided I couldn’t do that to my family anymore. I settled down a little bit and wasn’t out doing bad things,” Yonemura said.

Long-time friend senior Tatiana Celentano has always supported Yonemura and has noticed that he cares for his family.

“Mitchell is one of the best people I know, and he would do anything for the people he cares about,” Celentano said.

Even though he had friends to support him and made the decision to turn things around, Yonemura still had not found his passion.

“Going into senior year, I was worried

Senior Yonemura started high school poorly, but then found his passion for photography.

that I was going to go through all of high school with no good memories and nothing I could look back on and be proud of,” Yonemura said.

The tides turned for him in Advanced Photography, where the publications adviser, Mitch Ziegler, saw Yonemura’s potential as a yearbook photographer.

“I felt like it was my job to be at every basketball game taking pictures, so even if I was tempted to go back to old habits I wouldn’t let myself,” Yonemura said.

Yonemura is grateful for everyone whohas supported him and is satisfied now that he has found his passion. He feels that graduating will be a bittersweet ending.

“It’s really sad to me that I have to leave now after I’ve found something I’m passion-

A change for the better

by Katie Hill

When Daniella Yousof started dance the summer before her eighth grade year, she had no idea it would end up deciding her future career. What she thought was just a sport or a hobby was actually a pathway to her real passion in life: physical therapy.

According to Yousof, she has been a swimmer since she was a toddler and has also taken a few dance classes, but never felt that either was a dominant part of her life.

“Swimming was not something I was interested in taking seriously,” Yousof said.

She quit swimming in order to pursue a hobby or sport that she could feel more passionate about. According to Yousof, although she had never felt a true attachment to dance, she figured that if she tried hard enough the feelings would build.

“Although I loved to dance, I felt insecure about my skill, and I was not sure I was good enough to start on a team,” Yousof said.

Yousof tried to build this security through relentless practice and work for dance. She joined a “difficult and competitive” dance company, Fusion Dance

Studios.

“I joined the company even though I knew it was going to be hard,” said Yousof. “I knew I’d have a hard time catching up with the other dancers.”

Through the endless classes and sore muscles, she achieved something worth much more than the mastering of a hobby.

“That summer I found my passion, happiness, and most importantly, my therapy,” Yousof said.

The happiness she felt, however, soon disappeared after an accident occurred.

According to Yousof, she incorrectly landed a trick while dancing and seriously injured her lower back.

“I needed physical therapy as soon as possible, and I was banned from dancing if I wanted my herniated disc to heal. I felt like I did not deserve this. It just did not feel right,” Yousof said.

At first she was hesitant to start her physical therapy for her injury. According to Yousof, she saw her physical therapists as people who were trying to stop her from dancing, but soon changed her opinion.

“My physical therapist became my new best friend, in the sense that he understood

ate about,” Yonemura said.

PHOTO BY TYLER EISENHART

Flash. Camera. Action. Yonemura takes a picture of his friend playing guitar.

Through dance, Yousof realizes physical therapy is her passion

my love and desire for dancing and tried his absolute best to succeed in healing me,” Yousof said.

Yousof found that this therapy not only helped her physically, but emotionally as well. Her physical therapist taught her things that could be applied in all areas of life, not just physical healing.

“He was honest with me,” said Yousof.

“He told me this journey would not be an easy one, but if I ever wanted to get better, I had to learn to be patient.”

Although Yousof ’s back is not completely healed, physical therapy has enabled her to go back into dancing and understand her body and her limitations.

Yousof ’s mother, Mahasti Yousof, agrees it was not an easy journey, but through the experience she discovered her passion.

“Even though it was hard on Daniella to have to take a break from dancing, physical therapy really opened her eyes on how to take care of her body as well as potentially inspire her to follow that career path,” Mrs. Yousof said.

Yousof left the physical therapy studio knowing she had found her true calling.

“Going through physical therapy and watching my physical therapist become so

involved and passionate about healing me, has motivated me thrive to do the exact same,” Yousof said.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Streching out. Yousof doing a physical therapy exercise that strengthens her back and core.

FUTURE PLANS

FAVORITE MEMORY

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

BIGGEST REGRET

Next year I will attend the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

Being able to carry on my family’s high school legacy. I’m proud to be a fifth generation Sea Hawk.

TAYLOR BRIGHTWELL 4 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Passing out the yearbook at the end of the year and seeing people light up when they got it.

JENNY OETZELL

Getting involved with activities like drama later in high school. I wish I had joined different organizations when I was a freshman.

Looking Ahead

by Anna Fauver and Stella Gianoukakis

There are times when she just wants to be alone. Other times she wishes that someone would understand her frustration. She knows, however, that one thing will always get her through.

Senior Taylor Ballard has been dealing with depression since freshmen year.

Ballard had decided she wanted to be a part of something in high school, but when sports didn’t work due to a back injury, she found journalism. According to Ballard, Journalism has been more than a hobby; it has helped her through her depression.

“Journalism has helped me come out of my shell. Normally with my depression, I would kind of just stay to myself or sleep if I felt down, but with journalism you have deadlines, so you can’t do that. It’s a team effort; you can’t let your editor down. It helped me pick myself up. Journalism gave me the structure in my life that I didn’t really have before,” Ballard said.

The hardest thing for Ballard was dealing with the uncertainty.

“The thing with depression is that people are always asking you what is wrong, but

Senior Ballard strives to stay positive despite having to cope with depression.

you don’t know, and you don’t know how you feel. It is not a feeling, because you do not feel anything. You can’t describe it in words and there is no way to make someone understand what you are feeling. You can’t get rid of it,” Ballard said.

According to Ballard, she tried medications, but they only left her empty. Journalism really was the best medicine.

“When I was depressed, there were no words for how I felt, but I knew when I was happy or sad for the most part. On the medication, I never felt anything,” Ballard said.

Ballard’s mother, Toya Ballard, also helped her through her depression.

“My mom has helped me. She is always with me and helping me out. For example, when I was dealing with my back she came to all of my doctor appointments and always reassured me and helped me stay positive,” Ballard said.

They recently got matching tattoos.

“We each have half a butterfly, and they are permanent reminders that we are always there for each other,” Ballard said.

Although her mother and journalism have helped her more than any medications

Empowered by her faith

by Chance King

While most students are supported by their friends, family, and teachers throughout high school, senior Channing Lou has also had support from a higher power. Lou’s faith in God has helped her on her path to college and also provided her with optimism for the future.

“I think because of my faith, I haven’t stressed that much about where I’m going to college. Even though there were times when I was stressed about it, my faith has helped me not worry about my future,” Lou said.

Lou became a member of the Gardena Valley Baptist Church in the sixth grade, and since then has been part of its tight-knit community.

According to Lou, the support she has received from her church and its members has brought her closer with God and also

helped her deal with her academic and social struggles.

“Along with my school friends, I have a really strong group at church, and they’ve been a big support system along with my family,” Lou said.

Her brother, parents, and members of the church have created a supportive environment that has kept Lou on track both spiritually and mentally.

“My family and I, all throughout high school and life have said, ‘Do your best and let God do the rest.’ That has been my mantra for most of my life and I think there is a lot of truth in it,” Lou said.

Lou’s friend senior Cooper Lovano admires her grounded and caring personality, and cites her faith as a big reason for her comfortability even in the face of life’s struggles.

“She is very kind and calm. I think she’s

FUTURE PLANS

I would love to be able to travel to Australia by next year.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

Do you.

VITORIA MAGNO

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Actually coming to class my senior year.

could, Ballard did not tell many people about her depression.

“When I tell people, I feel like I’m creating this excuse for my behavior when I just need to keep my emotions under control like everyone else,” Ballard said.

Despite any difficulties she faced throughout her high school career, she continues to be hopeful for the future. Ballard will move on to San Francisco State to major in Visual Communications Design.

Her publications advisor, Mitch Ziegler, is confident that Ballard will succeed in the coming years.

“Taylor is a rock. Whenever everyone around her succumbs to stress, she maintains a calm demeanor. Taylor loves to create new designs and works well with individuals,” Ziegler said. “I love how genuinely committed she is to a lot of the design work.

She is a great person to be around.”

According to Ballard, she hopes to continue to deal with her depression like she has been in the past years and will always try and stay positive.

“It will be difficult moving away, but it’s a part of life, and I can’t let depression or anxiety stop me from doing it,” Ballard said.

PHOTO BY MATT MARDESICH

Positive mindset. Despite battling depression, she stayed positive in high school and will attend San Francissco State next year.

Senior Channing Lou uses her Christian faith as motivation to overcome obstacles. one of the most unselfish and genuine people I’ve ever met, and I think her faith is a big part of that,” Lovano said.

Lou is attending UCLA next year and plans on attending many religious programs including Grace on Campus.

Additionally, Lou hopes to do missionary work in the coming years and bring her religion to more remote areas of the planet.

“I’m still not sure what I want to do in the future, but I’m not worried because my faith has helped focus on God and on the bigger picture in life,” Lou said.

Lou believes God will be a big part of her life in college and the years beyond. She finds solace in knowing she will always have someone watching over her no matter where she finds herself.

“There’s always a sense of worrying. But there’s a level of contentment because you know that it is all a part of God’s plan,” Lou

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANNING LOU

In others we trust. Channing is with her youth group on a mission trip doing a trust fall.

FAVORITE MEMORY

My AP Spanish Lit class junior year with Mrs. Forester and breaking Dagmay’s ankles with a cross over in basketball.

FUTURE PLANS

I plan on moving to England after I finish graduate school and working for Arsenal

BRIAN FERNANDEZ

5 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Caceres reflects on ACADEC experiences

by Ilana LaGraff

Amanda Caceres may only be one of 572 graduating seniors, but Academic Decathlon (Acadec) has separated her from the rest. Through Acadec, Caceres has made lifelong friends and memories and learned lessons that she will take with her as she heads off to UC Santa Barbara.

“Because of Acadec, I now have a better work ethic. I know that I have to work for the things that I want. I also have friends who will support me for the rest of my life,” she said.

Even though their season is over, Caceres and her teammates haven’t stopped hanging out together.

“They’re not only my teammates; they’re my friends,” she said. “Spending that much time with a group of people, you can’t help but either become really good friends with or end up murdering them. Thankfully the former happened with us.”

Creating lasting bonds with her teammates has helped make Academic Decathlon a defining experience throughout her high school career.

“It’s tough because of all the time you have to put into it, but the relationships I made make everything worth it. I initially joined because I saw that the people there had the same personality as me,” she said.

“They like to learn things, but they weren’t necessarily super dedicated to school. I like the slackers.”

Although she refers to her friends in Acadec as “slackers,” herself included, she recognizes that the program requires a lot of hard work. They meet at least three times a week for three to six hours to learn and review material.

“I have to put in [a lot of ] work to get the outcome that I want, which is winning.

It has taught me to motivate myself and to enjoy learning more,” Caceres said. “If you don’t study, you won’t do well.”

LARRY GUEVARA

Strong bonds. Graham, left, discusses ASB matters with friends Moiz Ansari and Kelsie Currie.

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN LEE

Graham’s open mentality leads to new experiences

by Zoe Ezzes

Senior Noelle Graham’s openness to trying new things has allowed her to have many fulfilling experiences: joining improv club, becoming president of drama club, and being a part of ASB. Graham is currently Drama Club President and ASB’s Awareness Commissioner.

“I never really planned on doing drama or ASB, but when I got to high school, I decided to try new things and go for it,” Graham said.

Graham felt that entering the drama program as a freshman was more welcoming than competitive.

“Freshman year, drama wasn’t as big of a program so it was easier to hop in. It was far less intimidating to freshmen than I’m sure it is now,” Graham said.

Shortly after joining drama, Graham decided to try out improv and was also welcomed in a supportive atmosphere.

“It was insane--your heart’s pounding, you don’t know what’s going to happen, and you’re thinking on your toes. It felt amazing,” Graham said.

Becoming a part of drama helped Graham to overcome her shy and quiet nature.

“Drama made me open up and be more

outgoing,” Graham said. “Compared to being on a stage in front of hundreds of people, other things don’t seem as intimidating anymore.”

Some things, however, remained intimidating, according to Graham.

“I remember I was in [ASB Activities Director] Mrs. Gross’s Honors English class sophomore year and I was absolutely terrified the first week of class,” Graham said.

“I thought I was going to die. She is very intimidating before you get to know her.”

When Graham heard that there were openings in ASB, she seized the opportunity.

“In my sophomore mind, I was like, ‘maybe if I join ASB, Mrs. Gross will like me,’” Graham said.

Since elections had already passed, Graham interviewed instead, becoming Sophomore Vice President more easily.

“It was an amazing feeling, representing my class,” Graham said. “I spent that whole year learning about how things work. I grew to love ASB.” Gross believes that Graham’s “genuine” personality led her to be a successful representative.

“Noelle is a natural leader. She is always

cool, calm and collected; nothing ruffles her feathers. In times of ASB chaos, she is the one person everyone can turn to for sanity,” Gross said.

Graham also took on a leadership position in the drama program, seeking to enrich her involvement in the program.

“When I get involved with something, I like to be involved 100 percent and know every aspect of it,” Graham said. “It feels like you’re really a part of something, understanding how it all operates.”

According to Graham, the friendships that she created are what make the programs worthwhile.

“In ASB, we’re like family. If you’re having a bad day, they’ll come up to you and really care about you,” Graham said. ”It’s cute getting the new freshman and watching them grow up; they’re like our children.”

As she is about to become a freshman again at the University of Denver in the fall, Graham is looking forward to experiences similar to her freshman year of high school.

“The people and clubs are very welcoming in Denver, and I feel like I’ll get even more involved,” Graham said. “I’ll be being welcomed into new experiences all over again.”

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

FAVORITE MEMORY

Focus on school and study; it may be boring but it’s better than spending time at a community college later

The themed parties the yearbook and journalism staff had last year; they were amazingly fun and the whole staff last year was the best.

FAVORITE MEMORY

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Almost getting arrested in PV because police officers had confused my friends and I with other people causing trouble.

6 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

GUNNAR RIETH

Getting through all my AP tests and getting good scores on them as well—it was really worth all the effort it took.

3.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EMIL SHALLON

1.

Speaking up. 1. Shallon and friend Brett Kassel sit at the announcing table. “I really enjoy announcing the games. It makes me feel like part of the team,” Shallon said. 2. Shallon watches his teammates play during a baseball game. 3. Shallon announces what is going on during the game.

2.

DRIVEN BY PASSION

by Shivaani Gandhi

He’s done it all: earned straight A’s, joined ASB, played baseball, refereed AYSO soccer, and led a Jewish youth group. While many people do it for the sake of college applications, senior Sea Hawk of the Year Emil Shallon finds that he is driven by something else.

“I am motivated to complete my actions by thinking of all the opportunities that can come from it,” Shallon said. “I enjoy watching my efforts turn into opportunities.”

His good grades and involvement in both the school and the community are all results of his motivation.

“Throughout high school, the hopes of getting into a good college kept me motivated to always put my best effort in all my classes,” he said. “So far, my hard work has paid off, as I will be attending UCLA in the fall.”

In addition to earning straight A’s throughout his entire high school career, this year, Shallon was the top scorer on both the CAML and AMC 12 contests. According to math teacher Tim Baumgartner, both contests are “very challenging” and require students to face unfamiliar problems.

“I have enjoyed having [Shallon] in class.

I appreciate his mathematical talent, [and] it is fun to think about the brain teasers and puzzles he often brings in for me to solve,” Baumgartner said. “Even more importantly, I appreciate that he is so involved in so many activities around campus. The world needs more people like Emil who are willing to give of themselves to make things better.”

As Baumgartner said, Shallon is involved in much more than just academics. He serves as the Co-Technology and Co-Athletics Commissioner. Over his first three years at the school, he saw ways in which he could improve the events and decided to join ASB this year.

“I wanted to be able to put these thoughts into action and improve life on campus for my classmates,” he said. “It really makes me feel like I play a part in the events.”

Activities Director Sherie Gross praises Shallon’s hard work and dedication to the school. “[Shallon] is a hard worker because the end result matters to him. If his name is on it, he’s going to do what it takes to [succeed],” Gross said. “You can count on him.”

His trustworthiness and dependability

Senior Emil Shallon motivates himself and others to succeed in school and beyond.

does not stop at ASB-sanctioned events; Shallon is also involved in the athletics on campus. As the Varsity Baseball Team Manager, he called in scores and highlights to the Daily Breeze and and announced the home games, among other things.

“Everyone on the team has a job, and during games, mine is to motivate. I have the ability to motivate our boys and fans to help get the victory,” he said.

Shallon is passionate about getting both the players and the crowd excited about the game.

“I love announcing the games. I can control the music that’s played, which controls the mood of the crowd and the players.

When we’re winning, I play really loud music that lets the other team know that we’re in control,” Shallon said.

His love for sports doesn’t just stop on campus; off campus, he referees AYSO soccer and plays fantasy baseball, basketball, and football.

“Sports are my life,” he said. “I can talk to anyone about anything sports-related and enjoy it.”

Aside from academics and athletics, Shallon is also an active participant in the com-

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

FUTURE PLANS

Don’t be influenced by others’ ill behavior and be motivated throughout high school and take as many AP’s as you possibly can.

I plan to go to UCSD and major in biology to pursue a career in medicine.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

FAVORITE MEMORY

SOMTOYA ARINZE

munity. He is a member of Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA), a youth-led Jewish fraternal organization for teenagers. Since sophomore year, he has met people at AZA who have changed the way he approaches things.

“The boys that I have met in AZA have really had a strong effect on me. They have influenced me to become more outgoing and optimistic. I hope to have had similar effects on them,” Shallon said.

Freshman Justin Williamson, one of his AZA brothers, finds that Shallon has become a role model to him.

“I look up to Emil because he is a good student and an amazing leader. He always has a good answer for tough questions,” Williamson said. “He sets a great example by acting appropriately and being a good friend.”

Overall, Shallon believes that these activities have made his high school experience enjoyable and worthwhile. His parting advice to students is consistent with his selfmotivation.

“Stay motivated and stay focused,” Shallon said. “You don’t know what kind of opportunities will be opened or closed for you in the future because of what you do today.”

Honors English in Williams when I said something so stupid during a style analysis that Mrs. Williams laughed so hard, she started crying.

MOIZ ANSARI

I am proud of the person who I am today. I am happy that I have been able to make it so far and stay true to my values.

COMPILED BY ANDREW CZUZAK

7 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Finding the sound Kevin Huynh pursues his passion for music composition.

by Kayla Nicholls

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

Playing by ear. Senior Andrew Huynh at his piano, one of his many instruments.

Crowds flock to Carnegie Hall in New York, reserved for some of the greatest and most prestigious musicians. Senior Kevin Huynh played Lizst’s Danse Macabre there when he was a junior.

“It was really fun,” Hyunh said. “It was also really scary.”

To be presented with this opportunity, Huynh had to audition in front of a panel of judges. He was chosen over many other contestants, and only about 15 other high schoolers won the competition.

“I was not happy because I didn’t want to go,” Huynh said. “But afterwards it was enjoyable.”

He compares the emotional experience he had playing at Carnegie Hall to that of being on a roller coaster.

“When you’re at the top, you don’t want to be there anymore, but after you drop, you are happy you went on [the roller coaster],” Huynh said.

Huynh began piano lessons at the age of five after his parents enrolled him. He played classical music, but he found that he enjoyed playing other genres of music more.

“Being forced to play piano got me to love music,” Huynh said. “I don’t really like classical piano. I like modern music more.”

As a result of his appreciation of modern music, he now plays the midi-controller, a keyboard that plugs into the computer.

Hyuhn finds that he is able to pursue more forms of music using this set-up, as well as his knowledge of other numerous instruments.

“I mostly use the midi-controller now,” Hyunh said. “I like rap and rock more.”

His appreciation for music has inspired him to learn more instruments. Due to his dedication, Huynh has no trouble picking up new talents, especially new instruments.

“I taught myself the guitar mostly for fun, though I am not very good. I also had drum lessons for about a year,” Huynh said.

Hyunh plans to study music at UCLA

because he wants to compose music for television and film. Huynh hopes he will able to make a living off of his passion after he graduates.

“I want to be a successful musician or work in the film industry,” Huynh said. “I want to make enough money writing my own music that I don’t need to work another job.”

Huynh’s long-time friend, senior Anthony Mullins, believes that Huynh has the skills required to be successful in that field. “[Kevin] will achieve many things. He doesn’t need anybody to guide him. If you give him an instrument, he makes a whole album in one day,” Mullins said. “He is going to go far no matter what he does.”

Such a “promising” future is possible because of Huynh dedication and his love for music.

“I love music because I love the feeling. I love to move my head, tap my feet, snap my fingers,” Hyunh said. “I love the emotion music brings.”

Teaching through example Malik Ensley finds his passion in teaching children and his salsa team members.

by Vicky Artaza

Many know senior Malik Ensley as captain and president of the Salsa team, but when he is not dancing, one may find him teaching and helping out children of all ages.

The responsibility of working with and teaching children has given him valuable experience, as well as a new outlook on what it means to be a leader. “[Working with children] has given me a lot of patience. I had to learn that sometimes kids don’t do and say things out of malice but rather because they are having other problems,” Ensley said.

According to Ensley, working with children has vastly influenced how he treats members of the Salsa team.

“I learned new ways of teaching people more effectively,” Ensley said.

His experience in being a role model and a leader for children has greatly influenced the way he teaches choreography for the Salsa Club.

“When working with children, you have to play games in order to get them to learn, so I always taught salsa the same way,” Ensley said.

According to fellow Salsa team member, junior Demi Rodriguez, Ensley’s experience with children has helped him effectively lead the team.

“Malik’s a great leader and teacher because he knows how to balance being strict and encouraging,” Rodriguez said. “He isn’t just our leader, he’s also our number one fan, and he’s become one of my closest friends,” Rodriguez said.

According to Ensley, the most rewarding thing about teaching children is the gratitude and respect that children end up having for him.

“One time, the children were writing a story about who their favorite friend was; this kid came up to me and told me he wrote about me and the time I taught him how to play basketball. It was just a really nice feeling to know that you helped someone out and they appreciated it,” Ensley said.

Ensley has been a tutor for Spanish,

math, biology, and english to kids anywhere from ages 13 to 18, has worked in his mom’s elementary school and has taught younger kids how to read.

Ensley has also used his experience in dancing salsa to teach elementary school children basic moves and exercises. “[Dancing] feels amazing,” Ensley said.

“It feels like you’re having a full-on conversation with someone and transferring that experience to younger children feels so rewarding.”

This summer, Ensley will be working as a camp counselor at the Redondo Beach Wilderness Camp with children ages 8 to 12.

“It’s an awesome way to spend the summer before I go off to college, and I’m hoping to get more kids to like spending time outdoors and being energetic,” he said.

Ensley hopes he can continue inspiring and teaching kids even after he goes off to Oregon State University.

“I’m really excited to continue my work with kids and hopefully inspire more children to love dance as much as I do,” Ensley said.

FUTURE PLANS

BIGGEST REGRET

I’m majoring in Character Animation, so I do want to create films, but I also want to get more experimental with my art.

My biggest regret is switching out of my freshmen P.E. class because of the colorful group of friends I could have made there.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMAN

VALERIE CHOI

Don’t worry too much about anything. Everything honestly isn’t as dramatic as you think so calm down and just enjoy being a teenager.

8 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LEE

Get rhythm. Ensley performs his salsa routine at this year’s Dance Showcase.

FUTURE PLANS

COOPER LOVANO

I will major in Fine Art and doing a minor in Molecular Biology at New York University and then going to graduate school for Medical Illustration and becoming a Medical Illustrator.

Passing the time Andrew Lew pursues new knowledge on the Internet.

by Tricia Light

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LEE

Brain food. Senior Andrew Lew surfs the web for new knowledge.

Senior Andrew Lew pauses over an unfamiliar term, Fourier transform, in a physics book he is reading. He heads over to the computer and spends the next few hours researching, not only the advanced mathematical technique and its applications, but also its inventor who, as Lew learns countless clicks later, also discovered the greenhouse effect.

“The cool thing about [the internet] is that when you are just going through and clicking links you get to see how a wide variety of facts are all interconnected. The world is just one world,” Lew said.

Lew spends hours researching different topics on websites such as Wikipedia and YouTube, and he feels that his hobby has helped him learn a great deal more than simply a wide variety of facts.

“My experiences have definitely helped me in school, not only because of the information I’ve learned, but also because of the way it has wired my brain to think,” Lew

said. “With Wikipedia you are able to create a connected mental map of information.”

While he has taken nine AP classes, he believes that many traditional learning methods are limited.

“With textbooks, the information is static. It is up to you to try to decipher the information on your own. School is very constrained by the fact that it’s a unified system that tries to cater to a wide variety of people. What I feel can be gained through searching the Internet is a mixture between the two,” he said.

While some might view Lew’s online hobby as a waste of time, his girlfriend, senior Audrey Lai, believes that his pastime is valuable.

“I think that [the time he spends on research] is usually well spent because he actually learns stuff from it and it’s just really cool. He always has something new,” Lai said.

According to Lew, he watches experts who often enjoy presenting their knowledge on video more than through other means

such as writing. Lew finds that learning through video teaches him more than any other method does.

“Video is a wonderful medium to get ideas across and presented in a very visual and auditory way,” he said. “Watching videos really helps bring the information to life.”

His online pastime even led him to chose his major, Materials Engineering, which he will be pursuing next year at UCLA. “I was looking on Wikipedia about solar cells, nanotechnology, semiconductors, [and other] cutting edge technological stuff, and I found that they are all part of this domain of materials engineering,” he said.

He hopes to continue his hobby in college and eventually create videos and other resources of his own.

“People often get too embroiled in just studying their books and listening to the teacher. They lose sight of the joy of knowledge-seeking,” he said. “Through these alternative pursuits I can relax my mind and let it expand.”

Sparking the fire Austin Stark pursues a career as a firefighter.

by Jason Rochlin

Senior Austin Stark has spent much of his high school career entertaining his public through his time on the stage, but his true ambitions lie in serving the public in a more vital and important way.

Public service is not only an interest and career option for Austin, but also a family legacy.

“Both of my parents are police officers, as were both of my grandpas,” Stark said.

“My mom’s friends are also all police officers, so I have seen what the lifestyle is like.”

Austin’s mother stands as his biggest inspiration, as she has been a detective having been in the Los Angeles Police Department for nearly 22 years.

“Growing up, I’ve always had a desire inside of me to help people,” Stark said.

“I don’t know why, it’s just something I’ve always really enjoyed doing. It’s just kind of rewarding.”

While his parents are both police of-

ficers, Austin hopes to go into a different kind of service by joining the Fire Department instead.

“I feel like [as a firefighter] you get to actively help more people. With police work it’s generally about preventing crimes, but with firefighting it is directly stopping things,” Stark said.

Theatre arts instructor and director Justin Baldridge finds that Austin’s interest in acting throughout high school translates well to a career as a firefighter.

“I believe drama helps build discipline,” Baldridge said. “It helps knowing you have a job to do and you can follow through with it, having the focus you need.”

Baldridge believes acting not only builds a strong sense of discipline, but also builds a great sense of conflict management.

“The improvisation helps you be able to think on your feet. You never know what is going to happen to you out on the job, but with theatre you learn how to easily adjust,” Baldridge said.

While his plans for the future don’t involve acting directly, Austin hopes to not drop drama from his life altogether.

“As long as I can make it happen with conflicting schedules, I would absolutely love to continue acting,” Stark said.

While he has had some experience in preparing to be in the field, most of the ‘training’ Stark has is through time with his mother.

“I have thought about going on ridealongs with my mom, but I have gone to work with her a lot,” Stark said. “Mainly it’s just been sitting back and watching what everyone does, but realistically, I haven’t done very much with my mom.”

While Austin knows that the amount of work being a firefighter involves on a day-to-day basis, he’s still just as optimistic about the career choice.

“The job can be pretty dangerous, but I think the danger is worth it when you see how many people you get to help,” Stark said.

FUTURE PLANS

FAVORITE MEMORY

My future plans are to go to El Camino College and transfer to Cal State Northridge to be a physical therapist.

My favorite memory will always be getting my first role in The Ninth Guest here at RUHS.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMAN

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

TAYLOR CIANO

My greatest accomplishment would be becoming president of Salsa and letting that motivate me to keep my grades up and be involved in something.

PHOTO BY LAURA SMITH

In the family. Senior Austin Stark plans to become a firefighter although his parents are policemen.

RYAN

COLESCOTT

Your social status does not determine your future. In high school, Bill Gates had no friends and people called Beyoncé fat, but now they run the world.

9 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Scholar and athlete

by Beth Shallon

He puts the weight back after an exhausting workout. These workouts have helped him achieve some of his proudest goals.

They have helped senior Brett Kassel become who he is today.

Kassel has had many successes academically and athletically in his years at RUHS: earning student of the year this year, having perfect attendance his entire life, reaching the 1000 pound club, and being selected to play in the Lions All Star game.

Kassel could not believe that he had received student of the year.

“It feels amazing to know that the teachers and administration see me as a good representation of the student body,” he said.

Kassel feels honored and will be able to look back on this for years to come.

In his freshman year, Kassel was regularly unprepared for class. Now, he has set up a system in which he can keep things in order.

“I surrounded myself with friends that would be able to help each other out,” Kassel said. “[Senior] Emil [Shallon] was there to

help me out, whether it was AP Chemistry with the Dillard or AP Gov with Henges.”

Kassel’s friend, senior Emil Shallon, has seen and helped Kassel change over the past few years.

“Since we started working together, Brett has really focused and devoted himself to his work,” Shallon said. “His extra efforts are reflected in his improvement.”

Through the help of Shallon and other friends, Kassel’s GPA has increased and is now above a 4.0. In the first semester of his senior year, Kassel had a 4.2, and is on track for a 4.3 second semester.

Kassel partially accredits his improvement in work ethic to football.

“Football actually helped me to break my procrastination habit because if I waited for the night before it was due, I wouldn’t be able to start it until late that night after football and I wouldn’t have enough time,” Kassel said.

“It’s something to look back on 20 years from now and be able to say that I left my mark on Redondo Union High School and it definitely left a mark on me,” Kassel said.

Senior Brett Kassel balances school and football

PHOTO BY HAILEY NEWMAN

A real class act. Senior Brett Kassel does classwork in Calculus. He has been recognized and has received numerous awards for both academic and athletic achievement.

Swartwout brings brawn to lacrosse

by Micah Ezzes and Shawn Mallen

PHOTO BY FARESHTA NAZIF

Stand up man. Swartwout recovers after fending off an opposing atacker.

He eyes his target, an attacker moving upfield quickly. As his opponent closes in, he prepares himself for the ensuing collision. With a feeling of excitement, he body checks the attacker, knocking the ball from his basket. For senior Robert Swartwout, it’s all part of the game.

“I’m built for lacrosse,” he said.

“I’m six-foot-four, and being taller definitely gives me an edge, especially over smaller players.”

Swartwout has been on the team all four years of high school, and he has always been drawn to the tough, hard-hitting style with which lacrosse is played.

“It was always about the physical aspect [for me],” he said. “I would’ve joined football, but I was in cross country in the fall, so I joined lacrosse.”

In his years at RUHS, Swartwout has seen the team rapidly improve, and feels proud to

have been a part of a growing program. “[From my freshman year to now], we went from being a team that barely made playoffs to a team that actually was regularly seeded in the playoffs,” he said. “It’s gratifying after four years to help the team improve.”

While his physical play brought out a lot in him athletically, Swartwout also believes that being on the team has helped him break out of his shell.

“I’m not that quiet person [I used to be] anymore,” he said. “People who know me now know me as loud and excited. In that way, lacrosse helped me to be who I really am.”

Swartwout’s outgoing nature has also benefitted the team as a whole.

“He’d always ask questions, and he wasn’t afraid to ask them,” Junior Harrison Faecher said. “He was always positive and never had a bad attitude.”

Swartwout plans to play lacrosse rec-

FUTURE PLANS

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

Take advantage of every opprotunity.

10 . HIGH TIDE

Betting third as a team in state cross country this year.

He’s got spirit. Lacrosse has helped senior Robert Swartwout develop into the outgoing person he is today.

I’m going to attend Vanguard University and run track there. I want to major in psychology to become a behavioral therapist.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

PHOTO BY DIANA LUNA

FUTURE PLANS

I’m going to UC Berkley to study and will continue my running career.

EVAN MALONEWHITE

reationally in college, although he is still debating between going to Arizona State University or University of Arizona. Faecher wishes him well.

“I hope he becomes successful in life and keeps up his hard work,” he said. “I loved having him on the team.”

SARAH FINCH

Be open to meeting new people and learing new things. Focus on your studies before anything else and have fun with extracurriculars.

By Line PHOTO BY LAURA SMITH

Two of a kind. Despite being the same age, the Sakemoto twins say that there is litle difference between them and normal siblings. They eahc participate in their own individual activities.

Same, but different The Sakamoto twins reflect on their experiences and thoughts of being twins.

by Shelby Salerno

When granted with older or younger siblings, one receives less attention, more disagreements, and more responsibility.

However, seniors Kiana and Cole Sakamoto do not have to deal much with the woes of being an older, middle, or youngest kid in the family. Not when they are twins.

Kiana enjoys being a twin; she enjoys the fact that Cole and her do not have to fight over little things such as who the favorite child is because they are the same age.

“I love being the only girl, and I’m pretty sure he enjoys being the only guy,” Kiana

said. “So we rarely fight.”

Cole also appreciates the pros of having a twin. Although they were born on the same day and year, Cole believes that having Kiana as a twin sister is not much different than having an older or younger sister.

“I guess it’s a good thing being a twin,” Cole said. “Because we are in the same grade so sometimes we can help each other out and at least we are at the same maturity level.”

Neither Kiana nor Cole get treated differently for being a twin. In fact, many people do not initially think that the two individuals share the same birthday.

“People do not treat me any different,” Cole said. “But usually when they find I’m a twin they are surprised.

The two individuals are categorized as twins, but they enjoy being independent of each other and participating in their own separate activities, such as Cole going sailing and Kiana participating in Dance Guard.

Neither of them has to work much harder than others to prove that they are their own person.

“No, I never feel like I have to go out of my way to show that I’m an individual,” Kiana said. “I don’t believe that my “twin hood” defines either of us, it’s just who we

are.”

However, Kiana feels being a twin creates a somewhat different bond than older or younger siblings may share.

“We’re close in different ways,” Kiana said. “It’s like we’re distant to be close.”

With the bond that the two share, Kiana believes that her and Cole have a unique relationship. Kiana is grateful for being able to have this bond with her brother.

“We’re not as close as people might expect,” Kiana said. “But we rely on each other and take care of each other. He’s like my companion, and I’m glad that I didn’t have to come into this world alone.”

Ulizio draws inspiration from religion

by Angela Kim

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LEE

Godspeed. Senior Cara Ulizio gains motivation from religion and translates it to running.

Many students recognize senior Cara Ulizio for her feats in cross country, track and academics. After all, she was admitted to Pennsylvania State this upcoming fall as a scholar athlete. But through it all, there is one thing that has influenced every aspect of her life: her Christian faith. She is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is the co-president of Awaken Christian Club.

“No matter where I go, being Christian influences my behavior. I just try to demonstrate the ideal Christian attributes like patience, love, joy, faithfulness, peace, goodness, self-control, gentleness, kindness,”

self there since I have to be patient with the elderly because some have Alzheimers or can’t understand things very easily. [Volunteering] is just giving back in general,” Ulizio said.

Although her faith is such a significant impact on her and her character,she does not try to force it unto others, says Meyers.

“Cara doesn’t force anything down anyone’s throat because for her,” Meyers said.

“It’s more about a sense of self and demonstrating a set of characteristics. She always treats everyone with the same respect and poise. That’s what makes her such a welldefined and confident person.”

FUTURE PLANS

FUTURE PLANS

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

I plan on going to CSU Long Beach, Fresno State, or Hawaii.

Work hard every day.

FREDDY SMITH

Ulizio said.

According to senior and friend Haley Meyers, Ulizio is lives by these Christian principles.

“She honestly shows the best qualities of any religious person because obviously there are going to be stigmas out there,” Meyers said. “That’s the one reason I’d consider going to church-- to meet people like Cara, which would be very hard to do because she’s such a prime example.”

Her faith not only shines through when she is with friends but also when she volunteers at Springs Senior Assisted Living.

“My faith influences how I conduct my-

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT Batting a .450 this year in baseball.

I’m going to Sonoma state to study business and I’d like to play golf for them.

Enjoy every part of high school because it’s not that hard and it’s a lot of fun.

MATT FERRADAS

11 . HIGH TIDE

University of California, Berkeley Shivaani Gandhi Hana Ghanim Evan Malone-White Francisco Peralta Bronwyn Kim

Sonoma State University Selena Avalos Matthew Ferradas Khalil Harris Debbie Johnson Kerstin Llamas LIa Quilty Makayla Syverson

CSU Fresno Alexandre Mohr Jen Tanaka

CSU Monterey Bay Kyle Brennan Jennifer Ho

Marymount College Joseph Catsavas Samantha Chesney Haley Meyers Jeffrey Payne-Rogers

CSU San Marcos Laura Cojulun Samantha Howell

San Diego State Aileen Filishtiner Shaila Homan Eddie Garcia Madeline Marrroquin Paige Metcalfe Vivian Pascual Arrion Vivas David Alexander UC San Diego Moiz Ansari Zoe Ezzes Gina Faraci

12 . HIGH TIDE

Katie Antilla

Biola University Jennifer Oetzell

Florian Pal Julian Rodriguez Fred Smith Katherine Smith Austin Taylor Ryan Woolner

Brooks Institute of Photography Megan Eden

Long Beach City College Wendy Garcia

CSU Dominguez Hills Vincent Abbas Gabriella Aquilina Robert Carrieri Maxwell Foster Les Gamson Tonya Gonzalez Ray Mazalo Tasia Vlahakis

Los Angeles Harbor College Analynn Ben-Amor Elena Kozina Travis Nielsen

CSU Northridge Kelly Guerrero Alison Kotzbach Jocelyn Kun Rebecca Singleton Marina Slijepcevic Arianna Takis Brandon Wong Abel Young Daniella Yousof Manny Perez

California Institute of the Arts Valarie Choi Xavier Muzik

Palomar College Sasha Brantley Chapman University Arthur Fontana Natalie Zaragoza Cal Poly Pomona Kyle Bohlander Kara Buettgenbach California Institute of Technology

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Krista Dale La Sierra University Tony Diaz Loyola Marymount University Victoria Artaza Simeon Phillips

Los Angeles David Fillman Craig Ives Nicole Pippard Erin South Tyler Takemoto Colin Welch University of San Diego Emma Uriarte Brooke Blann Demarco Duran Navikka Dasz Kayla Chapman

Long Beach San Diego

Mannal Haddad Kylie Martin Curtis Paine Megan Perkins Julie Tran

Lawrence Ree Justin Sanny Paolo Veloso Pepperdine University Skyler Allen UC Irvine Stephanie Kim Audrey Lai Naomi Mitchell Randie Vlahakis Joshua Houston Michael Chang Otis College of Art Karissa Taylor Occidental College Brett Kassel Santa Monica College Trevor Biggs Tyler Bradshaw Brida Brando Wade Breitbarth Mickela Clark Carlene Cui Isabella Dente Gino Di Felice

Christopher Fortson Esias Gallard Joshua Herrera Makenna Ivy Emely Lopez Phoenix Mackley Jameelah Mercader Christina Nichols Yasmine Ouaguenouni Nathan Pimental Paulina Raguimov Lydia Roth Ryan Weller Keziah Wilhelm Brianni Williams Kimia Yazdi Golden West College Andrea Gonzalez Scripps College Tricia Light USC Miriam Wang Vanguard University Edwin Chavez Sarah Finch

Cerritos College Jacob Waggoner Concordia University – Irvine Kevin Ahir

CSU Fullerton Ilana LaGraff Yra Lopez Daniel Martinez Kiana Sakamoto

Western Washington University Madeline Yagle

University of Oregon Ryan Baker Anthony Downey Maya McEwen Courtney Meyer Jordan Washington

Washington State University Mark English Danielle Hatlen

University of Missouri Columbia Aryana Marvray

WA Portland

Helena

Salem

Butte

MT

ND

Boise

ID

SD

El Camino College

NV

W aterloo

NE

Cheyenne Boulder Colorado Springs

Des Moines

Omaha Lincoln

CO

Topeka

Pueblo

KS

Jared Adam Tyler Alcalay Alan Alfaro Kaitlyn Alsobrook William Alvarado David Anderson Nicholas Bass Jillian Battey Aiden Berndt Shannon Bettes Blake Bishop Christian Bisset Anthony Blackburn Joan Blacutt

UC Los Angeles Garrett Klatte Andrew Lew Channing Lou Emil Shallon Kevin Huynh Mahir Eusufzai

St. Louis

MO

IN

East St. Louis

Tucson

Santa Fe

Oklahoma City

NM

W ichita Falls

Roswell

Ft. W orth

AR

Little Rock

Shrevepor t San Angelo

AL

Mobile

Baton Rouge

Austin

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Jonathan Azali Austin Phillips

Sebastian Lindner Diana Luna Andrew Madden Hannah Mansour Marcus Martinez Sylvette Mascioni Kyle McDermott Luiz Moraes Jeffrey Mueller Anthony Mullins Sofi Musnikov Alexandra Oliver Mike Ona Heather Ontiveros Agustinus Pamungkas Clayton Parsons Thomas Patmore

University of New Mexico Joshua Bernard

Lauren Petryshyn Nicole Prentice Daniel Pulido Matthew Putman Patrick Quach Daniel Quintero Ashley Quispe Myra Quispe Camille Ramirez Nash Ramirez Rodolfo Ramirez Mason Reed Matthew Riley Idalys Rivera Chelsea Robertson Jose Rodriguez Serena RodriguezLeon

Charleston

GA

University of Kentucky Dwight Covington

Tallahassee

Goucher College Kimberly Spicker

FL

San Antonio

Victoria Cole Kayla Ferron Emily Lynch Christopher Nguyen Robert Swartwout Nickolas Williamson

Raleigh

Northern Virginia Community College Sonya Noaker

SC

Augusta

New Orleans

Corpus Christi

Nor folk

Charlotte

Atlanta

Montgomery

Jackson

LA

TX

DE

George Washington University Sebastian Coronel

Columbia

Birmingham

MS

Dallas

NC

TN

Memphis

Dover

Richmond

Durham

Knoxville Nashville

NJ

VA

WV

Connecticut College Isabella Hall

RI

New York City

Annapolis

Charleston

Boston

Trenton

W ashington DC

KY

OK

Amarillo

Albuquerque

Cincinnati

CT

PA MD

Columbus

Concord

MA

Har tford

Philadelphia Harrisburg

Frankfort Louisville

Springfield

Phoenix

Joseph Garcia Daniel Gonzalez Eliuth Gonzalez Tori Guerrero Larry Guevara Catherine Hatherly Jaquline Himmelrich Courtney Holt Michael Howell Andrew Humphrey Colin Jimenez Nicholas Johnson Milynn Jones Kelsey Ketting Brittany Kedrowski Tyler Kimura Leslie Landeros Amber Lara

Cal State University, Channel Islands Maggie Bueno Kasey Mandelbaum David Swepson Sarah Volpe

Kansas City

Pittsburgh

OH

Indianapolis

Tulsa

Laredo

University of Arizona Olivia Bustamente

IL

Springfield

W ichita

University of Northern Colorado Suzie Benoit

Northern Arizona U. Ruth Barry Jaime Ettley Emily Field Hanna Jacobs Kaitlyn Ritter Crystal Rodriguez Georgia Vassilakis

Peoria

Cleveland

Gar y Ft. W ayne

NY

Buffalo

Lansing Detroit

Chicago Davenpor t

IA

Albany

MI

Madison Milwaukee

Denver

Las Vegas

Colorado Mesa University Derek Biale

WI

Sioux Falls

Ogden Salt Lake City Provo

VT NH

St. Paul

Minneapolis

Pierre

WY

UT

Shelby Blystone Jarred Bobo Cassidy Bracken Gloria Brinoes Dymond Burnett Syndee Carey Mia Carmona Brianna Cartagen Anthony Chacon Sereena Contreras Kayla Cuevas Desirae Dahdah Giordano Diaz Miranda Duran Aaron Farekian Marissa Fernandez Christian Fonesca Brendal Galbasin

Penn State Cara Ulizio

Augusta

Montpelier

Rapid City

Brownsville

Arizona State U. Taylor Brightwell Deven Del Castillo Erin Guernsey Jacqueline Morrison Justin Wesson Du’Raisha Smith Amanda Towler Alyssa Crenshaw Taylor Maga

Union College Emily Su

ME

MN

Sheridan

Reno

Purdue University Christian Grantz

Duluth

Billings

OR

Brigham Young University Hannah Bentti

Fargo

El Paso

Colorado State Patrick Williamson

New York University Cooper Lovano

Aurora University Heather Czech

Bismarck

Eugene

AZ

CU Colorado Springs Jacob Harris

DePauw University Kelsey Haller

School of Visual Arts Claire Tisius

Spokane

Julian Harrison Alexis Thibodeau Rio Turner

CU Boulder Tatiana Celentano Bryan O’Hagan

Fordham University Emma Hardy

Seattle Tacoma

Idaho Falls

UNLV Trace Dantzig Branden Castillo

DePaul University RJ Mushaney

Dakota Wesleyan U. Chad Simonek

Oregon State University Robert Burdekin Malik Ensley

Irvine Valley College Valeria Tello UC Riverside Esther Cookson Adam Kennedy

Whittier College Savannah Stern

University of Washington Cameron Rosenburg

Utah State University Jessica Shipley Kristen Currie UC Santa Barbara Arasch Blurfrushan Amanda Caceres Dagmay Demsas Peter Doykos Carlo Giannecchini

Santa Barbara

CSU Long Beach Devon Carus Lorena Chavez Kristopher Cubie Amir Fadlallah Sergey Ganous Caia Knoles Kathleen Liberman Xinxi Lietaert Ashley Mercado

Notre Dame de Namur Somtoya Arinze

CSU Bay Michelle Chhun

CA

Azusa Pacific University Kristen Armstrong

San Francisco State Ballard Taylor Emily Conway Karah Mauss Yasmin Wilber

University of California, Merced Gunnar Rieth

San Francisco

Humboldt State Afsheen Haidarian Andrew Oliver Benim Saray

Universty of California, Santa Cruz Leah Langford Derek Levchenko Susan Nieves Ethan Pezzolo

San Francisco Art Institute Amanda Shields

University of California, Davis Navea Dasz Emily Horowitz Ashwin Nair

Cal State Chico Reina Chacon Cynthia De La O Sierra Gaffney Joseph Levine

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Barbie Aguilar Nicholas Broese Torrey Brugger Brian Fernandez Alec Makowski Enzo Mattucci Zachary Turquand

San Jose State University Courtney Bowen Sadie Kimbro Joseph La Ferla

Morehouse College Debonaire Laws University of Mississippi Andrew Czuzak

Howard College Sade Mendez

Mauro Romero Joshua Rottweiler Deric Ryan Selma Sanchez Brittany Shankar Ailidh Shelden Andrew Shook Tammy Sique Krishan Solanki David Solis James Sombrotto Jon Struthers Cheyne Sullivan Jessica Taylro Nikola Tenzera Loagan Thompson Kenneth Tran Amber Trejo

Christian Valcarcel Janellen Vega Charlene Vo Hannah Vorndran Christopher Wilkerson Mark Wright Spencer Wyman Jessica Yao Mitchell Yonemura Amanda Zamudio Macie Zamudio Erica Zepeda

Miami

Middle Tennessee State University Madison-Kate Sullivan

International McGill University

Derrick Linker

Yonsei University

Taylor Brown

Yukon College

Bronwyn Mundell

Hawaii University of Hawaii at Manoa Austin Johnson Sarah Logan Kalei Soufl

Cal State University, Los Angeles Ahsley Bergado

13 . HIGH TIDE

1.

3.

2.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KYLE BOHLANDER

Working Hard. 1. Bohlander works on pre-drilling benches for his Boy Scouts project. 2. Bohlander gets help from other members of his troop in putting together Alta Vista Elementary’s benches. 3. Bohlander looks over the progress of his project with his troop members.

From boy Kyle Bohlander uses experience from to a man Boy Scouts toward Engineering path

by Kayla Maanum

Warm smiles, outgoing personality, and the guts to take the lead: senior Kyle Bohlander plans to use these skills he’s gained through six years in Boy Scouts of America to become an engineer.

Through his Eagle Scout Project and his role as a Senior Patrol Leader in the Boy Scouts Program, Bohlander believes some of the biggest lessons he will take away from Scouts are leadership and communication.

“The hardest part about being [Senior Patrol Leader] is that everyone wants your attention. You have to learn how to manage your time and be able to get everybody to work with you,” Bohlander said.

Putting his leadership skills to the test, Bohlander completed his Eagle Scout Project with assistance from the younger scouts.

In addition, Bohlander spent 150 hours pre-cutting and drilling benches for Alta Vista Elementary School.

Also, Bohlander believes that being able to work well with others will benefit him in his career as a software or hardware engineer.

“Engineers work together in groups

all the time. You’ll see teams of engineers build rockets or smartphones. Everything is about teamwork,” Bohlander said.

Not only does Boy Scouts prepare Bohlander for working with others, but it will also prepare him for challenges in the future, according to Bohlander’s friend and fellow troop member Nick Johnson.

“Scouting prepares you to step up to challenges and be cooperative. Kyle will have to be very cooperative with his fellow colleagues and also step up to the challenge as a leader to be prepared to do his duties as an engineer,” Johnson said.

In addition to leadership skills, Bohlander learned that friendliness and cheerfulness toward others goes a long way.

“Being in Scouts, you go up to random people and try to get them to buy things and if you aren’t friendly, it’s just not going to work out,” Bohlander said. “Ever since I joined Scouts I’ve become friendlier toward others, and I definitely have made more friends.”

Johnson agrees that the program has made Kyle become “more friendly, kind, cheerful, and loyal toward others,” and be-

lieves that Kyle has gained better management skills.

“Kyle learned how to be a stronger leader, how to be organized, cooperative, and one step ahead of everyone he has worked with,” Johnson said.

Although Johnson agrees with Bohlander about the social lessons learned in Scouts, Kyle’s mother, Minnette Bohlander, thinks Scouts has just emphasized Bohlander’s affable personality.

“Kyle is a kind-hearted person. He is respectful of others. He sees people for who they are and not for what they wear or for the image they want to project,” Mrs. Bohlander said.

Just as Johnson believed, Bohlander, who just needs his Eagle Book reviewed to earn his Eagle Scout Award, believes that if he had not joined Boy Scouts, he would have been a different person and student.

“I’m a little more dedicated now to getting my work done, even if it takes me until three in the morning,” Bohlander said.

In addition to being more dedicated, Mrs. Bohlander believes her son has shown this hard work toward his school work.

FUTURE PLANS

ACCLOMPLISHMENT

Getting into Pepperdine University.

I want to go into business, but mostly I want to travel for my work and live in countries that I’ve already been to, like Australia.

FUTURE PLANS

Graduate from Pepperdine University and become a lawyer.

SKYLER ALLEN

FAVORITE MEMORY

The trip to Magic Mountain with Mr. Keye’s Physics class.

14 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

“Scouts has helped him realize what is important in life and that working hard for what you want is just a part of it,” Mrs. Bohlander said. “This has reflected well when he has a tough class or assignment; he doesn’t give up. He does his best every time.”

Also, she believes that Bohlander would have been a different person if he had not joined Boy Scouts.

“If it weren’t for Scouts, [Kyle] may have become introverted and shy around others, but instead he has the ability to make friends wherever he goes. I think others have respected him for that,” Mrs. Bohlander said.

Bohlander feels that all of his experiences in the Scouts Program- from camping in the Sierra Nevadas to building school benches- has impacted him and are tools to help him at Cal Poly Pomona, and in his future.

“A lot of the teamwork stuff [I’ve learned from Scouts] will benefit me because I’ve already been in a team. I don’t have to go to school to learn that. It’s already in me,” Bohlander said.

BIGGEST REGRET

TRACE DANTZIG

Overusing my adult privilages during this year.

I turned 18 the second week of the year and used my ability to leave school anytime way too much.

Kaufman siblings try to be more than just comedians

by Edwin Chavez

1.

2.

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN LEE

Flying to New Heights. 1. Bissett works on model planes with his teamates in Engineering Club. 2. Bissett throws the plane to test the built project out.

The high fliers

Senior CJ Bisset builds model airplanes in Engineering Club

by Ted Cavus

Energy and planes fly high as senior CJ Bissett helps construct model airplanes in Engineering Club.

Bissett helps construct different engine designs and wing designs for model airplanes that the club flies.

“At Engineering Club, we are connected because of what we are learning about planes,” he said.

Bissett builds stronger friendships with his fellow club members Troy Wayers, Nick Bass and the janitor Rob. “Before the club they were people in my friend group but not my primary friends and because of how well we work together, we have become closer,” Bissett said.

The club meets every Wednesday in Mrs.Smith’s art classroom to build airplanes with the help of the janitor, Rob. Bisset enjoys many parts of the Engineering Club experience.

“The best part is working on the balsa wood frames, cuting the ribs and such because it’s a part where we get to be creative,” Bissett said.

Bissett enjoys building the model air-

planes with his friends.

“At the end of the day we feel accomplished because we are making something,” he said.

The club has assembled three kits so far and plans to continue.

“Right now we are doing the best we can. [Rob] wants to continue to build kits but I have bigger plans for the club and so do the other guys,” he said.

Bissett hopes to bring in more people into the club.

“If it were not for this club, [my friends and I] would head our separate ways,” Bissett said.

“Right now we are doing the best we can. [Rob] wants to continue to build kits ,but I have bigger plans for the club and so do the other guys,” he said.

Bissett hopes to reconstruct a Northrop Grumman lesson and teach it to the club and he also looks to bring in more people into the club.

Bissett also plans on continuing the enigneering path throughout his life.

“Building is a passion, engineering means the world to know the world,” he said.

School may not be a center for entertainment, but one might think otherwise if they found themselves around seniors Dakota and Sierra Kauffman.

Though they were recognized for their sense of humor in the yearbook, they view themselves as more than just funny siblings.

“We just really want to be role models and show others that it is okay to be yourself and that you act out sometimes,” Dakota said.

There is no shame held between these two and they are proud of who they are each day.

“I love being around people and so I want to show them how much fun I am and that it’s okay to be outrageous,” Dakota said.

Despite being known as a comedian by her friends, Sierra still sees herself as a bit on the shy side.

“Being recognized for best sense of humor was a bit surprising,” said Sierra. “I feel like even if I am funny at times I’m still very to myself except for a select few among students.”

Sierra credits her brother for helping her become more outgoing.

“I would say that because of Dakota, I’ve progressively been able to be more out there as each year that passes,” Sierra said.

Dakota and Sierra don’t consider being funny as something that should just come

1.

Dual Personality. 1. Dakota Kaufman enjoys being around people and strives to be a role for other students. 2. Sierra Kaufman looks to become more independent as they attend separate collges.

FAVORITE MEMORY

The game winning goal I scored [for the boys’ soccer team] in CIF.

Participating in the swim and other sports teams.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

DAGMAY DEMSAS

FUTURE PLANS

I will study economics at the University of California Santa Barbara.

2.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MARDESICH

FAVORITE MEMORY

Don’t worry too much about your first year but make sure you’re thinking about the future

naturally rather than something one feels they should work on.

“There’s no formula to being funny.

There’s no looking up stuff on google, just be yourself and try to make people smile,” said Dakota.

Though they enjoy being the funniest people in a crowd their focus still goes back to school and to doing the things that they love.

“After high school we’re both going to community colleges, looking to transfer out through soccer,” Seirra said.

Sierra will attend Real Hondo while Dakota will attend Harbor College this upcoming fall but being apart does not worry them too much.

“We’re going our separate ways for college, but I think that’ll help us just be able to be more independent and learn to meet new people easier,” Sierra said.

When looking back at their high school years, they both agreed on what they would have done differently.

“I just regret not hanging out with friends a lot more often from the start. That would have been a gajillion times better for us and them,” Sierra. said.

Their main goal as being the comedians among friends isn’t to make themselves feel good; it’s more so about making their audience feel good.

“We just want people to know that it’s okay to be funny, its okay to be silly at times,” Dakota said, “and it’s okay to be you.”

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

DERIC RYAN

Do all your work, make new friends, join clubs and teams, and be humble.

BIGGEST ACCOMLISHMENT

Graduating high school with so many activities and getting hired for a railroad in August.

15 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Circle of friends

Seniors Shivaani Gandhi, Mannal Haddad, Tricia Light, Navea Dasz, and Navikka Dasz grow closer as a result of giving back to the community.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

by Grace Zoerner

In giving their time to the community, seniors Shivaani Gandhi, Mannal Haddad, Tricia Light, and Navea and Navikka Dasz have received countless memories that they will keep for a lifetime. These girls have devoted five years’ worth of their time to the South Bay Friendship Circle organization.

“Friendship Circle is the single most defining point of my life in the past five and a half years, and I think it is for all of us,” Light said. “It brought us together. We’re as close as we are now because of Friendship Circle.”

The girls participate in both the South Bay’s Friendship Circle community and the in-school club; in both environments, they are known for their hard work, commitment, and dedication.

In four years, each girl has given almost two thousand hours of her time to Friendship Circle. According to Light, they had to only record about half of these hours on college applications in fear that colleges would question their validity.

“Between school and community events, we spend a lot of time together,” Navea said.

“We end up socializing not only with the kids, but with each other.”

The girls feel that Friendship Circle has affected their everyday lives, both inside and outside of the program.

“We’re much more outgoing now,” Had-

dad said. “It might just be because we grew up a little more, but I think it’s also because we’ve learned how to get out there and say, ‘Hi, my name is Mannal and you’re going to hang out with me today.’”

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the special relationship and connection that they form with the kids.

“They want someone who will treat them like they’re anyone else. They already have so many people who talk to them differently, like their therapists and parents,” Gandhi said. “It’s cool they can have someone to just hang out with.”

Despite their disabilities, the girls say that connecting with the kids on a personal level is easy.

“Whether or not someone has special needs is like if they’re right or left handed.

Who cares?” Gandhi said.

Light agrees that when forming a new friendship, this factor is almost always irrelevant.

“A substantial portion of my closest friends today have special needs. It’s not something you think about anymore,” Light said.

Still, the friendship formed between the

group is the strongest bond they have made through Friendship Circle.

“At school, it takes effort not to always just be ‘us,’” Navikka said. “It took until this year to actually make friends outside of the

group.”

Though the closeness can be “intimidating” to outsiders, the girls find it to be comforting and rewarding.

“There’s really never any drama in our group. At the end of the day, we know we’re always looking out for each other,” Gandhi said.

In the fall, the girls will be forced to disperse and attend different colleges. Though they are all going to school in California, they anticipate that separation will be challenging.

“Leaving for college is going to be hard.

Friendship Circle has defined us, and I really don’t know what I’m going to do without it,” Navea said. “More than that, though, we’ve always supported each other. It’s going to be hard not having someone I can turn to.”

Over the years, the group has grown so tightly knit that they jokingly refer to themselves as a “cult.”

3.

Spreading the love. 1. The group attends a surf camp where they help the children learn to surf. 2. The Friendship Circle club walks to raise money. They hope to be the most spirited group. 3. Gandhi and Light participate in a sports night where they learn a new sport each month.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

Even if you don’t think you’ll succeed in something, life rewards people who try.

Join clubs and sports because that’s how I made my friends in high school; it makes a difference.

FAVORITE MEMORY

BIGGEST REGRET

Not taking enough chances.

Senior prom.

JULIA TANG

“Leaving Friendship Circle isn’t just leaving an activity,” Navikka said. “It’s like leaving family. It’s like leaving home.”

Each girl feels this sense of unity is shared throughout the group.

“At this point, we’re just the Friendship Circle girls from Redondo,” Haddad said.

“We’re not even ourselves.”

BIGGEST REGRET

Not having enough time to join the salsa team.

16 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

KATIE ANTILLA

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Getting a lot of awards at the awards ceremony.

Klatte reflects on high school friendships

by Haris Khan

Leg Ahead. Fransico Peralta does not let his prosthetic leg affect his life; instead, it motivates him.

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Putting his best foot forward

Peralta plans to develop bionic knee and ankle to replace his own prosthetic leg.

by Nageena Hamraz

Smelling the sharp fumes of tapping fluid, hearing the screech of the band saw on aluminum and the pops of the rivet gun, senior Francisco Peralta builds robots with the Robotics team.

Through Robotics and Swim, Senior Francisco Peralta has grown to accept his individuality. While Peralta is building robots, he feels “powerful” and “mentally inspired.”

“That feeling of control over a mechanism is fulfilling because you start out with an idea, and you develop that idea into a working competitive robot that is able to just function how you want it to,” Peralta said. “Competition drives my survival.”

Peralta originally joined the Robotics team because he was curious as to what went on in the Robotics lab, and this curiosity has led him to become a part of a team that has “enforced [his] desire to become a mechanical engineer.”

“Whenever we are working on the robot, I feel inspired to continue on my engineering career and continue seeking my dream to develop my own bionic knee and ankle,”

Peralta said.

Peralta’s right femur was underdeveloped when he was born, so his right leg was amputated.

Through mechanical engineering, Peralta hopes to improve his own bionic knee and ankle, and in the future provide cheaper ones for other amputees because they are currently too expensive.

Before Robotics, Peralta was on the swim team. Although he did not have great difficulty swimming while on the team, being on that team helped “grow [his] personality”.

“Before, I felt like as a freshman I was still a little bit insecure about myself in a way,” Peralta said. “[Swimming] improved my self-esteem.”

Swimming also gave Peralta another perspective about developing a leg that can go into water.

A former teammate, junior Sanjay Mahboobani, once called Peralta “The Terminator.” This nickname has made Peralta feel “better about negative comments” and has made him realize his uniqueness.

A current Robotics teammate, junior Matt Mardesich, feels that Peralta’s leg is not a “hindrance of any kind.”

“He works and does whatever he needs to do, just like the rest of the team,” Mardesich said.

According to Mardesich, Peralta is inspirational; this is not because he has one leg, but because he is a hard worker and manages to balance so many interests so well.

“I don’t think of him as, or associate his actions with, having only one leg,” Mardesich said. “When I see him working hard or see something he’s made, I don’t think, ‘Oh, the one-legged kid made that, good job.’ I just think, ‘Oh hey, Francisco made that.’”

While Peralta was certain he wanted to be an engineer, it was only when his prosthetic specialist showed him a report on Hugh Herr.

“He is working on knees and ankles; he’s also an amputee. He worked on an olympic runner, Oscar Pistorius,” Peralta said. “That inspired me to follow his path in a different way.”

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LEE

Friends for life. Klatte and Malone-White support each other in every way possible.

FUTURE PLANS

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

High school is just a four-year-long weeding system. Don’t be a bad weed.

Going to CSU Fullerton and become an English teacher.

ILANA LaGRAFF

Some people might argue that friendship is a bond between two people, while others may say it involves much more than that.

For Klatte, being a friend means more than just someone to have a conversation with.

“A friend is someone who is a reflection of a part of you,” Klatte said.

For Klatte, the best qualities in a friend include their sense of humor.

“Some good qualities to have in a friend are awareness, introspection, and humor,” Klatte said.

Klatte acknowledges how friends have helped him grow into who he is today.

“My friends have helped me through difficult times. They help keep me balanced and self-aware.”

One of Klatte’s best friends, senior Evan Malone-White, has known Klatte since kindergarten.

“Garrett found a way to have the complete high school experience,” MaloneWhite said. “He does everything so well and it’s cool to have seen that.”

Klatte believes that having friends has been a great part of his high school experience.

“Having good friends pays off every single day. There is never a moment when it does not. I love to laugh with my friends. It truly is the best, but whether superficial or deeply personal, conversation can always be had with my friends,” Klatte said.

Don’t wait until senior year to participate in school activities.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Mrs. Williams wrote in my yearbook that I was the best TA in her whole career.

HANA GHANIM

Surviving junior year with some personality intact and getting into UC Berkeley.

FUTURE PLANS

Curing cancer and such.

17 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Lai uses fan fiction to express herself

by Jewell Black

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PHOTO BY CLAIRE TISIUS

PHOTO FROM JUSTJARED.COM

Bollywood Star. 1. Bill Raj dances a Bollywood style dance at the Dance Showcase. 2. Selena Gomez dancing in the “Come and Get it” video.

Raj helps choreograph Selena Gomez’s ‘Come and Get it’ music video

by Kira Bowen

Though he has always had a passion for dancing, the discovery of Salsa club has given Senior Bill Raj many opportunities including being a part in choreographing the Bollywood style dance in Selena Gomez’s “Come and Get It” music video.

“I loved watching dancers all my life. I found dancing fascinating,” Raj said. “I love dancing in general, but salsa has opened me up as a person.”

He got involved in salsa club as a sophomore and has been a member for three years. Raj finds that salsa has many social and physical benefits.

“Having to dance with others and learning how to lead your partner has given me amazing confidence,” Raj said. “Salsa gave me the confidence to go out and find opportunities, like the music video.”

A friend of Raj signed him up for needed choreographers for Bollywood dance style.

After a call, Raj confirmed and was ready to begin working with the dancers from the video.

On set, Raj even had the opportunity to meet the famous pop singer Selena Gomez.

“Meeting Selena was a dream come true.

I watched her on Disney Channel, [and] I’ve always been a huge fan,” Raj said. “I freaked out after I met her. [After meeting her] I remember getting in the car and screaming my head off.”

Through all the excitement of meeting the celebrity, Raj believes his work has paid off in this unbelieveable experience.

“It was such an amazing experience,” Raj said. “I honestly still can’t believe that I was able to work on the video. It gave me so much ambition to accomplish my future goals and to follow my passion.”

Not only was working on the video enjoyable, but according to Raj it also served an educational purpose by helping him find direction in his career.

“I got the experience of working in the industry. Before the video, I had no idea how anything worked,” Raj said. “I never imagined the meetings and rehearsals and planning that went into it. It ignited me to pursue film and dance further.”

Raj is going to pursue his art-focused dreams by attending New York Film Academy to have a Bachelors of Fine Arts in filmmaking.

He believes that working on the music

video was a good taste of the filmmaking experience. “[The music video] was exciting because it was my first big step into the industry,” Raj said.

According to Raj, if it was not for salsa club, he would have never had the confidence or the passion to pursue an artistic path.

“Salsa brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover that I was really passionate about dancing,” Raj said.

“Salsa has been the center of my life for the past three years. [It gave me] great friendships and a love for dance.”

Salsa has given him confidence through dancing, but because of the music video and other goals, Raj has decided to shift away from dancing and towards more film production.

He even got an offer to work on the set for the “Walking Dead,” but raj believes his love for dance will never fade.

“I will never stop dancing and striving to get better. My goal is to one day hopefully get into the entertainment industry and be successful. I know its going to be hard but I’m going to work for it,” Raj said.

BIGGEST REGRET

FUTURE PLANS

Not working as hard as I could and not doing homework.

I leave for Marine Corps boot camp on June 17.

FAVORITE MEMORY

FAVORITE MEMORY Playing football senior year with my friends.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT MARCUS Being a second team all league linebacker.

MARTINEZ 18 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

As a teenager in the hectic high school life, Audrey Lai found her way to escape the stress by writing fan fiction.

Over time, Lai has developed a passion for writing fan fiction. As of now, she has completed four stories and is currently working on three other stories, using her passion in her writings.

“With fan fiction, I’ve been able to express my feelings,” Lai said.

She was first exposed to fan fiction through one of her other hobbies drawing.

Lai uses a website called devianart.com that allows her to post her drawings. She then came across fan fiction writings of one of her followers from the website.

“I started reading it, and I got really interested,” Lai said. “ I then wanted to write stories of my own.”

Inspired by the artist, Lai began writing stories based on her favorite video games, and she is currently working on a crossover between Pokemon and Kingdom Hearts.

Although Lai admits that she writes fan fiction mainly for entertainment purposes, she also uses it as an outlet for her emotions.

“With fan fiction, I’ve been able to express my feelings a lot,” Lai said. “There was this one really sad part of my life that I didn’t know how to express, so instead of yelling out like I usually do, I just wrote a whole story about it.”

Lai’s friend, senior Katie Antilla, also acknowledges how Lai has used fan fiction to escape.

“Writing fan fiction is kind of a fun thing she does,” Antilla said. “[It is] also like a retreat when everything else becomes too stressful. She can just focus on drawing and writing fan fiction.”

Fan fiction plays a very important part in Lai’s life and it has taught her many valuable lessons.

“It’s an escape and I kind of use fan fiction as a learning tool,” Lai said. “ I [write stories] and all of my feelings are there. I can let [myself ] go.”

JACOB SPEAR

Winning first place as Color Guard Commander.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT Being able to graduate.

Volpe volunteers at the YMCA

by Jewell Black

“

“I have never seen Sarah so determined to make sure her campers had a great experience and everything they needed,” – MRS. VOLPE

2.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARAH VOLPE

It’s fun to stay at the YMCA. 1.Senior Sarah Volpe sits in the shade with other campers at Camp Whittle. 2. A camper named Patzy sits on the bus with Volpe on the way to camp.

FUTURE PLANS

FAVORITE MEMORY

My future plans are to attend the University of Oregon this fall, majoring in business.

Watching Ethan Pezzolo and Cooper Lovano’s dance battle at prom.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

ANTHONY DOWNEY

My advice for the freshmen is to get involved in their community as much as they can for college.

BIGGEST REGRET

Not taking all of the opportunities I was given.

“

According to Sarah Volpe, it really is fun to work at the YMCA. She helps underprivileged girls becoming confident through volunteer work.

Volpe volunteers as a counselor with the Torrance South Bay YMCA at overnight camps for underprivileged young women.

“I enjoy helping kids conquer their fears and sustain more confidence. These kids were so elated to have had participated in this excursion,” Volpe said.

As a counselor Volpe organizes recreational events such as horseback riding, swimming, and archery.

Last summer,Volpe and her family raised enough money to send 36 kids to Camp Whittle ,as well as provide them with sleeping bags, bathing suits, jackets, and other necessities.

“Some of my campers were so excited just to have three meals a day and their own bed to sleep in. I also gave them my clothes that I didn’t want and they were very grateful for everything they received,” Volpe said. “My campers were so excited for every activity that we had planned. Even with the dull activities they still made it fun.”

1.

Volpe’s mother takes pride in her daughter’s many efforts and sees a positive change that will help her in her career goals.

“I am so proud of my daughter and the things she has accomplished. Sarah has a lot of patience and a kind heart and will make an incredible special education teacher,” Mrs. Volpe said.

Volpe loves working and helping children, specifically impoverished or underprivileged and hopes to pursue this dream in her life.

Volpe’s participation in various YMCA programs, including at the Youth and Government club, has positively affected her personality and future.

“I have become a more responsible and a compassionate young adult due to my volunteer work, taking responsibility for my education, and getting into my first choice college,” Volpe said. “Working with these children made me decide that I want to help more underprivileged kids every year.”

FUTURE PLANS

DAVID FILLMAN

Going to UC San Diego and majoring in chemical engineering.

BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT Making so many great friends.

19 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Homan hopes to make the world a better place

by Karissa Taylor

The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is wellfed, one-third is under fed and one-third is starving. By the time you finish reading this entire article, at least 200 people have died of starvation.

Shaila Homan feels obligated to help others and hopes to continue to aid people throughout her life. Homan feels compelled to take the initiative to support others as long as she is able to.

“When I think of all the problems that trouble humanity, it’s difficult for me not to be proactive about it,” Homan said. “I believe that everyone has the power to change the world, but very few seize the opportunity. As long as I am of able body and mind, I intend to make a difference.”

Homan has participated in many organizations such as the Sierra Service Project (SSP) and 30 Hour Famine. Homan’s favorite program, SSP, brings together youths for one week of the summer to gather in less fortunate areas for a variety of different services.

“Two years ago, I worked on an in-depth

report about the abuse of human rights in Somalia. The information that I learned deeply disturbed me and triggered my interest in international conflicts,” Homan said.

Homan’s friend, senior Emma Uriarte, has also taken part of the SSP and shares an interest with Homan to aid others.

“Because we live so close to the people we’re helping, it forms a community environment and we become like a family,” Uriarte said.

Since Homan is graduating, she plans on continuing to aid people and possibly joining the Peace Corps after graduating from college.

“I will be working with people with similar intentions and values that I have,” PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL Homan said. “Hopefully I can make a significant improvement to the lives of the in- Worldly spirit. After spending years in programs like SSP, Homan wants to help the world. dividuals living within that community.”

Hannah Vorndran helping less fortunate helping people and wants to continue to Although Homan is uncertain what ca- people is a feeling that no one should go lend assistance for the rest of her life. While reer she will end up pursuing, she is major- without in their lives many consider her to be selfless, she believes ing in International Security and Conflict “Knowing that you are doing something helping others is a mutual relationship.

Resolution to prepare for all types of jobs for someone who can never repay you is “[Helping others] is so wonderful that it’s that provide services for those less fortunate. such an awesome feeling. It’s so rewarding difficult to argue that serving others is self“I’m fascinated by the idea of working for and I would highly encourage anyone to do less,” Homan said. “I gain so much knowlthe United Nations. I am also interested in a service project at least once,” Vorndran edge, happiness, and compassion through becoming a human rights activist, even if it said. service. When I help people, my love for doesn’t seem very practical” Homan said.

Homan feels a deep connection when humanity grows.

According to Homan’s friend, senior

AVID helps Perez get into his college of choice

by Caitlin Cochran

PHOTOS BY TYLER EISENHART

Best buds. Manny Perez (Right) and Chris Henderson (Left) hanging out outside of AVID.

He gets in his car after finishing his shift at his second job and heads home. When he gets there, he checks his mailbox, nervous and unsure of what he will find. When he opens it he sees the letter he has been working in AVID to receive for four years: an acceptance to California State University at Northridge.

Manny Perez was ecstatic about this acceptance because it meant he succeeded in his goal of making it into a four year university.

“When I first opened the letter, I was so excited that I became overwhelmed and

FUTURE PLANS

My future plans include attending Cal Poly SLO and traveling everywhere!

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

Enjoy every moment you have in high school.

BARBIE AGUILAR

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Winning a trophy in a dance competition my freshman year.

speechless,” Perez said.

In order to reach this goal, Manny took AVID all four years of high school and does not think he could have reached his goal without it.

“AVID has helped me keep organized and focused on school and classes, and pushed my expectations of what I felt I could do,” Perez said. “My expectations for myself were raised to a completely different level.”

AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is geared toward preparing students for college. Its mission is to ensure that all students achieve success in a rigorous curriculum; involvement in school activities; enrollment in four year colleges and grow into educated, responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

Not only has the program provided Perez insight for college, but it also helped him meet his best friend Chris Henderson. According to Henderson, Perez is a valuable friend and he is grateful to have a friend like

him.

“He doesn’t care what people think of him and he always has a good time,” Henderson said. “He is definitely one of my best friends and always will be.”

Another person Perez met through AVID was senior Cheyne Sullivan, with whom he has become good friends.

“Manny is a good friend and I have seen first-hand the accomplishments he has made in AVID,” Sullivan said.

Perez played basketball until last year when he decided that he wanted to focus more on school.

“Basketball was fun and I regret quitting, but my grades improved even more afterwards,” Perez said.

AVID has played a huge role in Perez’s success and he hopes to take the skills and work ethic he has learned to college with him.

“I have really enjoyed high school and feel really prepared for college” Perez said.

FAVORITE MEMORY

Disneyland or making it to CIF for basketball.

FAVORITE MEMORY

Probably either Disneylandor making it to CIF for basketball and CIF prelims for track.

BIGGEST REGRET LEAH Not making more friends then I have.

LANGFORD Compiled by Caitlin Cochran

20 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Harris seeks a career in comedy

by Savannah Stern

ILLUSTRATION BY JOSEPH BIESCHKE

Bobo aspires to join the Marine Corps

by Natalie Hardiman

After living in foster care for four years, Jared Bobo developed a protective nature and a desire to join the Marine Corps.

Since his father could not take care of him anymore, Bobo has been living with the same foster family and believes it has changed his opinions on life.

“I feel it has opened my eyes to what can happen,” Bobo said. “I was one of the fortunate ones, but a lot of kids don’t have a family like I have.”

In addition to changing his outlook, being in foster care has made Bobo think more seriously about his future.

“Often when a foster child turns eigh-

He watches them on TV: their mannerisms, the way they tell their stories and the way they make the audience laugh. For Khalil Harris, big names like Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence are his inspiration.

He hopes to one day become a comedian.

“My friends and other people always tell me that I’m really funny so I thought, ‘why not make a career out of it,’” Harris said.

Harris plans to start out in small comedy clubs and open mic nights to gain some experience in the hopes of getting noticed.

“I always told myself that by 2017 I’d make it on TV. Hopefully I get noticed and make it big, maybe get my own TV show,” he said.

Harris’s big dreams do not make him lose sight of why he really wants to be a comedian.

teen, they are forced to leave their foster families, so I wanted to be prepared for after high school,” Bobo said.

Participating in ROTC has also urged Bobo to consider the Marine Corps.

“I chose the military as one of my options after high school because being in ROTC has made me understand that certain things need to be done.”

Bobo first joined ROTC in middle school and chose to pursue the Marine Corps branch once he started high school.

“My experience in ROTC has been great because it shaped me,” Bobo said, “[When I started] I was shy. As I got older and started taking on more responsibilities, it gave me the incentive to take action and do what needs to be done.”

Throughout high school, Bobo was taught by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Willoughby, who inspired Bobo the most in deciding to join the military.

“Jared has performed extremely well in MCJROTC since his freshman year,” Wil-

“I just love to make people laugh. Hearing them laugh makes me laugh and laughter brings happiness,” he said.

Harris enjoys the fact that even a small joke can make someone’s day a little bit brighter.

“Maybe someone’s having a bad day, so I tell them a joke and make them laugh. Well I know that I made their day a little bit better, and I hope they’ll think back and be like, ‘Oh I was sad that day but Khallil made me laugh,’” he said.

“I want to be remembered for that.”

Harris’s parents believe that he has the ability to make it in the comedy world. They also think that he has the strength to go far.

“We know he has the talent.

He’s a very funny kid. We always tell him one day he’ll get paid for making others laugh,” Mrs. Harris said.

However, comedy is not the only path Harris wishes to pursue.

loughby said. “He always strives for the best, continually improving his leadership knowledge, skills and abilities.”

With these abilities, Willoughby thinks that Bobo will do well in the Marines.

“If Jared decides to join the Marine Corps, I believe that he will make an outstanding Marine,” Willoughby said.

Once he realized he wanted to join the military, Bobo researched what he needed to do in order to join.

“Going on the Marine Corps website and seeing all its information gave me the urge to join to something greater than myself,” Bobo said.

Now, Bobo is preparing to take the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery Test, a multiple-choice test that he needs to pass in order to join the Marines.

“I feel that being in the military is all about having honor, courage and commitment,” Bobo said. “You just need to stay motivated and dedicated to do what you want to achieve in life.”

Get involved with a sport or a club because it makes high school so much more exciting.

To become a major in computer science.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

FAVORITE MEMORY

Remember to cherish your true friends.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

DAN SAVALESCU

PHOTO BY JENNY OETZELL

Military man. Jared Bobo poses in his ROTC uniform near the flag pole.

ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN

FUTURE PLANS

Teaching myself guitar.

He plans to attend Sonoma State in the fall to major in business.

“Business is more of a side thing for me. Comedy is my main goal,” he said. “I want to major in business, though, because I know what people want, and I know how to advertise what people want.”

Harris’s father also encourages Harris in his decision to major in business.

“I think Khalil’s decision to major in business is a great plan if his dream to become a comedian does not work out, not that it won’t, but I’m glad he is being realistic,” Mr. Harris said.

With his major in business and the possibility of his own TV show, Harris plans on making it big and becoming the owner of a few fast food chains.

“I’m hoping that I’ll make enough money to own like six Wing Stops, six In ’N’ Outs and six Chick-Fil-As. That way when I do make it big, I can have all my favorite foods whenever I want,” Harris said.

Senior excursion and the prom!

ABEL YOUNG

BIGGEST REGRET

Not getting to beat Costa in football my senior year.

Compiled by Caitlin Cochran

21 HIGH TIDE . FEATURES

Senior Notables

These are the seniors who deserve recognition but may have already been written about in High Tide or The Pilot.

“

I want to tell the freshmen to always challenge yourselves. Reach higher than you think you can.

This way, you won’t have any regrets about your efforts afterwards.

You will be surprised at how much you are capable of achieving.

– Miriam Wang

“

“

My greatest accomplishment is probably the fact that, though it may have taken me four years, I finally had one of my original compositions played live.

– Xavier Muzik

My most memorable moment was winning the basketball State Championship. It felt like a dream.

It was the happiest day of my life.

– Derek Biale

“

“

My greatest accomplishment would be being Bay League champion in cross country and track and to be able to represent Redondo at Footlocker Nationals this year.

– Kayla Ferron

“

“

My favorite moment was getting to the finals of the Bay League doubles championships with Chris Lew and sticking it to PV. – Derek Levchenko

22 HIGH TIDE . NOTABLES

“

My most memorable moment was when I was playing football against West High and I scored four touchdowns and we won in over time.

– Anthony Philyaw

“

“

“

My advice for freshman is to not put off what can be achieved now.

“

“

‘13

– David Alexander

“

“

In the future I am going to attend Cal Poly SLO and take construction management. Then I want to bring construction into my dad’s plumbing business.

– Enzo Mattucci

“

“

My most memorable moment was the dance off I had with Cooper Lovano at this year’s prom. I totally won.

– Ethan Pezzolo

“

“

My advice for freshmen is ‘don’t try to be cool because you guys are just freshmen.’

– Michael Chang

“

Senior Notables

These are the seniors who deserve recognition but may have already been written about in High Tide or The Pilot.

“

Life is too short to spend it working all the time. Everyone needs to try riding a fast motorcycle at least once in their lives, no matter what all the mothers in the world say.

– Craig Ives

My most memorable moment was gluing a quarter to the ground next to the vending machine and watching people try and pick it up.

– Peter Doykos

“

“

My advice to freshmen would have to be to get involved. It honestly makes your high school experience one hundred times more fun and memorable and you also make a lot of friends from doing so.

– Kayla Steele

“

[My greatest accomplishment] was graduating with a 3.7 and going to DePauw University.

– Kelsey Haller

“

“

“

‘13 “

“

One of my most memorable moments was on Halloween, junior year, when my friends and I dressed up and just mobbed as old people and it was pretty awesome and unforgettable; we played bingo at snack as well.

– Brittany Oldham

“

“

My biggest regret is spending too long being a typical “fresh off the boat” Asian, being scared of foreign people for too long, and not getting out there as much.

– Paolo Veloso

“

“

Don’t let fear of what others may think of you prevent you from doing something fun, new, or exciting at school. High school is all about finding what makes you the happiest person you can be and no one should stop that.

– Chris Nguyen

“

Don’t get sucked into drama.

Nothing good comes from it.

– Colin Welch

“

“ “

“

My most memorable moment was getting accepted to my number one college choice.

– Zac Rodgers

“

Before my last game as a senior we all prayed together and were just stoked for our final game.

Just knowing that was the last time I got to play with these girls who became my family will always be my favorite memory.

– Hannah Mansour

“

23 HIGH TIDE . NOTABLES

[from p. 1] at Union.”

Su plans on using her education at Union to pursue health care management and clinical work. Her motive for these fields of employment have been heavily supported by her extracurricular work.

“The summer before my junior year I stayed at UC Berkeley for the National Student Leadership Conference for Leadership and Medicine,” Su said. “The summer before my senior year I applied and was selected for the Eve and Gene Black Medical Program at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in which I shadowed many types of doctors and got more of an idea of what it’s like to work as a medical professional.”

Su’s successes within school have also pushed her towards her accomplishments. Tim Baumgartner, Su’s teacher for Precalculus/Trigonometry and AP Calculus BC, saw her determination through difficult situations.

Due to schedule conflicts, Su could not take AP Calculus BC in person; rather, she sat in with Baumgartner’s AP Calculus AB class and worked independently.

“She really did a lot of learning on her own, and even though that was not an ideal situation, she still ended up getting the award for the top student in AP Calculus BC,” Baumgartner said.

Su’s dominant role in the classroom was developed by more than her academic efforts.

“AP classes definitely kept me on par with all the other amazing students whom I was competing against for admission, but what set me apart was undoubtedly my experience and leadership in ASB,” Su said. “Leadership is one of the most important qualities colleges look for

in applicants, and Union’s admission board for the LIM Program looked especially for leadership.”

Activities Director Sherie Gross agrees with Su on the value of ASB. “[Su’s] resume is fuller and more well-rounded with ASB leadership, [and] she has learned invaluable interpersonal skills being a student leader,” Gross said.

With ASB experience under her belt, Su feels even more prepared to leave high school.

“ASB was a major part of my high school experience because I’ve been able to grow and mature so much,” Su said.

“

Being accepted to the LIM program was definitely the deciding factor for my choosing Union. Finding the right curriculum to fit my interests was the key, and I found exactly what I was looking for.

— EMILY SU

”

According to Baumgartner, aside from her “outgoing” and “enthusiastic” persona, Su’s maturity will keep her focused throughout college.

“She’s got her eyes on the prize of becoming a doctor, and I know that she’s going to be able to carry through and be successful,” Baumgartner said.

Overall, Su retained a 4.71 weighted A-G GPA accumulated throughout her four years at Redondo, and she is closing her senior year with a 4.83 GPA. In addition to GPA, her 2340 SAT score reflects her hard work and effort.

The consequences of extreme dedication to schoolwork,

however, harbored social consequences; as a result, Su has some regrets.

“I wish I had made more effort to hang out with friends when I had time. Even though I have been busy these past four years, the days I would go home and sleep or relax far exceeded those when I’d start homework straight away, and I wish I had taken that off time to spend with my friends,” Su said.

Su was also set apart from her friends due to her decision to apply to 20 undergraduate schools. Applying for 20 schools was already “a lot on [her] plate,” but Su also applied to combined medical programs of 10 of those 20 schools, all of which require additional essays and separate applications.

“It’s a very competitive process that is both demanding and stressful. I’ll never forget flying around the country to interview for different medical programs, especially since I knew going in that each school only accepted around 10-15 students from a pool of hundreds of the most highly qualified students I’ve ever seen,” Su said.

The applications were so consuming, they intruded on her vacation and beyond.

“I remember sending in my last college application to Yale while I was on winter vacation in New York, and the joy was short-lived because then I had to wait in anticipation of calls for interviews to move onto the next stage in the medical program application process,” Su said.

Su believes the hard work and tough times paid off.

“The medical program application and interview process was very long and stressful, but I’m very happy with how everything worked out,” Su said. “The interviewing experience was very valuable, and even though I missed a lot of school I wouldn’t have opted to do things any differently.”

2.

1.

24 . HIGH TIDE

She’s got school spirit. 1. Emily Su leads ASB in cheering at the first day of school rally.

“I’m confident about moving on in the world because ASB has allowed me to hone the skills I’ll need to be sccessful,” Su said. 2. Su rides in an inner tube over a sea of students at the Homecoming rally. Su believes that all her work throughout high school has paid off, since she has been accepted to Union College’s Leadership in Medicine program, a “combined medical program” in which she will be able to earn her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree over the course of only eight years. “The medical school application and the MCAT are among the most grueling and most time-consuming endeavors a student aspiring to go to medical school will have to face, so a program that allows students to forego them is undoubtedly hard to get into,” Su said. 3. Su works on the senior Homecoming float with the rest of class council. ASB Activities Director Sherie Gross beleives that Su has demonstrated a strong willingness to succeed: “Emily is an exceptional student and her drive is impressive. She is a rare breed,” Gross said.

3.