The Talon - 2021-22 Issue #1

2021-2022 Issue 1

Table of Contents Page 1: 9/11 Ceremony Pages 2-3: Fall Social Pages 4-5: Homecoming King & Queen Candidate Profiles Pages 6-8: Sports and FFA Page 9: World News Pages 10-11: Student Life

Immanuel Remembers 9/11 Veterans, First Responders Honored at All-School Event Staff Report; Photos Contributed by Immanuel Parent Kirk Kawagoe

Immanuel students, staff, and families gathered on the main campus green to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor veterans and first responders. The 20th anniversary ceremony was held on Friday, Sept. 10 and included speeches by administrators, board members, and students, the National Anthem sung by the high school Chamber choir, prayer for the direction of our nation and leaders, and the display of a giant American flag waving from the ladder of a Reedley fire truck.

The O'fish-al Fall Fun Day Recap

by Annah Stevens Immanuel High School’s student body got together for Fall Fun Day, a day when all high school classes dress up in their class color and compete against each other at different games for the fastest time. The day started with an all-school breakfast, with an omelet station as well as a waffle station that the foods class prepared.

Classes traveled together to play games, such as making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with just their feet.

Another game is called Bigfoot, where six students, three boys, and three girls, put their feet in the straps of large feet cutouts and work together to walk those feet to the finish line. In addition to the smaller games, there were two main competitions between the high school classes: catfish volleyball, where classes used towels to hit the catfish to the other side of the net, and dodge ball, where they had two classes at a time throw dodge balls at each other. For the championships they had sophomores and freshmen go against each other, and let’s just say the sophomores lost, as well as juniors, and seniors. The freshman dominated every other class. But the seniors won the overall catfish relay race.

Junior Austin Stevens says that “Fall Fun Day is a great day to connect with your class.” Sophomore Sophia Dick says that Fall Fun Day is “a crazy fun day to make new friends and to have fun before we really get into the school life again.” It is definitely a great way to connect with people in your class.

The Mysteries of the Kings & Queens

by Sienna Mehling

Payton Breckenridge

Alyssa Duerksen

Unknown Quirk: I drink milk with every meal and order it at every restaurant Best High School Memory: The lights out football game when I thought the clowns were going to come for us If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: For Biden to not be president, to fly because that would be cool, and no more surgeries Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks drink: Favorite Dutch drink is a blended dino egg rebel Who would I cast as me in a movie: Adam Sandler because my friends said so If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Bernardi so I can force the football team to form a men's volleyball team

Maddie Ramirez Unknown Quirk: I stick my tongue out when I concentrate Best High School Memory: Dragging a tree through Reedley while driving If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: Unlimited twisty Gatorade, to see Lemonade Mouth live in concert, and world peace Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks drink: Candy Cane cold brew at Dutch Who would I cast as me in a movie: Danielle Campbell (the girl from Starstruck) If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Steven Ramirez, so I could have an amazing older sister(s)

Grace Fedor Unknown Quirk: I always eat the outside of my burger at In-N-Out first and then save the center for last Best High School Memory: Formal my Junior year! It was so much fun

Unknown Quirk: I don’t like Chick-fila sauce Best High School Memory: When Maddie almost got killed by Amethyst during a volleyball tournament If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: I wish for a bionic knee, have all the crocs and dudes in the world, and to become a successful nurse Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks drink: Picture Perfect Dutch freeze Who would I cast as me in a movie: Reese Witherspoon If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: I would trade lives with Mrs. Johnson because she is fun and successful

Nicole Ward

going with a group of girls!

If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: Unlimited Chick-fil-a, to see a Taylor Swift concert, and the ability to teleport Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks drink: Wallaby Frost from Dutch Who would I cast as me in a movie: Scarlett Johansson If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Claire Nelson because who else is that perfect

Shyanna Ward Unknown Quirk: Cheese curds will make me happy anytime!

Best High School Memory: Winning State Champion for Tree Pruning

If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: Your love + affection, for my parking spot to not be taken by other people, and to be 5’6 Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks drink: Strawberry rebel from Dutch Who would I cast as me in a movie: Sandra Bullock If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Elijah Thomas because he is the coolest person on campus

Unknown Quirk: I can sleep with my eyes closed Best High School Memory: Winning a state championship in FFA Tree Pruning If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: That there were more Chick-fil-a’s in the world because I need it more than every couple months, a ticket to the US open, and world peace Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks drink: The Peach Ring Drink from Dutch and a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks *cough* Jamee Lindahl *cough* Who would I cast as me in a movie: Nacho Libre If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Ellie because she’s the swaggest

Carlos Morales

Luke Harder

Unknown Quirk: Teriyaki sauce on my burgers Best High School Memory: Watching Coach Renny beat Hector in a race If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: I wish Maddison Beer was my girlfriend because she’s pretty, I wish I could be friends with Kanye West because he makes good music, I wish I could meet Derrick Henry because he’s the best running back in the NFL Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks Drinks: Horchata Frost from Dutch Who would I cast as me in a movie: The Rock Favorite tv show/movie: Naruto If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Joel because he’s Joel

Jacob Cabrera Unknown Quirk: I hate every kind of dipping sauce Best High School Memory: The time we loaded 9 people in the minivan and let it shake If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: An unbreakable hand, getting to sing a duo with Troy Bolton from High School Musical, and a pet giraffe Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks Drinks: Double RainBro with energy from Dutch Who would I cast as me in a movie: Denzel Washington If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Joel because it’s literally Joel

Jaxon Regier Unknown Quirk: I have a conjoined toe Best High School Memory: Riding SuperMan for the first time at Six Flags with Holden If you had 3 wishes, what

Unknown Quirk: I don’t like Raising Canes Best High School Memory: Last day of School every year If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: To have a billion dollars, have a nice truck, and to be able to go hunting and fishing everyday Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks Drinks: Chocolate Milk Who would I cast as me in a movie: Paul Walker If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Joel, because he is Joel

would you wish for?: Automatic baked potato maker, new song suggestions that I’ll definitely like, and the ability to fly Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks Drinks: Laser Cat Lemonade Blended from Dutch Who would I cast as me in a movie: Julia Stiles If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: I would trade lives with Mr. Knaak. He is very well loved and respected. He has a wonderful relationship with the Lord, and with his wife. He also has killer style

Hector Davila

Joel Regier Unknown Quirk: I have a double jointed thumb Best High School Memory: Playing Yosemite as my first football game after a whole year of not playing If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: I would wish for an infinite amount of money, an unlimited food supply, and to be famous Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks Drinks: OG Gummy Bear rebel from Dutch Who would I cast as me in a movie: Ryan Reynolds If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: I would trade lives with Mr. Knaak because he is an awesome teacher

Unknown Quirk: I’ve never been trick or treating Best High School Memory: Beating Reedley High in football If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?: I would wish for the ability to fly because I’ve always wanted to fly ever since I was little. I’d wish for the ability to read minds so I could always tell what people are thinking. Lastly, I would wish to stay young forever.

Favorite Dutch Bros/ Starbucks Drinks: Large Dragon Slayer Rebel Double blended with layered whip Who would I cast as me in a movie: John Stamos If you could trade lives with someone on campus, who would it be and why: Mr. Ayers because he’s the boss

Girls Tennis' Promising Start

By Alex Hughes

Girls tennis league season started September 2, and the Lady Eagles have maintained a 3-0 win streak over Kingsburg, Exeter, and Dinuba. The team won 8-1 against the Vikings and Monarchs and won 9-0 against the Emperors Thursday the 9.

Tennis also triumphed in preseason matches, beating Firebaugh 8-1, Sierra High 9-0, and Tulare Union 8-1. The girls also performed well in the Firebaugh Tennis Tournament on September 3 and 4. Alex Hughes, Mattie Jackson, and Ava Gomez reached the semi finals in singles, Jackson walking away with first place, and Claire Nelson and Ellie Matlak placed fourth in doubles.

Despite a short two month off-season due to Covid pushing their previous season into the spring, the team is off to a great start this season. With the motto of “We mean business” and the drive to win, who knows where this season will take the team.

Junior Karis Haltom Golfs at Pebble Beach

by Evan Kaufman

1.When did you start playing golf? What were your motives to start playing?

I started playing at around 3-4 years old. I had watched my dad play and wanted to play myself.

2. Are there people in your family that also play golf?

It’s just mainly me that plays golf now, but my dad does golf.

3. What made you want to start playing in bigger golf tournaments?

I wanted to get better and wanted to play more because I enjoy it.

4. Are there any golfing professionals that you look up to?

Will Zalatoris. I like to watch him play and learn from his strategies.

5. Did the pandemic put a halt on how much you practiced? Do you think it affected how well you played?

My golf course was one of the few still open, and since school wasn’t in session I went golfing a lot more. So I was still able to get better but I wasn’t able to attend golf tournaments 6. Do you like to watch golf on TV? Do you like to go to live golf matches?

I don’t like to watch a lot, but when I do I watch Will Zalatoris and Jordan Spieth.

7. What’s your favorite golf club?

I like putting, so the putter is my favorite because when I’m putting you have a chance to lower your strokes.

8.What’s your favorite golf brand?

Mainly Adidas for clothing or Lululemon for golf skirts, Adidas has good golf shoes as well as FootJoy. Taylormade is good, Seemore is good, Ping is good, but I think Adidas is the best overall.

9.Describe the tournament you’ll be competing in next week.

It happens at Pebble Beach, there’s 81 people playing from 14-18, and each one gets paired up to play with a professional. I also have to attend concerts, practices, and a cocktail party to meet the professional I’ll be playing with. They will be giving us a lot of merchandise. I didn’t think I would be accepted into it because people come from around the country, but I did, and I was surprised.

Chapter Officer Leadership Conference

by Evan Kaufman

The Immanuel FFA Chapter Officers traveled to Clovis East High School on August 31st, 2021 for the annual Chapter Officer Leadership Conference, where they participated in leadership building activities that would better equip them to lead Immanuel FFA well into the 20212022 school year. The Immanuel Chapter Officer team consists of Shyanna Ward, Jaden Paboojian, Julianna McCahill, Madison Martinez, Mackenzie Brautigam, Kendra Ward, Molly Hester, and Meredith Torres. Despite a few officers being absent from the conference, the remaining officers were still able to come together and have a wonderful time. A few Chapter Officers and the Advisor were asked a series of questions involving the conference and information about FFA.

Ms. Sandberg 1.Explain what the Chapter Officer Leadership Conference is.

Chapter officer leadership conference, also known as COLC, is a conference that is designed to bring officer teams closer and work together. It allows for collaboration with your team members, as well as team building activities that encourage students to communicate and work with one another. The sectional officer team hosts this conference for the chapters within the section. It is completely student run which is outstanding!

2.As the Immanuel FFA Advisor, what were your roles and duties at the conference?

As the advisor, my duties are to ensure that each officer is in attendance and prepared for the conference. At the event itself, advisors do not participate, it is focused on students gaining leadership skills through other students.

3.How was your overall experience at the Chapter Officer Leadership Conference, since it was the first inperson FFA activity since the pandemic started?

Hearing from the officers, they had an amazing time collaborating with each other, and also meeting new members within the East Fresno Madera FFA Section. It warms my heart that the Immanuel FFA Chapter Officers had such an amazing experience at COLC. In-person events are easier for students to connect with one another and communicate their passion for agriculture and their FFA leadership experiences.

4.Is there anything you are looking to change about this year that would make this year better than previous years?

Now that Immanuel FFA and Agriculture Department has two new classes, Intro to Ag 8th Grade Elective and Ag Mechanics, I am hoping to increase involvement within the chapter. Students will be given so many opportunities to participate in at the chapter level, as well as the section, region, and even state!

5.What events should the students be looking forward to in the coming month?

Immanuel FFA is hosting its annual Fall Ag Literacy Day in October. We also have students exhibiting their SAE projects at Fresno Fair. And as per usual, we have our monthly chapter meetings in room 10 during lunch. If you follow our instagram, the Chapter Reporter does a fantastic job of advertising upcoming events that students can participate in!

Ms. Sandberg would like to remind everyone to stay up-to-date on all events through the FFA social media pages!

Jaden Paboojian

Mackenzie Brautigam

1.As the chapter Vice President, were you required to fulfill any responsibilities during your time at the conference?

While most of our Chapter Officer Team was able to attend this leadership conference, our president was not able to do so. Usually the president would receive some information to distribute to the rest of the officers, but in her absence it was my duty to do so.

2.Explain why it’s called the Chapter Officer Leadership Conference? What activities are held at the conference that include leadership?

The Chapter Officer Leadership Conference was an opportunity for us to learn ways to involve our members and to learn how to speak and direct our chapter as well as we can. It gave us the opportunity to grow in our relationship as officers so that we work well together and are able to lead our chapter.

3.Was it an experience that you enjoyed? What types of activities did you participate in?

Yes, it was an experience that I enjoyed. At the conference they separated officers by position, so I went with the other Vice Presidents. They had us do an activity where we identified our leadership styles through different animals. There were also group activities where our officer team was able to bond and work together.

4.If you could pick any event from Immanuel’s 20212022 FFA school year to promote to non-members, what would it be, and why?

The Big Fresno Fair is a great opportunity for nonmembers to go to because it showcases many different aspects of agriculture and FFA. It’s a very fun event where you can have fun and also learn what FFA and agriculture is all about!

1.What is your role as the Immanuel FFA Chapter Reporter?

As the Immanuel FFA Chapter Reporter, I take responsibility in running various social media accounts, developing and updating our online website, and advertising all other important information within the FFA. 2.What were some activities that you participated in at the conference?

At the Chapter Officer Leadership Conference (COLC), we participated in different activities that tested our teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. We often were tested by the trust within our officer team.

These important assets will help us to develop a great leadership team this next year!

3.What Immanuel FFA event should FFA students be most excited for in this upcoming year?

This upcoming year, Immanuel FFA is excited for National FFA Week in February. In addition to the annual dress up days and lunch activities, we’ll also be having Ag related Chapels! We’re excited to teach the Junior High and High School more about the Ag industry and the FFA organization!

4.How has your experience been being a first year Chapter Officer?

Although I had been heavily involved within the chapter prior to becoming an Officer, I am loving being the Chapter Reporter! The position has given me a new found passion for graphic advertising and marketing. Being an Officer has increased my responsibility, leadership, and organization skills. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve as this year's Chapter Reporter!

5.How has your life changed since becoming an FFA member as well as a chapter officer?

Since becoming an FFA member, I have furthered my skills in leadership, communication and responsibility. I’ve found great importance in building personal relationships with people. Since becoming an officer, I have met many new people and have also been open to new opportunities, such as becoming apart of the Tulare County Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Program.

6.Did you enjoy the conference? Would you change anything about the conference?

I did in fact enjoy the conference! It challenged our team of Officers and brought us all closer together. I would not have changed anything about the conference.

The leadership and organization shown by the Sectional Officers, was very encouraging to us as Chapter Officers.

Tragedy in Afghanistan

By Alex Hughes and Hannah Brown

Since the United States ended their longest military engagement in Afghanistan on August 30, conflict has broken out throughout the country in protests and evacuations as a result of the Taliban taking over shortly after August 15. The Taliban had previously controlled the country in 1996, but as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Taliban regime fell apart and the United States stationed their military in the country to implement a democratic government. President Biden announced his intentions to withdraw American troops by September 11 in April of this year, but the action intended to promote peace quickly dissolved into war, conflict, and chaos within Afghanistan’s borders and around the globe.

Both American allies and Afghan citizens still within the country were desperate to evacuate Afghanistan before the August 31 deadline set by the Taliban.

American Airlines aided the evacuation from the Kabul Airport which remains under United States control. Around 120,000 refugees have been flown from the war torn country, but more still desperately hope for a way out including 350 American citizens.

Amidst the chaos of thousands waiting to be evacuated, 13 American service members and 60 Afghans were killed by suicide bombers outside the Kabul Airport. These were the first service members killed in Afghanistan since February 2020.

Photo from NPR of Kabul Airport after suicide bombing.

Photo from Sune Engel Rasmussen from the Guardian of women protest

Viral videos have been shared across the internet depicting the fear and desperation being experienced by Afghan citizens. One such video captures an infant being passed above the heads of a frantic crowd outside the Kabul Airport to a United States marine boarding a flight to leave the country.

Moments like this have tugged at the hearts of people across the globe, contributing donations to organizations that aid evacuations and refugees.

Within Afghanistan’s borders, citizens continue to fight for their rights. On Wednesday September 8, women in Kabul, Afghanistan chanted “Long live the women of Afghanistan” as they protested the recent announcement of a male-only government. The Taliban responded by beating the women with sticks and whips. This is a continuation of the repressive regime the Taliban implemented when they last controlled the country in 1996, which prohibited women from even leaving their homes without a male escort.

20 years since this tragic war began, the United State’s withdrawal signifies a new era of governance in Afghanistan, for better or for worse, and the end of US nation building. While the intentions of the US was to help the country into a new stage of growth and eradicate terrorist threats, the results may not be as victorious as hoped. Still, the citizens of Afghanistan persist as they grapple for uncertain futures.

Life Advice From Students

by Taylor Lathrop and Alex Hughes

High school can be a struggle to get through. It can be helpful to look at advice from those experiencing it for the first time as well as veterans who are entering the last year of high school and apply it to your own life.

Senior Savreen Nagra

Freshman Virjinia Aleman

Senior Carlos Morales

When asked what people need to do in order to be happy, both seniors and freshmen overwhelmingly responded with having God and friends in your life.

“We need someone to guide us every step of the way,” Virjinia Aleman, a freshman, stated.

Friendship, another essential part of an enjoyable high school experience, can be difficult to find. It is important to find the right friends to surround yourself with. “People need to be around the correct set of friends, and just have a good time,” senior Carlos Morales offered.

Getting through high school can be tough, and there are many aspects to embarking on a successful and enjoyable high school journey. “Have fun, participate, focus on school,” Freshman Maritzah Cibrian stated. Freshman Andrew Silva offered a slightly different take, stating that “Root beer and my gaming systems,” are essential in surviving high school. Class participation is a must in school. “Ask a lot of questions and make sure you understand.

It’s good to have a mentor through the ups and downs of life,” senior Savreen Nagra stated.

Freshman Isabella Aleman

Freshman Maritzah Cibrian

Freshman Andrew Silva

Junior Sienna Mehling

Freshman Micah Goertzen

Everyone has gone through sad times in life, and it is important to learn and grow from them instead of letting them hold us back. Freshman Maritzah Cibrian shared that, “My grandpa dying taught me to trust in God more, a car crash with my dad and sister taught me to enjoy life, and appreciate the people

that you have.” We all can struggle to trust God and live in the moment, and recognizing and growing from difficult times can bring us closer to God and give us a greater appreciation of life. Junior Sienna Mehling’s brother just moved to college, and the experience of being away from her sibling has taught her to “Cherish moments that you have with people that you love because they won’t always be there.”

Having a Christ centered faith requires self reflection. When asked what strengths their relationship with God, both Freshman Isabella Aleman and Micah Goertzen commented on the importance of studying the word and actively praying. Senior Cristabel Cibrian chooses to “listen to worship music to find peace”, and Evan Kaufman understands the importance of “making efforts in our day to stop and pray.”

Senior Cristabel Cibrian

Senior Evan Kaufman

Freshman Justus Jones

Senior Elijah Lavfili

Whether you're a freshman experiencing high school for the first time or a senior embarking on your last year at Immanuel, we all have advice to offer one another. Freshman Justus Jones and senior Elijah Lavfili remind us of putting God first through it all.

Morales stated, “Focus on work and relationships with our friends. Make good memories with them.”

“Don’t stay in your freshmen phase too long or you won’t survive,” Kaufman offered, meaning to be social at school. “Go to every social event, and don’t take it for granted because the 4 years are going to pass by quickly,” Cristabel Cibrian reflected.

Enjoy high school because it will be over before you know it. Surround yourself with good friends, build a firm relationship with the Lord, and try your hardest in your classes and high school will be an experience you can have fun with while learning.

Junior High vs. High School

by Virjinia Aleman

A new school year has started, and freshmen need to quickly adjust to high school expectations. Some students haven’t been to school since March of 7th grade. It has probably been stressful for some freshmen. Getting used to the new environment of high school, like more homework, having to practice

Bible verses every week, and more general responsibilities can mean a lot more work time for students. Here are some Freshmen this year giving their opinions on the changes from junior high to high school.

Mia Rodriguez

Christian Van Doren:

The most difficult thing about high school is probably the classes, especially math.

There's nothing difficult for me just knowing that we are a lot busier with homework, sports and more.

Amanda Herrera:

Carsen Kliever:

I think the hardest thing to adjust to are the quick checks and trying to keep your grades up.

The hardest part of my freshman year is meeting people I didn’t know before because I'm new to Immanuel.

Isabella Aleman:

Xzavier Gonzalez:

In my opinion the hardest thing to adjust to is having so many assignments at once.

High school is a lot more work!