The Talon | Senior Issue | June 6, 2015

On the Airwaves

G R A D UAT I O N SP E A K R S • 3

Mementos SIX EV EN TS FROM THE PAST Y EAR • 4

Recruited Athletes

AND WH ERE T H EY’RE GO ING • 6

The Monuments

SENIOR C L A S S SUPERL AT I VES • 9

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 1

“I’m hotter and smarter.”

It’s finally time. After four short (or arguably, long) years, we are moving on from the halls of Los Altos High School. As of now, we are poised in a transitory moment, an opportunity to look back on our time at the school, while also peeking forward to see what lies in our future. All of us have something we can look back on and smile, laugh or just shake our heads at. All of us have had teachers that changed our lives, friends that will be with us indefinitely and experiences that will never fade from memory.

Now, however, it is time for us to say goodbye, and for many of us, it’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done. But beyond our physical departure, there remains a small bit of Los Altos lodged deep within us, because a community as bright, as compassionate, as diverse and as whole as Los Altos High School’s class of 2015 is undeniably permanent. To all graduates, good luck and let opportunity take you where it may. Now follow us on our trip around the world!

­— M E H R S I N G H

“Well, I’ve definitely gotten fatter.” ­— S E A N N G U Y E N

“Be yourself. It gets better.” ­— A N N A M C S H A N E

“Don’t be afraid to try new things. It sounds dumb and lame, but your senior year you’ll regret that you didn’t try everything.” ­— D A V I D L I M

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“Nothing. Everything happens for a reason.” ­— L A U R E L O ’ S U C H

LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL

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INTRODUCING YOUR 2015 GRADUATION SPEAKERS...

By Alice Dai and Sofia Guo

Sami Nassif

G

Maya Acharya and Mehr Singh

iven the amount that Mehr Singh and Maya Acharya bicker in their friendship, it’s surprising that they were ever able to write a speech together. What really brought them together during the writing process was their shared heritage; both are Indian-American, and proudly so. In their speech, Maya and Mehr will speak about personal moments of their high school experiences that they hope will inspire people to appreciate each other’s individuality.

As a freshman, Maya never could have imagined that two years later during her junior year, she would deliver a speech at the annual Diversity Assembly about embracing her sexual orientation.

“I felt like I didn’t want to be loud about my sexual orientation,” Maya said. “It’s not anyone’s entire personality but it’s still important to talk about... It’s better to talk about difficult topics than to just remain silent because then everyone will remain silent.”

PHOTOS BY CARL FAUST The duo’s speech is as much about acceptance as it is about tracing their growth throughout high school. This year’s Diversity Assembly in particith a brilliant smile, towering height and a full head of bright ular was special for Mehr because she performed an Indian dance. orange hair, Sami Nassif has always been easily recognizable.

“Freshman year, I felt like I wasn’t qualified to represent the Indian Sami is no stranger to being recognized, having been co-capcommunity at [the school],” Mehr said. “I realized, in tain of the CCS-winning varsity boys basketball team this my four years at Los Altos, that there’s not a specific year, a member of Broken Box, Varsity Men’s Glee and story that fits the entire Indian community at Los AlConcert Choir, and vice president of the senior class. But tos. [My performance] was a very public profession of before he launched his high school career, Sami actually At this point, evthe fact that I’m Indian.” started freshman year as “the new kid.” erything changes.

Both Maya and Mehr have been proactive about show“I didn’t come along the same track that a lot of stucasing their identities, and in their speech they commend dents came on,” Sami said. “I came from a private midWe’re starting to the school for giving minority groups in the school the dle school, so I didn’t know anybody as a freshman... I make more of our opportunity to display their cultures. tried to join different groups—when you’re new kid at own choices with “Our central theme is the different opportunities that school, you want people to think you are cool—but then I realized that others enjoyed being in my company and less guidance. Now Los Altos gives us to share our stories, and how through those opportunities we learn to appreciate our own differI felt the best about myself when I was just being authenwe’re really going ences,” Maya said. tic to who I am.” out into the world.

Next year, Mehr plans to join the Indian dance team at The idea of embracing individuality is one of the the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), which points that Sami’s graduation speech encompasses. Sarecently won third place at the UCLA dance compemi’s speech focuses on the central idea that a student’s — Sami Nassif tition. Maya is interested in joining Stanford’s South journey in life simultaneously ends and begins at high Asian cultural organization, Sanskriti, and continuing school graduation. her passion for music composition.

“The main theme... is talking about high school under the metaphor “I’m going to miss seeing Mehr in math and physics everyday,” of a path we’ve been following and how now even though we’re at the Maya said. “I think writing the speech together was a fitting end to end of that path, in reality it’s really just the beginning of the journey our high school careers.” of life,” Sami said. “All of our paths have been relatively similar... but at “Fighting with Maya has made me a better writer,” Mehr added. “We’re this point, everything changes. We’re starting to make more of our own excited to share the speech with our class.” choices with less guidance. Now we’re really going out into the world.”

He cites the warmth of the Los Altos community as a major reason for why he decided to speak at graduation.

“I feel that wherever I’ve gone, I’ve been welcomed, and I’ve formed friendships in all these different areas,” Sami said. “I’m not somebody who just has one friend group that I hang out with all the time; I have friends in all kinds of different groups, so that just shows how welcoming and supportive people are [here], which makes you want to stay active and involved.”

The future Cal Poly business major looks toward the future with excitement, but wants to leave the school with one last message of thanks.

“I wanted to give this speech... out of the gratitude I have for our more intimate school community, such as teachers, administrators, trustees as well as the surrounding community,” Sami said. “I wanted to express that on the part of everybody in our class; we’re all incredibly grateful to our parents, our families, our extended families, teachers, friends—everybody—for everything that’s been offered to us, because it’s pretty incredible.”

W

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 3

THE TOP SIX MOMENTS OF THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR Compiled by Claire Bai and Emily Aoki Photos and graphics from The Talon archives

AUGUST 2014: CONSTRUCTION

During summer vacation, the school hosted several construction projects to replace and renovate existing facilities, most of which were worn out from use. One of the school’s priorities was replacing the football field turf, which cost about

$1 million and was funded by the district’s school year budget. The school also resurfaced the pool and installed three new energy-efficient boilers that provide instant hot water to service the pool and the locker rooms. In addition, the school built an athletic training building to replace the old one by the track, permanent bathrooms by the track, a larger press box and a new visitors’ bleachers by the football field.

SEPTEMBER 2014: NEW READING ZONE

The school introduced the Reading Zone, a new reading room near the library. The room was also the location for a new reading class, which aimed to help students who were struggling in their English classes by allowing them

to read books of their own choice for credit and a grade. Librarian Gordon Jack and instructional aide Anne Battle taught the class and worked to make required reading easier for the students to understand. In the 2014-2015 school year, only sophomores in English skills classes could enroll. However, all students can enroll during the upcoming school year.

During free periods and breaks, students can access the Reading Zone for use as a quiet environment.

DECEMBER 2014: BARRY GROVES TO RETIRE

On December 8, Superintendent Barry Groves announced his retirement, effective June 30 this year, after nine years in the position. Prior to serving as Superintendent of the MVLA School District, Groves

4 | Greetings From the Great Class of 2015

served as Superintendent of the Cambrian School District in San Jose for 14 years. In honor of his work in the MVLA Scholars program, the district announced the Barry Groves scholarship on April 30, which will help fund the annual college costs of outstanding MVLA graduates. Jeff Harding, who will succeed Groves as superintendent, was officially appointed at a board meeting on Monday, May 11.

DECEMBER 2014 & JANUARY 2015: MARCHES FOR JUSTICE

To protest the events at Ferguson and other incidents of police brutality in the U.S., students organized a March for Justice from the school to Mountain View on December 10, 2014. This event led to the formation of the Youth

Alliance for Justice, a new student activist group on campus. After the first protest, march leaders continued to use social media to publicize the alliance’s cause, while other members worked to advocate the ending of state terrorism toward people of color. On January 28, 2015, the alliance rallied again, urging the local city councils to call on the U.S. government to join the UN International Criminal Court.

MARCH 2015: THE LARAMIE PROJECT interviews collected from dozens of Laramie, Wyoming townspeople after the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student.

Each actor had multiple roles all of which combined to create a moving performance to remind the school’s community of the importance of empathy. Mountain View High (MVHS) school’s theater company performed From March 5 to 7, Broken Box per- the follow-up show, “The Laramie formed “The Laramie Project.” The play, Project: Ten Years Later,” three weeks based on a true story, was written from after at the MVHS theater.

MAY 2015: NEW ASI CLASS

The school finalized plans for an Advanced Scientific Investigations (ASI) class taught by chemistry teacher Darren Dressen that will be offered to seniors next year. The class, which is modeled after graduate school research groups,

will allow students to explore a science, technology, engineering or math topic and research it individually as part of a collective project.

Although only rising seniors can enroll for the first year, rising juniors with strong scientific backgrounds may be able to enroll in the future.

Dressen will teach students research skills, including reading dense research literature and designing and conducting experiments.

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 5

LOOK WHERE THESE STUDENT-ATHLETES ARE TAKING THEIR TALENTS Compiled by Steven Cui, Annie Gaffney, Josh Kirshenbaum, David Lisbonne

1. Nick Ambiel Swarthmore College - Soccer

After playing soccer for 13 years, Nick Ambiel will be moving on to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania to play Division III soccer. Nick will always hold on to memories such as winning a national championship in Idaho back in eighth grade, and he hopes to make many new memories at Swarthmore.

“I’d like to continue to play soccer for the next four years and even after I graduate from college,” Nick said. “I love the bond that you create with your teammates.

Whenever you have that sort of connection with other guys that you’re playing with, it’s a great feeling to have.”

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2. Rebecca Andrews Vassar College - Soccer

A four year varsity soccer player, Rebecca Andrews will go on to play for Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York this fall.

With the lower intensity of a Division III program, Rebecca looks forward to balancing athletics with her other passions.

“I love soccer and am glad I get to keep playing at a high level, but more importantly, I hope that in college I will get a chance to get a balance of all the things I love, like people, learning and food,” Rebecca said.

For Rebecca, the best part about soccer is the creativity of the game, as “the only way to win is to take risks, and that means that you have to be willing to try new [or] hard things in order to come out on top.”

3. Carmen Annevelink UC Berkeley - Volleyball

With over 1000 kills in her high school career, Carmen has led the girls volleyball team to both CCS and NorCal finals for the past two years. In the fall, she will be attending UC Berkeley to play Division I volleyball. In her near future, Carmen is looking forward to living in Berkeley and to the adventures she will experience, as well as being able to play for an elite program.

“Cal gives me the opportunity to balance my love and passion for volleyball, and my desire to be challenged academically,” she said. “I can’t wait to be part of such a great program.”

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4 4. Thomas Kelleher Pomona College - Baseball

Thomas, a three year varsity baseball player and two year varsity basketball player, will be moving up to Pomona College.

“I chose Pomona because it is the place where I have the freedom to explore whatever field interests me without being held back by anything, since there are five different schools to take classes at,” Thomas said. “Also, I get to keep playing competitive baseball for another four years.”

While he’s not entirely sure what he wants his future to look like, Thomas feels that Pomona’s environment will give him the best opportunity. to find what’s best for him.

5 5. Patrick McColl Harvard University - Baseball

Patrick McColl will continue his 13-year baseball career at Harvard University. Patrick hopes Harvard’s Division I program will allow him to “keep getting better and hopefully, after [he] finish[es] at Harvard, play pro ball.” His high school career highlight was his last game with the team where he hit a home run. Los Altos went on to beat Mountain View with walk-off homer to keep its spot in the De Anza league.

For Patrick, one of Harvard’s biggest draws is its home city. “I’m most looking forward to living in Boston and being a part of a city with over 50 other schools.”

8. Kaitlyn Schiffhauer Harvard University - Softball

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After a four-year varsity career and a deep run into CCS this season, Kaitlyn will be playing softball for Harvard University next year. She is looking forward to the successful academic and athletic environment at Harvard.

“I chose Harvard because it has a great Division I softball program and it’s one of the best colleges in the world,” she said.

While she doesn’t know exactly what will happen in her college career, Kaitlyn’s excited for whatever is to come.

“I had planned my life up to this point,” she said. “But Harvard’s education and my future friends and teammates will help with whatever I decide to do.”

In the end, Kaitlyn feels that Harvard will be a great place to explore her possibilities, both on the field and in the classroom.

“I know that no matter what I do there, it will help me with the rest of my life,” she said.

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9. Kiyoshi Taylor California Lutheran - Baseball

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PHOTOS 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 BY IAN MACKEY, NOAH TSAO, ALLEGRA MAESO, BRANDON HONG, ELVIS LI, MENSON LI, GINA KERMODE PHOTOS 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 COURTESY OF MIKE BAKER , DE ANZA FORCE, MARTHA GOMEZ

6. Daniel Rosenbaum Pomona College - Basketball

After three years of varsity basketball, Daniel will play for Pomona College, taking his love for the sport to southern California.

Daniel ended his season this year with an impressive performance, taking the Eagles to victory in the CCS Championships and to NorCals for the first time in school history.

“I am looking forward to challenging myself academically,” he said. “And to seeing my dreams of playing in college come to fruition. Playing at Los Altos was an incredible experience and I will always remember the support we got from the Blue Crew.”

7. Andy Sartor UC San Diego - Soccer

When he first started playing soccer at the age of four, Andy Sartor never thought he’d still be playing more than a decade later. But, after finding a passion in the sport at age 10, he now looks to enjoy splitting his time between playing Division II soccer, focusing on academics and making new music at UCSD. “I chose UCSD because I love the beach, the school has great academics and I can have more playing time in Division II than I would have if I had committed to a Division I school,” Andy said.

After two years on the varsity baseball team, Kiyoshi will be moving to Thousand Oaks, California to play for the Kingsmen of California Lutheran, a Division III school.

“It was one of the few places that allowed me to pursue my major and continue playing the game I love. It just seemed like the right fit for me educationally and psychically,” he said.

Injuries have challenged Kiyoshi throughout his career at Los Altos, so he knows how precious opportunities to play can be. However, he also knows that as long as he can keep playing and improving, he will always have a chance to stay in the game.

“I plan on going as far as the game will allow me to,” he said. “It hasn’t kicked me out yet so I plan to keep playing for as long as possible.”

10. Brian Yeager UC Santa Barbara - Track and Field

With four years of varsity track under his belt, three of which he was nominated as MVP, Brian will be continuing his track and field career at UCSB on a scholarship, and is excited to be competing at the Division I level.

“They offered me a scholarship to run there which is helpful,” Brian said. “And [it] showed that they really wanted me there.”

Brian will be competing in the 110m high hurdles, hurdles, high jump, triple jump and decathlon.

“They are in the Division I conference so I will be able to compete against the best athletes in the U.S.,” Brian said.

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 7

A RECAP OF THIS YEAR’S OUTSTANDING SPORTS MOMENTS Compiled by: David Wu, Web Managing Editor | Katherine Yen, Features Editor

Boys Basketball Stuns Leland in First-Ever CCS Final Appearance “This has been a great experience and a great run for them so I can’t say enough great things about this team. I just couldn’t be more proud of these guys; they battled back through adversity all year long and they showed a lot of character, a lot of heart, a lot of teamwork and a lot of love for each other, and there’s nothing more that I can ask of them.”

- head coach Bob McFarlane

COURTESY ALBERT GWO

Junior Albert Gwo Nabs Sectional, State Swimming Titles in 50 and 100 Free “For a whole year I worked on refining the details... such as the flip-turn, dive, breakout and breath control. There is no better feeling than winning at an event you have focused on for such a long period of time. I remember the moment after I saw the 19 on the scoreboard: my ears weren’t hearing anything because I was so excited. But then after a second, I heard the crowd roar and couldn’t help but smile. I pumped both my fists up in the air, smashed them down into the water and just kept throwing my arms everywhere in celebration... I felt a huge sense of satisfaction to be able to finally go under 20 seconds on an individual race after working on it for a little over a year. It feels extremely satisfying being able to come out on top at the state competition.”

- junior Albert Gwo

NOAH TSAO

Girls Volleyball Makes NorCal Finals for Second Straight Year “Making NorCal finals two years in a row is an experience I will always remember extremely vividly. We knew that we could fill the shoes of last year’s seniors this year and hoped to exceed our expectations. Although we have yet to beat Mitty, I feel a huge sense of joy when I think about our unique team chemistry and being the “underdog” going up against top private schools.”

- senior Kristen Liu TALON FILE PHOTO

Softball Rallies to Take on CCS

Track and Field Advances to CCS Finals “This whole season has been partially a surprise and partially expected for the girls side... Something that wasn’t a surprise was our 4x4 [relay] team.

Last year, we made it to CCS finals only to place one spot off of qualifying for states. Since we didn’t lose any seniors this year, we still had the same exact team as last year, so our goal is to improve upon our performance [from] last year. Individually, there are four girls who have qualified through to CCS. Each of us has the chance to make it to CCS finals, so I can’t wait to see us perform our very best. I have high hopes for the Lady Eagles at CCS.” - junior Lauren Jacob

COURTESY JOHN SCHIFFHAUER

COURTESY PAM HARRIS

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“It has felt amazing to do so well this season…

Our game [in CCS quarterfinals] was a great example of [us working together as a team]. In the bottom of the first inning, our lead off hitter, [junior] Janelle [McAfee], broke her ankle after leading off the inning with a base hit. Right after, we huddled in the dugout and [senior] Kaitlyn [Schiffhauer] pumped us up... We were able to drive in a couple runs that inning to establish our lead early. [Freshman] Elle [Lowe] and [junior] Allegra [Maeso] both stepped up to fill Janelle’s spot and allowed us to win the game. At the end of the game, that win felt amazing--definitely not a feeling I am going to forget anytime soon. Honestly, as much as I would like to win, I think our season has already been amazing, and I will be proud of our team no matter what happens.”

- junior Lizzy Beutter

LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL

T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 1 5 S E N I O R S U P E R L AT I V E S

COMPILED BY NOY ANISMAN, EMILY AOKI, COLE HANSON, OLIVIA JERRAM, HANNA KHOSRAVI, JESSICA KING, ERIC KOPPS, DAVID LISBONNE, EMILY TERADA, ERIC THIEM PHOTOS BY NOY ANISMAN, CARL FAUST, GINA KERMODE, IAN MACKEY

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 9

S E N I O R S U P E R L AT I V E S 2 0 1 5

Most dedicated to learning MAYA ACHARYA: I’m Hungary for knowledge!

BEN GARDNER-GILL: My Bahrain is full of fun facts.

Most likely to be late for their wedding RILEY KAHAN: I forgot what Thai-m I should get there, I think I’m late!

RILEY MOULDS: Do Genoa person who could direct me to the right place? I can’t remember where I’m supposed to go.

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S E N I O R S U P E R L AT I V E S 2 0 1 5

Most sleepdeprived STEVEN CUI: A city that never sleeps...

MATT SCHONHER: Los Altos! It’s not just sleepless in Seattle.

Most changed since freshman year IAN SANS: Tibet nobody will recognize our freshmen yearbook photos.

DAVID WU: The difference Is-rael!

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 11

EN I ORR SSUUPPEE R R LLAT 00 15 S ES N IO ATI IVVEESS22 15

Most likely to be president RAMIEL PETROS: We’ll earn our diplomas two times over...

VISHNU BACHANI: Because we’ve got diploma-cy!

Most likely to be a best-selling novelist CARLY COHEN: My writing flows better than the Amazon River.

ALEXANDRA MILKEY: That’s nice. I’d say mine is closer to the Niagara Falls: powerful and awe-inspiring.

12||Greetings Greetings FromFrom the Great Class of 2015 4 the Great Class of 2015

EN I ORR SSUUPPEE R R LLAT 00 15 S ES N IO ATI IVVEESS22 15

Most likely to be a talkshow host NOY ANISMAN: And now let’s take a look around the globe.

SAM SAUERHAFT: Every conversation can expand our worldview!

Most opinionated JULIA MORGANS: Did Jamaica mistake on that last question? The answer was C. AMELIA BAUM: Ye-men, you’re wrong. It was definitely A.

Greetings the Class Great Class 2015 || 13 Greetings From the From Great of of2015 5

EN I ORR SSUUPPEER R LL AT 00 11 55 S ESN IO ATI IVVEESS 22

Most artistic ELISE HU: I used so many colored pencil-vanias for this drawing!

AJ HANSEN:

Norway!

I just Louvre your masterpiece.

Most musically talented ELAINE LEE: I’m Moroccan to the beat!

MIKAILO KASHA: On that note, I bet your bass can’t go Oslo as mine.

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of 2015

EN I ORR SSUUPPEER R LL AT 00 11 55 S ESN IO ATI IVVEESS 22

Most likely to save the world VICTORIA SANTIAGO: I’ve got Togo save the world.

YA’EL WEINER: If Uganda go, then I’ll come too!

Most adventurous MOLLY VANDERLIP: I collected some sweet Seychelles at the beach last week.

THOMAS KELLEHER: You’ve just got to Libya life the way you want.

Greetings the Great Class 2015 || 15 Greetings From the From Great Class of of2015 7

Seattle University (1) University of Washington (4) Gonzaga University (1)

Lewis and Clark College (1) University of Portland (1)

University of Oregon (1) Oregon Institute of Technology (1)

Montana State University (1)

Linfield College (1) Oregon State University (1) Portland State University (1)

Boise State University (1) Idaho State University (1)

Humboldt State University (4) Brigham Young University (3)

University of California, Davis (12) California State University, Chico (4) California State University, Sacramento (2) Universal Technical Institute (1)

Foothill College (50) University of California, Berkeley (13) University of California, Santa Cruz (9) San Jose State University (8) De Anza College (7) Santa Clara University (5) San Francisco State University (5) Sonoma State University (4) Stanford University (4) University of California, Merced (3) California State University, Monterey Bay (2) University of the Pacific (2) Avalon School of Cosmetology (1) Bay Area Medical Academy (1) California State University, East Bay (1) Menlo College (1) Mission College (1)

Arizona State University (2)

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (14) University of California, Santa Barbara (12) California State University, Santa Barbara (1) Westmont College (1) University of California, Los Angeles (6) University of California, Irvine (4) Pomona College (3) Chapman University (3) University of Southern California (3) University of California, Riverside (1) University of Redlands (1) Occidental College (1) Scripps College (1) Whittier College (1) Harvey Mudd College (1) California Institute of Technology (1) California Lutheran University (1) California State University, Long Beach (1) California State University, Fullerton (1) California Polytechnic State University, Pomona (1) Los Angeles Dramatic Academy (1) 16 | Greetings From the Great Class of 2015

San Diego State University (5) University of California, San Diego (4)

University of Arizona (3)

University of Colorado a University of Denver (1) Colorado School of Mine Colorado State University United States Air Force A

Dartmouth College (1)

Northeastern University (4) Harvard University (2) Wellesley College (1) Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1)

Cornell University (2) University of Rochester (1) Connecticut College (1)

Carleton College (1)

Rhode Island School of Design (2)

University of Wisconsin, Madison (1) Princeton University (1) DePaul University (2) University of Chicago (2) School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2)

Carnegie Mellon University (2) University of Notre Dame (1) Miami University, Oxford (1)

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (1)

at Boulder (4)

es (1) y (1) Academy (1)

Indiana University, Bloomington (1) Purdue University (1) Washington University in St. Louis (1)

Bryn Mawr College (1) Drexel University (1) Haverford College (1) Swarthmore College (1) University of Pennsylvania (1)

Duke University (1)

New York University (4) Fordham University (1) Barnard College (1) The New School (1) Pace University(1) Vassar College (1)

Vanderbilt University (2) Georgetown University (1) American University (1) Johns Hopkins University (1) Howard Community College (1) University of Alabama (1) Texas Christian University (1) Southern Methodist University (2)

Tulane University (1)

DIFFERENT PATHS Durham University (1) Simon Fraser University (1) London Centre of of Contemporary Music (1) Lund University (1) Queen’s University (1) University of British Columbia (1) University of Edinburgh (1)

Tecnológico de Monterrey (1) Travel/Study Abroad (6) Military (4) Undecided Community College (4) Work/Gap Year (6) University College London (1) Other (2)

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 17

Aboudarham, Romy............................................................Tufts University Acevedo-Perez, Mirella.......................................................Foothill College Acharya, Maya...............................................................Stanford University Adams, Kristen.....................................................................Foothill College Adibi, Ryan..............................................University of Southern California Aguirre, Gonzalo ..................................................................Foothill College Albert, Samantha..................................Indiana University, Bloomington Alejo, Aaron.................................................San Francisco State University Alexander, Micheal......................University of California, Santa Barbara Almeda, Phillip.....................................................................Foothill College Amaya, Jose .............................................University of California, Merced Ambiel, Nick...............................................................................Swarthmore Anderson, James........................................................University of Arizona Andrews, Rebecca..................................................................Vassar College Angel-Pena, Kathia..............................................................Foothill College Anisman, Noy ...................................University of California, Los Angeles Antiporda, Lawrence..........................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Appel, Aleksandr......................................................University of Redlands Arce, Alexandra Rose Roldan............................................De Anza College Atkins, Nicole.....................................................San Diego State University Avula, Akhil...........................................................University of Washington

Bachani, Vishnu................................................University College London Barnes, Edward.....................................................University of Edinburgh Barzin, Borna Ben................................................................Pace University Baugh, Makinnon..............................................Brigham Young University Baum, Amelia.........................................University of California, Berkeley Beall, Grant...................................University of California, Santa Barbara Beatty, Daniel...................................................................DePaul University Berman, William..........................University of California, Santa Barbara Bernal, Guadalupe..............................................................De Anza College Berube, Kiana..............................................University of California, Irvine Bianchi, Nicholas..................................................Arizona State University Bilson, Derek.................................................................Out of State College Bourquin, Madeline............................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Braxton-Taylor, Elena..........................................................Foothill College Brennan, William................................................Texas Christian University Buchner, Savannah.....................................University of California, Davis Buffin, Taya.............................California State University, Santa Barbara

Cabute, Justin......................................................................Foothill College Carbajal, Mayra...................................................Sonoma State University Carlson, Kelly................................................................Connecticut College Casey, Christina.................................................................................Working Casillas Rocha, Blanca..............................San Francisco State University Castorena-Silva, Gregorio-Javier......................................Foothill College Castro, Alexander.....................................Oregon Institute of Technology Cavera, Magdalena..................................................................................GED Cerruti, Federica...........................................................New York University Cervantes, Juan...................................................................Foothill College Cervantes, Paul....................................................................Foothill College Chang, Brittaney..........................................................New York University Chavez, Alejandro.................................California State University, Chico Chin, Robert...........................................University of California, Berkeley Chio, Andrew...............................................University of California, Irvine Christiansen- Salameh, Joyce..................University of California, Davis Cifuentes, Crystal.................................................................Foothill College Coca, Jorge..........................................................San Jose State University Coffman, Hunter James...................University of California, Santa Cruz Cohen, Carly ..................................................................Stanford University Cohen, Zachariah........................................................Princeton University Conceicao, Andre..............................................................Tulane University Contreras Moreno, Ariel.....................................College/Work/Internship Cottarel, Tristan...........................................University of British Columbia Crum, Allison.........................................................................Boston College Cruz-Bravo, Elizet..................................................................Foothill College Cui, Chang (Steven)....................................................University of Chicago Cumagun, Kyle..............................................................Community College Cunha, Cayley.......................................................................De Anza College Cunningham, Marina.......................................................Seattle University Dadok, Samantha.................................University of California, Berkeley Damon, Nickolas........................................Work Full-Time, Study Abroad Dan, Chase...............................................................................Menlo College

18 | Greetings From the Great Class of 2015

Das, Rishub ..................................................................Vanderbilt University de Visser, Max................................University of California, Santa Barbara Deng, Michelle........................................University of California, Berkeley Diarte, Jasmine...........................................San Francisco State University Diaz, Mariah...............................................................LA Dramatic Academy Diekgers, Katja......................................................Miami University, Oxford Do, Katheline................................................University of California, Davis Dong, Oliver.............................................University of California, Berkeley Donnelly, Patrick................................................The University of Alabama Dressler, Laycie...................................................Colorado State University Duprat, Bonaventure...........................................................Foothill College Dyer, Peter...................................................Southern Methodist University

Ebenhoech, Theo....................California State University, Monterey Bay Espinoza, Stephanie.........................California State University, East Bay Espiritu, Ryan .........................................University of Southern California Evans, April..................................................University of Arizona, Working Evans, Benjamin..................................................University of Washington Evans, Maxwell.............................................................University of Denver

Fakalolo, Samiuela..............................................................De Anza College Fallah, Farzan................................University of California, Santa Barbara Fernandez, Tiffany.....................................Avalon School of Cosmetology Fisse, Karl...........................................................Humboldt State University Fritsch, Ovidiu...............................................University of California, Davis

Gaffney, Anne..............................................................Vanderbilt University Gallagher, Anneliese...........................................................Barnard College Gardner-Gill, Benjamin.................................................Stanford University Glikbarg, Leanne........................................................Lewis & Clark College Godrej, Jehan.......................................................................Whittier College Golgolab, Alexander...........................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Goloubef, Montana................................................Simon Fraser University Gomez, Anamaria...............................................San Jose State University Gomez, Katelyn...............................................................Out-of-State 2 Year Gonzalez, Briham.....................................................Santa Clara University Goretsky, Yitzhar.................................University of California, Santa Cruz Gorji, Faraz.....................................................................American University Gottlieb, Ryan.......................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Gross, Joshua...................................................................Purdue University Grosvenor, Dane.......................................Colorado University at Boulder Guardado, Jhosseline.................................University of California, Davis Guralas, Andreas..................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Hamilton, Katherine....................University of California, Santa Barbara Hamlett, Paloma................................................Johns Hopkins University Hammoud, Mohammad.....................................................Foothill College Hansen, Andrea.........................................Rhode Island School of Design Hayes, Cameron...................................................................Foothill College Hayes, Kelly.........................................University of California, Santa Cruz Healy, Madison...................................................Brigham Young University Henriquez, Lesley.................................................Sonoma State University Hernandez, Jose...............................................Humboldt State University Higham, Jordan Scott.......................................Brigham Young University Hinnant, Louis..............................University of California, Santa Barbara Ho, Cayley.............................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Hodges, Minh Le...................................................................Foothill College Hoke, Thomas.............................California State University, Long Beach

Hong, Brandon.................................................Carnegie Mellon University Hoover, Jennifer ..........................University of California, Santa Barbara Horne, Aaron........................................................................De Anza College Houdek, Jackson.........................................................University of Oregon Howard, William....................................................................Apprenticeship Hsu, Timothy.........................................................................Foothill College Hu, Elise.......................................................Rhode Island School of Design

Iqbal, Hasan.........................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Izaguirre Cabrera, Natalia................California State University, East Bay Jacobsen, Elise............................................................Chapman University Jayakumar, Sruthi..................................................University of the Pacific Jenab, Andre........................................................Sonoma State University Johnson, Sabrina.................................................................Foothill College Juarez, Ricardo.....................................................................Foothill College

Kahan, Riley............................................University of California, Berkeley Kang, Andrew...............................................University of California, Irvine Kasha, Mikailo.........................................................University of Rochester Kawakami, Noelani......................................................Fordham University Kay, Tallulah......................................................................Boston University Kelleher, Thomas................................................................Pomona College Kennerly, Shane.................................University of California, Santa Cruz Kharlamov, Daniel..................California State University, Monterey Bay Kim, Amber............................................................................Foothill College Kim, Bryan...........................................University of California, Santa Cruz Klein, Madison.....................................................Colorado School of Mines Klepper, Jackson...................................University of Wisconsin, Madison Ko, Soo Bin (Joanne)......................................................Occidental College Kopps, Eric.........................................Air Force SERE (Special Operations) Koulikova, Elizabeth (Liza)..............University of California, Los Angeles Koulikova, Margaret (Rita)..............University of California, Los Angeles Kreisman, Dylan..................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Krepchin, Brendan...............................................................Foothill College Kristian, Elizabeth................................................................The New School Kwock, Henry.......................................................San Jose State University

La Poll, William......................................................................Foothill College Laehy, Ryan...........................................................The University of Arizona Lai, Jason................................................................Northeastern University Lam, Timothy....................................................................Cal Poly, Pomona Lanoza, Sean........................................................................De Anza College LaO’, Maria (Ines)...............................................................................Gap Year Le, Kathy.................................................................................Foothill College Le, Thuy Tien.................................................................New York University Lee, Carter..................................................................Idaho State University Lee, Elaine..........................................................University of Pennsylvania Lee, JiWoo.................................University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Lee, Megan..................................................Southern Methodist University Leikach, Ethan........................................................Arizona State University Leong, Jason........................................................San Jose State University Li, Albert..............................................University of California, Los Angeles Li, Elizabeth.................................California State University, Sacramento Li, Elvis...................................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Li, Kevin..........................................................University of California, Davis

Strawn, Elena........................................................................Foothill College Styner, Alexandria................................................................Foothill College Styner, Christopher...............................................................Foothill College Sucharczuk, Matthew..........................University of Colorado at Boulder Li, Siu Chung (Menson)......................................San Jose State University Lien, Charles..........................................California Institute of Technology Lim, Zheng...............................................................................................Army Liu, Jeffrey..............................................University of California, Riverside Liu, Katherine...............................................University of California, Davis Liu, Kristen.............................................................................Scripps College Lopez-Ramirez, Betsy......................................Bay Area Medical Academy Lopez, Alexandra..........................University of California, Santa Barbara Lopez, Isaias..........................................................................Foothill College Lucia, Andrea...........................................................University of the Pacific Luna, Perla.................................................................Santa Clara University Lytle, Christopher......................................................University of Portland

Macaluso, Toby.........................................Worcester Polytechnic Institute Mackey, Ian........................................................................................Gap Year Maddalena, Timothy............................................................Foothill College Maldonado- Espinosa, Reyes...............California State University, Chico Maldonado, Liliana..............................................Sonoma State University Mann, Olivia..........................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Mao, Alexander.......................................University of California, Berkeley Marin-Melo, Jocelyne...............................University of California, Merced Martinez, Luis........................................................................Foothill College Martinez, Oscar.....................................................................Foothill College Martirosyan, Anna..................................University of California, Berkeley Mathews, Whitney............................................................Cornell University McHenry, Kayla...........................................San Francisco State University McLoughlin, Niamh..........................................Humboldt State University McColl, Patrick.................................................................Harvard University McShane, Anna..............................................................Gonzaga University Mehdipour, Taha...................................................................Foothill College Mejia, Cesa.............................................................................Foothill College Melo-Alvarado, Bryan........................................................................Marines Mendez, Karen........................................California State University, Chico Mendoza, Carlos.........................................................................Work, Travel Mestman, Valentin...............................................................Foothill College Milkey, Alexandra.........................................University of California, Davis Miller, Nicole...........................................................Northeastern University Miller, Rachel...................................................................Durham University Mitchell, Julia.........................................................................Linfield College Mock, Allison...........................................University of California, Berkeley Moellerstedt, Hugo..............................................................Lund University Morgans, Julia................................................................Gonzaga University Moulds, Riley.........................................................Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Moussavian, Kenneth....................................................Dartmouth College Mueller, Kathryn...................................................................Duke University Munguia, Brittany.............................................Humboldt State University Munoz Yepez, Maria..................................................Santa Clara University Musick, Ashley..............................................................Chapman University Mylen, Michael...................................................San Diego State University

Nassif, Sami..........................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Navarro, Melissa...................................................................Foothill College Nezami, Nima........................................................................Foothill College Nguyen, Sean...................................California State University, Fullerton Nivison, Chelsea................................University of California, Los Angeles Noel, Daniel.............................................................................................Travel Novat, Hilla..................................................................Israel Defense Forces

O’Such, Laurel...................................................................DePaul University Odnert, Sean.......................................University of California, Santa Cruz

Olivares, Oliva........................................................................Foothill College Olson, Annaka....................................................Brigham Young University Ong, Joseph.........................................................San Jose State University Oriel, Arlene...........................................................................Foothill College Orozco Martinez, Eric...........................................................Foothill College Osipova, Anaida...................................................................De Anza College

Park, Jina...............................................................................Foothill College Park, Sungmin..............................................University of California, Davis Patel, Kunal............................................University of Colorado at Boulder Pattada, Nimisha...................................................Northeastern University Pefley, Daniel........................................Washington University in St. Louis Perez, Christian.................................Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico Perry, Emma....................................................................Queen’s University Petros, Ramiel.......................................................................Foothill College Poling, Rosemary.........................................................Community College Poulsen, Christopher...........................................................Foothill College Pozzi, Zachary.......................................................................Foothill College Primitivo Casas, Gerardo.....................................................Foothill College Pye, William........................................................San Diego State University

Rabin, Daniel.........................................................................Foothill College Ramirez, Clara.......................................................................Foothill College Ramirez, Kate...............................................................University of Oregon Randall, Philip .....................................................Portland State University Rodriguez, Randy.................................................................Foothill College Rosenbaum, Daniel............................................................Pomona College Ruelas, Arnoldo..............................................Universal Technical Institute Rulison, Noah...............................................................Chapman University Ryder, Evan..................................London Centre of Contemporary Music

Salehi, Neeku...................................................................Westmont College Samani, Roya........................................................................Volunteer Work Sanchez Lopez, Edgar........................................San Jose State University Sans, Ian.....................................................Colorado University at Boulder Santiago, Victoria....................................................Georgetown University Santos, Joshua.......................................California State University, Chico Sartor, Andrew......................................University of California, San Diego Sauerhaft, Samuel.............................................................Carleton College Schiffhauer, Kaitlyn........................................................Harvard University Schill, Jonas....................................................................School in Germany Schonher, Matthew.....................................................University of Oregon Schriner, Kenneth.................................................................Foothill College Schultz, Shauna....................................................................Foothill College Seltzer, Tess..........................................................University of Washington Seni, Ignacio..................................................................New York University Shab, Gabriella.............................University of California, Santa Barbara Shen, Oliver...................................University of California, Santa Barbara Shorts, Kaitlin...................................Montana State University, Bozeman Shunaid, Shahzeb..............................................................Drexel University Shunaid, Shanzeh..........................................................Bryn Mawr College Singh, Mehr...........................................University of California, San Diego Skinner, Sam.................................................University of California, Davis Sobol, Vera.....................................................................................Undecided Soward, Meredith................................................University of Notre Dame Srinivasan, Nathan.............................................San Jose State University Sriram, Amritha...........................................................University of Chicago Sriram, Sitara......................................................................Wellesley College Steck, Jared.................................................San Francisco State University Stoops, Lauren.......................................University of California, Berkeley

Tapia Mendoza, Edgar.................................University of California, Davis Taraporevala, Kaizad.......................................Carnegie Mellon University Taylor, Kiyoshi..............................................California Lutheran University Thomas, Bronwyn.......................................................University of Oregon Tom, Michele........................................University of California, San Diego Tran, Amy.......................................................University of California, Davis Trott, Jessica Rose........................................Howard Community College Tsao, Noah........................................................................Haverford College

Vaidyanathan, Aswhin..........................University of California, Berkeley Van Dyke, Kevin.........................................................Boise State University Vanderlip, Molly...................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Varghese, Maya..................................................................Pomona College Vega Moreno, Dayana..........................................................Mission College Vendelin, Nicole................................School of the Art Institue of Chicago Villanueva, Rita.......................................University of California, Berkeley Viray, Michael......................................University of California, Santa Cruz Voitiuk, Kateryna................................University of California, Santa Cruz

Wana, Anna......................................School of the Art Institute of Chicago Wang, Brian...............................................University of California, Merced Wang, Lawrence................................University of California, Los Angeles Wang, Yujie...........................................................Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Webb, Emily.......................................................San Diego State University Weiner, Ya’el....................................................................Stanford University Williams, Abigail.....................................................Oregon State University Wong, Aaron..........................................................................Tufts University Wong, Ryan...........................................................University of Washington Wong, Summer............................................University of California, Irvine Wu, David................................................................................................Travel Wu, Michael................................................................Santa Clara University Wu, Ryan............................................................................Cornell University

Xu, Alvina...............................................University of California, San Diego

Yau, Michelle..............................................................Santa Clara University Yeager, Brian.................................University of California, Santa Barbara Yoshida, Akemi...........................California State University, Sacramento Young, Casey.........................................................................Foothill College Yue, Ophelia.......................................................San Diego State University Yurash, Katelyn.....................................................................Foothill College

Zellers, Karen......................................University of California, Santa Cruz Zhang, Annie..........................................................Northeastern University Zhu, Liya......................................................................Harvey Mudd College Zorn, Dylan..............................................United States Air Force Academy

PLANS ARE SELF-REPORTED BY STUDENTS. SOME STUDENTS CHOSE NOT TO REPORT THEIR PLANS. THE TALON IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS. MANY THANKS TO DAWN ALLEN FOR HER HELP IN GATHERING THE INFORMATION.

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 19

S ESN IO ATI IVVEESS 22 EN I ORR SSUUPPEER R LL AT 00 11 55

The DMV’s mostwanted KUNAL PATEL: Are you China mess up my car?

RYAN LAEHY: I’m always Russian all over the place.

Most likely to get arrested for standing up to the man MEHR SINGH: I’m not Ghana back down.

NIAMH MCLOUGHLIN: You can’t Czech her like that!

20 Greetings FromFrom the Great Class of 2015 8 ||Greetings the Great Class

of 2015

S ESN IO ATI IVVEESS 22 EN I ORR SSUUPPEER R LL AT 00 11 55

Most likely to win an Oscar BRONWYN THOMAS: Together we’ll part the Red Sea… carpet, I mean.

ELIZABETH KRISTIAN: It’s true. Iraq up a lot of compliments when I wear this dress.

The people teachers love to hate ANDY KANG: Halfway around the world won’t be far enough...

NICK AMBIEL: Once they’ve had class with us!

Greetings the Great Class 2015 || 21 Greetings From the From Great Class of of2015 9

S ESN IO RR SSUUPPEERR L AT ATIIVVEESS 2200 EN IO 11 55

Most likely to cure cancer NOAH TSAO: I take my Korea-r very seriously.

ZACH COHEN: But Kenya record data properly?

Most likely to take over the world EDDIE BARNES: Oman, when I take over I will change everything.

MEREDITH SOWARD: No, I’ll be the one to Mecca new world!

22 From the Great the ClassGreat of 2015 10| |Greetings Greetings From

Class of 2015

S ESN IO RR SSUUPPEERR L AT ATIIVVEESS 2200 EN IO 11 55

Most likely to become a billionaire IAN MACKEY: All it takes is a little elbow Greece.

KENNETH MOUSSAVIAN: Then I’ll be travelling around the world in 80 days... in my private jet, of course.

Best dancer KATHRYN MUELLER: Without dance, my life would revolve around no axis.

LAWRENCE WANG: There are Germany people in the audience tonight!

From the Great of Class of 2015 | 23 Greetings FromGreetings the Great Class 2015 | 11

EN I ORR SSUUPPEER R LL AT 00 11 55 S ESN IO ATI IVVEESS 22

Most athletic CARMEN ANNEVELINK: What did I do in high school? Iran around the volleyball court.

PATRICK MCCOLL: Well my baseball and I traveled all the way home!

Class clown ROMY ABOUDARHAM: What do you get when you cross a snake and a plane?

RYAN ADIBI: A Boeing constrictor!

24 From the Great the ClassGreat of 2015 12| |Greetings Greetings From

Class of 2015

EN I ORR SSUUPPEER R LL AT 00 11 55 S ESN IO ATI IVVEESS 22

Best hair ANNIE GAFFNEY: I can’t believe my hair stylist couldn’t do a French braid!

AJ GURALAS: Well mine couldn’t even do a Pompeii-dour.

Best dressed HASAN IQBAL: I don’t have enough space in my suitcase for three pairs of Gucci loafers!

KRISTEN LIU: I’ve got my Louis Vuitton vintage duffel, so we can still travel in style!

From the Great of Class of 2015 | 25 Greetings FromGreetings the Great Class 2015 | 13

EN IO 11 55 S ESN IO RR SSUUPPEERR L AT ATIIVVEESS 2200

Cutest couple DANIEL ROSENBAUM: I’m really India…

Juneau what I mean.

ALLIE CRUM: True love knows no (international) boundaries.

Should have been a couple ZACH COHEN: Wow! I would travel halfway across the world for you!

MAYA ACHARYA: Too bad I sat next to you in physics class all year!

26 From the Great the Class Great of 2015 14| Greetings | Greetings From

Class of 2015

EN IO 11 55 S ESN IO RR SSUUPPEERR L AT ATIIVVEESS 2200

Biggest flirt JENNA HOOVER: Are you sure you’re not a tower? ‘Cause Eiffel for you!

JACKSON HOUDEK: Amsterdammmm!

You’re lookin’ good tonight.

Friendliest REBECCA ANDREWS: My smile stretches from sea to shining sea!

FARRIS SCOTT: I will Brighton your day!

From the Great of Class of 2015 | 27 Greetings FromGreetings the Great Class 2015 | 15

THREE SENIORS OFFER TRAVEL ADVICE FROM THEIR EXPERIENCES

Chemistr y and life: Oxidants happen

W

hen I walked into my Chemistry Honors class on the first day of my sophomore year, I never expected that I would decide to major in the subject two years later. The only thing I remember from that first week of class was that Mr. Seran did a demonstration involving a lit match, a large plastic container and alcohol vapor that ignited when it made contact with the air.

This was my first real experience with chemistry, and I didn’t understand any of it. All I knew was that I wanted to find out.

Since that day, I’ve come to enjoy chemistry more than I ever thought I would. One of the reasons it’s so enjoyable is because it’s greater than just a science; it describes more than just how atoms behave in a perfect lab setting.

It’s easy to talk about a chemical reaction, how long periods of stasis are followed by quick change

that easily settles into equilibrium again. Of course, that isn’t how the science actually works. Chemical equilibrium doesn’t necessarily mean that everything stays the same. Usually, a chemical reaction is occurring—it’s just that the reverse reaction is happening at the same rate. To the naked eye, everything stays the same. It’s only once you get down to the very minute level that you realize changes are everywhere.

Even when you don’t realize it, atoms are always moving. Electrons jump energy levels, molecules come together and break apart.

Shifts happen gradually, but it takes a while for them to make any noticeable differences.

That’s what my time at Los Altos was like. Changes occurred, but from an outsider’s perspective, they weren’t anything major. And for everything that changed, a hundred things more stayed the same.

I was on the swim team for four years and swam the 50 freestyle three times at every single meet.

My after-school schedule—swim practice, then procrastination, then finally homework—never changed much, either. The jump from middle school to high school might have been major, but I easily found an equilibrium after that.

Soon, I’ll have to readjust to a new equilibrium. I’ll have something in common with the cylinders we used in virtually every chemistry lab: we’ll both be graduated.

And college is something entirely new. Though I know more or less what reactants I’m working with and what products I’m aiming toward, I have no idea what intermediates I’ll encounter along the way.

And for all my knowledge, I’m still not sure what sort of equilibrium I’ll find in college, just that it will establish itself before some other reaction disrupts it again. This

used to bother me, but I’ve learned to accept it. To embrace it, even.

That’s a part of science: learning to embrace the unknown and discover it, and it’s what I’ll take with me as I leave Los Altos. Like with so many chemistry labs, I’ll plan for the experiment anyway, but know that in all probability, in some ways it won’t go as expected. And that’s okay. It’s what makes life—and chemistry—exciting. ­­—Alexandra Milkey

STAFF WRITER

Decisions, decisions, decisions

I

entered high school and was one of the many (or maybe one of the select few) who decided freshman year should be stressful.

I sincerely thought that this was a year worth worrying over; it was, after all, the first year colleges would look at. The idea of having to pick a math class was enough to set my mind on edge for days, and I was convinced that picking a couple of clubs at club day was cementing my future into place before I even knew what I was interested in.

My years continued in this pattern. Every time class selection rolled around, I would worry with anticipation of what my next year would look like. It was the “big decision” of the moment, and it freaked me out. When I had to decide between dedicating more time to The Talon or continuing cheer, I was terrified. There were so many questions I asked myself about the community I would be losing, the one I would be gaining, how it would look on my college applications and if I would fail in this new passion.

Looking back on it, I realize the worst that could happen was that I change my mind again,

28 | Greetings From the Great Class of 2015

but that didn’t mean I wasn’t a mess when it came to making a choice.

Am I proud of how I reacted to this single change? Probably not; looking back on my years, I wish I had taken things more lightly. I look back at those little moments of stress and think: why? Why did I allow myself to get so worked up over nothing?

And yet, in the moment, decisions are hard.

They come with a lot of weight as you make them, even if they might not alter all that much later down the line.

We are all off to different and exciting futures and for many of us, that means something entirely new. I got my course catalogue for freshman year and have countless options. No longer am I choosing between two math classes; I am deciding an entire curriculum for myself, picking a major that will lead to real life decisions.

And there is the word again: decision. I am stepping into another huge decision.

Given my reactions to the minor choices I had to make in high school, I should be having a meltdown. Instead, I couldn’t be more

excited. While I know each choice I make will feel like a big one in the moment, I am more able to see that in a month, maybe a year, I will look back on that same decision and be okay.

For once, the decisions that sit before me aren’t associated with anxiety. I know I haven’t kicked these minor freak-outs to the curb. But I’d like to think that coming out of high school and into college, I will be able to enjoy the options that sit in front of me instead of allowing my decisions to take on the tone of my original freshman self. ­­—Carly Cohen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Equal parts bona fide and contrived

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A

t the center of every person’s life is some underlying theme—some thread of consistency that manifests itself in all or many dimensions of his or her reality. At the core of mine for the past four years have been two conflicting narratives: I’ve found myself consistently yielding to conformity while going my own distinct way at the same time.

With getting into a top college on many peoples’ mind from the moment they step on campus as a freshman, the urge to do anything and everything possible to optimize college acceptances looms large. Exposed to the world of college counselors and standardized testing well before high school started, I entered Los Altos High School (like many others) tantalized by the idea of continuing my education in an elite environment. I put little consideration into taking the best path for myself, failing to take into account my personal interests.

When you drop an ambitious teenager into a competitive environment, things can easily spin out of control. I piled on the ex-

tracurricular activities (not one, but two volunteer-based clubs, Model UN, organizing blood drives, to name a few) and eagerly accepted a full-AP course load. I found myself signed up for eight AP tests second semester of junior year, and even then, it didn’t seem enough. Keenly aware that Los Altos is and was chock-full of high-achieving students, I was desperate to keep up. The illusion of effectiveness that fighting tooth and claw seemed to perpetuate was enough to convince me that putting aside my passions would pay dividends in the long run.

While I accepted obligations

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that I may not have truly wanted, I was authentic in other senses, including with whom I chose to spend my time with and how I decided to present myself.

I’ve almost never been roped into social obligations that I don’t care for, though I consider it more a practice of selectivity than reclusiveness. Infrequent appearances in group outings are something that’s led me to be dubbed “Mystery Wu.” My wardrobe has drawn both scrutiny and praise, but I can hardly recall ever really taking anybody’s comments to heart, let alone letting their opinion influence my style.

When I made a drastic change to my hairstyle and got my ears pierced this spring break, the reactions were mixed.

But I haven’t once regretted the decisions, and I don’t think I will in the foreseeable future—it’s what I wanted, and I made the change without abandon.

When I look back on my time in high school, I see that my approach and that of many others lends itself to a less than satisfactory experience; it is one that ultimately failed me.

Next year, I’ll be taking a gap-year to travel around the world, take things easy and above all, determine what exactly it is that I want to devote my time to—a decision that was made in recognition of my personal well-being and happiness. Choosing to take a year off stands as the first significant decision that I’ve made in a while that aligns with what’s best for myself and allows me to do what I want to do. ­­—David Wu

WEB MANAGING EDITOR

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 29

A THANK YOU TO SOME OF THE STAFF THAT MADE THIS YEAR GREAT

Ms. Dawson-Bowman: You’ve made AVID an irreplaceable experience for us. Even though we’ll be gone from your room, you’ll always be our second mom.

—Perla, Maria, Jhosseline, Rita, Michael, Jorge and Edgar

Mr. Randall: The energy you bring to the classroom has made calculus more enjoyable than it should be. Thank you for your dedication.

—Perla Luna, Rita Villanueva, Michael Viray and Jorge Coca

Mr. Donnelly: Thank you for the passion and commitment you bring to the club and instill in us. We are so lucky to have you to lead us in bringing change to Haiti.

—The Students for Haiti Solidarity Club

Ms. Tompkins: Thank you for making WLH such a wonderful class to be a part of. I have loved coming to class every day and will miss it so much next year!

—Hanna Khosravi

Mr. Randall: From physics to partying like Disney rockstars, you go above & beyond for your students, drone style!

—AP Physics C

Ms. Evans : Thank you for your dedication to not just our absorption of knowledge, but our thorough understanding of all that you teach.

—AP Stats classes

Ms. Tompkins: Thank you so much for being the funniest, most wonderful and overall best English teacher! We’ll miss you so much next year!

—World Lit H First Period

Ms. Evans: Thank you! You have been integral to our education. Thank you for your interesting tangents and your warm cardioid!

—Calc BC Second and Fifth Periods

Ms. Satterwhite: Thank you for your leadership, vision, committment and caring for our kids!

—Jim & Mary Crum

30 | Greetings From the Great Class of 2015

Coach McFarlane: Thank you for an amazing four years.

I have thoroughly enjoyed playing for you, and you have taught me more than you know.

—Daniel Rosenbaum

Mr. Bjorklund : Thank you for caring about your students and making history interesting and fun!

—Anna McShane

Ms. Hannon: Thank you for everything you have done for our class this year! You never fail to brighten our days!

—AP English Lit Second Period

Ms. McHugh: On behalf of the students at Los Altos, thank you for patience and service to our school.

—ASB

LAHS Teachers, Admin, Staff: Thank you for making my high school experience amazing!

—Maya Acharya

THE SENIORS OF VOLUME XXX

Best wishes to the 2015-16 staff of The Talon: ED IT O R - IN - CHI E F Sofia Guo P R IN T M A N AGI N G E DI TO RS Alice Dai, Katherine Yen W EB M A N A G I N G E DI TO R James Sun N EW S ED IT OR Spencer Dembner O P IN IO N S E DI TO R Hanna Khosravi F EAT U R ES ED I TO R Emily Aoki

Left to right, top row: Ian Mackey, Elvis Li, David Wu, Zach Cohen, Bonaventure Duprat, Daniel Rosenbaum, Sitara Sriram, Anneliese Gallagher, Michael Moul. Middle row: Brandon Hong, Steven Cui, Maya Acharya, Noy Anisman, Alexandra Milkey, Perla Luna, Elaine Lee, Robert Chin. Bottom Row: Amelia Baum, Carly Cohen, Annie Gaffney, Maya Varghese, Noah Tsao, Riley Moulds.

The Custodial Staff: Thank you for working so hard to keep our campus beautiful. We appreciate everything you do for our school!

Thank you for all you have done to make Los Altos an amazing experience! You are the best!

—Holly and Andy Cohen

Mr. Moul: There are two things we love more than your class: you and your awesome goatee.

—AP English Language Periods 1 and 3

EN T ERTA IN ME N T E DI TO R Jessica King S P O RT S ED I TO R Josh Kirshenbaum M ED IA ED IT O R Carl Faust

Momo: Because we all want to be stars!

Thanks for being our teacher, friend and director. We love you!

—The Talon Staff

Mr. Moul:

IN - D EP T H ED I TO R Olivia Jerram

—Broken Box

Ms. Oliver: Thank you for making our mornings a little brigher each day with your energy, enthusiasm and optimism!

—AP English Lit First Period

Ms. Adler: Thank you for four years of support and encouragement. We appreciate all you have done for us!

—Holly and Andy Cohen

C O P Y/ C O N T E N T E DI TO RS Claire Bai, Teddy Chmyz, Cole Hanson, William Jow S EN IO R W R I TE RS Eric Thiem, Kevin Yen S TA F F W R ITE RS Keith Bohrer, Paola Campos, Eli Colbert, Anisha Desai, Savita Govnid, Jim Hollingworth, Akhil Jakatdar, Rachel Lu, Alexis Malgesini, Booker Martin, Julia Santos, Tinomuda Tugwete, Avi Varghese, Alex Wong, Ben Zaeske P H O T O GR A PHE RS Francesca Fallow, Katie Klein, Rachel Lu, Kunal Pandit, Michael Sieffert, Kimia Shahidi, Meilin Tsao GR A P H IC A RTI S TS Jim Hollingworth, Miranda Li, Skylar Maeso, Vanessa Mark, Anne Schill V ID EO GR A P HE RS Bobak Afshari, Matt Carpenter, Britt deVisser, Danny Nguyen, Eitan Weiner, Andrew Young

Greetings From the Great Class of 2015 | 31

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