Loma Linda Academy
Issue: two
Volume 73, Number 2
November December
Volume 73
Loma Linda Academy
Volume 73, Number 2
Volume 73, Number 2
Loma Linda Academy
Index 2 4 6 7 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Photo Collage Zach Golay Editorial Shalah Davis Ghetto Bird Michele Pai In a Land Far, Far Away Courtney Brodeur Rumble Ready Caitlin Boren Teaching Roadbumps Joseph Gim CSI: Corruption, Prianthi Masilamani Stealing, and Iniquity at LLA. A Dangerous Escape Melissa Loera Aline Ueno Extreme Sports Club Clarity Adam Nelson Lady Roadrunners Steve Brooks Win Christian League 22 Music Review Courtney Brodeur 24 Briefs Warrie Layon and Shalah Davis 25 Christmas Treats Aline Ueno 26 Smalltalk Caitlin Boren 27 The Gallery
Merry Christmas from the 2005 Mirror Staff!
The Mirror Staff Editor: Assistant Editor: Business Manager: Archivest: Illustrations: Reporters: Photographer: Sponsor: Publisher: Email:
Michele Pai Aline Ueno Warrie Layon Melissa Loera Courtney Brodeur Caitlin Boren Steve Brooks Shalah Davis Joseph Gim Prianthi Masilamani Adam Nelson Zach Golay Danelle Taylor Brent Baldwin Mirror@lla.org
On the front cover: Kevin Juman (11), Kelly Leong (11), and Mark Murillo (11). On the back cover: Matthew Mascarenhas (11). Covers photographed by Zach Golay Front cover edited by Courtney Brodeur. All layout designed by Michele Pai, Courtney Brodeur, and Aline Ueno. All uncredited photos taken and edited by Zach Golay. Special thanks to Warrie Layon and Steve Brooks for various photos.
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Loma Linda Academy
Adversity Builds Character I yawned and stretched as I sat up in bed, wishing I could sleep for just 30 minutes longer. I shuffled out of my room and stood in the dark morning hallway. I quickly flicked on the hallway light and began walking downstairs. My foot barely touched the third step when I heard a strange, muffled, shuffling sound coming from the master bedroom. I glanced to my left and saw through the doorway my mother lying on the floor in an awkward position. A lump formed in my throat so deep I could almost not breathe. I ran into the bedroom, and knelt on the floor, and asked in a shaky voice, “What’s wrong?” In garbled speech, my mother repeatedly answered, “I’m okay; I’m okay.” Minutes later a young burly Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) asked, “Ms. Davis, at about what time do you believe your mother’s stroke occurred?” Crinkling my eyes, I answered the room
full of EMTs, “Just 15 minutes prior to your arrival.” “And how are you related to this woman?” Asked another with a clipboard in hand and a disturbed expression of serious concern. “She’s my mother.” I responded. I drew in a deep breath to regain composure. A heavy tear blurred my vision and rolled down my cheek. I quickly wiped it away to hide my devastation. I kneeled on the floor to be close to my mother, whom I held tight and prayed for. The prayer seemed to calm her and give me peace. The EMTs rushed her to the ambulance. Most people assume ambulance vans to be hectic, noisy, and stressful. But, in this case, my mother was resting peacefully. Her peaceful rest startled me, so I shook her arm to wake her up. She looked at me with groggy, tearful eyes and stared at me as if she saw her own reflection. I stared
back and began to cry, scared to know what lay ahead. About an hour later I had to leave a disappointing message for my father at work, notifying him of my mother’s arrival at the Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) emergency room. Various medical personnel pounded me with questions. Some I could not answer. My eyes burned from tears, my head hurt from stress, and my heart ached with fear. Two hours later my father arrived at the LLUMC from Los Angeles International Airport. He broke his long stride as he saw me. He glanced at my mother, approached her
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gurney, and held her hand. No panic was written on his face, and no worry filled his eyes. My daddy is my rock. He’s like one of those hard candies with the soft center. He leaned over and gave me a hug and asked, “How you doing?” I smiled weakly. “Fine,” I lied. For most nights during the next month and a half I cried myself to sleep and asked God “Why?” During the day my head hung low as I sulked around school. After days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and three and a half weeks in the Loma Linda Rehabilitation Center Hospital, my mother would be returning home. I was ecstatic. She came home with bright eyes, a warm smile, and a noticeable limp on her left side. My mother asked questions about school with great concern.
I sighed and said, “It’s been hard.” She motioned for me to sit next to her and she reached for my hand and said, “Nothing’s hard, just difficult. I’m proud of you baby girl, and I know it’s been tough, but hang in there,” she said with unblinking green eyes. “And always remember that the Lord has never forsaken us.” My mother is currently at home recovering from her stroke and my father still works hard without complaining. I thank God everyday for his continuous blessings and for surrounding me with my parents who are strong. Their faith in God has sustained me. Although we went through something difficult, the operative word is through. I saw God working through our lives. The Lord has never forsaken us.
“Nothing’s hard, just difficult. I’m proud of you baby girl, and I know it’s been tough, but hang in there.”
- Shalah Davis
Letter to the Editor I really enjoy the Mirror. It is so professionally put together. I love all the photos of our students and I was awed when I read the poems written by Matthew Frias “A Perspective of 9/11” and Stephanie Dominguez “We Wore White.” We have such talented students. Hopefully we will hear from more of them in the future editions of the Mirror. Mrs. Bitters
Do you have any suggestions? Or would you like to comment on something that you have liked/disliked about a issue/story in the Mirror? Talk to us. Write a “letter to the editor.” Drop a letter off to any Mirror staff member or Danelle Taylor if interested.
Loma Linda Academy
Biscuits appeared on the menu, along with soda, and even a DVD rental system that made it possible for customers enjoy their treats while watching their favorite shows. *ALL ENTREES COME WITH A CHOICE OF Their customers may BARBECUE SAUCE, HOT SAUCE, RANCH, have wondered where OR KETCHUP. they got this chicken in The fast-growing, chicken-selling busi- rural Alabama. ness that was located in Peterson Hall room “We walked about a mile and a half to 122 Oakwood College developed into a Walmart,” Norman answered. According to successful business boom. Embracing the boys, unlike the Walmarts here in Calithe definition of “entrepreneurs,” LLA fornia, Alabama Walmarts seem to sell an alumni Marvin Norman (2005) and David abundant amount of fried chicken. “How Fisher (2005), along with Redlands Ad- much we [bought] is classified information,” ventist Academy alumnus William Rowe, the boys joked. found themselves successfully involved in College students seem to have the urge a unique business venture – the selling of for midnight snacking. Although Ghetto chicken at a Seventh-day Adventist college Bird was typically open as long as they had which only serves vegetarian cuisine. chicken, the “busiest time [according to the In a recent speakerphone conversation boys] was usually between 11:45 a.m. to with the three boys, Norman recalled com- 1:15 p.m.” ing up “with the idea last year.” KnowWhen asked how much of a profit the ening that Oakwood College cafeteria did trepreneurs had collected, the boys joked, not serve meats, the three boys thought it “A couple million.” Becoming more serious, would be a good idea to open their own the boys confidently answered, “We’ve made store in their dorm room, thus the begin- over one thousand dollars in two months.” ning of Ghetto Bird. Ghetto Bird had become quite popular The business did not stop at just chick- among Oakwood students and its owners freen. Ghetto Bird started selling more items. quently need to restock.
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“We sold out almost daily,” the boys shared. The owners posted a “sold out” sign on their dorm door when the fast selling chicken was finally gone for the day. Unfortunately, as every business has its ups and downs, Ghetto Bird was temporarily halted. “As a result of someone breaking into our room two weeks ago, the dean informed us that we cannot sell chicken anymore. Ghetto bird is in hibernation probably till next semester at the earliest, or maybe finals week,” Norman said. Despite the threats of permanent closure, Norman and his partners still hold an optimistic point of view. “It [was] quite a successful business venture,” said Norman. “We can’t complain with the outcome so far. We have been threatened by our RA to getting taxed, and other people have threatened to start rival businesses, but so far, none can touch us.” The boys seem to have come up with a s“peck”tacular idea. - Michele Pai
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Loma Linda Academy
In a land far, far away...
J
ustin Brandstater (class of 1985) returned twenty years later, to his ala mater Loma Linda Academy (LLA), to inform students and staff of his unique profession, matte painting. Brandstater informed Grace Ballou, his former art teacher, her drawing class and any others that wanted to attend, about his career experience. Brandstater studied at The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He described his success at Disney, painting the backgrounds in animated films such as, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Brandstater is now transitioning from painting with a brush to painting on the computer in order to keep up with the new age of technology. He showed clips from the films he created the art for and the Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) effects he has also helped design the backgrounds in, one being Van Helsing. Brandstater has accomplished his background illustration in several types of media in films, videogame covers, and book covers. Soon, he will be starting his new job at DreamWorks in the CGI department.
Justin Brandstater Class of 1985 Š Disney.
- Courtney Brodeur
Loma Linda Academy
S
school hours while students are on campus, school officials are making sure that the school is prepared. Brent Baldwin, LLA’s High-School Principal, stated, “We have prepared as best we can. We have resources if students could not get home. Mel Jones, LLA’s Director of Plant Services said, “We have two containers that hold enough food and water to last three days for 1,550 students and all of the teachers.” Gordon Day, LLA’s JuniorHigh Principal stated, “There are four safety inspections a year” to check for preparedness. Day is in the process of updating the disaster plan. He hopes that it will be finished by the beginning of second semester and will be ready for viewing online later this school year. While LLA students are safe at school, they may worry about their parents. A large percentage of LLA students have parents who work at Loma Linda Univer-
Rumble Ready
outhern California has a 60% chance of a 6.7 earthquake within the next 30 years, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior Earthquake Hazards Program. Having extra supplies and a disaster kit at home, work, and school are crucial elements needed to prepare for such an earthquake. If Loma Linda Academy (LLA) students were away from home at the time of the disaster, it is critical that they know what to do. Students who have cars should keep extra water bottles, small blanket, a first aid kit, and a flashlight. Another precaution a student should take is to not let the gas tank get low in case the student needs to drive the car to a safer location. “I don’t [keep any emergency items in the car], but I never let my gas tank get too low [in case of an emergency],” Julie
Thomsen (12) said. C. J. Jacobson (12) stated, “In my car, there is a first-aid kit and a flashlight. Usually, there is most of a case of water.” Students need to remind their parents to take the same precautions. In the event that a disaster occurs during
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sity (LLU) or Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) and will be comforted in knowing that their parents’ employer has taken appropriate steps to protect them and care for them in the event of a disaster. Not only is the school preparing and planning for a disaster to occur at any time, the greater LLU campus is in preparation. George Johnston, chairperson of Emergency Management Counsel for LLUMC, stated that “the hospital has an emergency management plan that has four major components.” The four components include “preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery. Housing and taking care of patients would also be included in the plan.” He added, “Our hospital is very active in the need to be prepared. We discover all the time new areas we need to be prepared.” Just as it is important to be ready for a disaster away from home, it is also crucial that students be prepared at home. Before a disaster of any kind occurs, families should have an emer-
gency kit in case a disaster took place. This should include extra cases of water, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and an extra supply of food to last at least a week. Having emergency supplies in the home will also be beneficial to the individuals inside of the house because they could not receive any help for a couple of days. Stephanie Dominguez (10) said, “I don’t think we are that prepared. We don’t have any kits or anything.” Joshua Nwosu, (9) stated, “Yes, I think we would have enough [food and water].” Everyone can do his/her part in getting ready for a major disaster. The most efficient way to be prepared is by having a kit that includes having supplies. Individuals interested in more information on earthquake preparedness, can visit http://earthquake.usgs.gov/
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- Caitlin Boren
Loma Linda Academy
T e a c h i n g
While Loma Linda Academy (LLA) students complain about the long school day, what they may not realize is that the LLA faculty has to set an example of being the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave. “The average teacher arrives I would say around 7:00 a.m. and leaves around 5:30 p.m.,” says Brent Baldwin, LLA High School Principal.
Road bumps 10
When students need help in their academics, teachers are there to give advice. Yet teachers also face their own difficulties in school. Teaching is not simple when obstacles hinder LLA faculty from doing their job affectively. For many teachers, planning the right material may be an obstacle. Trying to reach all students with their different levels, experiences, and backgrounds is the goal of the teacher. “I want to plan a lesson that all students can relate to no matter what their circumstance,” says Jessica Williams, religion teacher. Since teachers have to remember their lesson plans, keep the class in order, and pay attention to the students, it can have a negative effect on the teaching and learning environment.
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Williams has noticed, “In most of my classes, guys make the trouble, but girls talk a lot also. Both genders are outspoken and have their own conversations going on while I’m trying to teach. I can see disrespect among both genders towards each other and to the teacher.” To encourage students to excel, Steve Laing, social studies teacher, uses “humor, invites guest speakers, has fun activities, brings the class on field trips, and most importantly, finds ways to help them believe in themselves that they can accomplish the impossible.” On the other hand, when students do not want to learn teachers cannot make them. “I can threaten to shoot them,” jokes Darryl Benson, chemistry teacher, “encourage them, and make the classroom a pleasant place to be. But if the students don’t want to learn, I can’t make the students learn.” Just like students, teachers have to get along with other teachers they work with, but at times they get frustrated with each other. When asked about any hardships he had to face, Laing responded with humor saying, “Yes, when they remind me they have more hair than I
Loma Linda Academy
do.” “Teaching together as professionals is like a marriage; you have the good times and the bad,” says Baldwin. Depending on the class, the teacher may need more equipment for an adequate teaching environment. Teachers have a fixed budget for each student in their classroom, and when they run low on student budget income, they must rely on other sources. Benson says, “I charge the students fifteen dollars extra for the supplies they’ll
Volume 73, Number 2 need to use during the year. Right now, with the equipment budget, I’m trying to upgrade the lab computers. The equipment budget will cover for half the cost, but the other half, it comes out of my own pocket.” Besides just teaching, the faculty also sponsors a class which requires extra time outside of class. Lynne Hattendorf, LLA counselor, says, “Our teachers know how to prioritize and juggle many things at one time. Our faculty is multi-talented and can multi-task. Generally high school teacher’s personalities enjoy outside activities and spending time with kids.” Laing also adds, “I feel that sponsoring a class makes teaching more effective. It allows you and the students to interact with each other outside of the classroom and build strong bonds which will then enhance the teaching experience back in the classroom.”
For some teachers, sponsoring a class may be out of the question. “I have more of a general sponsorship. I don’t work with just one specific class, but rather work on special things like the banquet announcement, the senior coming out, junior and senior banquet announcement, class night, and other projects that classes ask for help in,” says Benson. Hattendorf believes that LLA’s location near Loma Linda University affects the teaching atmosphere. “I think living in a university community with parents who expect academic excellence is what affects our teaching positively at LLA.” “I learn new things every year, which makes the next year even better,” says Benson. Baldwin says “teachers work incredibly hard [at LLA] and I’ve never met a staff who are as committed in staying after school, and giving up their extra time to make sure that our education is the best.” - Joseph Gim
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Loma Linda Academy
wallet on October 12, 2005. “ I think it was stolen during pre-first P.E.” Israel commented. During third period, Israel found her wallet opened, and all but four cents, was gone. Israel had folded one of her twenty-dollar bills out of the sixty-dollars into a ring, and also had a unique two-dollar bill inside of the wallet. One week later the Junior High receptionist called her to say they found the stolen money that fit her description. Kevin Tan (12) and Charles Raya (12) ex-
CsI: Corruption,
Stealing, and Iniquity at LLA
T
heft and vandalism are two issues that Loma Linda Academy [LLA] students are facing. From bathroom vandalism, to “car-keying,” to theft, these acts are occurring on campus. Due to these recent events, the LLA Administration is heightening surveillance on campus during school hours, according to High School Vice Principal Dee Dee Schilt. Theft and vandalism on campus is something that “cannot be tolerated” said Brent Baldwin, LLA’s High School Principal. Myssa Israel (9) was a victim of theft on campus when $60.00 was stolen from her
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“I really felt violated because I’m at a Christian school and that should not happen.” perienced a form of vandalism firsthand when their cars were keyed during mid-October. Tan explained he discovered keying marks by his gas tank and Raya said he found that his bumper was damaged.
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Baldwin states, “ Two things I can’t stand are stealing and lying. What students do tells me who they are, it tells everyone who they are. But if a student is honest with me and tells me what happened, then I can work with them. If not and I find out from somewhere else that a student was involved in this kind of thing [theft and vandalism], then, if the situation is bad enough, they can be kicked out.” The typical procedure when students are found guilty of vandalism or theft, can range from a three-day suspension to community service, or other consequences, depending upon the situation. Baldwin explained, “A meeting with the Student Life committee is made, and we discuss and share input about what the consequences of the action should be. But it really comes down to honesty, if the person came up to me and informed me, there will be discipline, but I promise I will work with them. If they don’t come out and tell me, and I found out somewhere else, the consequences can be much more serious, and I can never trust them again.” Theft during chapel is another fear
Loma Linda Academy
some students have, since backpacks and bags are not allowed inside the building. Lynn Hattendorf, LLA’s Counselor said, “On the way to chapel, I counted thirty-
Volume 73, Number 2 five backpacks just laying around from the Franz Hall, to the end of the Science Buildings.” Baldwin said “teachers watch the backpacks during chapel” and that he “also watches the backpacks.” Some students feel otherwise. Kevin Juman (11) said, “People tell the students that their stuff is being watched, but I remember one time I went outside to use the restrooms, and nobody was watching, not one person was out there.” Nicole Kaloshian (12) shared that when she goes to chapel, she always puts her backpack and purse in the nurse’s office, because she feels it will be safe in there. Bryon Conner (11) said, “I think [LLA] is unsafe because some people aren’t mature enough to walk by an unopened locker and just leave it or not touch it. I got my chemistry book stolen just a few days ago. I closed my locker, but someone got in and just took it.” Some students feel that since LLA is a Christian school, theft and vandalism should not be occurring. Joy Hodges (12) had her Spongebob wallet stolen, containing her driver’s license and a lot of money. “I re-
ally felt violated because I’m at a Christian school and that should not happen.” But the fact that vandalism and stealing is happening at a Christian school, where Christian values are taught, “makes no difference [then if it happened at a public school]” says Schilt. “Christians are broken people too, and when this kind of thing happens, it makes me want to find the kids who are doing this and help them make better choices.” Theft can occur at any given time, but students try their best to avoid it, such as Kaloshian. “I try to keep my things close to me and with me at all times.” Students are encouraged to tell an administrator if they witness theft or vandalism, according to Hattendorf. She suggests a good way to prevent theft and vandalism is for students to be aware of where they leave their things, locking items in safe places, and being respectful and watchful of other people’s things. - Prianthi Masilamani
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Loma Linda Academy
A Dangerous Escape Cutting
“My scars are my stories,” a cutter explained. “My history is written on my body,” shared another about the emotional pain. Some teenagers are turning to self-injury as a way of trying to cope with overwhelming negative emotions.
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Cutters cause physical pain to themselves in hopes that it will distract them from emotional pain. Cutting is an unhealthy coping mechanism. It not only causes physical injury, but it can become an addictive behavior. Loma Linda’s Vice Principal Dee Dee Schilt commented, “Addictive behavior by definition is one that initially seems to help a person cope but eventually becomes less and less effective and more and more self destructive.” Cutting is one of those behaviors. There are as many reasons for teen cutting as there are reasons for teenage emotional pain. Pain can come from negative peer pressure, discrimination, drug use, and from family problems, or difficulty express-
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ing anger, shame, and hurt. These are commonly listed reasons for cutting. It is also more common with people who struggle with disorders (bipolar disorders, eating disorders, obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior). People cut to find emotional relief, but without professional help, cutting only becomes more destructive. People who self injure need to work with a therapist who is trained to deal with addictive behaviors. This also means families need to be a part of the therapy. “No one should deal with problems alone, that is our problem in our society. The breakdown of families is opposite to what God intended. We were created to give each other support and a sense of belonging,” explained LLA teacher Sergio Uribe. Sadly, embarrassment, shame, and difficulty talking about problems may prevent a person from asking for help. Friends can help by offering to listen. A friend’s job is first to listen and relate in a way that shows he or she cares. The next crucial step is to
Loma Linda Academy
have a friend go along with him/her to tell a trusted person what is going on so he/ she can get professional help. That person may be a school counselor, school pastor, a faculty member, or some other trusted adult. People who self injure need friendships and someone to give them the courage to get help. A person who knows of a cutter should inform a trusted adult who will make an appropriate contact with the cutter and refer him or her to a trained professional. Sometimes a cutter is ready to seek help
on their own.” When a student is ready to talk and get help, they will open up at the given opportunity,” says LLA Guidance Counselor, Lynne Hattendorf. Another trusted person who can help give someone courage is God. “We have to believe in the transforming power of Jesus Christ; I do. And when it comes to a question of self worth and how a person feels valuable, I don’t think there is a better answer than a God coming down and dying for them,” said Tim Gillespie LLA’s campus pastor. Schilt agrees that “Most people need to experience God’s love from people around them. In order to find and trust God people must also trust and love others enough to let them help us. As Schilt said, “Sometimes listening, helping them [cutters] get help they need, and modeling healthy ways to cope in your own life is the best gifts you can give.”
Volume 73, Number 2 People can cope with emotions by doing the following: • Surrounding yourself with people that you care about and care about you • Exercising • Playing with a pet • Listening to music that will shift your mood • Drawing, scribbling or coloring designing on paper • Ripping up paper • Taking a relaxing bath. • Reading a book Anyone with a cutting issue or who has a concern about someone with this issue can contact the following organizations: Self Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E.) 1-800-DON’T-CUT (1-800-366-8288) You can also look up these websites: • Self Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E.) www.selfinjury.com • Self-Injury: You are Not the only one. www.selfharm.net - Melissa Loera
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Loma Linda Academy
Volume 73, Number 2
E X T R E M E S P O R T S In picture (s): Brian Johnston (12), Adam Laudenslager (12) and Matthew Mascarenhas (11).
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Loma Linda Academy
When Loma Linda Academy (LLA) ankle and left wrist. Broken bones did not students hear about sports they think of slow Mascarenhas down; “learning new tricks the most common ones: basketball, vol- is my favorite part of skateboarding. If I had leyball, baseball, and football. Daring to the chance at going pro I would definitely take be part of a unique group of sports some it.” He gets inspiration from pro-skateboarders LLA students risk probable injury to pur- such as Kevin “Spanky” Long, Geoff Rowley, sue a passion for fast growing extreme and Jamie Thomas. Samantha Shryock (11) shares, “[Dirt biksports. Katie Waldron (12) does a variety of ing] is just kind of an escape. It’s just you and extreme sports. For fun, she snowboards, your bike. You can do whatever you want, dirt bikes, skateboards, wakeboards, and whatever floats your boat.” She has just startsurfs. Waldron has been dirt biking since ed riding dirt bikes this last summer but has she was ten. What riding quads for “[Dirt biking] is just kind of been makes these sports six years at Ocotilo appealing to her an escape. It’s just you and your Wells, Beaumont, is, “The adrena- bike. You can do whatever you Loma Linda hills, line. It’s fun and want, whatever floats your boat.” and Cabazon with it’s worth it.” To her brothers and sisaccomplish this ter. But doing this adrenaline filled activity she heads to the sport professionally is out of the question for Lake Elsinore Track usually accompanied Shryock, “I’d like a more supporting job when with her dad, brother, and boyfriend. I have a family. It’s dangerous.” Matthew Mascarenhas, (11) has been Nick Christiansen (12) describes one of skateboarding for about six years with the pros in dirt biking, “Going as fast as your friends and desires to skateboard profes- bike can go and seeing beautiful scenery.” sionally. Mascarenhas continues to do Christansen has been dirt biking for nine years tricks such as heel flips and varial flips with his dad and friends. He takes his Yamaha despite already having broken his right YZ 250 for an enjoyable ride as he perfects
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tricks such as a kicker and landing with no hands. Going pro is something he would like to do but for now he looks up to Brian Johnston (12). LLA students are going on to the brand new year of 2006 with hopes of pursuing extreme sports or adding it to their New Year’s Resolution’s list. - Aline Ueno
Health Nugget Sue Peterson, Physical Education teacher for LLA, suggest staying healthy by walking or running for 10-15 minutes a day and maintaining a healthy diet. “My main health Nugget is to keep moving.” The current generation does not move enough, Peterson says, due to video games, television and other devices designed to attract people. Peterson feels that diet and lack of movement has contributed to the current generation’s obesity. Peterson says that by keeping active the student body will be healthier therefore the habits formed now will impact physical condition later. - Adam Nelson
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Loma Linda Academy
Club Clarity
- Adam Nelson
The Environmental Club
The Environmental Club is not the average Loma Linda Academy (LLA) The Chess Club club. Not only do the members break the mainstream club mentality by not representing an activity, a sport, or a game, but also by going straight to help the community. The Environmental Club was inspired by Lauren Herzog (11), club President, The Chess Club is and Rachel Croft (11), club’s Vice-President. The environmental club is raising awareness of environmental issues, “Having sponsored by Sergio an environmental club on an SDA [Seventh-day Adventist] campus is important Uribe. The club is because it reflects the biblical emphasis on showing respect for the world God there to “play chess,” created,” said Skoretz, club sponsor and high school religion teacher. states Uribe. The club The Environmental club members became active by selling trees that they had meets during lunch purchased from the Arbor Foundation for a fund raiser at the Loma Linda Com- on Wednesday in munity Fair. When asked why he purchased a tree, Brent Baldwin, Principal of Uribe’s room for anyLLA High School said he bought a tree “to support the environmental club.” The club took the unsold trees along and planted them in the fire-damaged body who would like areas at an Arrowhead ranger station and then at Crestline on October 30. The to play chess against other students. club successfully planted approximately 100 trees. According to Christina Jobe (11), “it was exciting.” This club generally meets two times a month on a Wednesday. The members would like everyone to know that they “welcome suggestions,” according to Skoretz. The club participates in fundraisers and accepts donations to keep operating. This way even if students do not have the time to help, they can donate some money and give them the ability to further continue their efforts to better the environment. In the future the club is “planning a beach cleanup,” Skoretz said. The club is considering raising recycling awareness by handing-out pamphlets throughout the community. This club does not require students to be a member in order to be involved in its activities, nor does the club require dues for active members, “We’re really a middle-of-the-road club on environmental issues and want to be practical,” adds Skoretz.
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The Noon-Time Knitters Club is sponsored by Lori Holm. The club members enjoy sharing tips and socializing with each other. Anyone at any skill level is welcome to join the club to knit and relax.
The Youth-to-Youth Club is sponsored by Lynne Hattendorf. Most activities are student organized: Red Ribbon Week and Christmas/Easter party for children are examples.
Loma Linda Academy The Fine Art Club
Volume 73, Number 2 The French club is sponsored by Melanie Jobe. The club is designed to raise awareness of the French language and culture. There are currently no club dues. This club plans on having guest speakers and listening to French music. The clubs meeting times have not yet been decided.
The Fine Arts Club is sponsored by Calvin Knipschild. This club is unique because it allows students to attend stage plays and concert performances. Students pay no club dues, but must purchase tickets for events. There are no meetings. Knipschild wants to expose the students to fine arts. In the past the club has gone to performances such as: Stomp and Blast. H i s t o r y Club
The French Club
The History Club is sponsored by Steve Laing. This class is a chance for students to experience historical and cultural events. This club has hopes of going to the Reagan Presidential Library, and perhaps even the Nixon Presidential Library.
The Girls Club
The Ping Pong Club
The Ping Pong Club is sponsored by Steve Laing. There are currently club dues of five dollars for a years membership. This club accepts donations to acquire new ping-pong tables. The club meets every Thursday in the gymnastics room and is open to any student.
The Photography Club is sponsored by Danelle Taylor. The club meet every other Monday at lunch from 11:50 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. and is also open to students that do not have cameras or experience in using cameras.
The Photography Club
This Girls Club has multiple sponsors: Dee Dee Schilt, Donna Hadley, Grace Ballou and Jessica Williams. This clubs activities are still up in the air, but some ideas are: Pilate classes, guest speakers and possibly a tea party. This club does not yet have a planned meeting day but it is thought to organize on Wednesdays at lunch.
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Volume 73, Number 2
Loma Linda Academy
Bump. Set. Spike. These three basic principles formed the building blocks that the Loma Linda Academy’s (LLA) Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team has executed with strong precision. This year’s team had an undefeated season, winning the Christian League for the first time ever with a whopping 10-0 league record (19-0 overall) and capping it with two thrilling victories the last week of the regular season. In the first round of the California Interscholastic Federation— Southern Section play-offs, LLA beat the Titans of Notre Dame Riv-
to their success has been this year. “Last year, we played as individuals, so we didn’t jell as well and we yelled a lot. But this year, we had amazing chemistry, and we really played as a team,” said Ashley Zalsman (12), one of three captains of the team. This positively charged group of girls has gone as far into the play-offs as any girls’ volleyball team in LLA history. Surprisingly, this team of nine players is comprised largely of underclassmen. Over half of the team is composed of freshmen and sophomores. However, they hold their own on the court. Eli Cuenca, the 2nd-year coach of the team, said “I think we have a really good mix this year. The older players are leading the younger ones.” Antoinette Bedrose (9) was sur-
Lady Roadrunners Win Christian League
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erside in an exciting four-game match. Two days later, LLA played against the Valley Christian (Cerritos) team that was ranked eighth overall in the division. Despite four well-played games full of hard spikes and amazing blocks, the Roadrunners lost, putting an end to their remarkable season. But fans wondered what the secret
Loma Linda Academy
Volume 73, Number 2
prised, saying “I expected the seniors to [treat us] worse, but they are so supportive. They guide us not only in volleyball but in our lives, too.” Hundreds of spectators pack the stands, accompanying electrifying moments with rumbling bleachers and
seventh player.” However, being a varsity volleyball player is not all fun and games. Zalsman commented, “Make sure you have a healthy diet, stay in shape, and believe in yourself.” Jackie Hamilton (11), another captain, thinks “you need determination,
workouts. He has incredibly hard conditioning drills,” said Jackie Hamilton. “Early in the season, I only want players who really want [to do well]. Kind of scare the “weenies” out,” said Coach Eli. Obviously, something is working, because the team has done an outstanding job this season.
stomping feet. According to Gary Eggers, the athletic director of LLA, “Games against big opponents like Western [Christian], ACA [Arrowhead Christian Academy], or Ontario [Christian] often have between 300-400 people in attendance.” As Cuenca said, “The crowd is our
and the ability to see past the difficulties of starting out.” Brittany Schwartzkopf (12), the third captain also mentioned that one needs “a lot of practice and patience. If you can’t do something, don’t get frustrated and quit.” “Coach Eli tries to scare us with his
Hamilton later summarized by saying, “We’ve taken the league by storm, and we feel that no one can beat us but ourselves.” - Steve Brooks
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Loma Linda Academy
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan (pronounced ‘soof-yawn’) Stevens has perfected the art of indie-folk music. What’s even more interesting besides Sufjan Stevens’ name is his unique and almost valiant goal: to record an album or song about all 50 states in America. Greetings from Michigan and Come On Feel the Illinoise! are the two albums down, 48 more to go, according to his website. In 2005, after recording Greetings from Michigan, Sufjan released Come On Feel the Illinoise!, a complete album containing songs wholly dedicated to Illinois.
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After seeing Sufjan’s concert in July, I discovered: Sufjan is, beyond a doubt, brilliant. I anticipated that concert more than Christmas, and when Sufjan and his band came out playing the new songs on the Illinois album, they did nothing less than impress me. “He’s an innovator, not a copycat,” said Tim Gillespie, Loma Linda Academy’s campus pastor. “There aren’t any lists comparing him to other Christian artists because he’s not marketed as a ‘Christian’ artist… [It’s] good for his career because it gives him access to the right audience.” Sometimes in the Christian industry of music, there tends to be a slight replication of lyrics that are repetitively used in artists’ songs. I sometimes feel like I’ve already known a song, the first time I’ve heard it. With Sufjan, however, there is nothing but surprises. From songs such as “Chicago,” describing a struggle to find God in the city, to the rumored UFO sighting, “Concerning The UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois,” Sufjan delicately placed in each of his songs, a deep history of God in his life. Sufjan’s ability to take his human experiences and correspond them so closely to his audience is astounding. The second opening song, “The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts,” livened
Volume 73, Number 2
up the act with his boyish tunes and somewhat spiritual verses about America’s favorite superhero from Metropolis, Superman. The lines of this song reminds me of being six-years-old and thinking of God as this big superhero, something we could only imagine. “Only a steel man can be a lover/ If he had hands to tremble all over/ We celebrate our sense of each other/ We have a lot to give one another.” A few songs laced in the album have a rather solemn tone, but it does not defeat Sufjan’s ability to tell a beautiful story. “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” profiles the Illinois native and the murders he committed. Intertwined in an evocatively spiritual guitar and piano ensemble are the most haunting lyrics one could ever come across. “Look underneath the house there/ Find the few living things/ rotting fast in their sleep, of the dead/ Twenty-seven people, even more/ They were boys with the cars, summer jobs, oh my God/ Are you one of them?” And even at the end of the horrific
Loma Linda Academy
details Sufjan leaves in our memories, he ends with a contemplative line, “And in my best behavior/ I am really just like him/ Look beneath the floorboards/ For the secrets I have hid.” Gillespie feels that in this song Sufjan makes the point that, “We’re all sinners, we all have secrets.” I can’t help but feel completely devastated every time I hear this song, yet the musical composition and the eloquent lyrics help me to realize that it’s true. Another song, “Casimir Pulaski Day,” reflects on a passing of a loved one struck
with cancer of the bone. While Sufjan played this song acoustically, his face was dim and broken while he sang, but the words seemed to hold a prominent honesty; something anyone could relate to. And as he sang, “On the floor at the great divide/ with my shirt tucked in and my shoes untied/ I am crying in the bathroom,” I noticed a sweeping movement of appreciation in the room. The audience had drawn to an almost depressive lull of consideration. Sufjan writes, with such detail, the slightest things that probably no one would remember during an event such as, “In the morning, in the winter shade/ On the first of March, on the holiday/ I thought I saw you breathing.” Yet he includes such images in this picture to recreate, wholeheartedly, the intimacy of a breakdown. “Casimir Pulaski Day,” not only reflects the pain we feel when someone we love passes away, it also brings up the aggravation and agony we feel when we know that God is present and does nothing. “Tuesday night at the Bible study/ We lift our hands and pray over your body/ But nothing ever happens.” And realizing that God is the one that took all of our sin, Sufjan ends the song with the most glorious verse, no praise
Volume 73, Number 2
song could ever come close to describing, “All the glory that the Lord has made/ And the complications when I see His face/ In the morning in the window/ All the glory when He took our place/ But He took my shoulders, and He shook my face/ and He takes and He takes and He takes.” Quickly skimming through this album, one might notice a combination of huge production pieces containing instruments such as violins, flutes, banjoes, guitars, and keyboards, quirky 30-second orchestral intermissions with extremely long titles, and earthy-acoustic ballads. However, while listening to this album, it seems impossible to not feel connected to the stories and spirituality Sufjan Stevens elegantly designs in each moving track. I can’t say buying this album will save or change your life forever. I can’t say that this album will be on everyone’s Top Ten list, however, Come On Feel the Illinoise! is perhaps one of the best albums Sufjan Stevens, and any Christian artist, has ever written to come close to describing a human relationship with God. - Courtney Brodeur
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Loma Linda Academy
On December 4, 2005 the students of Loma Linda Academy arrived at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles, California for the annual SA Christmas Banquet. This “oscar-themed” event featured musical performances and skits by the students and staff members. Awards were given to: Mark Murillo (11) and Bianca Rodriguez (11) – Best Matching Couple Mehlani Domingo (11) and Elson Lucrida (11) –Most Creatively Asked Mrs. Schilt, Eric Crawford (9) and Andy Cortez (9) – Look-a-Like-Celebrity Alven Norman (9) and Kaila Macalino (11) – Best Dressed
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Jason Han (11) and Kristianne Ocampo (9) – Banquet King and Queen - Shalah Davis
On October 25, Mychal Fisher (12), was involved in an auto accident while driving to school. He has undergone surgery on both legs and is at home recovering well. Red light cameras have been installed at four intersections throughout the city of Loma Linda. According to the PressEnterprise the cameras have been “positioned at Redlands Boulevard’s intersection with Anderson Street and Mountain View Avenue and Barton Road’s intersection with the same two north-south streets.” Congratulations to Allison Crawford (12) and Julie Thomsen (12) who have received full scholarships to Cal-State University, San Bernardino Sponsored by the history club, seniors have the opportunity to go see famous world figures speak at the Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California, which is held at the Pasadena Convention Center.
Volume 73, Number 2
Christina Jobe (11) and Devin Ruiz (12) went to Washington, D.C. to participate in the week long National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC). This year at graduation, the graduating class of 2006 will be receiving medallions commemorating the one hundred year anniversary of Loma Linda Academy (LLA). Also for the first time, chords will be given to those with high grade point averages (GPAs). White chords will be given to students with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 while students with GPA of 3.75 will be receiving gold chords. LLA late night housekeeper Maria Moreno’s husband, Rosario, recently passed away on October 30, 2005 after suffering a heart attack on the way back from work. LLA staff mourn her loss. Moreno has since moved to Bakersfield to live with her children. - Warrie Layon
Volume 73, Number 2
Loma Linda Academy
Christmas Treats
Lefse
Mundall Family Recipe (Lori Holm) Norway
Ingredients
4 cups mashed potatoes ½ lb. Butter ¼ cup milk or half & half 1 tsp. Salt about 3 cups all-purpose flour vegetable oil or spray 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
“This is my Grandma’s Recipe and we used to have it every holiday. Now that she is no longer living, it is up to me to make this recipe for the family.”
Taste Test - Courtney Brodeur
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
The potato-made tortilla, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and folded like a taco, had a consistency of delectable “doughiness,” and subtle sweetness, depending on how much cinnamon sugar is rolled into the tortilla. Recommendation: Heat up the tortilla and cram as much cinnamon sugar into the Lefse as much as possible, at least if you like cinnamon sugar.
Add butter, milk, and salt to potatoes. Mix well. Cool. Add enough flour to form a non-sticky dough (this is the tricky part). Add flour gradually, the less the better. Divide into 24 pieces. Roll out each piece(about the size of a dinner plate), using flour to keep from sticking. Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with vegetable oil or spray. Place on grill. Lefse will “bubble,” turn over (approx. 1-2 minutes). Fold in half and then half again. Place on a clean dishtowel and cover with another dishtowel. Serve with butter and/or sugar & cinnamon. - Lori Holm Roll into a log and ENJOY!
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Volume 73, Number 2
Loma Linda Academy
Smalltalk
Compiled by Caitlin Boren What school did you attend last and how is it different from Loma Linda? “I have been home-schooled until recently, but before that I went to Franklin Classical School in Franklin, Tennessee. It focused on classical studies and moral philosophy.” What is something people may not know about you? “I’m a musician. I play guitar and sing.”
What is your favorite place to vis- Randall Thomas (12) it and why? “I really like Seattle because I like the weather.” If you could be any ice cream, what kind and why? “I would be Sherbet because I like it.”
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What school did you attend last and how is it different from Loma Linda? “I attended Costa Mesa. It’s a public high school, bigger than Loma Linda. It has a swimming pool and no [school] uniforms.” What is a hobby that you have that people may not know? “On weekends, I like to go to arcades and play Dance Dance Revolution (DDR).”
- Bryan Yazmon (10)
If you could meet anybody, who would it be and why? “BOA, a Korean singer, because she actually sings well.” What is one of your favorite places to go and why? “Six Flags because I love extreme roller coasters and I want to be a roller coaster designer.”
Volume 73, Number 2
Loma Linda Academy
The
contributors marc cruz (11) photograph nicole kaloshian (12) poem bert berttrasporte (10) sketch “The Life That No One Lives” No one is able to live the life of helpfulness No one understands the way the world is No one has the obligation So cold and worthless to fix what they have Clueless to reality Ever yone is just in a Insensitive about the facts content state where no No one wants to go beyond self-success one cares No one thinks they need to N o o n e s e e s t h e s e p e o p l e N o o n e w h o i s suffering s u f f e r e i and n g bbelieves elives that these dying ever yday “no ones” will care No one thinks about No one will come from the Highest Heavens changing a part of their if we just do nothing life to help Our neighbors of no ones destroy this world Ever yone is just stuck in No one sees it their world of nothingness No one belives it No one cares
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Volume 73, Number 2
Loma Linda Academy
The Mirror Loma Linda Academy 28
Volume 73 Issue 2 November/December 2005