Page Index
The Mirror
Volume: 74 Issue 1 Front Cover Photo: Chistine Akamine SA Beach Vespers
Faces 10 Being Fresh
Kristie Avila
04 Seasoned and Spiced
Stephanie Dominguez
12 A Bitter Farewell
Melissa Loera
07 Small Talk
Kristianne Ocampo
16 Meet the Staff
Christine Akamine
14 Getting Thrills From Bombing Hills
Darin West
Locality
Back Cover Photo: Christine Akamine Dedicated individuals catch the glass at Lake Havasu.
The Mirror Staff Editor: Zoe Thompson Assistant Editor: Darin West Reporters:
Kristie Avila Stephanie Dominguez Laurel Hansen Melissa Loera Kristianne Ocampo Nikki Tolentino
Photo Editor: Christine Akamine Sponsor: Danelle Taylor
Leftovers
26 New Days for Flaiz Laurel Hansen
22 Briefs
09 Euro-Trip
Nikki Tolentino
31 Siblings Collage Christine Akamine
E-mail: Mirror@lla.org
18 Costa Rica Study Tour
Christine Akamine
24 Pluto Denied
Zoe Thompson
All pages individually designed by authors
30 Nashville
Zoe Thompson
02 Events Collage
Christine Akamine
20 Havasu
Christine Akamine
29 Web Sites
Mirror Staff
Kristianne Ocampo
An Editoral
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Publisher: Brent Baldwin
All uncredited photos by Christine Akamine
Seaso ned And Spiced Over 30 years ago, Loma Linda Academy (LLA) was blessed with a few teachers who are still here today: Pam Dietrich, Lionel Ballou and Grace Ballou. This year, the school is blessed with two new teachers: Jason Calvert and Donald Huff. Donald Huff, LLA’s new band director, who previously taught at Spring Valley Academy in Ohio for 11 years, is known for his charisma and fondness for teaching. Huff became the first
new band director in 30 years at Loma Linda Academy. Being the new band director on campus is not the easiest job, especially when taking the place of someone who had as much prestige as Phil Binkley. “Coming in and obviously following a band director that has been here for over 30 years, that was the biggest challenge,” says Huff. Students were also a bit more challenging than he thought they would be. “Talking is definitely an issue and there’s definitely some big gaps in different sections of the band regarding talent level, but they’re still a great bunch of talented kids,” he says. Jason Calvert, LLA’s new religion teacher, previously taught at Broadview Academy in Chicago. Calvert, known for his dramatic conversion to Christ, found some challenges in coming to this school as well. “Because the culture in Southern California is so different from in Chicago,
I thought that I wouldn’t be able to relate. One of my biggest fears was that I would be too different; I would just be a boy from Chicago who couldn’t hang out with people from Southern California,” he says. Teaching at a bigger school was also an issue. “The previous school that I taught at, Broadview Academy, had only about 64 students. I think that’s my main obstacle, there’s just so many students and the students are so busy with everything going on, that it’s hard to build that relationship,” says Calvert. On the other hand, teachers who have had lots of teaching experience at LLA have recovered from most of their fears. Pam Dietrich, LLA’s librarian, known for her passion and extensive services as librarian and teacher, is starting her 31st year working at LLA. “It [teaching at LLA] seemed perfect to me in the sense that I got to teach as I wished and I could be
as creative as I wanted. I’m fortunate to be here since my students are successful people and because they came with a lot of gifts,” says Dietrich. Dietrich was lucky to have a mother with a passion for teaching, whom influenced her. “My mother’s goal in life was to be a teacher. She was a child of the depression and she wasn’t able to live her goal because of financial struggles. So knowing that, she’d work in Sabbath school. I watched her work and organize programs, get everybody set, and things all planned,” Dietrich stated. Lionel and Grace Ballou, known for their love and dedication, have been teaching at LLA for a long time now. “We came in 1977, so that would be for thirty years after the end of this school year,” says Lionel Ballou, LLA’s test and work expe-
rience coordinator. “I love it here; it’s the best Adventist school that you can teach at. I’ve taught at public schools and none are as great as this school.” “I don’t think that there’s any other place else to go that’s better,” says Grace Ballou, LLA’s sewing and art teacher. When asked how much longer they plan to continue working at LLA, L. Ballou replied jokingly, “You think we’d live to be a hundred?” “It has to be three or four more years,” G. Ballou replied more seriously. Bringing up the past together and laughing about it seemed nothing but joy for them. “We’ve taught our sons and one of our daughter-in-laws. They’re the best kids that ever happened to this school,” L. Ballou says. “Best looking, too,” G. Ballou adds jokingly. Teaching at this school was one of the best things that ever happened for the Ballou’s. “LLA was the best school, and we knew that. We both wanted our sons to go to a really good school that was high academic wise. We kind of, more or less,
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chased this job and waited for there to be a spot open for probably about three years,” G. Ballou says. As well as the long term staff, Huff and Calvert are happy to be working at this school. Huff admires the benefits of “a bigger school and student body, and a strong band program. Actually, the schedule is another reason I wanted to come here,” says Huff, “because there’s more rehearsal time built in than from what I’m used to.” Calvert also enjoys the students that attend the school. “To be totally honest, I like the students a lot more than I thought I would. When I was in Chicago, after I told the students that I was going to be working here, I just heard a whole bunch of bad things about the students at LLA. So going into it, I was kind of uneasy about it, but I was totally taken back by how great the kids are,” he says. Along with the many pleasures of coming to a new school, the new staff also came with goals for their students. Huff not only wants to make a difference in the band program, but in the lives of every
musician and student on this campus. “I want to create an exciting band program and make it grow to be a really strong, thriving and exciting band,” says Huff. “Through everything that I do and every class that I teach, my ultimate goal is that the students can learn more about God and who Jesus is, and just that God is the coolest thing on earth,” says Calvert, “It’s flaming hot in this state and I do miss Chicago, but I’m very happy to be here. I just really feel that God lead me here, He continued to open doors to have me come here and be a part of this faculty. I say that I’m here for the students and I’m pretty stoked to be here.”
–Stephanie Dominguez
“You look at the parable of the talents: The guy with 10, the guy with five, the guy with one. I figure that all the people of Loma Linda Academy already got 20, but God’s expecting 50, so get busy. But you don’t suffer from hunger and you don’t suffer from disease born out of poverty like most of the world. You already have advantages that you are fortunate to have, and because you do, you have the
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL I know all the dance steps to “Bop to the Top.“ The slow part is kind of hard; I still haven’t gotten it down yet. PAINTING When I was little, our church called up all the youngin’s to the front of the sanctuary and asked each of us what we wanted to be when we grow up. All the kids were saying things like: lawyer, doctor…my turn comes and I say: “I want to be a house painter!“ My parents were mortified. GREATEST FEAR I’m terrified of drowning. I won’t even go into ocean water. MOST PLAYED SONG ON iPOD? T Y L E R D I A Z (12) *She goes on her iTunes and looks at the statistics, checking which is her most played song.* “Plays Pretty for Baby“-Anthony Green PET PEEVE I hate when girls put on their make up during class. Last year, this one chick would do it everyday during English–so annoying. One time, she busted out her tweezers and started plucking her eyebrows. I mean, come on are you kidding me? COOKING I tend to experiment a lot in the kitchen. I’m a smoothie master and I can cook up a mean pasta. SHAKESPEARE Reading out the plays is hard at first, but after awhile, you start to get comfortable and might even throw in some English accents here and there. MOST PLAYED SONG ON iPOD? *He goes on his iTunes and looks at the statistics, checking which is his most played song.* D A N I E L L E D I A Z (10) “Plays Pretty for Baby”-Anthony Green...Wait, Danielle said that too? No! you can’t put that in the Mirror. Hold on, let me change it... GREATEST FEAR It would have to be drowning...Danielle said that too?! Come on, that cannot be possible. Wait, I have another one...Danielle better not have said this..uhh. EMBARASSING MOMENT I was working (for maintenance) and walked around school with a shovel in my hand. Somehow, I tripped over myself and almost fell. No one was there and so I thought I got away with it. The next day, Whitney Lirungan told me she saw the whole thing.
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Euro-Trip
Band performance in Kollegienkirche University Platz
Every four years, the Loma Linda Academy (LLA) Symphonic Band goes on an international tour. From June 19 to July 3, 2006, the LLA High School Symphonic Band went on their international tour under Phil Binkley’s direction, attending five countries: Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. A total of 140 people (32 adult
chaperones and 108 students) attended according to the 8th International Concert Tour Itinerary. Students spent 26 hours on a plane waiting to arrive at their first destination– Düsseldorf, Germany. Elson Lucrida (12) shares, “The plane ride was ridiculously long. I was getting really anxious and just wanted to get out.” Some were faced with the situation of Andrew Akamine (9) who said, “It could’ve gone better. It felt like the longest flight because I wasn’t able to fall asleep.” Upon arriving in Düsseldorf at 11:00 A.M., the Symphonic Band had about
Now freshman band students posing with Binkley.
caused exhaustion. The truck carrying all the instruments had difficulty arriving, which caused further delays. Within only two days of staying in a city,
“After stepping off the plane, the air smelled like cigarette smoke. It just hit you instantly.” three hours before departing to their hotel, Intercity Hotel Nurnberg Eilgutsrasse 8 in Nurnberg. “After stepping off the plane, the air smelled like cigarette smoke. It just hit you instantly,” Alyssa Golay (10) said. A time difference of nine hours definitely
students and adults packed up and got on the coach bus, waiting to arrive at their next destination. “It was actually fun. People on the bus made it entertaining. Most of us were sleeping to kill time since the next stop was usually hours away,” Lucrida (12) shared.
“Border checks didn’t seem bad,” according to Justin Tuot (11). “Once we arrived at the border, the officials didn’t take too long to receive our passports.” The LLA Symphonic Band held eight concerts. Before concerts, students and adults were given a tour through historic
“It was a big
adjustment trying the new foods in Europe, but to be honest, it wasn’t that bad.” monuments. After the tours, during their free time, they were able to go around the city in groups. “We walked around the city, went into the neat shops, took a lot of pictures and ate at restaurants,” Stephanie Lao (11) said. Sarah Spencer (12) shares, “It was a big adjustment trying the new foods in Europe, but to be honest, it wasn’t that bad.” “When it came to performance time, the band presented themselves in beautiful
cathedrals,” Tuot (10) said. Binkley conducted his band students in front of an average of 100 to 200 people. “It was great hearing the applause echo inside the cathedrals after each performance,” Jay Jay Tolentino (9) said. As Binkley reflected on the band tour he stated, “Ulm was a great place to perform in, and the acoustics were wonderful.” Along with this, he said that Rhine River Valley was the most beautiful area to tour around. It was filled with castles now hotels and sight-seeing boats. This was Binkley’s last year of conducting the LLA Symphonic Band. After 30 years of teaching in Loma Linda Academy, students are going to miss him terribly. Sabrina Cruz (10) shared, “He was a good teacher. I’m going to miss his funny jokes he told during class.” “I’ll miss having him around. It’s good knowing he was my first band teacher, but sad having him for just one year,” Akamine said unhappily. Binkley said, “I hope the band will stay the same as it was after I left.” The students and Binkley shared such a close
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Alexa Calaguas (12) and Brittany Pang (12) taking snapshots on the Europe band tour.
relationship. From hours of practice for an upcoming performance to the final trip to Europe, Binkley will not forget the memories he shared with his students.
- Nikki Tolentino
Photos by Eduardo Gonzaga III, Class of `06
Being Fresh...
Ryan Gil (9) flexes his freshman muscles.
For the class of 2010, the transition to Loma Linda Academy (LLA) began by the ear shattering “Drrrrrring,” also known as the tardy bell. Some did not know how to open lockers or find classes taught by teachers with unusual names, like Ted Bancarz, LLA Religion teacher. Eventually, they would find their class, but only after some had missed first period’s butchered role call and explanation of the almighty ESLRs (Expected School Wide Learning Results). Summed up, this is how the freshmen made their grand entrance to big, bad LLA. Some kids take to their new high school status with ease, but others need a bit of time and advice before they can settle in. Becoming an accomplished and, more importantly, cool high school student can be a little difficult, especially when upperclassmen are concerned. Rory Macomber (9) shared the helpful counsel he received from Jerry Slater (11) about what to do under extreme oppression. “Jerry told me to just keep quiet after
getting iced. He said it would just make things easier for me.” This kind of advice is given for the singular purpose of making the transition from Jr. High to High School easier. Many changes take place and a few changes are already being taken advantage of. Because the freshmen guys are on a bigger campus, the selection of ladies has broadened. When asked about the new and improved girl situation, Rhys Williams (9) winked and said, “It’s a whole lot better. Now I have four grades to choose from. I call it outsourcing!” The increased amount of ladies has not affected every freshman, but lunchtime is something everyone can look forward to. Being able to go off campus lunch has helped benefit new friendships, as David Orpilla(12) explained, “It helped introduce me to new people because I was forced to find someone to go with.” In addition to making new friendships, freshmen have also been actively seeking out hot places to eat. Staci Sellas (9) says,
“It’s only a few weeks into the school year and we’re already sick of Baker’s. So, off campus lunch has made me more willing to try other foods.” Even though some students enjoy a daily diet consisting of Del Taco, Bakers, or BK Subs, off campus lunch brings responsibility. When students are having fun at lunch, sometimes fifth period may not seem as important as it should be. As a perfect example of this point, Chandler Rundle (9) began his hot and sweaty walk
“Do
been somewhat intimidating to a few of the ninth graders. The specific senior Rhys Williams (9) watches out for is, “…Arthur. He’s scary because... he looks like a juggernaut.” For those undedicated to X-Men, a juggernaut is someone who is unquestionably powerful. In addition to upperclassmen, having three level lockers has caused a few problems. Because ninth graders have their registration last, most of the desirable middle and top lockers have already been
honors algebra than basic algebra. This is a considerable achievement because they are also one of the largest classes and make up 146 of the 547 high school students. Using their strengths in both numbers and mental abilities, the ninth graders were able to snag first in the pyramid during the S.A. Picnic. And, for the most part, they love what comes with being in high school, especially, as Cameron Bryan (9) says, “THE FREEDOM!” Without freshmen humor and stories,
”
you realize how embarrassing it was to run? Nobody runs in high school!
back to school a little later than usual. He then figured out that he had left his backpack at Baker’s. While the first bell was ringing, Chandler was sprinting back to Baker’s. Chandler just shook his head and commented, “Do you realize how embarrassing it was to run? Nobody runs in high school!” Apparently, not all of the new changes have been good ones. The freshmen have been experiencing the shock of being new. Being surrounded by upperclassmen has
taken. Many of the freshmen have to kneel on the floor to get their books out of their bottom lockers, which is a challenge in itself because each “dungeon” has its own traffic jam every period. This position is uncomfortable and Cameron Bryan (9) says it makes him “… feel vulnerable.” The freshmen have not let their insecurities hinder them and they have become an amazing part of our campus. For the first time in several years, more freshmen are either in algebra II or
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the beginning of the school year would lack the enthusiasm to get everyone going. The freshmen lighten up the campus and provide new faces to add a fresh look and before long, they are going to be a common part of LLA.
– Kristie Avila
A Bitter Farewell
Most of Loma Linda Academy’s (LLA) students and teachers were both shocked and saddened when attendance worker Jane Bitters was not there to greet them at the beginning of this school year. After interviewing Terri Thomas, who was Bitters’ coworker, and through an email from Bitters herself, the Mirror found out that Jane Bitters decided to retire. Some reactions from students were different, but all had the same idea. “I was not happy. It ruined my day,”
said Heather Yegge (10). “I thought she was sick the first day,” commented Bryon Connor (12). Though Jane Bitters worked hard and had a love for each person she met, she felt as if her time should move more towards her family. “I want to spend more time with my four daughters and their families. I have nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. And I want to be available to go to them if needed.” Jane Bitters informed the Mirror that
one of her daughters was sadly diagnosed with thyroid cancer before she had even thought about retiring. After taking time off work with her daughter, Bitters started wondering about her retirement. “This got me to thinking that, not only have I reached my senior years, but my children are also getting up in age,” stated Bitters. Even though Bitters was given the tough job of supervising detention, some students said that they would not mind going back to detention just to see her. “I’d go back to detention twice, no 10 times,” said Kameron Beals (12). Once Bitters retired, a new attendance policy was put into action. Since there is no one to supervise, there is no more detention. When asking students if they would prefer detention to the new policy, Timothy Thue (12) responded, “I actually liked detention better.” Kimberly Heim
(11) gave her strong opinion on the new policy by saying “It’s wack!” Detention or not, school would not be quite the same without Bitters. “Her bright smile and her kind, caring attitude made [her] special. She was always willing to give hugs,” said Jessica Williams, one of LLA’s religion teachers. Starting when last year’s seniors were freshman and retiring when they graduated, Jane Bitters decided to leave secretly. Bitters explained that she “hated goodbyes,” which lead to keeping her retirement unknown to many students and faculty, but she will always have a strong appreciation towards them all. Though Bitters made the tough decision of leaving, she left with nothing but good comments about each student, teacher, or person who roamed LLA’s attendance hall. “I enjoyed [the students], they made me laugh and kept me young at heart, even my detention ‘frequent flyer’ kids.”
bit•ter/[bit-er] adj.
Jane Bit•ters n. female
1. having a harsh, disagreeably acrid taste. 2. causing pain; piercing; stinging. 3. hard to bear; grievous.
1. an attendance worker at Loma Linda Academy known for her kind, sweet, and caring attitude towards all students and faculty.
–Melissa Loera
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Getting Thrills from Bombing Hills Longboard skateboarding is a trend that is quickly gaining momentum among the students of Loma Linda Academy (LLA). Longboards are designed differently than traditional skateboards, because they are intended for a different style of riding. While regular skateboards are built for tricks, longboards are built for speed or mellow cruising. Kameron Beals (12) explains the difference between the two. “I think skateboarding is a good way to get aggression out, longboarding’s more like meditation, relaxation.” The students who ride longboards all started for different reasons,
but they all seem to share in the joy of riding. Some were enticed by watching others, and some were drawn in by their love of board sports
in general. Sayer Kanakriyeh’s (10) family moved here from Newport Beach, and surfing was not as accessible to him. Kanakriyeh feels that longboarding is “kind of like replacing surfing.” There are two major riding styles of longboarding. The first is riding
down a hill as fast as possible, and has become known as bombing. The second is mellow cruising. Cruising is when the rider is in no particular hurry and can involve riding down hills or over flat ground. Carving is when the rider makes a series of long arching turns, and can be used with bombing or cruising. John Northrop (12) enjoys a blend of both styles, saying that his favorite thing about long boarding is “the fact that I can go super fast and carve across the whole street.” While some like Northrop enjoy both the carving and speed aspect of long boarding; others, such as Jason Han (12), enjoy a more relaxed
“Bombing down a huge hill with the wind in your hair”
approach. Han describes it as “not a lot of action, more chill.” So where can the two riding styles come together? Mountain View Street in Loma Linda was the answer given by most. Michael McGinnis (12) likes the quality of the pavement, and exclaimed that “Mountain View is some of the best pavement I’ve ever experienced.” With a name that means the “beautiful hill” in Spanish, it is no surprise that this street in Loma Linda gains high recognition among the local riders. While Mountain View may be one of the favorite local spots, Diamond
Bar City is the location for those who are willing to make the journey. Marc Cruz (12) said that “Diamond Bar has the sickest hills” because of their size and “smooth pavement.” As if flying down asphalt hills does not propose enough danger, riders also have to watch out for police and security officers. Cruz smiled when he said “security tries, but they can’t catch us.” While Cruz has been able to outrun the authorities, Han has not been so fortunate. He recalls a time when he and a friend were stopped by the police for running through a stop light.
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It turned out that they were also out after Loma Linda curfew. The police reacted by simply taking them home. Another issue that arises with longboarding is stopping. When asked about stopping, Matthew Mascarenhas (12) said he “jumps off and hopes to run off fast enough to keep up.” McGinnis shared using a similar strategy. “Jump off and run dude, and aim for a grass patch.” With all the dangers in longboarding what keeps riders coming back for more? For Cruz, it is “bombing down a huge hill with the wind in your hair.” –Darin West
Zoe Thompson Editor If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? The Godiva Hot Chocolate! Starbuck’s made a small cup especially for it because it’s sinfully rich. Guilty pleasure? Shopping at Hot Topic If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? Mrs. Gonzalez because at least if I had to die, I’d die hearing funny stories.
Nikki Tolentino Reporter If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? Pumpkin Spice Latte Guilty pleasure? Eating midnight snacks If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? My 7th grade Texas history teacher, Mr. Korenek, because he always had a way of making people laugh.
Darin West Assisstant Editor If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? Hot Chocolate
Danelle Taylor Sponsor
Guilty pleasure? Watching the O.C.
If you were a Starbuck’s drink what kind would you be? Decaf Soy Mocha Valencia Guilty pleasure? Dark Chocolate
If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? Mr. Stone. Because he makes me laugh.
If you weren’t teaching what would you be doing? I would be working as a photographer for a humanitarian agency.
Meet the Mirror
Melissa Loera Reporter If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? I think the mint mochas are classy. Guilty pleasure? I admit, I like Degrassi. If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? Wow, who wants to be stuck on an island with a teacher? I choose loneliness!
Laurel Hansen Reporter
Stephanie Dominguez Reporter If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? Tangerine and Cream Smoothie Guilty pleasure? I still like to watch the Disney Channel. If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? Dr. Benson because he could help figure out a way off the island.
Kristie Avila Reporter If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? I’d be the Strawberry and Creme Smoothie because I’m sweet on the outside and I’m sweet on the inside, too. Guilty pleasure? When I have a bad day I love to put on my shower hot enought that it steams up my bathroom and then I belt out every single Madonna song I know. If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? Mr. Burishkin, because I’m pretty sure that he would be able to make everything look exactly like Gilligan’s Island within one or two hours.
Photo by Christina Jobe
Staff
If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? Double Chocolate Chip Frapuccino Guilty pleasure? Playing video games with my brother. If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? Ms. Phillips because she could calculate how to get us off. Plus, she is funny.
Christine Akamine Photographer If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? A decaf Java Chip Guilty pleasure? Watching “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” and Korean Dramas If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? Mr. Sandiford because we could play soccer until we got rescued.
Kristianne Ocampo Reporter If you were a Starbucks’ drink what kind would you be? Hot cocoa Guilty pleasure? The snooze button is my best friend If you were stuck on an island with a teacher who would it be and why? Mrs. Ballou because we could make coconut bras and grass skirts together.
Above photos by Brittany Pang
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Costa Rica 2006 Twenty-seven students and faculty from Loma Linda Academy (LLA) took a trip to the beautiful country of Costa Rica this past summer, from June 13-21. Their activities included watching lava flow off a volcano, trekking through four different rainforests
and a cloud forest, flying on nine different ziplines and visting a butterfly farm. The adventurers also took cultural cooking and dance classes. Dee Dee Schilt, LLA vice principal and trip coordinator, said she “felt like Indiana Jones.” The trip counted for a semester’s worth of elective science credit. Another trip to Costa Rica is scheduled for June 11-18, 2007.
–Zoe Thompson Photos Taken by Dee Dee Schilt
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Picture by Danelle M. Taylor
LAKE HAVASU 2006
–Christine Akamine
Picture by Danelle M. Taylor
On September 17-20, 2006, 120 students of the class of 2007 went on their senior class trip to Lake Havasu, Arizona. They were accompanied by six sponsors/administrators, nine boat drivers, two bus drivers and three “chefs of Havasu.� They enjoyed two and a half days of perfect weather for wakeboarding, tubing, wakesurfing and bodywhomping from dawn to dusk. Their evenings were spent with Pastors Doug Mace, Mark Holm and Rob Mohr, who led out in worships and class bonding games. Some of the favorite games were musical chairs and the fun noodle war. The seniors left Havasu grateful to all of the parents, sponsors, and boat drivers for helping to make their senior trip great and memorable.
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B R I E F S CHARLOTTE CHERNE This past summer, Charlotte Cherne (11) flew to New York to pursue her modeling career. There, she strutted on the catwalk and modeled for several photo shoots. Cherne has been modeling for almost a year now.
GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Antoinette Bedros Danielle Diaz Halsie Donaldon Alexis Guzman Jackie Hamilton Jessica Han Chelsea Hardesty Paula Hernandez Katie Pope Ereni Sellas
Coaches: Mindy Jarrard Jeremy Claridge
JO PRETORIUS Jo Pretorius (class of 2003) was diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancerous tumor in the heart. Messages can be read and sent through carepages.com (code: ‘jopretorious’) in support of this strong woman. HANNAH BEALL: This past summer, Hannah Beall (11) won seven national top ten’s, four in Western Pleasure, and three in Hunter Pleasure and one national championship in Western Pleasure. She started riding at the age of seven and has competed in multiple shows in places like New Mexico, Illinois, and Canada, all in which she was successful.
GIRLS JV VOLLEYBALL Jessica Alfaro
Kristie Avila Lleanan Castareda Colleen Gareau Megan Lang Molly Madison Ambyr Peacock Jordan Racon Laura Robinson Staci Sellas Cristina Stream Coach:Neal Cochran
BOYS VARSITY FLAG FOOTBALL
Parker Arnold Arthur Mulyono Wesley Arnold Jacob Oxley Cameron Buckley Darin West Steven Catalon Theo Stream Charles Eaton Jordan Stimmel Michael Giang Jared Webster Jon Gim Kameron Straine Noach Griego Jason Hallock Jason Han Thaddeus Lowe Garrett Lui Wesley Marquis Coaches: Doug Henderson Brandon Herrmann
JIM MCCULLOCH Jim McCulloch, Tyler’s father, passed away on September 18. He had been fighting multiple myeloma for the past seven years. Family and friends gathered for his memorial service on Sept. 22. He will be greatly missed.
BOYS JV FLAG FOOTBALL
GIRLS VARSTIY FLAG FOOTBALL
Michael Carter Devon Hunt David Wuchenich Zach Cruz Tae Kim Josh Chronister Victor Lowe Taylor Glasgow Justin Hoff Rhys Williams Jared Swenson Chandler Rundle Matthew Murdoch Alejandro Hinestroza Jake Peterson
Chelsea Aka Veronica Rojas Melissa Hordinksi Sabrina Cruz Crystal Dancel Kelsey Michaels Stacey Felipe Monica Fukuda Abbie Gryka Kristina Machado Allison Hoff Kristianne Ocampo Mandy Shultz Elizabeth Jones Nikita Thomson Charnay Jones Stephanie Dennis Katie Prior Charlotte Cherne Victoria Lowe
Coaches: Alan Zane Chris Pope
Coaches: Nikki Verdugo Brianne Carroll
STEPHANIE DOMINGUEZ Stephanie Dominguez (11) has been acting for two years. She appeared in commercials for several companies such as Panda Express and the Human Rights Project. Dominguez recently shot a feature film called Students Like Us and a student film called Underexposed. JACKIE HAMILTON Jackie Hamilton (12) competed in the 2006 Global Challenge in Italy and Slovenia this past summer. Her team ranked fourth in the entire volleyball tournament. Hamilton was one of the twenty-six girls selected out of the four hundred that tried out. This will be Hamilton’s fifth year playing volleyball.
BRIANNE TALBOOM CARROLL “BoomBoom” is now a Carroll. On July 23, Brianne Talboom, Junior High PE teacher and varsity coach, tied the knot with long time boyfriend, Andrew Carroll. Family, friends, LLA staff and students gathered at the University of Redlands for a night of food, dance, and photobooths. SERENA THAM Serena Tham (11) has appreared in two Target commericals, and also posed for a Nokia advertisement and an editorial spread in the international magazine, 13 Minute.
MIRROR On September 5 -7, the Mirror staff was given the opportunity to attend the PUC Journalism Workshop. There, they received two awards: best layout design and best photograph, which was taken by Damian Kim (12), for the 2005-2006 Mirror.
–Kristianne Ocampo On August 10, Isaac Seth Gillespie was born. Pastor Tim and his wife, Sara, are excited about their newborn baby. With Hannah, five, and Jacob, two, Isaac is their third baby.
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Pluto ! d e i n e D As of August 24, 2006, Pluto is no longer a planet. The familiar nine planets have been reduced to just eight by the International Astronomical Union. This remarkable decision has induced, at least in me, stirrings of pity for an inanimate object. No one likes to be told they don’t belong, especially in public. As teenagers, one of our greatest fears is being left out of social groups, of having nobody to hang out with. As the dealings involving Pluto
came and went, I imagined myself as that poor small planet. Being ostracized from a group I already belong to because of some physical feature I can’t control (in Pluto’s case, size: the astronomers said it was too small) would be a nightmare. Just think how you would feel if all your “friends” suddenly decided that you were no longer good enough for them. As much as any one of us would hate to have this scenario happen to us, we have to admit we love to watch it on television. Take a moment to consider any of the popular TV shows and their catchphrases: “Survivor”, “You’ve been voted off the island”; “Weakest Link”, “You are the weakest link, goodbye!”; “American Idol”, anything that spews from Simon Cowell’s mouth; “The Apprentice”,
“You’re fired!”; “America’s Next Top Model”, “Who’s gonna be on top?” and a slew of other “reality” shows. It’s easy to see the big undercurrent in today’s society: elimination. “Denied! Rejected! Shut down!” Whatever we put into our brains eventually comes back out. Lately, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of times I say these words when I’m joking around. I took some time this week to reconsider my vocabulary. Just what kind of environment do I promote around myself? Is it a loving, Christian atmosphere where people aren’t afraid to talk openly? Or is it a spiteful, cruel image of people just waiting for someone to open their mouth so they can close it up again with their taunts? What I came up with was a little
as any one of us would hate to have this scenario happen “ As much to us, we have to admit we love to watch it on television. ”
scary: I generally consider myself a kind, loving person but my words may be saying otherwise. Being in an Adventist school we hear this phrase a lot, “Be in the world, but not of the world.” I think it has special meaning to us concerning what comes out of our mouths. I don’t believe God has much of a problem with what we occasionally catch on TV or what we happen to see in magazines, etc. But when these things become a habit, or an addiction, when we actually spend time thinking of better ways to hurt others or punchier put-downs or comebacks that bite more, that’s when I think God is really disappointed. It’s fine to joke around, but God calls us to be distinctive and we can’t be His light in this world by copying pop culture. So, be different, be unique, be uncommon, be atypical, be unusual. God appeals to us to build each other up,
not tear each other down. Many of us who attended LLA in elementary school remember the PeaceBuilder Pledge, as it was drilled into our heads every day for many years. This week, I especially remembered the part where it said “I pledge…to give up put-downs.” What if we actually did pledge to give up putdowns? For a day, a week, a month… How would our lives change for the better? Information on the International Astronomical Union obtained from http:// www.nytimes.org.
–Zoe Thompson
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What the Bible has to say about our words: “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26 “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person…no man can tame the tongue...With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness…” James 3: 5-12, selected parts “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
New Days for Flaiz
Construction began on an extension of the north end of Flaiz Hall for a biology classroom and lab at the beginning of the summer of ‘06. Though the building has not been constructed, there have been many changes including both cost and the date of completion. The bathrooms will cost about $200 K, and the total is approximated at over $2 million, Alfred Simental, the contractor manager, confirmed. The building will be around 5,000
square feet, extending to the sidewalk around Flaiz, but will not be quite as tall as the gym. Nikki Gonzalez, who helped design the original architectural plans, explained that in order to efficiently use all space, the new lab tables will be jellybean shaped, with a ratio of four students to one table. Gonzalez also plans to have the following: an entire room with constant temperature, light and humidity for longer experiments, bigger enclosures for the many animals that pass through her care, and a miniature library where she can keep medical books close by for easy access. Gonzalez shared, “I’m hoping we can move in this Spring.” According to both Darryl Benson, LLA’s chemistry teacher, and Simental, construction started immediately after classes let out in June, but not in the form of a building skeleton. Floors were extracted,
plumbing redone, new flooring put in, and Benson’s lab room was entirely ripped apart. His room remodel is not a part of the new science building upgrade. Benson explained, “The [chemistry] room now provides fifty percent more space per person, though the lab is neither bigger nor smaller. There’s a new handicapped station, and the new design is much safer, as students will not be at risk of bumping into one another when working with dangerous chemicals.” The larger sinks also accommodate washing glass beakers without easily breaking them. In spite of the benefits from the remodel, the workers from Benson’s room drilled a hole in the ceiling of Bradley’s office. Machines from the crew working on Flaiz Hall were producing intoxicating diesel fumes. Bradley explained, “I knew we were going to have noise, but I wasn’t expecting the smell.” By the
end of the day she “had a headache.” When both Flaiz bathrooms were demolished, a gap between the walls of Bradley’s classroom was found, multiplying the effects of the odor. This is now covered with duct tape. Gonzalez felt rather badly about this situation, as the bigger science building is a necessity for her classes. “Ms. Bradley has gotten the brunt of the noise and fumes,” she said. The noise was all she and her students had to worry about; “I told them [the biology students] just to think of it as heavy metal music.” During the destruction of the bathrooms, Simental heard news that his crew had “hit the jackpot;” they found two wallets wedged between the drywall and the outside bricks, complete with ID, social security and one of them even enclosed a green card.
Mary Morgan, who collected the artifacts, guessed that because the wallets held no money in them, maybe they were stolen and hidden to be reclaimed later. She is currently trying to locate the owners.
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Apart from finding treasure, Simental’s crew has made other progress. The underground plumbing and electrical wiring beneath the construction zone are done. This is the most time-consuming part of the job. However, the one question that remains unanswered is when the entire thing will be finished. Simental predicts completion no earlier than May of ‘07, but he does not want to get anyone’s hopes up. “We already had a lot of disappointments in 1844,” he joked. Even though Simental has tried to prevent disappointment, there will be some things sorely missed. The old tree that stood in front of Flaiz Hall is gone. Many students hung lazily around it after school, taking advantage of the shade provided. “I watched them chop up that tree,” Tyler Diaz (12) stated, having helped with construction over the summer.
Though the construction itself is a step forward, there are other plans for the future. Simental talked about a new auditorium, west of the gym, both larger and nicer than Chan Auditorium, as well as remodeling the gym and Franz Hall. However, these plans will not be finalized for a long time. For now, the remodel of Flaiz Hall is enough. Speaking of a completed science building, Simental said, “I think it will be a big improvement.�
–Laurel Hansen
A Small Collection of Interesting Web Sites Pandora
Anagrams
A site that helps people find new bands. When a band is entered Pandora finds bands that sound similar to that band. http://www.pandora.com/
A site for those who love anagrams. Type in the word, and the site will find anagrams for that word. http://wordsmith.org/anagram/def.html
Mythbusters
Dieselstation
A site that has bonus material for the popular Discovery Channel show. It features bloopers, galleries, and quizzes. http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/ mythbusters.html
A site for automotive desktop wallpapers. http://www.dieselstation.com/
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Nashville Tour - Tennessee From August 6-9, 2006, the North American Division held a conference in Nashville, Tennessee for all of its teachers. Over 6,000 teachers and administrators attended and 26 were from our own high school. The Loma Linda Academy Summer Choir, made up of 35 students from graduated 8th graders to graduated seniors, practiced two hours a day for four weeks in order to perform at the closing ceremony. The choir stayed in Nashville for four days and took a sightseeing tour of the downtown area, as well as the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, where the teachers stayed. The teachers attended workshops and presentations at the hotel. –Zoe Thompson Photos by Danelle M. Taylor
Siblings
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The Mirror
Volume 74 Issue 1
August/September 2006