Loma Linda Academy Mirror '09-'10 I4

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Table of Contents Scope 4 T h e Road to Glory -Kristoffer Malapira 10 Mr. Burishkin -Justin Massey 12 Operation Haiti -Lorelei Sinco

Feature 8 When You are Weak, Be Strong Editor Shane Quitania Photo Charnay Jones 14 Trendsetter Editor Reem Blaik Kelsey Hebard Reporters 16 Into the Wild Branden Lai-Lau Bryan Anamuro Bryan Anamuro 18 Ready, Set, Break!

Kristoffer Malapira Tony Hernandez Justin Massey Lorelei Sinco 22 An Asian Sensation Kelsey Hebard Branden Lai-Lau Shane Quitania

Culture

2 Bible Camp Reem Blaik 6 Meet the Staff Reem Blaik 20 Student Leaders Reem Blaik 21 Briefs Charnay Jones

Tony Hernandez

Sponsor Danelle Taylor Dennis Publisher Bobprincipal Printer Loma Linda University Printing Services

23 Valentines Dinner Reem Blaik Cover Photo illustration of Ashley Miller Address

Loma Linda Academy Seventh-day Adventist School 10656 Anderson St. Loma Linda, CA 92354 mirror@lla.org

T h e Mirror is printed on 100% recycled paper.

T h e Mirror staff welcomes signed letters to the the editor. All unaccredited photos and illustrations by Reem Blaik

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The Road to Glory R

ecently, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games took place in Vancouver, Canada and were held from February 12, 2010 to February 28, 2010. For two weeks, athletes and spectators from around the world gathered to celebrate the multitude of cultures and the tradition that is the Olympics.

It was the third time Canada was the host country of the Olympics and the first by the province of British Columbia. Previously, Canada was home to the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Quebec and the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta.

The summer and winter Olympics, respectively, take place every four years in various countries around the world. They are major international multi-sport events that bring people from far and wide to win the coveted gold medal in his or her event. The competition the athletes bring draw spectators such as Rory Macomber (12). “For the most part, my family watches the Olympics, but if they are not watching television, odds are that I am watching the Olympics. I crave this stuff. It’s great.”

The excitement and anticipation reaches both the spectator and participant during each event, wondering if he/she will win a medal, and if all the practice and preparation the athlete has endured in the previous years will be for nothing. This is what makes the Olympics so incredible to

watch, and is one of the reasons it draws crowds and crowds of people to its sidelines.

But with great victory, comes great tragedy. Before the Olympics could even begin an Olympic luger from Georgia, Nodar Kumar Kumaritashvili, crashed into a steel pole during a practice run on the luge course, one of the events at the Winter Olympics, and passed away soon after the accident occurred. At the Winter Olympic Opening

Ceremonies, fellow Georgian Olympians wore black armbands in his memory. His death overshadowed the 2010 Olympics even before it could begin. He was 21 years of age.

As some dreams fade away, others grow. Some of the athletes that

particpated this year are experiencing the Olympic scene for their first time. Athletes such as Aeralist Ashley Caldwell, 16 years old, and figure skater Rachael Flatt, only 17, are glad to be a part of the events and festivities that go on during the Olympics.

The overall medal count was a mixed bag. The United States took the most medals with a count of 37, Germany came in 2nd place with 30, and the host country of Canada came in 3rd with 26, but ended with the most

“The Olympics are not every two years, they’re every day.”

gold medals. And as some watch the Olympics for the medals, some do not, as in Christopher Heinrich's (11) case.

“I don’t know any of the Olympians this year, I watch the Olympics just for the sports.”

Some of the big events this year were speed-skating, hockey, skiing, and snowboarding, one of which is a favorite of student, Christopher Min (11).“I’m a big fan of Shaun White, the snowboarder, since I’m a very big fan of snowboarding. I always wanted to be an Olympic snowboarder ever since I picked up a board. It is a really fun sport to watch.” Many students are inspired by seeing what these athletes can do, and that someday they could be that very same person.

Another reason people watch the Olympics is just to witness the absolutely amazing things the human

body can be pushed to do. “I love the Olympics,” says Health teacher Dee Dee Schilt, “I like to watch events like gymnastics and ice skating, they are fun to watch. But I mostly like the Olympics just because I am totally intrigued by the human body and the amazing things it can do, and what people do to achieve maximum performance with it, and so it is fun to hear what different cultures and people aspire to and take on as a motivation for why they accomplish to what they do.”

Although many people do watch the Olympics, others do not. Josephine

Simorangkir (9) says, “ Although the Olympics are a great event, I believe that my time could be better used elsewhere than watching it.”

And although the Olympic events have ended, they never do truly stop.

The athletes constantly train to become better for the next time they are called to the grandest of stages. Anyone can be an Olympian, so hit the slopes and practice for the next Olympics. As Mark West, LLA Alumni Olympic coach says, “The Olympics are not every two years, they're every day.”

—Kristoffer Malapira

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Meet the Staff

Reem Blaik-Photo Editor “I’m Lebanese. I like going to concerts. I love living my life :)”

Brandon Lai-Lau-Reporter

“I really like to play sports & just be active in general, but sometimes I like to stay home or just hang out with friends.

Justin Massey-Reporter Friends are important to me because without them I’d live a really boring life. I like to hang out with people who have a “MAP - Musician Artist Poet. I play guitar, draw, good sense of humor, & can make me laugh, but I’ll talk to and like to write poetry. My perfect date would be a whole day spent on the beach with my camera, anyone who has the time.” guitar, and time.. OH! And of course Her :]”

Lorelei Sinco-Reporter “I love to travel & I need music to survive. ”

Tony Hernandez-Reporter

I am a proud senior of the class of 2010! I like being in class office, it’s extremely rewarding. I also love to travel around the world and would like to visit as many different countries as I can.

Shane Quitania-Report-

“I like traveling, i love different cultures, especially the er different kinds of foods, Japan has been one of the best places I visited, the Philippines is my 2nd home, I actually like doing errands, Jesus is my bestfriend.”

Charnay Jones-Editor

“You’ll know me from my sweet dance moves in the hallways. I hate dissapointing people and I try to live my life in the momment!”

Kelsey Hebard-Reporter

Bryan Anamuro-Reporter

Kris Malapira-Reporter

Danelle Taylor-Sponsor

“In my friends’ eyes I am a cute, petite, bubbly, spunky, gullible girl who is a good listener, loves to dress up, and reminds them of sunshine and goldfish (both real and edible). According to myself I am a reader, dog lover, major dessert and snack eater, & occasionally indecisive, “sometimes-blonde” who doesn’t like spiders.”

“If you can’t laugh, we can’t be friends.”

I’m trilingual, full hispanic, & my passion is climbing. I love traveling & I want to become a missionatry doctor in Peru.

“I appreciate fresh air, teaching, exploring life.”

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When You are Weak

Be

Strong

W

*deut. 31:6

ithin the past eight months, the faculty and students of Loma Linda Academy (LLA) halted and took a moment of silence for the unexpected losses of loved ones in the Loma Linda community.

The Pham family, Kim family, Enix family, and Paw family have been the main families focused on and affected during the past eight months. As one can imagine, those particular families are going through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Continuing on with life has been a great struggle that each family has had to undergo. Kyle Pham (12) who lost his sister to leukemia on January 18, 2010, said, “I don’t even think I have moved on yet. It’s like I act all normal and all, it’s because I’m just busy. It

helps just to keep busy and just to try and forget or try not to focus on it.”

Laurel Enix (12) who lost her dad to lung cancer due to complications on December 16, 2009, said, “Well, I’m still moving...still trying to get through it. It’s been pretty hard, but we went to counseling and everything; talking to people really helps.”

Not only are the particular families grieving, but also the people around them. On January 20, 2010, the student body gathered together for chapel in memory of Kaitlin Pham.

By the end of the service, many who knew and loved Pham came together in tears, sorrow, and prayer.

Danyelle Chota (10), a good friend of Pham, said, “I haven’t moved on; I’m still grieving, but not showing it.”

There are also those who love and care for each family. Whether it maybe through a friend or a complete stranger, it is God’s way of letting someone know that you are not alone. Enix said, “[I see God] through the people who helped us. People would give us food like every week, like before my dad passed away, like when he was doing his chemo and stuff. People would bring food every week and everything.

It was really nice. Because people want to help so much and I’m like wow! I didn’t even think this person cared!”

“I see it through other people because they ask how I’m doing and all that and just try and be there, so I’m not sure if it’s from God or something, but I see Him through that way,” Pham

said.

People may not notice, but the recent happenings have given the campus some sort of a “wake up” call.

Louiedette Maling (9) said, “I didn’t really know [Kaitlin], I just had P.E with her in Junior High, but after she passed away it gave me the realization of caring for people and for living life like there’s no tomorrow.” Maling tries to do this by “living with no grudges and being happy all the time.”

As each trial occurs, the future is left uncertain and questions begin to arise. “Why do bad things happen to good people?” “Where is God?” “Did he really allow this to happen?” Jessica Williams, religion teacher, said, “Bad things happen to everyone and while it might seem unfair that bad things happen to good people, it is the reality that we are faced with. Because of sin, bad things are going to happen to everyone, not just the bad people or the good people.” Williams explained that it is never in God’s will for death to happen. But because of sin, death is something we have to face, only because sin has to run its’ course. The pain we feel and the hurt we undergo is not all that important, what really matters is our relationship with God. It seems that each relationship with God has been touched and affected one way or another as each piece of devastating news reaches the ears of many. For Pham, his relationship was affected. “It did change [my relationship with God], for a while it really went up because she’s doing good and it seemed like He was saying yes to all my prayers and it was going to be okay. Then it went down because He just all of a sudden didn’t come through the way I expected. I trust

Him more now, but it’s more distant.

It’s a little bit different now than before.”

In Enix’s case, her relationship with God has been uncertain. “It’s been pretty interesting. It feels kinda distant because we didn’t expect this to happen. I still feel like I’m watching my life like it’s a play, I don’t feel the impact yet. I know Gods’ there and everything and we pray and everything, but I’m still in shock.”

Although it may seem uncertain and unclear as to why things happen there are signs of hope in the future, one being Dave Burishkin’s, physics teacher, comeback from cancer. Nobody really has the absolute answer to every question that a person might ask, but we do know that there are better times in the future. “Just hold on and hang in there, because there is always a better day coming. Even though you’re going through this rough spot in your life, life has so much to offer and just keep your faith alive and take things day by day. It’s going to be hard without a question, but just keep strong,” advises Enix.

Williams advises, “Don’t give up on God because many times in the darkest times in life, God is the closest. It’s through the worst, the questions, the doubts, the toughest times that God draws us closer. So be open and don’t give up on Him yet. It may be through this time you’ll experience Him the most. It was never in God’s plan for death or cancer or any of this and so it hurts Him as much, and even more so than it does us. They are not alone.”

—Shane Quintania

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Mr. Burishkin

Recovering &

O

n March 18, 2009 Loma Linda Academy’s (LLA) Physics and Algebra I teacher, David Burishkin, was diagnosed with an early stage of colon cancer. Treatment began immediately, and Burishkin was in and out of chemo treatment. His classes were then turned to the hands of Heidi Elssmann who was called in during the 2008-2009 school year to finish where Burishkin left off.

As LLA coped with Burishkin's absence, students were uncertain as to who would take over Burishkin's class and teach. Some students were apprehensive wondering whether the long term sub would be as fun or interesting as Burishkin. His class is infamous for his antics while teaching.

His style of teaching has had an impact on students through the years. “I mean, the only reason I liked Physics was because of Mr. Burishkin and his jokes, and his personality,” says Jacqueline McCoy (Alumni '09) .

As the school fought through the state of Burishkin with constant prayers and encouraging thoughts, Burishkin's overall state became better. Soon he began to visits and teach class from time to time. Burishkin's response to his experience was that he came to the

Adjusting

realization of his friends. He said that while in treatment his friends, family, and even students from 30 years ago were sending him their thoughts and encouragement, hoping and praying everyday for his soon return to teaching at LLA. That is what he thought gave him the extra boost to a faster recovery.

Then, after what seemed like an eternity, test results began to show that nearly no trace of cancer was left in Burishkin's system and that he was on the road to recovery. From time to time, Burishkin makes rounds to the Physics class to conduct labs or teach lessons to the students. Aside from all the encouragement and prayers that he received, Burishkin mentioned that the fact that his students always kept him in their thoughts, whether it was in their prayers or on the days he came by to sit through a Physics period where he'd be greeted with happy faces showing him support it boosted his spirits leading him to recovery. By far the most notable thing students did for him was making a shirt with his image on it and wearing it out of support for his recovery. Seeing them, he said, put me in a position where I felt appreciated and loved.

With Burishkin out of commission to teach, students began wondering

who was going to teach them. Talk had started up about how different the teaching would be and whether or not the class would become harder.

The substitute that came to be in Burishkin's place was Elssmann.

As expected, her teaching style differed from Burishkin's way of teaching through his humor and jokes. Jacqueline McCoy, an alumni of '09 stated, “She [Elssmann] taught more out of the textbook, and Mr. B taught more out of the binders [syllabi].”

When word got out that Burishkin would not be returning for the remainder of the 2009 school year to teach. Many people where disheartened. It was a huge blow to those who had known him and been in his class. However, Elssmann held the fort down and taught the kids Physics, basing everything off of Burishkin's planned curriculum. Elssmann said that she had taught Burishkin's daughter 8th grade Science. Adding also that one thing that Burishkin said changed the way she taught as a teacher. “Mr. B told me that I needed to make sure these kids love science.”

Students from past years remember Burishkin's antics during class and recall them vividly as if they had happened just prior to being asked. An example being when Robert Skoretz, Vice Principle was in Burishkin's Algebra I class during the 1982-83 school year. He specificallty recalls an incident where Mr. Burishkin was teaching sine, cosine, and tangent by

using the phrase “Orville Had A Hunk Of Apple.” Jokingly, Skoretz added, “He repeated it so much that I will never forget it! Couldn't use it to solve an equation but . . .” The lists go on as students from different years recall what Burishkin had taught them and how he had left his mark on their lives.

Jannel Lamangan (12) shared that her most memorable experience with Burishkin was during finals week when he had the entire class square dance and had them bring in breakfast. “It was a blast from the past; being able to get down like Mr. B did back in the day,” said Lamangan. Even students from past years remember certain things Burishkin had done to make them remember him.

Skoretz stated, “Too many to list!

My favorite memories really center more on his mannerisms - the hems and haws, and the quotables, 'Well I don't know much but . . .' 'It's under control' I do have a great memory of Mr. B dancing the jitterbug up on stage at a spring banquet luau about 9 years ago. Classic!”

—Justin J. Massey

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Operation Haiti

O

n January 12, 2010, the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince, Haiti were struck by an earthquake of magnitude 7.2, causing chaos and devastation all over the nation. Haiti is a country plagued with occasional earthquakes, but nothing of this magnitude has occurred in the past 200 years.

Occupying half of the Dominican Republic, Haiti is a country with the population of approximately nine million people, over a million of which call Port-au-Prince their home. Considering this large number of people, that over one hundred thousand have either perished or have gone missing in the aftermath. The earthquake, which is considered a strikeslip or transform earthquake where one side of the earth moves horizontally under the other, occurred in the Enriquillo-Plaintain Garden fault, a major plate boundary fault, similar to the San Andreas fault in California.

According to seismologist, Roger Musson, this earthquake can be considered the “Big One” for Haiti, the equivalent of which Californians have been expecting for a long time.

Considering all this information and comparing our situations living here in Southern California, it seems our situation can be thought of as lucky, because no disaster has happened of such great magnitude, yet.

Melanie Jobe, English teacher at Loma Linda Academy (LLA),

is one person through whom LLA has indirectly become related to the situation in Haiti. She and her husband, a surgeon and chairman of the orthopedics department, after being contacted by Dr. Richard Hart, the president of the medical center, along with a group of physicians and volunteers connected to Loma Linda University, left on January 13, one day after the earthquake hit, to Haiti on a mission to help the people move swiftly on their way to recovery.

Jobe was primarily considered to be a translator for the university team because of her ability to speak French, which, along with Creole, is the nation’s primary language. In the end, however, she said that her work consisted mainly of “helping them with organization, management and administration,” which was undoubtedly a daunting task. Once the crew began to leave the military-packed airport in a paradelike fashion, it was clear that the Haitian people had no idea what to do. Standing on the sidewalk, packed closely together for a quarter of a mile, hundreds stared in shock with no sense whatsoever of “what to do or how to do it.”

The Haitian people were situated outside, where they preferred to be, into living areas that were called “Tent Cities,” one of which was located on the very grounds of the hospital itself.

Because of the major disorganization, the team had to practice “battlefield

medicine”, searching for patients that wandered around to different tents or those that simply didn’t want to be found for fear of major surgery that could potentially make them lose a limb. Eventually, the post-traumatic stress began to set in, particularly for the mothers with their children, needing reassurance that everything would be okay. After only being there for a little over a week, significant improvement could be seen from the increased distribution of medical supplies to the decrease in number of 30,000 to 10,000 people staying by the Adventist seminary. But despite the encouraging movement in the right direction, it’s becoming more and more evident that the revitalization of a nation that had already been struggling beforehand will take a long time to achieve.

Being a teenager, especially one in high school, life seems to mainly consist of school and friends, creating the illusion that our world is only as big as what is immediately surrounding us.

However, because of the coverage of this story, students are becoming more and more educated about the possibility of things going on outside LLA’s walls.

Corrinn Clevenger (9) first learned of the devastation in Haiti in an article that she had read on the Internet from AOL where, Yutaka Higa (12) heard

about it on the news.

Recently, some teachers were given a brown, paper bag to put in their classrooms with the words “Change for Haiti” written on it, encouraging students and faculty to put whatever change they had into the bags to help the people in Haiti. Going to a Seventh-day Adventist school, we are used to raising money for all sorts of different organizations but Earl Obana (10) thinks that we should change our methods up, and in addition to raising money, perhaps donate some of our old clothes or other items that could be of greater use to the Haitian people.

Nathaniel Morlock (11) and his family have somewhat been affected in a more direct way because of their recent decision to adopt a child.

Unfortunately, because of the current situation of people still missing and families still attempting to be reunited, the paperwork required for the adoption process cannot be processed for another six to seven months.

Just like after every other major disaster, the circumstances are very grim. But as the months pass by and improvement slowly takes place, Haiti will continue to need support.

—Lorelei Sinco 13

Trendsetter S

pring 2010 is coming up fast and the fashionable people of Loma Linda Academy (LLA) are anxiously waiting for the chance to display their favorite new trends. When thinking of spring one might imagine bunnies, blossoming trees, or the glorious relaxation of spring break. This is true for many except for those few, or several depending on where you are, who instead dream of patterns, sundresses, and open toed shoes. Spring can mean the long awaited appearance of a multitude of things, spring fashion trends is one of them.

The official beginning of the spring season is debatable and quite different for every person. According to Joaquin Cadavid (11) the spring season starts on his birthday, May 15.

For anxious Californians, Christina Stream (12) and Lori Holm (Cooking, Marriage and Family teacher), it begins on the first warm day in February.

Whenever that first day of spring may be for you, so is the kickoff of spring fashion.

Every season there are a few trends that stand out predominantly and

the spring fashion season certainly has some that are more popular than others. Over a personal email, Lillian Vazquez, fashion and style expert, editor of the blog TheCheapChica’s Guide to Style, notes this season's trends as being knotted details, cuffed shorts, mini dresses, modern nautical, neon, and strong silhouettes.

She also comments that, “a lightweight long blazer or vest to throw over anything in your closet,” will be a spring 2010 staple.

Stream and Chiara Rundle (10) are both looking forward to layering with sweaters, leggings, and scarves.

Cadavid cannot wait to wear “an unbuttoned shirt with linen pants,” which can be considered to go along with the modern nautical trend that Vazquez mentioned.

This spring will also bring up past trends in the form of mixed prints and florals, both of which Holm is looking forward to wearing. Motorcycle jackets, skinny pants, and fedoras (a soft felt, velvet, or straw medium-brimmed hat, usually with a band) are also going to be showing up in stores and on runways once more this season. Hair trends are sometimes overlooked, but they are just as important in updating

confid

you t a h

Be

r.” “ a e w

ent in w

your look for spring.

Vazquez clarifies loose, soft, “just came off the beach” waves as her favorite spring hairstyle.

Rundle adds braids to this category, which have become increasingly popular since the last spring season. For those of you with shorter hair, the messy look is an endearing alternative as well as being quick and effortless.

One obstacle LLA students face that others may not is how to revise their look while staying in dress code.

Vazquez suggests using layers and accessories to spice up the standardized clothing. Pairing a bold, funky necklace with your polo is an easy way to show off your personal style.

Mixing prints is another option, as Holm says, “Don’t be afraid to mix different uniform pieces.”

Fashion pointers can be found and heard almost anywhere, in magazines, in books, from your mother, on the radio, television, and even from random salespeople in stores. When asked to give his favorite fashion tip Cadavid stated, “Scarves add so much to any outfit.”

Rundle went for a more personal approach, “Be confident in what you wear.”

“Less is more,” was Stream’s response.

“For me, spring is about femininity and flirty fashion, so ditch the jeans for something more playful,” Vazquez said.

Spring presents brighter, prettier surroundings. Some will be celebrating this fresh new season with clothes that make them feel confident and comfortable. Henry Ward Beecher (Liberal US Congressional Minister 1813-1837) said it best, “Clothes and manners do not make the man; but, when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance.”

—Kelsey Hebard

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Into The Wild

R

ecently in Loma Linda, certain senior Loma Linda Academy (LLA) boys have been participating in an intense activity that can last for many hours or even days, and pushes them to their mental and physical limits.

Outdoor excursions such as hiking or backpacking have attracted these seniors and many others as well.

Alex Bradley (12) enjoys backpacking because of the outdoor aspects and “the desire to be with nature and get away from the expectations of society.”

Many others followed along like Ryan Beauchemin (12), who says his friends helped him get into backpacking. “Bradley got me and the bros into it. We started off hiking and then [backpacked] because we wanted to stay longer and [do] something more intense.”

Backpacking is an expedition that requires a lot of stamina and preparation. Backpackers will usually plan out their trip and what they will

carry on their back.

Carrying a heavy backpack is the least favorite part of many backpackers, as it can weigh the backpacker down. According to Ryan Tolentino, a REI sales associate, a backpack for a weeklong trip can weigh anywhere from 40-70 pounds depending on the season. During the summer, a backpack is lighter than in the winter and the majority of the weight comes from the food and water.

The weight is not the only factor though, as Alex Shine (12) explains that an awkward fitting backpack can sometimes be worse than the weight itself. Shine said, “They have to fit comfortably or else they can be a pain.”

Beauchemin gets over this by only packing the most necessary of materials. “I take a light load on short trips, just my backpack, harmonica, and a little bit of food.”

He figures that he will need less water and food if he takes a lighter load because his body will not use up as much energy. Bradley, Beauchemin, Shine and others plan to spend their spring break backpacking through the San Gorgonio Mountains.

According to the San Bernardino National Forest website (www.fs.fed. us), Mt. San Gorgonio is the highest peak in Southern California at 11,502 feet (3,506 m).

Tolentino suggests other locations such as Idyllwild, San Gabriel Mountains, and Mount San Jacinto as exciting places to go backpacking

While backpacking may seem to be a stressful, strenuous hobby, the enjoyable aspects are plentiful. Shine recently backpacked with some friends from Loma Linda to Moreno Valley and had alot of fun.

“It’s really funny to see wildlife. [We] saw wild donkeys, and we chased them and they made loud noises that you don’t hear very often.

[Backpacking is] a situation where you can get an adrenaline rush and have a fun time and make a lot of memories without the possibility of getting into trouble.”

To others though, such as Seth Gaona, trekking outdoors is not always so fun. “[Hiking] was the worst experience of my life. The worst life-draining experience a human being can partake of involving nature.” Gaona’s hike was not so fun because it ended up raining and hailing, and he and his friends were all “super hungry and thirsty.” This has affected Gaona, and he plans to never hike again because he does not want to repeat the bad experience.

Backpacking may not be for everyone, but for the adventurous soul, here are some tips that Shine

lays out.

Do not wear cotton clothes because if it rains or if you sweat, the fluid will get soaked in the clothes and will not dry out quickly; so to counter-act that you should wear breathable, water resistant clothing.

Tolentino adds that a new backpacker should “be conscious on what they are taking and pack light.”

Beginner backpackers tend to buy a lot of gear and end up not using some of it, so be conscious of what you are packing.

Bradley explains that backpacking and hiking is something that many people may be skeptical about at first for many reasons but it is a great activity.

“People should consider taking up this great recreational activity if you have some time on your hands, and although it doesn’t sound too exciting, once your out there, it's really cool.”

—Bryan Anamuro

17

Ready, Set, S B R E A K tudents who want to take advantage of their time this spring break, by experiencing something new and exciting, need not look any further than within the Inland Empire.

It is a common, shared experience between students and faculty alike to spend a good portion of vacation time sitting motionless at home, without any hint of planning or any activities mapped out. While it is universally agreeable that proper rest is direly needed to recuperate from the day-to-day stresses of school-life and the strenuous demands of a job or career, one can usually find some time to enjoy themselves before shortly returning to a normal, everyday schedule.

There are a considerable amount of reasons why students may find themselves in this same predicament, time and time again. Often, students may even plan out a comprehensive list beforehand, with the absolute best of intentions in mind, yet may not follow through with plans he or she has made. One student, Siever Silalahi (12) said, “Well, it happens because you spend even more time trying to think of what to do.”

When creating plans for one’s lineup of spring break activities, there are a number of key factors that play a role in affecting students’ decisions for how to spend this seemingly short amount of time. Out of the extensive list of rea-

!

sons, the common recurrence of explanations students typically give are simply not enough time in which to try out any of their ideas, trying to cut back on costs, lackadaisical friends, or just simply not having the energy to get off the couch. Silalahi agrees with this sentiment; he believes this primarily results from “just not having enough time, money is also another issue. Sometimes my friends don’t really want to do anything either.” Even with these complications in the way, it is still possible to find something that will suit one’s time, interest, and even his or her wallet.

One idea that some students may find especially enjoyable is to set up an all-day, or all-night, movie marathon. One can even decide to choose a particular theme or genre for this marathon. Some interesting ideas may include an entire arrangement consisting of solely Pixar animated films, movies with a particular actor, or any assortment of comedic or action/adventure films by a particular director, etc. Another possible idea students may like to try is to arrange a game-night with family and friends.

One can fill up an entire evening with various board games and, of course, plenty of snacks and refreshments to go along with it.

If, however, the aforementioned ideas are simply not enough to entertain oneself, then there are plenty of ways, if money is not an object, to have a great

time even within the Inland Empire.

For those who are interested in the prospect of breath-taking views amidst beautiful California scenery, California Dreamin’, located in Temecula, offers hot air balloon rides, for a hefty price.

The journey covers a range of three to seven miles in a balloon with a properly trained and certified pilot at the helm.

In addition, California Dreamin’ also offers exhilarating thrills with premium biplane rides in classic, vintage planes, soaring over the Temecula Valley. Consult the website at www.

CaliforniaDreamin.com for more information concerning special offers and events.

Students may also be interested in checking out Joshua Tree National Park, located in Twentynine Palms on the Riverside and San Bernardino county border. Some of the wide range of activities one can choose to do at the park are short selfguided nature trails, as well as longer-distance hiking trails, over rough and rugged terrain. The park also boasts an extensive network of roads and paths for extreme mountain-biking, and plenty of rock formations suitable for the avid rock climber. Check out the official Joshua Tree National Park website at www.NPS.gov/JOTR for complete details and information.

Ed Foster, California Welcome Center San Bernardino staff member, strongly urges students to make a visit

to the California Welcome Center in San Bernardino. “Anyone interested should stop by the California Welcome Center and pick up an Inland Center brochure.” Foster said “there is a huge amount of things [to do] within the area! [There is] plenty to do—ranging from the mountains all the way down to the desert.” The California Welcome Center provides convenient service and plenty of helpful information regarding special attractions and events, recreational activities, and shopping districts-all in a quaint Route 66-type setting.

The Welcome Center is located on 1955 Hunts Lane in San Bernardino, just South of Souplantation.

The center gladly welcomes visitors seven days a week-9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on weekdays, and 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on weekends.

For more helpful information consult the website at www.CWCInlandEmpire.com.

So, if one is looking to break the boredom this spring break, there are plenty of ways to suit his or her needs.

All one has to do is discover the wide range of possibilities that spring break has in store for them.

—Tony Hernandez

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Student Leaders Second Semester Ministry Directors Front Row: Laura Robinson, Myjeila Velasco, KirstenManalo, Pastor Mark, Zari Caragdag, Natalie Cadavid, Uriah Swope 2nd Row: Bryanna Mercado, Staci Sellas, Aldrich Sitanggang, Ruthy Lopez, Edelyn Kumendong, Kelsey Hebard, Katy Foster 3rd Row: Jason Abdul-Karim, Matt Neufeld, Daid Wuchenich, Katie Dailey, Evie Purdom, Mary Ellen Carrigan, Rhys Williams, Kris Malapira, Nathan Lee, Siever Silalahi Back Row: Rory Macomber, Zac Cruz, David Crawford, David Bowen, Bryan Anamuro, Richard Dien, Micheal Browing, Ryan Beauchemin

Second Semester S.A. Officers & Sponsors Clockwise from Back: Kris Harter, Kyle Meyer, Alexa Frazier, Ryan Beauchemin, Nathan Lee, Jay Lithicum, Ramiro Lopez, Chandler Rundle, Heidi Elssmann, Katy Fostr, Carley Holm, Reyna Harvey-Bell, Sharla Chang, Jayson Paw, Jon Hall, Jane Kwon, Brianne Carroll

Second Semester Film Left to Right: Alex Bradley, Gregory Forbes, Leisa Ong, Julian Rahimian, Erick Juarez Jr

Brief s April Vassantachart (12) is a National Merit Scholar. She became a national finalist from her PSAT and SAT scores, a recommendation from Bob Dennis, and her academic records. By being a national finalist, she will be allowed to compete for high scholarships.

Loma Linda Academy’s boys and girls varsity basketball teams and girls varsity soccer teams made it to California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF) playoffs. The boys varsity basketball team made it to the first round of playoffs and the girls varsity basketball team made it to the second. The girls varsity soccer also made it to the first round of CIF playoffs. Both boys and girls varsity basketball received banners for placing first in their league. This is the first time the boys received a banner in six years.

On February 27, an earthquake of the magnitude of 8.8 shook Chili.

The second largest city, Concepcion, was closest to the epicenter. It ranks fifth in the worlds top 10 earthquakes since 1900.

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Valentines Dinner

An Asian Sensation

O

n February 10, 2010, the freshmen and sophomores of Loma Linda Academy went to Wong Kerlee to celebrate the annual Valentine’s Dinner.

Its theme was “the Wonders of Asia.” The dinner was filled with entertainment, good food, fun times, and bonding between the classes. The dinner was enjoyed by many students; and the huge success was thanks to the months of work the officers put into creating the dinner. Jonathan Hwang, (10) who is a sophomore officer, said “it required about two months of planning, building sets, organizing the entertainment, and getting the catering ready.”

Hwang said «we [the officers] all divided into committees and decided who would be in charge of what.» He explained that, in his entertainment committee, they brainstormed about what kind of things they wanted to do, and who they would ask to be a part of it. Hwang said that all the officers were involved in decorations, though. “They [the decoration committee] chose what decorations they wanted to put up, and how they would have to prepare them.

Then they chose dates where the officers would have to come in to school on weekends in order to help make them.”

Hwang also said that overall, the officers really stepped up and did a great job on putting together the dinner. But he wishes that they had begun preparing for it sooner in order to have more time.

When students entered Wong Kerlee, they were greeted by a small model of the Great Wall of China. There was red ribbon and other decorations all over the room that really helped give off the Asian vibe. Students were given some time to get situated before the program began, during which they met up with

friends, took pictures, and wrote «warm fuzzies» to each other. Soon after that, the program began.

It was kicked off with the food lines opening, with chow mein, fried rice, and veggie orange chicken being served. Then, while most of the students were eating, a short skit was performed. This was quickly followed by a fan dance that was performed by girls from each class. After that, while students were finishing with their food, a montage of skits were performed that ranged from parodies of 'American Idol' and 'So You Think You Can Dance', to a fake advertisement for an Asian online dating site. The program ended with students singing songs by Jason Mraz, and the Disney movie 'Aladdin.'

Overall, students loved the dinner and thought it was a huge success. Hwang said that “We [the officers] were kind of nervous about everything; because it was kind of our first time seeing our plans in action.”

However, he thinks that everyone did what they were supposed to and things went as planned. Other students said that they thought this dinner was better than last year's, and that they have high hopes for next year.

One of the questions that many people have is if, because of their experience in planning the dinners, the Sophomore officers will be more prepared for the big task of planning Junior/Senior Banquet. Hwang, who is planning on being an officer next year, said that he thought it gave them a huge advantage because of their experience; and that he was ready to tackle the challenge of next year's banquet.

—Branden Lai-Lau

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