Loma Linda Academy Mirror '13-'14 I4

In This Issue An inside look at what went on at Bible Camp Find out what it really takes for Chapel to happen every Friday An overview of the recent Winter Olympics Another Contest!

Spring Fashion Advice by the Fashion Club January/February 2014 The Mir ror Volume 81 Issue 4

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Noon Time Activities

The Student Association carries out numerous noon-time activities throughout the year. This gives the opportunity for classes to earn class points.

Jr./Sr. Banquet Announcement

Juniors introduced the location of the April 6 JR/SR Banquet with a Cinderella style performance that dazzled the audience.

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The Mir ror

Volume 81 Issue 4

February/ March 2014

By: Elijah Hickman

By: Danelle Taylor Johnston

Table of Contents *Contact* Loma Linda Academy

*Publisher* Robert Skoretz

*Sponsor*

10656 Anderson St. Loma Linda, CA 92354 mirror@lla.org

Danelle Taylor Johnston

Back From The Mountaintop pg.4 Dominique Townsend Student Feature: Areli Merodio pg. 6 Adanna Okwandu Now You Know pg. 7 A Week Of Prayer; A week Of Revival pg. 8 Adanna Okwandu Testing 1,2,3! pg. 10 Jason Frias Teacher Profile: Erica Rantung pg. 12 Elijah Hickman Beep Beep! pg. 13 Battles, Heroes, And Figure Skaters pg. 14 Tahira Ashley Muffin Top Bakery pg. 16 Dominique Townsend Crossword Puzzle pg. 17 A Night In Candyland pg. 18 Victoria Ico Fr./Soph. Banquet Pictures pg. 19 Fashion pg. 20 Fashion Club President, Sydney Gilbert January/February 2014

*2nd Semester Staff*

Shawn Weerawardana Elijah Hickman Dominique Townsend Tahira Ashley Jason Frias Adanna Okwandu Victoria Ico

Find 10 of these hidden leprechauns throughout the Mirror (not including the one on this page) to win a prize.

Submit pages and locations of leprechauns at llamirror.org.

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Volume 81 Issue 4

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Back From the Mountaintop Whether an intense spiritual experience or a short, but much needed, vacation from school work, Bible Camp is an experience that many Loma Linda Academy students look forward to.

days of Alpine fun and inspiration.

The theme for this year was “The

people in their family group, and

Image,” and Pastor Tim Gillespie

says Brooke Villegas (12) from La

spoke on what the image of

throughout the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) traveled to Camp Cedar Falls for three 4

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Volume 81 Issue 4

being a leader because I got to know the other leaders, drama, praise band and prayer warriors ahead of time,” Sierra Academy.

For the first time this year,

about what it

Bible Camp was

means for us to

held at Camp

be made in the

Cedar Falls

image of God,

rather than Pine

and how to live

Springs Ranch

this way. Malik

(PSR), because

Mayne (12)

of the fire that

said, “If we are the image of God,

devastated PSR last summer. PSR is

then we have to act like it.”

currently still undergoing repairs.

Gillespie delivered an

Because of the shift to Camp

enthralling message, in fact, Andrew

Cedar Falls, Bible Camp had to be

Kim (11) said, “He mixed jokes

restricted to a smaller location, so the

with insightful points,” and this

guys slept in the cabins and allowed

helped participants to internalize

the girls to stay in the lodge. Some

and understand his message.

of the boys did not mind sleeping

times a day for discussion, are also

February 1, juniors and seniors

are still in touch with them. “I liked

God is, and

that the participants split into several

F

formed new friendships with the

“If we are the image of God, then we have to act like it.”

Family Groups, the small groups

rom January 30 through

became very close. Many participants

in cabins, in fact, Kim said, “It was warm, while outside it was freezing!”

Still, general sessions particularly

a major part of Bible Camp. They

were, “cramped,” often with more

were often said to have been one of

than one person per chair. The

the students’ favorite parts. Family

overall experience seemed good,

group participants were split up into

however. Many agreed with Mayne,

smaller groups for discussions on the

who said, “It was awesome!”

topic of The Image and Gillespie’s sermons, and often Family groups February/ March 2014

The time also allowed Loma Linda students to interact with

some of the other academies in the

Wednesday received the news of

conference, including the La Sierra,

the passing of Gordon Day, the late

Redlands, Glendale, Escondido,

junior high principal. Throughout

San Diego, Mesa Grande, Calexico, Los Angeles, and Newbury Park academies. In their spare time, participants often just mingled, meeting new people, or organized impromptu sports games. Bible Camp

“He was often the first there and the last to leave.” the years, Day was instrumental to Bible Camp.

“He was often

seemed to inspire

the first there and

unity among the

the last to leave,”

different schools,

says Jason Calvert,

a characteristic

Campus Chaplain.

many hoped to

He was very hands-

bring back home.

on, and he liked

However, some

to just do things.

He saw a need and

upperclassmen did not attend Bible

took take of it, most people agree. He

Camp this year because of the

was in charge of separating out family

expense or difficulty signing up. It

groups and other very important jobs.

costs over $100 to participate, and

Villegas, a family group leader,

sign-ups were

says, “It would

conducted on a

be difficult to

first-come-first-

receive such tragic

serve basis this

news regarding an

year, beginning

amazing individual

at seven in the

like Mr. Gordon

morning on the

Day, but it was

day of sign-ups.

especially hard to

The night

cope with heart-

before Bible

broken strangers…

Camp officially

Although it

began, the Family Group leaders,

seemed like an impossible obstacle

Drama and Praise band who were

to get around, God turned it

already up at Cedar Falls early that

into something of a blessing… I January/February 2014

“Although it seemed like an impossible obstacle to get around, God turned it into something of a blessing… I believe it helped each and every one of us to grow spiritually.” believe it helped each and every one of us to grow spiritually.”

Despite these tragic events, Bible Camp was an enriching experience for many who attended. Though inclusive of only upperclassmen, Bible Camp seems to have a far reaching influence. Jazmin Alfaro (9) plans to experience Bible Camp when she can, saying, “I like the music and I’ve heard that it’s really fun.”

When it was time to depart, many were sad to leave the incredible music, amazing drama, inspiring messages, and fun new friends they’d experienced at Bible Camp.

However, for the juniors and sophomores, there’s always next year.

By: Dominique Townsend Photos by: Jason Frias

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Volume 81 Issue 4

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Student Feature:

Areli Merodio wisdom that only God can give.”

Areli has really adapted to this new milieu, and is glad that she got to experience this change. She sees it as another opportunity to witness for God.

“Everyone looks for the wisdom that only God can give.”

A

reli Merodio (10) was born

“I miss the feeling that I used to

in Mexico and lived there

have being with my [extended]

until she turned fourteen. She

family and friends.” Although, she

then came to the United States.

has made many new friends and

“I think one of the factors that influenced our [decision to] move was the violence now existing,”

memories while being as LLA that have made her feel welcome here.

“There are so many differences

she said. “It has been sad watching

between my old school and here,” said

my beloved state fall apart, and I

Areli, “[but] I am glad to say that they

think that God definitely placed

have been better differences.” At her

our thinking in going to another

old school, Areli had been the only

place where we could be safe.”

Seventh-day Adventist in her class,

Areli’s parents had also been

so she took on a personal mission as

looking for a good Christian

a missionary to her school friends.

education for her and her younger

She witnessed to them whenever

brother, Haaziel, and when they

the opportunity arose, whatever the

found Loma Linda Academy

situation was, and enjoyed doing so.

(LLA), they felt that their prayers had been answered.

Areli admits that she misses

LLA, Areli was pleased to find that the school was so Christcentered. “I really appreciate how

landscapes and wonderful relaxation

we pray before starting [each]

spots. The thing she says she misses

class,” she said “because it shows

the most however, is her family.

me that everyone looks for the

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Volume 81 Issue 4

of my life,” she said “and I can see Him working throughout it all.”

Having had the privilege of attending a bilingual school in Mexico, Areli feels that God was preparing her for her for the move to America.

She has been eager to get involved with any and all forms of ministry ever since, “but day by day God is telling me that I just need to wait and see the plans that He has for me,” said Areli “and I would not change that for anything.”

When she began attending

her homeland, with its beautiful

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“God has been a very big part

February/ March 2014

By: Adanna Okwandu Photo by: Danelle Taylor Johnston

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Now You Know Luis Rengifo won the La Sierra

University $10,000 writing competition for his essay “In The Grey and Black.”

To claim his scholarship he must

register as an English major or minor in the fall of 2014 at La Sierra University. n.

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avor with God an dm in f nd a ,a

in wisdom and s tat rew g u s su David Stone, English teacherreand

resident poet laureate, recently had two of his poems published in Inlandia: A Literary Journal also at InlandiaJournal.org. The two poems are named “Creosote” and “A Rare Night Air.” This is not the first time his poems have been published. Last year, Inlandia published five other poems in their anthology, “2013 Writing From Inlandia.”

You can read his works here: inlandiajournal.org

n.

ntstions e v E udi D)

g A NE minnt ShowOSTPO o c le l (P

Up 9: Ta ow how mes SA h 18, 1: Brain BTalent Slass Giation

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Go to llamirror. org for news updates and all things LLA!

January/February 2014

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Volume 81 Issue 4

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A Week of Prayer; A Week of Revival A week of prayer and revival, and a week for the students by the students of Loma Linda Academy (LLA).

T

his school year, from the third to the seventh of February,

the LLA high school students held a series of chapel meetings called Week of Prayer. This happens only three times during the school year, once during first semester, and twice

Malik Mayne (12), Irel Idrisalman (12), Kayla Niere (12), Kurt Dritlein (12), Jozef Wright (12)

during second semester. Two of these

speaker for week of prayer. “But

are run by the Campus Ministries,

after Pastor J [Jason Calvert, campus

but one of them is run by the Student

pastor] explained it to me I thought it

Association (SA). The SA week of

was a really cool topic.” Many other

prayer is usually the most popular

students agreed, also calling week

among the students because the

of prayer “original” and “creative.”

sermons are given by their peers.

Each grade was given their

This year, the student

Denice Piedra (9), Janna Que (9), and Angelo Simorangkir (9)

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Volume 81 Issue 4

own day to have a speaker present

week of prayer was based

about thesis. On the first day of

on a very important aspect

week of prayer, the SA led out.

of students’ lives: “Thesis,”

Marissa Wright (11) and Karyn

which is why they do what

Clayton (10) sang for special music

they do. “I was a little

shortly before Scotty Webber (11),

confused [by the topic]

the SA religious vice president,

at first,” admits Miranda

gave a short, but informative

Roberts (12), the senior

address to introduce the topic.

February/ March 2014

The sophomore class took charge on the second day, with

about letting God write our thesis.

“Miranda’s sermon brought me to

A lot of people felt spiritually uplifted by this student week of

Amalia Goulbourne (10) speaking

tears,” said Karmyn Clayton, mother

prayer in particular. Sue Peterson,

about how to discover your thesis.

of Karyn Clayton (10). “It reminded

one of the school’s physical education

me that everyone has a story to tell.”

teachers, felt extremely touched by

Eric Kim (9) the freshman class speaker for the third day of week

An important issue regarding the

it all. “I’d be extremely surprised

of prayer, spoke about the reasons

class praise bands was also brought

and worried if there were a single

why we need a thesis. It was his first

to attention. There seems to be

student who was not inspired

time doing public speaking, and

some form of ongoing competition

by this week of prayer,” she said,

this was also the first time that the

between them, although the band

“because it was really touching.”

freshman praise band performed for

members claim that they are not

the rest of the student body. “I was

trying to outdo one another.

really nervous when we started,”

“It really spoke to me,” said Jonielle Belonio (10). “And it had

Freshman praise band member

perfect timing for me, [because]

said Denice Piedra (9), one of the

Dara Salamante (9) mentioned that

it could have happened last week

members of the praise band “but it

she had not noticed anything herself,

or next week, but it happened this

got better, and I really enjoyed it.”

but said, “Our goal as a praise band

week, when I needed it most.”

On the second to last day, Gerald

is to praise God, and we should help

Amalia Goulbourne (10), said

Cheng (11)

each other to

that the whole week “made me say

spoke for the

do the best

to myself, ‘Amalia, you really need

junior class

that we can.”

to think about what your thesis is

about the

Others

actions we

said that

should take

they have

to achieve

seen rivalry

our thesis.

between

Then,

the classes

the seniors

and that it

brought the

“shouldn’t

Amalia Goulbourne (10)

final meeting

be there.” “We aren’t there to

for week of prayer to a close, with a

represent our class.” said Alyssa

spoken word presentation by Malik

Cosejo (10), one of the sophomore

Mayne (12) and an address from

praise band members. “We are

Miranda Roberts (12). Roberts spoke

there to represent God.” January/February 2014

in life.’” Goulbourne hoped the whole student body did the same.

By: Adanna Okwandu

Photos by: Diane Bradley

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Volume 81 Issue 4

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Testing 1,2,3!

Students pack into Chan Auditorium every Friday for chapel, yet many don’t know about the sheer dedication and hard work that goes into making the experience truly special.

F

riday chapel has always been considered very important

“ringleader” of chapel and is in

the sophomore praise team. “They

charge of everything that happens.

play a big part in the overall sound.”

He is also in charge of inviting guest

Tech coordinators are usually the

speakers, scheduling praise bands,

first to arrive at sound check, and the

and deciding themes. “We plan

last to leave. This is due to the many

ahead for chapel anywhere from

jobs that they do, which includes

six months to a year,” he says.

setting up cables and microphones,

Another big role behind the

operating the sound board, manning

scenes are the Ministry Directors,

the spot and house lights, and

teachers alike. It is a time to come

particularly chapel ministries.

creating the slides on the projector

closer to God through music,

They are the ones who set up

screen. Jonathan Thomas (12), a tech

drama and the speakers’ message.

the stage, and decorations. They

coordinator works hard to make the

What many of them don’t know,

also have input in choosing the

best sounding environment possible.

however, is what happens behind

themes. The praise bands and the

“We usually get to sound check

the scenes. They usually don’t see

drama team, Reality Check, also

earlier than the rest. We get to Chan

the controlled frenzy that takes place

have a part behind the scenes.

Auditorium on Thursdays about an

by many students and

hour early to set up the instruments,

on the Thursday evenings before

The main force behind the

Chan Auditorium opens its doors

scenes are tech coordinators. They

cables, and lights. We also leave an

to the high school student body.

are the theoretical backbone and

hour later than everybody else.”

There are many faces behind

play a huge role in chapel. “Tech is

Depending on the situation, it

the scenes. The first, and probably

a big part. They control what the

could be over in an instant, or last

most notable being Campus

audience is seeing and hearing,” says

all the way through the night. “I stay

Chaplain, Jason Calvert. He is the

David Siahaan (10), a member of

there anywhere from 8:00 P.M. to as

10

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Volume 81 Issue 4

February/ March 2014

point to God, then it’s pointless.”

late as 1:30 A.M. in the morning!”

into an experience that is simply too

says Calvert. If everyone joins

good to miss. “I think everyone has

forces and works together, however,

gotten better with their job. I think

if it weren’t for the dedicated

everything can get done faster.

each praise band has gotten better

few behind the scenes. They are

The freshman praise band

because they’re practicing, tech has

the ones who help make chapel

experienced this for the first time

gotten smoother because we know

an incredible, God-centered

during student week of prayer. “Since

what we’re doing.” Says Thomas.

experience. So remember when you

it was our first time doing sound

The main goal and the reason

Chapel wouldn’t be possible

see a group of students walking to

check, it was a little messy,” says praise

why so many people work hard to

Chan Auditorium on Thursday

band member, Denise Piedra (9), “

make chapel incredible is not to

afternoon, be sure to thank them.

we got it together eventually, though.”

glorify themselves, but to glorify

Praise band takes up a lot of the

God. The whole reason for chapel

time for sound check. They usually

is for students to to take time out

run through their song list and fix

of their busy, homework-packed

any last minute mistakes. This is

schedules and to have time to

also where tech’s main job comes

worship their Lord and Savior.

to play. During the practice, all the

“When it’s all said and done,

instruments are fine tuned sound-

our main goal is for someone to

wise to blend together harmoniously.

experience Jesus, whether it be for

“We’re there to make it sound

the first time, or the thousandth

good. We want to make praise and

time,” says Calvert “When a student

chapel in general something that

experiences Jesus whether it be

By: Jason Frias Photos By: Jason Frias and Shawn Weerawardana

Go check out the new video on our website

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at llamirror.org

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videos, drama, or the message,

in time with the music to create

that’s what makes all the work

an appropriate atmosphere.

worth it. We aren’t there to have

Chapel has grown over the years

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Tech also operates the lights to go

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through the music, the bumper

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everyone can enjoy.” Says Thomas.

a nice performance. If it doesn’t January/February 2014

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11

Teacher Feature:

Erica Rantung me to learn English in Taiwan.”

She holds an MA in Religious Education from Andrews University.

Rantung enjoys teaching at LLA and working with the faculty, staff and students. Rantung also enjoys being a sophomore sponsor.

“I am glad I can spend time with the students I taught last year,” she said. “I am also glad to be able to join other class activities to get to know other students as well.”

Rantung said it was a little hard at first teaching in a new country.

The biggest difference Rantung sees between teaching in The United States from teaching in Taiwan, are the attitudes of students in the United States. “Quote needed” In her spare time she likes to

Erica Rantung and her husband Roy on their wedding day at Pine Springs Ranch

E

rica Rantung has only

at Adventist American school

taught at Loma Linda

Chinese to grades K-8 at Taipei

Academy (LLA) for

American School, and one year she

two years, but she has become

taught ESL to local international

an integral part of LLA.

students in grades 9-12 at Taipei

Rantung’s current course load includes: freshmen Bible and

Adventist Preparatory Academy.

Along with speaking

geography, English as a second

Taiwanese, Cantonese, Mandarin,

language (ESL), and Introduction

and English, she can read

to Christianity. She is also a

Biblical Greek and Hebrew.

sophomore class sponsor.

Prior to teaching at LLA, Taiwan, her home country. Two of

She said, “God knew I would need

those years she taught Mandarin

English, so he opened the door for

Volume 81 Issue 4

since she was a teenager. She is also involved in children’s ministries at the Palm Springs Adventist church, where her husband Roy pastors.

“My favorite part about working at LLA is that I get to interact with the students and share Jesus with them.”

States from Taiwan in 2009 because she got married to roy Rantung

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sermons, which she has been doing

Rantung moved to the United

Rantung taught for three years in

12

watch Asian dramas and listen to

February/ March 2014

By: Elijah Hickman

Winter Sports News Basketball Scores (Overall)

Soccer Scores (Overall)

Boys Varsity: Wins-17, Losses-9

Boys Varsity: Wins-6,

Boys Jr. Varsity: Wins-6, Losses-1

Ties-9, Losses-3

Girls Varsity: Wins-23, Losses-5

Boys Jr. Varsity: Information

Girls Jr. Varsity: Wins-6, Losses-6

unavailable

Girls Frosh: Information unavailable

Girls Varsity: Wins-4, Losses-19 Girls Jr. Varsity: Wins-1, Losses-15

W

inter sports at Loma

out that the basketball team was

Linda Academy include

skilled in different areas than years

two of the most intense sports all

before. “We had to adjust to what

year: basketball and soccer. As the

we had,” he states. New areas of

winter season is now over, each

skill did not hinder the team one bit

athlete has his or her own memory

as their 17 wins included a Pacific

to take away from the season.

Union College Championship.

Tania Barnov(12) says that

Andy Sandiford is a familiar face

within the girls junior varsity soccer

when it comes to sports. He had

team, she saw that each girl was

coached softball, baseball, and more

“determined to get better at the sport”

recently soccer. He was to be the

and admired their efforts in doing

head soccer coach for this year, but

so. As a senior, Barnov left advice

stepped in for JV girls as their coach

for anyone who would want to try

moved to San Francisco for a new

out for a sport in high school. “Stay

job. When asked about any preferred

positive and try your best. Don’t be

changes in sports, he said that he

offended by help. And above all else,

would like to see more students

find a sport that you will love.”

and faculty at games for support.

For Garrison Augustines(11),

“A great idea would be a student

he says that he enjoyed playing on

game night,” suggests Sandiford,

the boys varsity basketball team

“Teachers wouldn’t assign much

as it was “a getaway from school

homework, lots of people will be

and stress.” Each year, basketball

in attendance, and we would have

teams are different. This year was

a great opportunity to show our

no exception as Augustines pointed

school spirit by being at our games.”

January/February 2014

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Volume 81 Issue 4

13

Battles, Heroes & Figure Skaters When the Ancient Greeks thought about the Olympic Games and the athletes that competed in them they did not have figure skaters in mind.

S

till ancient and modern

Olympians have a common trait that binds them through

the centuries—their determination.

The Ancient Olympic Games were a religious and athletic festival.

It showcased the strength, agility, and ability to do more than the average man. If an athlete won a sport he would bring honor to the gods, as well as his city-state and would be considered a hero.

According to History.com, the website for The History Channel, one of the definitions of a hero in Ancient Greece was “Someone who in the face of danger, adversity, or from a position of weakness, displays courage” That aspect of the Olympics 14

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Volume 81 Issue 4

Hamilton (12) said, “These are great additions to the Olympics because they allow women to be able to compete in the same stuff as guys.”

The new sports were uncharted territory which made it more difficult for the athletes to train. The new sports also brought a new set of has not changed, every athlete that wins a medal makes

fears for many, and reasonably so.

Jessica Williams, religion teacher

their country proud.

They become a hero to someone, regardless of their place on the podium. The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics Games on the other hand had a few changes. It started on February 7th and ended on the 23rd.

Twelve new sports were added: ski half pipe - men and women, ski slopestyle - men and women, snowboard slopestyle - men and women, snowboard parallel slalom, women’s ski jumping, biathlon mixed relay, figure skating team event, and luge team relay.

It was the first time that the majority of the sports have been inclusive to women. Danielle February/ March 2014

had this to say about the athletes dedication to training. “I personally admire them... I mean they train six days a week at least, and for hours!”

Many of the new courses were also dangerous. Edward Colon (9) said that he would be afraid to

try the halfpipe at the

too much for me to gamble

to battle their own fears and

Olympics because of the

my other Olympics goals on.”

reservations. They are determined to

At the qualifying finals

compete with anyone and anything

risk of injury. “It’s like skateboarding but on

on February 9th, Czech

to achieve their goal, and because of

ice, skateboarding is hard

snowboarder Sarka Pancochova

that they all walk away as Olympians.

enough on wheels on the

crashed and her helmet was

ground.”, said Colon.

split virtually down the middle.

Pancochova talked to the

USA athlete Shaun White competed in the men’s half pipe at

www.Olympic.org

the Olympics and ranked 4th place. In the Qualification Round he dropped out of the Men’s

Journal Sentinel about her experience. “Yeah, it’s broken. But I guess

that’s what they’re there for.”

The Olympians have to battle

Snowboarding Slopestyle out of fear

against not only other athletes, but

of the course being too dangerous.

themselves. They have to determine

By: Tahira Ashley

that the reward is greater than the risk.

Their determination to succeed had to override their fears, because they believed their goal was worth the fight.

That is a characteristic of Olympians that is noted but hardly discussed.

Their mental fortitude and focus is something that many should strive to have. They would probably agree that it is harder fighting the battle in your own mind, than According to Business Insider. com he talked to the TODAY SHOW about his decision, “With

it is to compete against other amazing athletes from around the world.

The Olympians demonstrate

the practice runs I have taken, even

extraordinary determination and

after course modifications and

courage that all should want to

watching fellow athletes get hurt,

emulate. Courage, not just to battle

the potential risk of injury is a bit

against others, but the courage January/February 2014

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15

Muffin Top Bakery On the corner of State street and Spruce street in downtown Redlands, there sits a little shop called Muffin Top Bakery.

K

nown for their revolutionary idea of selling only the more desirable tops to muffins (hence the name); this quickly growing, but still homey feeling, chain store sells a variety of usually unavailable foods, such as vegan and gluten-free desserts and sandwiches.

The first thing one notices when he/she steps inside the shop is the inviting atmosphere. The small tables, low lighting and enticing smell of freshly baked breads and desserts create a homey feeling in the restaurant. The chefs and cashiers greet each entering visitor with a warm, heartfelt hello, and are always ready to serve their customers.

The Mirror staff reviewed a selection of desserts from the bakery, including: a vegan cinnamon roll, a gluten-free lemon square, a cannoli, vegan baklava, a glutenfree brownie, a vegan napoleon, and a vegan Mona Lisa.

The vegan cinnamon rolls was a favorite among all the staff, despite being a bit cold by the time it reached the lips of the staff members. The staff described it as, “sweet, but not too sweet,” according to Elijah Hickman 16

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(10). And also with a “good amount of frosting,” said Victoria Ico (10).

Although it was vegan, the staff members expressed surprise at how normal it tasted. Another comment was that it had an interesting spice, identified as nutmeg, which gave the roll a special and unexpected kick.

According to Danelle Taylor Johnston, sponsor of The Mirror,

The only dessert with a more negative review was the vegan napoleon. Staff members described it as “dry,” and lacking flavor, according to Ico. “The bread wasn’t too good, but the whipped cream and chocolate was a good combination,” said Hickman.

Finally, the dessert no one had heard of, the vegan Mona Lisa, got great reviews. Its flavor was, in the crust, “like a graham cracker,” and with a “cherry filling,” said Jason Frias (12). The cakelike dessert was drizzled with

Vegan Cinnemon Roll

the lemon square was “soft and fluffy,” and “not too sweet.” Since the square was not sickly sweet, one would expect its citrus to overpower, but Ico said it was “not too citrusy,” either. A hint of cinnamon could be detected in the dessert, as well.

The only non-vegan dessert sampled, the cannoli was also a crowd favorite. It was described using a variety of adjectives, such as “lemony,” “light,” “flaky,” and “smooth.” The cannoli included a surprise inside the filling, small chocolate chips added their flavor to the mix.

Mona Lisa

chocolate (vegan, of course), and seemed to be appreciated by all.

Overall, the consensus on Muffin Top Bakery was that even the most exotic desserts were quite tasty, and would be recommended for anyone willing to experience something new. The service is friendly, the atmosphere inviting, and the sweets?

Well, the sweets are sweet indeed.

By: Dominique Townsend Photos by Elijah Hickman Cannoli

February/ March 2014

Crossword 1

3

Down

2

1) The teacher feature

10

2

8 5

4

3 4 9

11

9

5 6

6

7

8 7

Across 1) Wiley has never caught this 2) It came tumbling down a couple of months ago. (no space) 3) The teacher who is at the end of the yellow brick road.

4) “Fix your life!”

5) This person ran 13 marathons in the year 2013 6) It’s what a hamburger is all about!

7) She came in like a wrecking ball, with J’s on her feet,

and she couldn’t stop.

8) Starting center for the Boy’s Varsity Basketball team, also the team’s MVP. (Last name) 9) The Junior class sells this on Thursdays from time to time.

10) The answer to any question you could ever have.

11) The city at 34.0483degrees North and 117.2506 degrees West January/February 2014

in this issue.

2) The guy from ChiTown. Go Cubs!

3) Hay un chico que se llama Pablo. The teacher famous for teaching his students this phrase.

4) Students go there almost every Friday.

5) “Before Anything Else” 6) The walk to and from this building to the new building causes a lot of tardies.

7) Our SA President 8) Girl you wanna go to Starbucks *clicks* or _ _ _!?

9) The first name of the guy who loves the Dodgers.

All answers on the mirror website, llamirror.org

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17

A Night in Candyland A sweet dinner for sweet children.

For the last month leading up to the event, a select group of student officers from the freshmen and sophomore classes, sponsors, and

O

parents worked very hard to plan this

entered the Azure Hills Fellowship

and Sophomore officers began by

n the night of February 9, 2014, a majority of the freshmen class of 2017

and the sophomore class of 2016 hall in awe. They had just entered a sweet Candyland. As students took their seats, some took notice of the candy centerpieces made of either M&M’s or gumdrops. The walls were adorned with bright colors and more candy. Students were delighted with the wonderful decorations and even a bright photo booth to take pictures with friend, and the officers took a step back to smile at the appreciation of their hard work.

dinner of tradition, which was started back in the early 1990’s. Sarah Farris (10), one of the Sophomore senators on the project, said that the Freshmen choosing the theme for this year by throwing out ideas and finally voting on the perfect one: Candyland.

At the dinner, Michael Pappas(10) was described as the perfect emcee for the night, according to Zach Evangelista(10).

He greeted them with a corny joke and set the bright and happy mood for the evening. After the prayer, the students were released to the buffet table to get food to eat. “The [Italian] food was not meant to match the theme. It was a general safe food,” says Farris.

The night continued with the opening of the candy bar, and the reactions of the kids being what Corbin Edelbach (10) describes as

L

L

A

“chaotic.” It did not take long for

the candy to run out as the kids were literally climbing over each other to reach the much desired candy.

Sometime in the middle of the dinner, a hilarious round of “The Newly Met Game” brought everyone much laughter. The game was to see if the partner of each pair of contestants could answer the questions for the other person. Much laughter was stirred up by the contestants answers and Pappas’ comments during the game. The winners were Janaya Luna (10) and Hunter Lazar (9) and they were awarded a Panera gift card where “They must go together!

On a date!” A joke said by Pappas.

The first entertainment of the night was a duet of the song This “Ain’t the Way” written by Jeremy Passion and Tori Kelly and performed by the freshmen Janna Que (9) and Angelo Simorangkir (9). Joni Belonio (10) and David Siahaan (10) provided the last musical number of the night with the song “L.O.V.E.” by Frank Sinatra. A closing prayer was given by Corinne Atiga (10) and afterwards the finale of the night was announced.

18

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February/ March 2014

A candy piñata was waiting for

(10), said that “It was fabulous.

the students at the church’s tennis

But the kids did a lot.” And they

court and was ready to be broken

sure did because this sweet dinner

open, although it only took three

won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

people, Jake Tsai (10), Brandon

By: Victoria ico Photos By: Elijah Hickman and Kate Lewis

Larsen (10), and Dylan Behseresht (9), to break it open and spill its sweet contents for the kids to fight over.

When all was said and done the Valentine’s Dinner could not have been as wonderful as it was without the hard work of the parents and officers who made it so great.

Lin Adams, Alex Arrnot’s mother

January/February 2014

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19

1) Vintage inspired

1

crystal earrings 2) White and floral prints are always in for spring.

3) Nothinng is more

2

versetile than a nude shoe.

Wedges scream spring!

4) Dress up any outfit with a statement cocktail ring.

4

3

Sophia Goyne

Kevin Leeper

1) Solid tees are a staple in any man’s wardrobe.

2) Protect your eyes with style with

1

a pair of shades.

3) Fitted khakis are a classic versatile piece to go 2

with any spring outfit.

4) Spring breeze can be chilly, don’t forget a light cardigan.

3

5) Go anywhere and be comfortable in a pair of slip ons.

4

Fashion advice and photo assistance was 20

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5

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February/ March 2014

given by Fashion Club President Sydney Gilbert.