2021-2022 LLA Mirror Issue 7

Volume 82

Issue 7

June 2022

MIR|ROR

Loma Linda Academy News Reflecting on LLA since 1940

Table of Contents 2 2 3 5 8 10 11 12

Table of Contents Briefs Farewell Tributes Dr. Sandiford Tribute: 41 Years Mr. Oswald Tribute: 44 Years Burgundy Mood Freshmen Campout Sophomore Campout

13 14 14 16 17 19 20

Junior Campout Senior Campout Goodbyes Senior Advice Ms. TJ Tribute June Birthdays July Birthdays

Robb Elementary School

Loma Linda University Graduation

On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, an elementary school in Texas known as Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, was attacked in a school shooting, resulting in the death of 19 elementary students and 2 teachers.

Six victims continue to remain in hospitalization at University Hospital in San Antonio.

The Loma Linda Academy Wind Symphony performed for the LLU graduation ceremony on May 29, 2022. They played for three gradations, including the school of medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. This is the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic that the Wind Symphony had been able to have this opportunity.

Vacation Bible School Opportunities

Journalism Application

LLA Students! If you are interested in helping with Loma Linda University Church VBS, sign up at LLUC ReGen Sabbath School. However, spaces are limited, so sign up at your earliest convenience. Talk to Pastor Chris Stanley at LLUC or visit lluc.org/regen to sign up.

The Mirror/Journalism class is taught both 1st and 2nd semester. This class seeks students who are self-motivated, meet deadlines, and who are eager to write, photograph, film, design and/or share the issues and stories of LLA high school.

Editor-inChief Allison Kim

Copy Editor/ Reporter Larissa Calixto

Designer/ Photographer Nicole Seheult

Reporter Jason Gregorius-Grakov

Reporter/ Online Editor Abigail Cooley

Reporter Erin Stone

Reporter Andrew Adorador 2

Reporter Alexander Salles

Sponser Danelle Taylor Johnston

Reporter/ Photographer Stephanie Lopez

Publisher Hans Figueroa

Farewell Tributes

By Larissa Calixto

As the 2021-2022 school year comes to an end and we say goodbye to our classmates we are also saying goodbye to some beloved teachers and staff. The staff at LLA have made big impacts on the students’ lives when they were in need. Remembering their legacy is an important part of recognizing these teachers as they start a new chapter in their lives. Teachers also make a big impact on students as they spend most of their time at school, the comfortable relationships are important for students to feel like they can strive to their fullest abilities.

Jo Cordero

Photo Credit: Brianna Nieto

JO Cordero has been at Loma Linda Academy for the past six years. He serves as the campus pastor and has built a close community for the students to connect with God. “I felt called to the

school ministry because of the incredible opportunity to be with you all every day,” Pastor JO, said.

He describes his experience at this school as “an incredible honor.”

Having a trustworthy adult in a teenagers’ life is an important factor. Being in a Seventh-day Adventist school it is important to have a person that understands the minds of students and can guide them on the right path with God. Brianna Nieto (10) says that she is “greatly appreciative of all the advice he’s given me.” Nieto says that she has learned so much from him and he has provided her with opportunities that she is thankful for. Nieto says, “I’m going to miss walking into the CMC in the mornings to TA for him.”

Even adults go to their peers for advice and encouragement, Pastor JO says that Ms. Taylor Johnston and Ms. Lewis have helped find his voice and anchor in the chaos and joy of his job.

Andrea Vargas (12) said that she has always appreciated Pastor JO because “he provided a safe space for me to just take a step back and talk!” A memory that Vargas has is “During quarantine we would have weekly check-in meetings for Campus Ministries and before asking me about my responsibilities he would ask me how I was holding up and make sure that my well-being was taken care of before anything else.” Vargas said, “I hope he knows how much he has touched my life and so many others in his time here at LLA.”

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Marjorie Ellenwood

Photo Credit: Larissa Calixto

Marjorie Ellenwood has been teaching at Loma Linda Academy for the past two years. She has taught History, English, Bible, and has been a junior class officer and head sponsor of the Environmental Club. Some people who have helped Ellenwood through her journey at LLA are Ms. TJ and Pastor Quishenberry.

Ellenwood describes Ms. TJ as “a true kindred spirit” she said “her hard work, expertise, thoughtfulness, advocacy, and passion for her subjects and her students are so valuable”. She said Pastor Quishenberry “has been such an example of a supportive, attentive listener and critical thinker, as well as such an encouraging person in general”.

Ellenwood felt most grateful during the fall of 2020, this was when COVID was still new and very much unknown. She was grateful for her colleagues in the English department who she could lean on and who supported her.

A student of hers, Elizabeth Baldwin (11) describes her as “down to earth and fun to talk to,”Baldwin said that she has gotten to know Mrs. Ellenwood through class office and the environmental club. Allyson Manoharan (11) said Ellenwood was always nice and caring about her students. “She always asked if I needed help with anything and I could always go to her for help”, said Manoharan.

Sara Gillespie

Sara Gillespie has been teaching at Loma Linda Academy as the art teacher for High School and Junior High.

Gillespie shared that the most enjoyable thing

about teaching here was watching her students grow in their ability of drawing but also as human beings.

She states that “Teaching through COVID probably taught me more than anything that you have to be flexible and adaptable.” Gillespie was inspired by all the teachers in 2020 who had to change their way of teaching overnight and it was something that they had never done before. She is grateful that she has had even a small contribution to the students’ development as they are becoming young adults.

Emma Paden (12) said, “She created a fun and relaxing space where we could be creative and take a break from the business of other classes.” Paden also says that Gillespie was very helpful to her when she needed advice on her artwork.

Another student that admired

Gillespie’s advice was Emma Lezcano (11), Lezcano says that, “Even those of us who are not the best at drawing and painting she created a space in which we could learn and better our art skills.” During Gillespie’s time here at LLA she found that exploring our own creative minds helped us understand God as our master artist and creator.

Mandi Staples

Mandi Staples has been working at LLA as our Vice Principal of Academics. The administration plays an important role in providing a good, healthy, and safe community in our school. All the members of the ad-

ministration team work so hard not only to help the students but to also help each other. It is important to get to know your coworkers on more than just a business level but also get to know their heart.

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Lynne Hattendorf, High School Counselor, said that Staples is “extremely efficient and catches on quickly to anything that comes her way.” Hattendorf also said that Staples is always someone who can be counted on. Hattendorf said Staples has been a “supportive team member”.

Spring Benfield, Vice Principal of Students, said that she had really enjoyed working with Staples as they shared many laughs on their common interests. “She was a lady who was patient and attended to detail in a stressful job.” Benefield said that Staples has “a great festive spirit” and she will be missed.

Hans Figueroa, Principal, said that he appreciated her “quiet but quick wit”. Figueroa said “she quickly became my partner in crime around the office.” When working with people for a long period of time there are so many memories that you can’t just choose one to pick as your favorite. Figueroa said he enjoyed the moments where they would “laugh at whatever joke or prank we were pulling on Datha, Don or Iveth.”

Dr. Sandiford Tribute: 41 Years See you later!

By Jason Gregorius-Grakov Dr. Anderson Sandiford, beloved English teacher at Loma Linda Academy (LLA), is taking a step away from teaching high school at the end of the school year, ending his 41-year career as a high school English teacher, with 37 of those teaching at LLA. Sandiford was born on the island of Barbados, a British island during that time. Sandiford said that he had a happy childhood. He was raised by his grandparents, due to the fact that his mother moved to America and his father moved to Britain. Sandiford explained that he used to play a lot with his cousins, who lived either in the same residence as him or very close by.

School life was very enjoyable for young Sandiford. He said that his mother enrolled him in “lessons” at the age of four before he entered primary school. Sandiford liked going to school and playing with

his friends. Sandiford pointed out that what once seemed like a huge playground, now looks very small.

Sandiford loved mathematics, English, poetry and other classes.

At age 11, he passed his national examination and began grammar school at Combermere High School. At the end of the eight-year program, he passed the University of Cambridge Certificate examinations and enrolled at Atlantic Union Adventist College in Massachusetts.

Sandiford has always liked education and children. At church, he used to be a Sabbath school teacher to the ten to eleven-year-old kids. In college, he finished a BS in Behavior Science with an emphasis in Psychology in three years. He needed two more classes to finish a major in English, so he decided to complete them and got a BA in English but his goal was to be a psychologist.

Sandiford was the Student Association president at Atlantic Union College. Every year, a meeting of the presidents and officers was organized at different Adventist Colleges. When he was graduating, the place that they met happened to be Pacific Union College. That year, the Loma Linda Academy principal was in need of an English teacher. The principal called the Department at Sandiford’s college and asked if they had any English graduates interested in teaching.

The feedback he got was that there is a Student Association president at PUC, who is qualified to teach

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English. Sandiford was invited to visit LLA. He came, spent two days, saw the school and the classroom.

The only problem was that Sandiford wanted to go into Psychology.

The LLA principal, Dr. Kenneth Lorenz, mentioned that the job would be a great opportunity for him to do investigations on the psychological patterns among students since most of their issues are tied to school. After pondering the idea, Sandiford did as any man would do, he called his wife for advice. The answer he got back was a question asking about the temperature right now in Southern California in December as he was visiting. Sandiford responded that it was seventy two-degrees and his wife told him to say, “Yes,” since it was always freezing cold in Massachusetts. Sandiford was employed at Loma Linda Academy in 1981 on July 1. As well as being a high school teacher, Sandiford has

Eventually, the school joined the CIF, California Interscholastic Federation. This allowed the LLA soccer team to have an organized competition with people of the same age group from different Christian schools. About twenty years in the program, the girls wanted to have their own team, and came and requested one.

The girls’ soccer team was made.

Later on, a JV soccer program was created at LLA, making it possible for the training of pre-soccer team members. The goal was for the teams to go to the playoffs. Sandiford is happy to say that over the years, both the boys and girls have made it to the playoffs. “The girls kids were playing against growntaught college English at a local made it two years back to back ups but later things started to college for 24 years. in 2010 as well as in 2011 and the change as a weightlifting room got The soccer program in Loma boys have done it several times,” Linda Academy has been going on involved. Then the school joined explained Sandiford. To schedule since 1983. Mrs. Mathey, the teach- the University Intramural Prothe CIF evening games later after gram. The American kids were so er that was managing a Spanish school, Sandiford started a recyexcited to see the international club has observed that the intercling program on campus to raise kids play, that they wanted to join. national students, the European money to get lights for the soccer ones in particular, did not deal very They would play in the mornings, field, which have benefited years of at 6 AM before school, play for an well with American football but team practices and games. “Soccer hour, take a shower and prepare for are very interested in soccer. She has really been a blessing,” said classes. approached Sandiford and asked Sandiford. him if he would be willing to make a soccer club for the kids, so they have something to do. Sandiford agreed. The club began with boys playing against the local Adventist church teams, such as the Filipino, Korean, and Spanish churches. At the beginning, the club suffered many defeats since high school

“Soccer has really been a blessing.”

Photo credit: Scott Guptill

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As he is leaving the school, Sandiford challenges the LLA family to encourage high standards of academic excellence and spiritual growth. He believes that since Loma Linda Academy has been founded with the emphasis on Jesus, it should remain true to this purpose. Sandiford advises teachers and staff to pay attention to students. “This whole thing is about students. They are our center of attention and their

Photos curtesy of Lynette Sandiford

eternal salvation is our goal,” said Sandiford. For students, he says that ownership of education is very important. Sandiford emphasizes setting expectations that everyone must abide by. “For example, if the school asks everyone to wear masks, the students and the teachers should wear masks.”

Sandiford is going to be remembered for everything he has done for Loma Linda Academy. He is going to be missed by students and teachers alike. “We’ve had lots of fun times with Doctor Sandiford.

I have looked up to Dr. Sandiford for many years. I will deeply miss his wisdom and deep knowledge of English and Human Nature,” said David Stone, an English teacher at Loma Linda Academy.

Sandiford made many connections with teachers and students for the past 41 years of his teaching career. “I have so many wonderful memories with him including doing a video re-production of Scooby-doo for one of the junior/senior banquets. We have made many wonderful memories together on campouts, Havasu trips, vespers, etc. One of the things I love most about Andy is his loyalty, constant support, and friendship. He is always so encouraging and helpful.

Yet, he will give me constructive guidance and advice when I need it! Some of my greatest memories with Andy include a lot of laughter and joy!” said Beth Robertson, computer science teacher at LLA and head sponsor of Sandiford’s team since 2003.

Sandiford will be also remembered as a great teacher that has given a lot of knowledge to students. “Dr. Sandiford has taught me how to find and interpret the meaning behind things found in literature. His class has also been my first honors English class and

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has provided an experience that is unique to anything I have experienced,” said junior Andrew delaRoca (23).

As Sandiford is leaving, we hope that he will be visiting Loma Linda Academy. As with students and teachers who are leaving, it is not a goodbye, it is a see-you-later, because at Loma Linda Academy, they are more than just teachers, they are family.

Photo Credit: Danelle Taylor Johnston

Mr. Oswald Tribute: 44 Years

By Stephanie Lopez teaching.” With that question “I Gene Oswald is ending his time went home, prayed about it, turned “Follow your at LLA at the end of this school down my scholarship and changed year after 11 years at LLA, and a majors and went into education.” total of 44 years teaching. He is dreams, but lisMr. Oswald came to LLA Sepmoving on to become the Young tember of 2011 and was brought Life and Family Ministries pastor ten to God...” to be a long-term sub to teach at OC Grace Seventh-day Adventist church located in Garden Grove. During his time at LLA he has helped so many people by teaching Bible, helping students in TIE, bringing the Makers Fair to LLA, leading Friends Next Door Bible Club, being a head sponsor, and helping students in so many ways.

When Mr. Oswald was in highschool he thought he was originally going to be an architect. He had a full scholarship to Cal Poly Obispo, but just like Oswald inspired a lot of students he was also inspired by his own teacher. “My teacher there dragged me aside just before graduation and asked me why I wasn’t thinking about

government, economics, and Bible.

The following year he became a full-time Bible teacher. When Jay Linthicum retired, Mr. Oswald was asked to teach the TIE program starting for the 2016-207 school year. At first he didn’t want to be in charge of the TIE program and, in fact, he turned down the offer.

But shortly after being asked he got an invitation from a college friend.

“They asked me to visit them at the shop teacher convention. I went and saw the Maker Fair from a different light,” Mr. Oswald said. At that moment he felt impressed that God was saying, “This is what I’ve been preparing for you.” So Mr. Os-

wald came back and talked to the LLA principal and the headmaster and, after DOug Herrmanns urging, “I decided to do it.” Changing from a Bible teacher to TIE teacher also changed the building he worked in, but he was glad he was able to work with people that he already knew.

Mr. Oswald was head sponsor for the class of 2011, 2015, and 2019.

Danelle Taylor Johnston was on the same team with him all those years.

“When I became head sponsor he was my number one support and was always there for me. He has a can-do positive attitude that is so helpful, especially with the new head sponsor role,” Taylor Johnston said.

Mr. Oswald is known for his dedication to his job and personality.

“He has so much energy. He is here at 6:30AM,” Lynne Hattendorf, guidance counselor, said. “He has so many talents and skills. He can design and build anything.” ”The TIE program requires a lot of such hands-on activity where students create a lot of items with wood and other materials. “It’s just a fun interaction between students and teacher,” Oswald said.

Each morning in TIE class Mr. Oswald “ would tell us what national day it is and he would make All Photo Credit: Danelle Taylor Johnston

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it a worship thought. It was really creative,” says Benjamin Chun (10).

Students love all the stories Mr. Oswald has shared, such as his scuba diving experience, family activities, and how he met Richard Nixon and Ronald Regan, both former American presidents.

In TIE class, Andrew Kimbrick appreciated that, “We got to make mistakes and learn from them. It was nice to have a teacher that lets you get right to the edge of failing and then would stop you right before you failed.”

Mr. Oswald was always there for the students when it came to teaching, “He was a great teacher and taught me so much,” says Divit shah (10).

“I feel quite distraught after hearing that he was leaving. I feel that that the person that is replacing him will never be able to come remotely close the to legacy he’s leaving behind,” Elijah Genece( 11) said.

Mr. Oswald’s feelings about leaving the school are a mixture of sadness and joy, “I feel a lot of sadness and a lot of joy. I will miss students and staff in the tie program, but the job that I am going to do is the job that I was looking to do when I was coming here.

Mr. Oswald has been with the class of 2022 all four years of the TIE program. They are the only current class that completed the program from freshman to senior year.

Mr. Oswald is appreciative of his administrators, coworkers and students “ for an amazing 11 years because I personally went through a lot here. You know I came here and I had cancer went through that and everyone was so supported and loving and then I had back surgery and the same thing happened.

Everyone has been so supported All Photo Credit: Danelle Taylor Johnston

even with my crazy ideas people have been supported,” Mr. Oswald said.

Mr. Oswald leaves the school with some wise words. “ Follow your dreams but listen to God….

Follow God’s lead and listen. Take the time to listen, don’t be afraid to switch directions. I am glad I did not follow to be an architect.

I’ve enjoyed my years teaching and I’m looking forward to my pastoral time. If anything, just pray and listen a lot and speak and let him lead you.”

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Photo Credit: Stephanie Lopez

Burgundy Mood

By Andrew Adorador

“To me music is a fundamental part of living. Everything we do has a rhythm and melody to it, and we are surrounded by music constantly. Music is a powerful medium of expression, and a great way for me to escape to a different headspace,” Aidan Walls (21) said.

Music is a powerful tool, heard and seen all over the world wherever you go. Music connects people in different and powerful ways that people could never sense in the moment unless you truly engage yourself in the rhythms and melodies. Aidan Walls knew the meaning of music and is now showing the true impact it can have on people.

Back in his sophomore year at Loma Linda Academy (LLA), Walls had the idea of creating a band alongside his other musically talented friends Peter Kim (21) and Nathan Ro (21). They wanted to join a battle of the bands competition but needed more people

to help complete the band. They called Claire Elias (21), Kalise Couture (21), Wilson Hannawi (20), and Josh Tsai (20) to join the band to complete it. With everything set, all they needed was a name. But sometimes coming up with a brand new band name is tough, so Walls found a different way. “We used a name generator many times and combined two different results because we thought it had a nice ring to it,” said Walls.

With the outstanding support Burgundy Mood had from their battle of the bands competition, they knew the impact they could have on making a difference in this world. In 2021, Burgundy Mood held a benefit concert for the San Bernardino Humane Society, whose aim is to prevent animal abuse and neglect, educate children and other members of the community about animal welfare concerns, and care for the health and well-being of animals. This

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concert sold out in days and Burgundy Mood was able to raise over $1,800 for the organization.

This past year, all the members of the band have gone their separate ways, or somewhat separate. Ro, Elias, Hanawi, and Tsai all attend Southern Adventist University, Kim and Couture attend Riverside Community College, and Walls is attending Berklee College of Music.

This seemed like the end for Burgundy Mood, but for this upcoming summer, Burgundy Mood is holding another benefit concert!

On June 25, 2022, Burgundy Mood is having a benefit concert for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “I highly recommend everyone spreading the word to their family and friends!

Not only is it for a good cause, but it’s also a fun summer event with music, food, and friends! There will be an opening band this year consisting of LLA seniors, who will then be alumni, so that’s another reason to come out!” said Walls.

Tickets will be available May 25 and you can access it on instagram @burgundy__mood in the bio.

All Photo Credits: Aidan Walls

Freshmen Campout

By Allison Kim

Freshmen campout took place from April 29 to May 1, 2022 at Idyllwild Park. Below are some pictures from the event.

Photo Credit: Susan Kim

Photo Credit: Marina Ferrando

Photo Credit: Marina Ferrando

Photo Credit: Marina Ferrando

Photo Credit: Audrey Kim

Photo Credit: Marina Ferrando

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Sophomore Campout

By Allison Kim

Sophomore campout took place from April 29 to May 1, 2022 at Hurkey Creek Park. Below are some pictures from the event.

Photo Credit: Gia Wright

Photo Credit: Susan Kim

Photo Credit: Annabelle Mccully

Photo Credit: Jacob Saesim

Photo Credit: Jaiden Skoretz

Photo Credit: Susan Kim

Photo Credit: Rebekah Mendoza

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Junior Campout

By Abigail Cooley

Junior Campout took place from May 13-15, 2022 at Hurkey Creek Campground. Below are some pictures from the event.

Photo Credit: Isabella Fick

Photo Credit: Danelle Taylor Johnston

Photo Credit: Danelle Taylor Johnston

Photo Credit: Isabella Fick

Photo Credit: Isabella Fick

Photo Credit: Danelle Taylor Johnston

Photo Credit: Danelle Taylor Johnston

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Senior Campout

By Abigail Cooley

Senior Campout took place from May 13-15, 2022 Carlsbad State Beach. Below are some pictures from the event.

Photo Credit: Samantha Zane

Photo Credit: Samantha Zane

Photo Credit: Samantha Zane

Photo Credit: Andrea Vargas

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Photo Credit: Andrea Vargas

Goodbyes Rio Tomas, Thank you for being such a good friend, I didn’t expect this at all when I met you in PE last year.

You have made art class 100 times more enjoyable - which is saying something as I already love art lmao - and I will always remember being dragged into random things with our table. Thank you for showing me bee and puppycat, playing in the rain, doing your impression of that guy from shrek, and improving my sense of humor by miles. You’re the source of some of my most memorable moments in high school, so thank you and I’ll miss you!

-Viveka Smith

Val Erben Bayeta, Wait weren’t you just in sixth grade? How are you going to college already??? Time passes really fast lol kk visit us or else ur not nice lol jk have fun at La Sierra.

-Josh Solinap

Jessica Almaguer, I am so proud of you and thank you for all the ice skating talks and I’m gonna miss you a lot and thank you for making Spanish really fun and for also being an amazing friend good luck in college.

-Stephanie Lopez

Abel Massey, Thank you so much for helping me not only as a drummer, but as a friend. All the words of advice you’ve said at just the right time, whether it was with relationships, musical stuff, or even how to be a better person, it’s helped me in ways you don’t even know. Thank you for all the “you’re doing great, don’t worry,” and all the constructive criticism that I desperately needed. Thank you so much Abel, I’m gonna miss you so much next year, and I’m glad I can call you my friend.

-Maddie Condon

Caleb.

I love you, good luck in college.

-Ty Mardini

Yumin Joe, Im gonna miss you, more than you could know. You have a lot ahead of you. Make sure to check in. Love ya YJ! -William Kim

Christian Albarran, Thank you for helping with the scoreboard battery and also sorry for provoking you in Spanish lol even tho you still won and for teaching me that one trick in soccer good luck with everything.

-Stephanie Lopez

Regan Couture, I have learned so much from you this year both in yearbook and by the way you live your life leading by example. Thank you for teaching me and supporting me this year! I will miss you so much next year.

-Emily Castillo

Rebecca Mercado, Becky, thank for being such an amazing friend and role model. Thank you so much for growing my connection with God through our friendship! I love you so much and I’m going to miss you tons!

-Emma Constanzo

Raffaela Dias, Raffy, you have become my best friend over the course of this year.

We have shared so many laughs together and made so many memories. You are always there for me when I need you and I will be forever grateful for the kindness and love you have shown me. I miss you so much already! Much love Raf! -Emma Constanzo

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Goodbyes Cont.

Elina Khan, Thank you for the kindness and love that you have always shown towards me. I will miss you very much!!

-Emily Castillo

Jordyn Wright, Thank you for helping me to learn so much this year and really showing me what a strong leader is. I will miss you so much!

-Emily Castillo

Jenel Salamante, Thank you for helping me to learn and grow and for always being there for me. I’m going to miss you more than you know!

-Emily Castillo

Samantha Zane, We will miss you a lot as you graduate from High School and start a new chapter in your life! Thank you for all of your help and guidance with publishing the Mirror as well as always being willing to lend a helping hand.

You are such a sweet and kind person who’s smile always lights up the room. You are such a talented person who made journalism fun and exciting. Best of luck in college! We will definitely miss you!

-The Mirror Staff

Senior Advice Let yourself have a high school experience. Don’t overload your schedule with tons of extra classes and activities that won’t help you in the future or that you don’t enjoy. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take any electives or participate in outside activities for fun, just make sure you’re doing them because they’re actually fun for you. Find people you can truly be yourself with and spend as much time as you can with those people you love. It all goes by so fast so just make memories with your friends and cherish the moments you get together.

-Ross Gurule

Go to gym, workout, you’ll learn to love yourself.

-Caleb Soler

If you plan not to attend Adventist college and have a dream school that you want to go, act quick. Check their application rubrics (search up common set + college name), fulfill their requirements and do a lot of extracurricular activities.

As SAT turns optional, you will need an alternative way to prove yourself to universities. Please please act quick and GPA is not everything. Do not stress out too much if you had a bad semester. Move on and improve. Make sure to draw a ascending graph (in terms of GPA)

-Tae Young Kim

Don’t be afraid to be involved at school, (SA, class office, campus ministries) make friends with other class grades!

-Haley Dugaduga 16

School doesn’t teach you life.

-Joshua deSenna

Ms. TJ Tribute

By Alexander Salles

Danelle Taylor Johnston, known as Ms. TJ, has been working at LLA since the second semester of 2002, teaching College English, Journalism, Film, Photography, Graphic Design, Communications, Sophomore Communications & Literature, Shakespear, and American Literature throughout the years. She is well known for being one of the most caring teachers.

“I love how Ms. TJ always took time to check up on her students.

It always made her students feel valued and important,” said Nicole Seheult (11), always worrying about what we’re going through in class and outside of it. Many students haven’t had the privilege of being taught by her, so here is a quick description. Coming into the classroom, you will choose a table, where you will have the most fun, discussing the questions Ms. TJ has always ready for the beginning of

class with your classmates. Questions such as “should pineapple be in pizza,” would typically make you laugh and agree to disagree.

Unfortunately, Ms. TJ is leaving us. She will no longer be here to bring us bagels, donuts and her free

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box won’t be available any longer.

We won’t laugh at Carl Azuz every morning in journalism, or have the camera obscura experience in English class. But instead of being sad over her leaving us or the time we won’t have together, we will be happy and proud of the moments we did have.

We, the mirror, appreciate all the counseling and advice we have received. “Ms. TJ has helped me grow as a person,” said Stephanie Lopez (10).

The Mirror staff appreciates all the encouraging words when we felt like we couldn’t finish an assignment in time. We would look at her pictures on the wall and somehow feel connected to the moments in which they were taken. “Thank you for your dedication to our class and your creative inspiration,” said Abby Cooley (11).

Ms. TJ has tons of favorite memories at LLA, especially in the

does and her passion is contagious, ” stated Vargas.

Ethan Cruz (‘19), was another reporter for the Mirror, he mentions how friendly and cheerful Ms. TJ is and how he will remember her from his high school years. “Even if you didn’t know her she was always like that one person that wanted to be your friend,” said Cruz.

The LLA student body appreciates all the effort Ms. TJ has put into her classes and into creating meaningful connections with her students. She has been a mentor for many of us students and she is a reference in writing. Not many people know how much time Ms. TJ had to dedicate to each class, assignment, quiz, test, issues, newsMirror. “I really like journalism year of 2017-2018. “Ms. TJ was both papers, magazines and newscasts because it’s like a family… the stomy journalism and college English for the Mirror. For all the days and ries we’ve been able to tell, trips we teacher and I also considered her to nights you spent worrying about have taken to publication workbe one of my mentors,” said Varour performance, writing, intershops, issues we have been able to gas. “Ms. TJ is an amazing educator views and deadlines. address are some of my favorite who has helped guide and inspire memories.” She also loves taking so many students like myself. She photo clubs to national parks. ” was always so caring, kind, and Overall she has loved the individual thoughtful. I am lucky to have had moments with students in all her her as a teacher and mentor, and I classes and being able to see them know that wherever she goes they “become excited about a topic and will be so lucky to have her because find their creativity or their callshe is so passionate about what she ing,” said TJ. As the years passed, the Mirror had many different members, Noah Hernandez (‘21), was the editor in chief for the Mirror. He was a member of the Mirror from 2017-2021.

From his freshman to his senior year. “She was the soul driving force of the Mirror and was always there to lend her perspective, advice, and time. She is an incredibly supportive and intellectual person,” said Hernandez. Hernandez states “the Mirror is how I honed my writing skills, and now I’m pursuing a career in literature and writing.”

Ivanna Vargas (‘18), was the editor of the mirror for the school

Thank you Ms. TJ!

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June Birthdays 3 3 4 4 8 8 8 10 10 11 12 12 13 15 20 21 21

Nathan Bluhm Amelia Souw Sibonginkosi Ncube Nathan Park Abigail Andrews Jarron Mangunsong Oliver Price Emma Paden Keoni Pang Aberick Trillana Abigail Cheng Brianna Perez Kaleb Gomez Eva Oyoyo Kira DeLeon Luka Palitang Aiden Velez

Cover Photo by Danelle Taylor Johnston

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Matthew Arretche Elizabeth Baldwin Abigail Tching Theodore Weldon Ayanna Cooper Yumin Joe Morgan Walls Carina Gutierrez Elijah Clark Haoyang Song Emma Constanzo Vienna Riter Cody Regester Brody Blanchard Jacob Kelly Benjamin Chun

Graphic credit: pixabay.com

July Birthdays 1 3 5 5 6 8 10 10 10 11 12 12 14 14 14

Brodie Langford Samha Ribadu Micah Diazoni William Kim Reuben Massey Su Lun Liang Matteo Conrado Gianni Desia Jayden David Feliciano Divit Shah Ana Gonzalez Noah Weldon Olivia Ayala Trevor Bannis Charlie (Kiana) Boyle

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Jason Gregorius-Grakov Nandi Ndlela Luchae Jang Kylie Balog Justin Brooks Nhi Chau Shann Andrei Sampayan Kevin Lee Anaïs Gomez John Michel Robles Summer Lachica Rafael Reid Joaquin Reyes III Andrew Adorador Brendon Kang

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