MIR|ROR
Legacy
Loma Linda Academy News Reflecting on LLA since 1940
edition
Issue 9 Volume 81
7 May 2021
Table of
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CONTENTS
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Myanmar Military Coup
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Thank You Dr. Herrmann! P.E. Legacy
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Teacher Checkup
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Mother’s Day Shifting the Lens Briefs
SA Spring Banquet
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College Talk June Bithdays 2
Cover photos provided by: Doug Herrmann, Noah Hernandez, and Sue Peterson
Myanmar Military Coup BY FUNANYA IKECHUKWU
On February 1st, 2021, the military of Myanmar arrested the democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi on charges of election fraud, according to BBC.com. In her place, the military has placed Min Aung Hilang, leader of the coup, in power. This action by the military has prompted many huge protests and prompted sanctions from governments such as the UK, EU, and the USA. Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a country situated in southeast Asia. After gaining its independence from Britain in 1948, according to nationsonline.org. In 1962, Ne Win, staged the country’s first coup. In 1974, a new constitution was made and it transferred power from the army to Ne Win and his supporters, according to BBC. In just a couple of years later, Ne Win was met with guerrilla insurgencies and was forced to give up some of his power. He became chairman on the Socialist Programme Party. In the late 1980s, there were numerous protests in response to a currency devaluation crisis. Thousands of people were killed and the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was formed in response to this. Slorc declared martial law arrests thousands of people including activists and democracy advocates. Aung San Suu Kyi, who was a National League for Democracy (NLD) leader and Nobel Peace
Prize winner, was put under house arrest. In the many decades that followed Myanmar has been victim to corrupt elections, natural disasters, and tension between the NLD and the military, and the genocide and persecution of the Rohingya as well as other ethnic groups. Fast forward to February 2021, the National League for Democracy beat
“It shows that you’re not even safe in your own country.” -Kalise Couture (12) the military candidates in a landslide. This prompted the military to claim election fraud and place Aung San Suu Kyi in house arrest. This move by the military, prompted protests in Myanmar to begin on February 2, 2021, as well as the US, Japan, Taiwan, and the UK. As of May 03, 2021, Aung San Suu Kyi has been put on house arrest. The military in response to Journalists and protesters have been suppressing freedom of speech and having internet blackouts. These actions from the military have been described by the international community and Myanmar’s residents to describe it as a coup. This coup has prompted many negative reactions and fears. Jamie Somoso (12) said, “I think this event
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will have a big effect by showing the world the effect of one’s leadership skills in handling what could come if attacks against protesters are brutal. One of the many negatives I see is that it looks to be that the media is being suppressed as they have detained many journalists and that they are key sources of information in the country.” Kalise Couture (12) said that the news of the military coup made her fearful. “It shows that you’re not even safe in your own country and that it affects the world by showing how hard it is for a country to unite.” Even though the situation in Myanmar seems dire, there are ways for people to send help. Check out the links below. Myanmar is a country that is experiencing great turmoil. Until things are resolved, the Myanmar people continue to fight for democracy and freedom.
Links • https://www.rescue.org/ country/myanmar • https://crisisrelief.un.org/ myanmar-crisis • myanmar-now.org/en
Teacher Checkup BY AIDEN VELEZ
Not only have students been struggling to adjust to the new schedule and in-person learning after months on end of nothing but screen time, so have teachers been going through similar struggles. This year teachers have had many additional responsibilities due to COVID-19, such as new technology, teaching online, new safety precautions, adapting to schedules, helping students with their ever changing needs, and now combining teaching online and in person in real time. Dr. Andy Sandiford, English teacher, said the biggest difference for him is the “reduction in the volume of work I am able to complete. Essentially, I have lost about two weeks of instructional time. On a physical level, the required seating arrangement with students in columns and rows is a huge departure from my circular arrangement by modules or cohorts.” Craig Mohr, wind symphony director, has had to physically move his classes outside near the SSB under a tent, after moving from both the junior high basketball field and behind the junior high gym. Science labs have also had to make major adaptations. Caren Hall said, “I have tried (sometimes successful, sometimes not) to figure out how to do labs remotely. I’ve had to put a lot more resources online. I make and record lectures a lot more than I used to.” Then, the transition back to inperson schooling brought more changes with the expected flood of
students returning to the high school campus. Sandiford stated that a benefit of Zoom was that every student’s name was clearly visible and easy to read. Sandiford likes to refer to people by name and Zoom made that goal easier for him. Mohr appreciates the return of his students for in-person wind symphony.
“Seeing real,live human beings rather than just their faces has given me a lot of joy!” - Mohr Hall has found the flood of students to help her personally with feeling more happy. “I sleep a lot better now that I’m on my feet all day. The days are a bit longer. I laugh a lot more now that I can hear all the little side conversations. I feel happier and less depressed.” After a year of online or HyFlex learning, teachers have mixed feelings about the possibility of repeating it again next year. Sandiford believes efficient educators can make the necessary adjustments given enough time to prepare, and in such those changes can be effective.” Mohr strongly disagrees with the idea of doing HyFlex learning for the next school year given all the complications he has had to face with wind symphony. Hall claims that attention between two student groups is hard and difficult for a teacher to feel like one group is getting less attention than the other. Her idea is that there should be teachers who have expertise in Online teaching and teachers who specialize in on campus learning. Beth Robertson, typing teacher, said it’s a challenge “keeping track of both groups of people” is a challenge with HyFlex learning. “If remote students join Zoom late, I don’t always
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hear it and let them in right away. Thankfully most of my students are in person which makes grading so much easier.” Like students who have experienced a lot this year, so too have teachers learned a lot. Sandiford believes that he has received evidence of change amongst himself and students. “I have been given definitive evidence of the nature of my limitation related to the knowledge of the future and speed of change on a personal and community level. I have also learned that it is never too late to learn.” Like students who are dealing with personal struggles, like loss of loved ones, sickness, and other personal issues, so have teachers. “In combination with COVID, I have also had to deal with cancer and my cancer treatment program and fitting it in around school. That has added to my load,” Robertson said. Hall has learned that she is not as introverted as she thought and has learned to roll with the quick changes from this school year. Mohr is happy that human interaction is becoming the new normal again and appreciates his students’ creativity. Mohr wishes it was more predictable and consistent stating, “I am craving predictability and consistency.” Mohr wishes it was more predictable and consistent stating that “I am craving predictability and consistency.” Teachers have gone through their challenges, rough patches, struggles and hardships along with their students in the process of transitioning back into on campus learning. “It is essential to be flexible in a crisis. Trees that do not bend are uprooted in a storm; those that give a little stand a better chance to survive,” Sandiford poetically said.
Thank You Dr. Herrmann! BY NOAH HERNANDEZ
In 1981, Dr. Doug Herrmann had a job offer at Fresno Adventist Academy, however, he had not replied to them for a while. A good acquaintance of his, Dr. Bailey Gillespie, told him about the opening at Loma Linda Academy. Herrmann asked for input from a Bible teacher from LLA at the time, Steve Pawluk, and his friend said, “the only problem with LLA was that there was no place to go afterwards because it’s the best,” and Herrmann agrees. Shortly after that experience, Herrmann interviewed with the LLA principal at the time and got hired on the spot. Herrmann joined the LLA Staff as the new and fresh Bible teacher for seven years and then was promoted to the principal position and stayed there for seventeen years. Jon Hall, one of the high school physical education coaches at LLA, taught at the same time as Herrmann. Hall said that he remembers Herrman to be an “excellent coworker.” Hall said, “Dr. Herrmann is all about being fair to his students. He is very patient and always tries to give his students the benefit of the doubt...he is a great man, a great leader and a wonderful Christian.” Interestingly enough, Hall and
Herrmann actually share a birthday, however Hall is older by one year exactly. Teresa Phillips, a math teacher at LLA, was a student when Herrman was a teacher at LLA. She was also a teacher when he was a principal. One time when she was teaching a geometry class, he came into the classroom to observe. This was how Phillips learned Herrmann is very good at math. As a joke, she gave him the quiz she had just assigned her students, and he got a perfect score!
He always had a smile on his face!” -Kate Lewis
have a chance to work with other schools, stay in the area, and still be part of Adventist Education.” However, he couldn’t stay away for too long. That did not last long though, because about six years later, in the summer of 2011, Herrmann returned to LLA as the Head of Schools. During the time he was gone, Herrmann got his EdD with support from the Seventh-day Adventist church and La Sierra University. Herrmann said, “They had designed and funded a program to encourage educators to get advanced degrees in educational leadership to help fill the need for school administrators.” Herrmann and his family have been a huge part of LLA. Herrmann’s children were born in Loma Linda, attended LLA, and even worked at LLA. Herrmann’s grandchildren are now enrolled in the school. The Herrmann family has helped make LLA what LLA is today, especially Dr. Doug Herrmann, and although he is leaving his mark on LLA, Herrmann quotes Casting Crowns when he says, “I don’t want to leave a legacy; I don’t care if they remember me, only Jesus.”
Kate Lewis, the biology teacher at LLA, was a student at LLA when Herrmann was the principal. Lewis knows Herrmann to be a kind man who always has time for teachers and students. Lewis said, “He would come on many of our trips with us as students, and he always had a smile on his face!” After working at LLA for twentyfour years, Herrmann felt like he was ready for a change, and being the “associate superintendent” appealed to him. Herrmann said the position Photos provided by Doug Herrmann appealed to him because “I would 5
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P.E. Legacy Coach Sue Peterson is a beloved Physical Education (P.E.) teacher, commonly referred to as Coach Sue by students at Loma Linda Academy (LLA). She’s been at LLA for fortyfour years. After a long and rich career in teaching, at the end of the 2021 school year she will be retiring. She studied physical education in college. Peterson’s been teaching at LLA for 44 years. Her first job was at PUC Preparatory School for two years where she taught P.E., health and religion before coming over to LLA in 1977. Peterson has coached for many varsity teams including flag football, volleyball, basketball, and softball. While being at LLA she’s previously taught health for four years and Junior High P.E. one year. This school year she also taught at the Children’s Center ages two to five. She’s also currently one of the sophomore class sponsors. Coach Sue loves to joke with her students and occasionaly play practical jokes on them. One of her favorites was when she had two really good friends in a class and one would go into the other’s locker and hide her P.E. uniform, and they would all laugh. One day Coach Sue and the girl with stolen P.E. uniform decided to play a joke on the friend. So Coach Sue took the P.E. uniform of the friend home and sewed on many big bows, and lace. The friend came to class the next day and screemed when she saw the clothes. They all laughed about it, and she wore it for P.E. that day, because Coach Sue said she would
BY LEILANI CALIXTO
recieve a zero for the day if she didn’t wear her uniform. Many students have many nice things to say about Peterson. Kylee Uway (12) who had her freshman through junior year said, “It was like having a mom at school. It was comforting to have her around and to know that mom-type love would always be there when you need it. I’ll miss her hugs and her banters with Coach Hall. Thanks for being amazing to the women in my family. Love you Coach Sue!”
be like in my following years.” Isabella Fick (10) said, “She’s always made me feel comfortable in her class.” Alex Tello (12) shared, “She impacted my high school experience by making me work harder to achieve my goals.” Maya Castillo (10) stated, “I will miss having a teacher that I can talk to, kind of like a friend.” Elyssa Isaia (11) expressed, “She not only has motivated me in my own fitness life but also in volleyball, she is always one to hype me up no matter what.” Students have been impacted by Peterson in so many different ways. Luka Samardzija (12) said, “I got to be friends with a lot of upperclassmen thanks to her class, and she would drive me to Drayson center with the other sophomores since we couldn’t drive.” Trevor Samples (12) stated, “She definitely has a passion for sports that spreads through each student she teaches. She taught a class that I always enjoyed and it was fun to look forward to that every day of each year Kylie Balog (9) expressed, “Even I had her. I could tell the campus will from the beginning I think she was definitely miss her enthusiastic spirit!” one of the easiest teachers to talk to Peterson said, “I’ve been so lucky even though we were online and it because I’ve had the most amazing made class a lot easier.” students.” Peterson really made an impression Coach Sue has really made her mark on how students feel in class and on LLA. Peterson is clearly loved, and outside, Gabby Mawikere (12) shared, will be missed across campus. PUC “She definitely created a really nice Prep and LLLA have been blessed and open impression of what the rest with being able to have Peterson on of my teachers in high school would our campus.
“I’ll miss her hugs and her banters with Coach Hall.” -Kylee Uway(12)
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Pictures provided by Heather Krause and Sue Peterson
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Mother’s Day BY ALLISON KIM
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. This year, it will be celebrated on Sunday, May 9, 2021. On this day, people all around the country show respect, honor, and love towards their hardworking, loving, and caring mothers. Here is how some students will honor their mother’s this Mother’s Day!
Claire Elias
Jacob Saesim
Claire Elias (12) is planning to cook her mother a nice dinner, get her flowers with her dad, and make her a card and paint her a picture. She said, “I really appreciate how she is so hardworking, but still is so patient with me and always knows how to have fun.” Her favorite memories with her mom is just any time when they are both laughing, or when she dances to the music she plays on Alexa.
Jacob Saesim (9) is planning to get his mother a gift and write her a card. He also says he will wake up and make her breakfast in bed and either make her dinner or eat out with her. He appreciates his mother because she is always keeping him in check. He also says she is “always being someone to care for and love me.” He said, “I love going on trips with my mom and enjoy joking and having fun with her.” 11
Morgan Walls
Morgan Walls (10) has a tradition where every year for Mother’s Day, he and his brother’s wake up early and make breakfast for their mom so she can eat it in bed. Then, for the rest of the day, they do whatever she wants to do. Walls said, “What I appreciate most about my mom is that she believes in me and she will always push me to do the best I can because she really does want the best for me.” His favorite memory with his mother is when he along with his brother’s were very young, his mother would always tuck them into bed and then go finish her work. After she finished, she would do one last check on them and most of the time, he wouldn’t be there. So then, she would have to go searching for him throughout the house and every time she found him, he was playing with Legos or playmobiles.
Lucio Camacho
Lucio Camacho (Athletic Director) cooks for his mother every mother’s Day, since she cooks for him the rest of the year. His mother has taught him so many lessons in life, but the one he wants to mention is how she taught him how to be a strong Christian and always do everything to the best of his abilities. His favorite memory is not a single memory, but memories of the home she created and love that he always felt from her.
Kate Lewis
Samantha Zane
Samantha Zane (11) plans to make her mother breakfast, give her a gift, and spend the whole day with her. She said, “What I appreciate the most about my mom is that she is such a great listener and an inspiration to me. She is my best friend and I know I am able to tell her anything. She inspires me so much in the things she does and the wonderful advice she gives me. I don’t know what I would do without her.” Her favorite memory with her mom was when they went to the Cayman Islands. Her brother and dad went scuba diving, but she was too young to go, so her mom took her to the beach and they went snorkeling, hung out together, and went shopping.
Mother’s Day Quote Kate Lewis (Biology teacher) is going to have a picnic brunch with Martinellis at the beach because the beach is her mother’s favorite place to go. Lewis said, “My Mum is a ray of sunshine, spreading kindness, positivity & a smile to anyone she meets!” Her favorite memory is the look of shock on her mother’s face when she and her sister surprised her (and her dad) for Thanksgiving in Australia in 2018. It’s one of the only times she’s ever seen her mother absolutely speechless. 12
“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” - Abraham Lincoln
Kristian Leukert
Kristian Leukert’s (Choir Director) mother lives in Ohio, so he plans on sending her a card and spending a couple hours on the phone with her. What he appreciates most about his mother is that “she has always been fiercely protective of her family.” He said, “I think that includes the ability to always find the silver lining.” There are so many memories that he does not have a specific favorite memory. However, he cherishes the “frequent chats they have and her words of wisdom, time spent snuggling on the couch, family worships and hearing her beautiful voice singing, holding hands as we sat together in church and so, so many more.”
Joshua Cho
Kailee Bilbao
Kailee Bilbao (11) plans to go to her cousin’s house to celebrate Mother’s Day with them. She appreciates that her mother supports her in her hobbies. Her favorite memories with her mom are when they laugh together nonstop.
Joshua Cho (10) plans on eating dinner with his mother for Mother’s Day. What he appreciates most about his mother is that she gives him personal space and isn’t up in his business 24/7. His favorite memory with his mom is “this one time when he got in trouble at school so she had to pick him up and they just laughed about it.”
Happy Mother's Day! 13
Briefs
The Junior/Senior Banquet is taking place on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at LLA athletic field. The theme is The Greatest Showman and will take place between 6-9 PM. On May 7, 2021 there will be a senior faculty vespers in the courtyard. The senior class of 2021 as well as a faculty will come together to share memories, say goodbyes, and to celebrate seniors as they are preparing to graduate. It will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 PM and dinner will be provided. On May 14th will be the last student chapel. This chapel will be a little more special than the others, because it will be with the entire high school and it will be outside. Seniors can get their cap and gown pictures taken by THOP on June 2nd from 2PM-3PM. To schedule your photos please follow this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aaba922a1fdc25-loma . If you choose to have your pictures taken, please bring your pressed cap and gown.
Freshmen and sophomores will receive a treat after their efforts during finals at lunch on Wednesday June 2nd. So go get your treat freshmen and sophomores and good luck on Finals. The Mirror is now accepting applications for the Mirror staff!
The Mirror is a place where you can learn about journalism, writing, and other media skills. You can learn about how to use Adobe products and how to tell informative and engaging stories. Join the Mirror, you will have a lot of fun and learn helpful skills. To apply for the Mirror, go to www.lla.org/apply4mirror MAP testing is Tuesday, May 11 freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Seniors, remember that class night recording is happening on May 11th. 14
SA Spring
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Banquet
Photos by: Danelle Taylor Johnston 16
College Talk BY ABIGAIL INOSTROZA
As seniors get ready for the big day and many students are discussing the plans for after highschool, and what our career decisions are going to be. Though it may not be the most enjoyable topic to talk about with high school seniors, it is definitely important to talk about with your family, school counselor, and teachers. After graduating from high school, going to college or university or not going at all, is a new chapter in a person’s life that can also be one of the most terrifying chapters.
“For those who haven’t even applied to any colleges yet, it is not too late for many schools.” - Lynne Hattendorf
said, “I decided to go into economics for a few reasons: it is a great major to have to pursue Law, which is something I’m considering, and also has applications in finance, banking, and investing if I decide not to become a lawyer.” Though many Loma Linda Academy alumni have gone to many different colleges and universities, some of the most common schools that most alumni attend after highschool are Adventist schools.
attended Pacific Union college. These statistics given by the career counselor at Loma Linda Academy, are shown to see the patterns of college acceptances and where students have experienced the most success in reaching their desired careers.
“Spend serious amounts of time dedicating yourself to learning everything you can about the schools you’re applying too.” - Luka Samardzija
While others use their degree as a back up, others use their degree to help them be more prepared for their future career. Caroline Wagner (12) will be majoring in biology this fall and is hoping to have a career in either medicine or dentistry. Wagner said, Luka Samardzija (12) is planning to According to the Loma Linda “Biology is the major that will best major in economics at the University Academy college statistics provided by prepare me for entrance exams and the of California, Berkeley. During his Lynne Hattendorf (career counselor) career I choose!” decision process he took different the most common universities Depending on what you choose to factors into consideration. Samardzija attended from the past five years do as your major or career, the most said, “Cost, location, and education, are, 116 students attended La Sierra important thing is to do something in that order.” This technique was University, 63 students attended that you enjoy and will enjoy doing. able to influence his decision of Southern Adventist University, 58 High school is a great time to find schooling while also allowing him to students Walla Walla University, what your passions are and what you plan for a future in case his decisions 29 students attended Andrews enjoy doing and then thinking to change for his future. Samardzija University, and finally, 26 students yourself, ‘is this what I want to do for 17
the rest of my life.’ If any students find themselves struggling to make a final decision on what college you wish to attend or if you even want to attend a college at all or getting a head start on college applications or decisions, it’s important to remember to find a career path you want to pursue for the rest of your life and is something you enjoy. If you haven’t applied to any colleges or universities, Hattendorf says, “For those who haven’t even applied to any colleges yet, it is not too late for many schools, you can apply to private schools, Christian schools, and of course community college.” Don’t feel left out if you haven’t applied anywhere at all, Hattendorf said, “Don’t feel like you missed the boat. I encourage you to still do your research, look at what schools and when their admissions and applications deadlines are and get on it.”
and during emergencies, and to teach others skills that they will need in the future.” New experiences and new people coming into your life could be nerve-wracking or exciting for different individuals. While many of our seniors are excited to meet new people, study in the subject they are passionate about, or excited just to be attending a college or university of their first choice, the memories of highschool and of their old friends will forever hold a special place in all of our seniors hearts. Even the Alumni of Loma Linda Academy treasure their memories of highschool. Kailey Gianni (‘19) is attending Laguna College of Art and Design and is in her second year majoring in animations with hopes to work for big corporations such as dreamworks. Gianni says, “College might throw you in for a loop, so prepare for that! It’ll get a little tough but it’s fun!” Kailey decided her major after finding her passion for the arts in high school. There are also other individuals such as Angelo Alverico (‘20). Alverico is currently in his first year at Crafton Hills College and majoring in Kinesiology in hopes of becoming a physical therapist. Alverico says, “So far, college is really interesting, to say the least. It’s just like high school but with more work and stress.” Aaron Mitchell (‘20) is attending Riverside Community College and is hoping to become a zoologist in his near future. Mitchell gives advice to incoming college freshmans, “Take it As seniors ponder what their college seriously, stay determined and focused life will be, they have some hopes but at the same time balance it out.” and some goals entering into college. As many seniors, including David Lazo-Rivera (12) hopes to learn Wagner, are preparing to move on new skills that will help him in the to the next chapter of their life, they future in his real and work life. Lazo- provide advice to those who are still Rivera says, “I’m looking forward to wondering what they should do being able to lead in any situation, for college, career, and their future. learn to communicate with anyone Wagner’s advice to the underclassmen 18
“College might throw you in for a loop, so prepare for that! It’ll get a little tough but it’s fun!” - Kailey Gainni
is, “Check with a counselor and make sure they have taken all the required classes for the colleges they want to apply to, check for scholarships at any school they are remotely interested in, and to do campus tours if they are able to!” Smardzija says, “Spend serious amounts of time dedicating yourself to learning everything you can about the schools you’re applying to, because your level of interest in the school will be reflected in your essays. Spend as much time as you can refining your essays and making sure they paint a good picture of your life and tell a story that’s interesting to read.” LazoRivera says, “Make sure that u think about what u want to be and if you’re sure that’s what u wanna do your whole life, and find a college that u are gonna be ok with and that you are familiar with.”
“I’m looking forward to being able to lead in any situation.” - David Lazo-Rivera As the class of 2021 concludes their highschool journey in just a few short weeks, we prepare to say our goodbye as we see the senior class leave for college. Many seniors prepare for the next chapter of their lives, transitioning from child to adulthood. Taking the next steps to what will be the future of all our seniors. Enjoy the last few weeks until it’s time to say goodbye to what we knew for so long and though the seniors didn’t have a typical senior year; memories have been made. Make the most of senior year and get excited for college. Photo provided by: Luka Samardizja
June Birthdays Natalia Drachenberg 2 Eric Liao 3 Nathan Ro 3 Amelia Souw 3 Sibonginkosi Ncube 4 Abigail Andrews 8 Jarron Mangunsong 8 Charles Amoateng 10 Alexander Tello 10 Emma Paden 10 Keoni Pang 10 Iman Haq 11 Nikki Bravo 13 Kaleb Gomez 13 Clarissa Tching 16 Zane Rice 19 Kira DeLeon 20 Diti Shah 21
Graphics by: Melissa Gomez
June Birthdays Luka Palitang 21 Aiden Velez 21 Matthew Arretche 22 Elizabeth Baldwin 22 Abigail Tching 22 Ayanna Cooper 23 Yumin Joe 23 Morgan Walls 23 Noah Wang 23 Carina Gutierrez 24 Landon Culberhouse 25 Haoyang Song 26 Emma Constanzo 27 Alexandria Falvo 28 Cody Regester 28 Brody Blanchard 29 Jacob Kelly 29 Benjamin Chun 30