The Pride II.iii

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

ST. PIUS X - ST. MATTHIAS ACADEMY

ISSUE 3

The First  PMA Student  Newspaper VOLUME 2: ISSUE 3

FALL PLAY A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT DREAM

GOOGLE FIELD TRIP CLIK VISITS GOOGLE OFFICES IN L.A.

SENIORS AND COLLEGE ADVICE FROM SENIORS

THE PRIDE HAPPY THANKSGIVING, WARRIORS! Before we get into the season of giving and receiving, it’s time to to reflect on what we already have in the season of thanks. Many of us have our own Thanksgiving traditions that we celebrate with family, and some of you may not have any specific traditions. Everyone spends Thanksgiving differently. For example, freshman Arianna Villegas, celebrates with both sides of her family by eating a combination of Mexican, Asian, and American food since she is half Mexican and half Filipino. Sophomore Denia Ramos spends The 2015-2016 Journalism Class Thanksgiving by buying all the ingredients for dinner, cooking the food, and then watching a movie with her entire family. “I go to my mom's best friend's house and have a big feast with friends and family. There is always a wide variety of food and there's always plenty of leftovers to take home” shared senior, Jasmeen Santos. Food plays a big part in this holiday. Sophomore Josephine Armendariz celebrates by cooking food. However she is a vegan, meaning she does not eat meat, eggs, dairy, and honey. While everyone else enjoys turkey or ham, she would much rather eat vegan mashed potatoes or vegetables. Not all stay home and have a food baby. “This year I'll be spending Thanksgiving at Disneyland.” shared sophomore Natalia Garcia. We are all so lucky to be alive and healthy, yet we become distracted by all the trivial things in our lives. Thanksgiving gives us a chance to let others know that we are thankful for them, whether it is your mom, dad, siblings, cousins, or friends. This Thanksgiving, if you celebrate it or not, let someone know that you are thankful for them. It doesn't matter if you have never told them before. Let them know how much they mean to you. by Lexi Hernandez, Class of 2018 QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, IDEAS? EMAIL: NEWSPAPER@PIUSMATTHIAS.ORG

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

FALL PLAY This year's fall play was a reconstructed high school production of Shakespeare's comedy, A Midsummer's Night Dream. In this version, set in ancient Greece, the plot consisted of two parallel stories: Lysander and Hermia are in love. However, Hermia has already been promised in marriage to Demetrius by her mother, Egea. Drama truly first started with Shakespeare!Senior Deana Murphy played the mischievous fairy Puck. “I have waited for so long for this type of role. And the fact that my last play is Shakespeare, of all the plays that I’ve done, it’s completely surreal. I’m very happy that Ms. Ronquillo allowed me this opportunity to be Puck. It’s such a fitting character for my last year here”. This was sophomore Anthony Guevara's first year acting in the fall play. When asked how he felt about the play, he responded with, “The overall feeling was panic .Desperate panic. But I figured it out.” The play was put on by the Fine Arts department headed by Mrs. Lozano with the help of Ms. Farren Ronquillo. The play was shown from November 21-22 to supportive family and friends. by Josie Armendariz, class of 2018 and Pictures by Kayla Maldonado and Miriam Villareal, class of 2019

ISSUE 3

MUSIC REVIEW

Miguel Miguel Jontel Pimentel, better known as Miguel, is an artist that I admire. I recently went to his concert in September where he performed his new album “Wildheart”. That’s when I decided I would consider him as one of my all time favorite music artists. In the middle of his show, he gave the audience a speech. In all honesty, I didn’t want to hear him give a speech, I just wanted to hear him sing. He started out his speech by saying how we should all follow our dreams. As Miguel said, “A “wild heart” is someone who is free-spirited and lives with passion without needing the approval of others.” He went on to tell us a story of when he was still in school. He was taking a standardized test and had to pick one race that he wanted to go by. Since he is part Mexican and part African American, he decided to put a check next to the box that said “other”. Miguel said that he’s always had a hard time being mixed. People were telling him how he should just show his Mexican side, or just his African American side but never both. Him putting a check by “other” was not a sign of uncertainty, but a chance for him to break out of society’s boundaries and be okay with being mixed. He didn’t want to be contained and defined by just one thing, he is a wild heart, and he told us to not let anything stop us from being wild hearts. He made us promise, that we would always be “other”, and that we would all stay “wild hearts” and not let anything stop us. At that moment, I knew Miguel was not a singer obsessed with the fame like other artists, he actually cared about his fans enough to open up with us and teach us a little life lesson. The music he creates paints a story for all to read. His story shows us that he’s not about money and glamour. He’s about living passionately and unrestrained, and he’ll always be a wild heart by Nicole Biley, Class of 2016

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

ISSUE 3

SPORTS

ATHLETE FEATURE Julissa Jimenez

This event was made possible for the soccer girls by Mr. Flores and the Kiwins. Natalia Garcia (10th grade) spearheaded the event on behalf of PMA students. She raised over $250.00 for the Special Olympics. It was a great opportunity for Christian Service and sports to unite. by Ms. Washington, Girls’ Varsity Soccer Coach

Boys Varsity Basketball: Harold Jones  Boys Varsity Soccer: Moises Delgado  Assistant Soccer Coach:

Sophomore, Julissa Jimenez, is an up and coming student athlete. She has played an array of sports from basketball to soccer to softball. She considers herself a student athlete because she has play more sports than most. To Julissa, softball is life, even though she just started playing this year. “When the ball is in air and you’re outfield, and you catch it you get that feeling. That feeling is indescribable and nothing can compare to it.“ She loves how competitive softball can get. Another thing she likes about softball is how their coach Mr. Enriquez always pushes his players’ limits. If she wasn’t playing sports, she would be sitting at home studying and watching TV, but would feel empty. Playing sports fulfills Julissa. One of her favorite sports memories revolves around basketball. She participated in the basketball team “Dream”. Her team was in 4th place against another team “Sky”. Other opponents were saying that “Dream” wouldn’t win against them because they were only in 4th place. To everyone’s surprise, not only did “Dream” beat “Sky” but they moved up to 2nd place! Julissa gets nervous when stepping onto any sports field because she’s afraid she might mess up, but she says, “You just gotta go out there and do you”.   by Nicole Biley, class of 2016

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

ISSUE 3

SENIORS GET READY FOR COLLEGE College Apps November is not only the month of Thanksgiving, but it is when most college applications open up! This is a very bittersweet time for Seniors. The thought of going off to college next year is exciting, but the process of getting there does take a lot of time and effort. I asked some seniors if the thought of going off to college has hit them yet. Jasmine Loaiza said, “Actually it hasn't hit me because I've been concentrating on trying to get into college and getting accepted that I haven’t really taken the time to think about the thought of going off to college.” Forever and Always. High school is the time and place where you create unforgettable memories in 4 years that will last a lifetime. I asked several seniors what they were going to miss the most about high school. Every single one of these girls said the same thing: my friends. The Class of 2016 has a very special bond that makes the thought of college very emotional. Jasmine Loaiza stated, “ I feel that I’ve built a strong bond with many of the girls in my class and just having that environment as sisters will be something I wouldn’t forget about because I’m not going to get that experience again.” Keeping Track. Yes, it is senior year and the idea of going on more adventures and making more memories with your friends is very tempting. Although, the actual college application needs to be completed in order for you to actually attend where you want to go! A great way to stay on top of college applications is to keep track of them. Rosemary Hernandez said, “I’m tracking my apps on my computer in my calendar and have certain dates set aside to work on them.” Isabella Guerrero did an amazing job of putting college and her future before anything; she already finished and submitted all of her college applications! Stress Relievers. All of this college talk does lead to one thing that is very common amongst almost all students: stress. There are plenty of things you can do if you are stressed. I asked some of the seniors what they do to handle their stress. Rosemary Hernandez puts on her headphones and blasts her music, or she sleeps. She said, “Sleep is wonderful and amazing.” Maryliz Serrano and Giovanna Barreto both encourage themselves to calm down, which is a very great stress-relieving technique. Helpful Tips. I asked the seniors what tips they had for the future seniors applying next year and these are the responses I received: Priscilla Cruz: Don’t wait until the last minute, and apply to as many colleges as you want because if you don’t try you’ll never know  Jasmine Loaiza: When people lecture you about how grades should be number one in all your priorities, they really mean it and are trying to help you. Grades are key so do your work, go to tutoring, do whatever it takes because it pays off at the end.  Isabella Guerrero: Get your college apps done earlier than what they ask, get all your personal statements and records in hand when applying and just go with what feels right.  Rosemary Hernandez: Start working on your personal statements, don’t wait.    by Jasmeen Santos, Class of 2016

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

CLIK MEMBERS VISIT GOOGLE LA

On Thursday, November 19, 23 CLIK members with Mrs. Zozaya and Ms. Nicdao visited the Google LA offices in Venice. Thanks to our Advisory Board member Oscar Menjivar and Urban TXT we were able to have an all access look into the facilities and the life of a software engineer.  Club Presidents: Anthony Guevara and Natalia I. Garcia (class of 2018)

STUDENTS VISIT THE BROAD MUSEUM

ISSUE 3

LEGACIES

Elizabeth Morgan is part of the class of 2019. Elizabeth’s mom, Carly Sheronne Fernando, attended Pius X High School and graduated in 1981. Her mom was involved in Glee club, Pep club, and Cross Country. Elizabeth is now in Cooking club, Anime club, and Soccer. Elizabeth’s uncle, Rodney Fernando, a cross country and track and field runner was also in the graduating class of 1975. Elizabeth said, “I am proud to follow in their footsteps and also a little scared of meeting up to my and their expectations, but I also know they will be proud of me either way.” She is proud to be part of the PMA community.

On Sunday, November 22nd, students went to the Broad Museum with the Art Club. Arianna Villegas, Marisol Garcia, Deborah Rocha, Darren Penuliar, Erika Rivas, Gabriela Macias, Cici Van, Benjamin Ponce, Fernando Rodriguez, Fatima Vazquez, and Ms. Arreola. Students went to explore the beautiful art displayed at the Broad Museum in Los Angeles such as Andy Warhol. The museum was filled with modern and contemporary art. I learned that small pieces of art, such as scribbles on a page, could be seen as something brilliant to another person. by Arianna Villegas, class of 2019 Erika Martinez is part of the class of 2018. Her mom attended St. Matthias High School and graduated in 1992. Erika is now a part of Yearbook and Art club, inheriting her mom’s artistic abilities. Her mom has influenced her to do many things in her life. She says, “I’m glad that get the opportunity to follow in her footsteps. I know how much she loved her high school experience, and I know how much she wants for me to have one just as amazing.”

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

ISSUE 3

CSF CLEANS UP THE BEACH The California Scholarship Federation is an organization that honors outstanding high school students. The CSF officers are Leididayana Huerta - President, Jasmeen Santos - Vice president, Alejandra Rodriguez - Secretary, and Marisol Garcia - Treasurer. On Sunday, November 15, PMA’s CSF cleaned up Seal Beach as their service project for this semester. The members that participated are: Abraham Andrade, Alejandra Rodriguez, Fernando Rodriguez, Jasmeen Santos, Lexi Hernandez, and Marisol Garcia. Their moderator, Mrs. Mixer, took time out of her weekend to go to the beach with these students and watch after them. It was a very cold afternoon, but these students still put on gloves and picked up a trash bag to collect the waste on the beach. They had a really fun time playing on the sand, taking pictures, climbing the rocks, and watching the sunset together. This community service project was a great way for the CSF members to bond while giving back. Participating in beach clean-ups or any other community service project is something that everyone can do. Let’s all try our best to give back to our community just like CSF did! by Jasmeen Santos, Class of 2016

Christian Hernandez is part of the class of 2018. Both Christian’s mom and dad, class of 1986 and 1985 attended Pius X High School. However, his parents weren’t the only people that attended the high school from his family. Christian’s mom was a quiet and studious student, whereas his dad was a very social person in high school. Because his mom motivated him to participate in different activities, he did them. His mom always envisioned him being in a Catholic school so that he could obtain his Catholic education. Christian was given the choice of what high school to attend. He said, “Although I am attending the same high school they attended, I don’t necessarily feel that I am following in their footsteps. My parents are allowing me to express myself as an individual.” He said he would hope that someday the legacy will continue, and his children could attend PMA as well by Arianna Villegas, class of 2019

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

ISSUE 3

TEACHER  FEATURE

NERDING OUT WITH NATALIA Show time! It’s officially fall which means so many shows are returning or premiering. Many favorites have returned for a new season while many new shows are making their debut and catching people’s interest. Let’s talk about a few. Ever wonder how Batman actually became Batman? If the answer is yes, Gotham is the show for you. Season 2 of the show premiered September 21st and this season is centered around the villains. This season, titled ‘Rise of the Villains’, takes place a few months after the finale of the first season and shows all the changes and their effects on the gritty city of Gotham. Definitely the show to watch if you love the Batman universe or even if you’re interested in getting to know it.

Mr. Flores

Like DC but don’t really care for the origin story of Batman? You’re in luck. Arrow and The Flash have new seasons out now. Arrow season 4, centered around Oliver Queen otherwise known as the Green Arrow in comics, premiered on October 7 on the CW. It was even announced that there would be a crossover episode with the show Constantine. Season 2 of The Flash came out just one day before Arrow. This season is definitely going to be interesting as there will be mentions of other heroes fans are sure to love.

Of course, we can’t forget the show which is going on it’s 11th season. Supernatural recently returned to the CW. This season is definitely keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The show was the most talked about show according to polls which means they're definitely doing something right. If you're into things that are not natural, be sure to check it out.

The teacher of the month award went to Mr. Flores! He is a great teacher who connects very well with his students. He knows how to keep his classes interesting and exciting. He came to PMA as a teacher from Bosco Tech, which is his alma mater. Mr. Flores has a really funny sense of humor, yet he could be so serious. Mr. Flores s t a rt e d t h e y e a r t e a c h i n g freshmen and sophomore Theology. He was later asked to teach Government for the seniors. Mr. Flores used to teach Government for about three years when he was teaching in New York. An interesting fact about him is that he loves to travel! He has traveled to about 27 countries, a majority in Europe and some in Africa. He also has a dog named Athena. Thank You for all of your hard work and dedication to our school Mr. Flores.

None of these suit your interests? Don't worry, there are plenty more coming out in winter and spring so keep your eyes open.

by Jasmeen Santos  Class of 2016

Looking for a new DC show? Supergirl premiered October 26 on CBS. The series revolves around Kara Zor-El, cousin of Superman, who has to flee to Earth as a young girl. Now an adult, Zara has to juggle a job, keeping her identity a secret, and fighting crime all at once.   Like superheros but not really into DC? Fear not. Marvel’s Jessica Jones premiered on Netflix. The show is going to be in the same universe as Daredevil and will be all about how Jessica’s efforts to control and use her powers. Popular comic character Luke Cage will even be in the show. Another popular show from Marvel is Agents of Shield. Season 3 recently began and is definitely keeping fans on their toes.    Not into superheros? How do you feel about zombies? AMC’s The Walking Dead was renewed for season 6 and now even has a spinoff show called Fear the Walking Dead that premiered in August. Season 6 of The Walking Dead has already begun and fans have shown a number of emotions about some of the recent episodes. Though the show can be gory, it is definitely for you if you want to know what to do if the zombie apocalypse happens. Fear the Walking Dead, which premiered in August, is a prequel to The Walking Dead centered in Los Angeles where the origins of the show’s world are revealed. If you've ever wondered how the zombie apocalypse might start, you're in luck.

by Natalia I. Garcia, class of 2018

NOVEMBER 25, 2015

ISSUE 3

WARRIORS GIVE THANKS

Scan these pictures with the Aurasma app and listen to what Angel, Ashley, Ivan, Jasmine, and Jorge are thankful for.     Aurasma: Follow PMA Tech to see these Aurasmas

I wanted to put this together for the upcoming Thanksgiving. Most people don’t have a lot of chances to say thank you, and sometimes forget. Now it is healthy to think of just yourself since this is your life and you need to take control of it, but this is the perfect time to talk to those really important in your life. Thanksgiving was originally celebrated to celebrate the Pilgrims arrival and the Native Americans extremely selflessness, and generosity to help them with their new settlement. Nowadays it is most celebrated by being thankful for what you have. We all have things in our lives that mean a lot to us something that has been their and made us better as a result, it can be an object or a person. If it was an object just think who gave it to you and think of who much they thought of giving it to you because they care for you and knew it would help. That was what I wanted to try and capture in the Aurasmas. Today to Thanksgiving think about what you are Thankful for and make sure you share it to the people in your life.   by Valentino Orihuela, Class of 2019