Volume LVII, Issue 3
15325 East Los Robles Avenue, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
December 2019
Gretta Thunberg
Rallies With LA Youth By Elias Robles
Photo By Rebecca Rangel
Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swedish activist, left her mark on California on November 1, joining teenagers in a rally to fight climate change at Los Angeles City Hall. The event featured a march and speech from Thunberg to bring awareness to the severity of global warming, which is heavily affected by California’s oil-extraction industry. L.A. Youth Climate Strike worked with Thunberg to bring this rally to life, attracting a crowd of about 3,000 people, from adults to teens, all protesting for a change. This event is only a small factor of the global protest Thunberg has led.
Continued on page 4
Steve Magallanez celebrated for his 15 years of service at LAHS. Overall, he has worked for 20 years in HLPUSD. The surprise celebration included a diploma from his dream school.
Honorary Diploma Given To Magallanez By Rebecca Rangel
Soon to retire custodian, Steve Magallanez, was awarded an honorary diploma from Los Altos,the school of his dreams, on Dec. 2. Administration had three surprises lined up for Magallanez. The first surprise was the event. He was called into the Hacienda to clean, but instead found a room full of people there to celebrate him and his time with the Conquer family. The second surprise consisted of Magallanez immediate family came out of another room to support him on his day. Magallanez’s last surprise was earning an honorary diploma, from Los Altos. Principal Jeffrey Hess spoke of how Magallanez had always wished he had been able to graduate from this school.
Hess and Tina Banes, secretary, worked together along with the district to get the diploma. Hess and other lead custodian Ignacio “Nacho” Molinar spoke fondly of Magallanez. Recalling how invested Magallanez always was in the sports teams at the school, his son and daughter also carry their father with the highest regards. They lovingly described their father and how proud they are of him. John Magallanez said, “My father has been helping people all around him. People now know him as one of the most generous people in the world ,whether it’s cooking for the barbeques with family and friends, or being an usher at his church, or helping a neighbor with some heavy lifting, people know he is always there to lend a helping hand and I think he puts smiles on a lot of people’s faces.” The Magallanez children are proud of their father and everything he does for them along
with his community involvement. Madelane Magallanez said, “He makes a good impression on those around him. A lot of places I go to people recognize me as ‘Steve’s daughter’ and then proceed to tell me how much they love him. At the little surprise the school had for him, everyone told me how much they’ll miss him and how great he is. It makes me so proud that he’s my dad.” Magallanez has impacted the lives of many people around him and is children conveyed how much he has served both his family and friends. John Magallanez said, “I’m really glad he’s being recognized because I feel like a lot of people don’t know how hard he works just because he wants to serve and help out others. So, I’m proud and thankful that he is getting recognized by the school for his countless hours taking care of it in order to provide for our family.”
Conqueror Discovery Center Created to Help Students Succeed By Kimberly Gonzalez As lunch starts, students come swarming into G-3, awaited by a counselor eager to help them out with any questions, while the bright, welcoming colors give a sense of motivation for those students future. Towards the middle of Nov., the school will finally have a room to help students with questions about after high school, The Conqueror Discovery Center room. Senior Anahí Arellano said, “I believe that it would benefit the students because it would give them the chance to ask any questions about college.”
Continued on page 5
By Rebecca Rangel On Thursday Nov. 21 authors Mary Ting and Liana Gardner sat before a crowd of students that buzzed with anticipation. Many in the audience have never experienced a book signing: the event in the Hacienda was both exciting and new. The authors bravely shared personal experiences along with snippets of their books.
She related to students about the rough drafts and countless revisions that go into her stories and the work students do as well in their own academic writing process. After Ting spoke, Liana Gardner, author of 7th Grade Revolution and Speak No Evil, talked about her journey and struggles she experiences with her characters and writing.
Continued on page 4
Photo by Ismael Torres
Barnes and Noble Hosts Book Signing For Authors Mary Ting & Liana Gardner
Former HLPUSD teacher turned author, Mary Ting, spoke to students about her writing expeirience. Barnes and Noble held a book fair where Tings’s Helix series was sold. A portion of the sales were donated to the Media Center.
2
December 2019
LA FOCUS
the-conqueror.org
Mission Statement The 2019-2020 Journalism team strives to provide the school and the comunity with reliable and factual information that encourages thoughful coversations and discourse. On this diverse campus, we hope to report and respect the various viewpoints of all members of our community. We believe this to be an imperative role, as the students of Los Altos are to be future leaders and deserve to be informed. We hold this duty with the utmost respect and responsibility and view ourselves as representatives of our campus.
Staff Editors-In-Chief: Lucy Argaez Danielle Porras
Student Journalists: Adrian Banuelos Clarissa Banuelos Natalie Contreras David Galaviz Kimberly Gonzalez Stacey Medina Rebecca Rangel Lorena Rivas Elias Robles Ismael Torres
Contributing Graphic Designer: Andrwo Kodous
Adviser:
Adriana Guzman
Media & Contact For even more content including up-to-date articles and videos visit our website: The-conqueror.org For any comments, questions, ideas, or concerns contact us through our email: 2019lahsjournalism@gmail.com Journalism proudly contributes to LA Conqueror Athletics: @LAConqAthletics Losaltosathletics.org
Salcedo helps a student figure out the steps to solve a problem in his math book durring ISI.
Salcedo Felizmente Vuelve A La Sala De Clases Lorena Rivas Después de una dura batalla la maestra Salcedo está de vuelta en los salones enseñando matemáticas. La maestra Salcedo dijo, ”Me siento feliz y emocionada de volver porque me hace sentir que todo ha vuelto a la normalidad .Aunque todavía estaré unos días fuera por la cita con el médico de mi hijo.” Gracias al regreso de la maestra Salcedo muchos estudiantes ahora entienden mejor la matemáticas dado a que antes habían muchas preguntas y dudas acerca de las lecciones de las cuales solo la maestra Salcedo pudo responder en su regreso.
Salcedo writes the steps to solving an equation as a part of the lesson. Salcedo uses both handwritten exapnles and projected problems from the book. Ariana Castro dijo, ”Siento que todos están contentos de que ella haya vuelto ,nos alegra que ella y su familia se están recuperando.” Salcedo una persona muy valiente y excelente con mucha disciplina dejó en claro con los alumnos que al entrar a su salón los celulares debían de estar apagados , ya que es irrespetuoso no estar poniendo atención mientras ella está enseñando una lección. La maestra Salcedo dijo, “Me encanta enseñar y estoy de feliz de volver a hacer lo que me gusta hacer.” Sin duda alguna se podría decir que la maestra es muy responsable con las reglas lo cual ayuda a los estudiantes a ser más maduros y actuar con más responsabilidad.
Writers Workshop Helps Guide Students With Writing By Natalie Contreras Students struggle while typing rapidly, trying to perfect their first draft as much as they can before turning in their essays the next day. In order to solve this problem, a Writers Workshop tutoring has now been created by Junior Raven Vejar to help students with writing assignments. Vejar said, “I feel that a lot of students struggling with English writing assignments don’t really know how to find the necessary help in class or feel comfortable when revising with classmates. The goal of the Writers Workshop is to
strengthen students writing skills.” By implementing the workshop, improvement for styles of writing and more one on one tutoring. Vejar said, “By having a Writers Workshop the goal is to create a safe, stress-free environment where students are able to ask for help freely by other peers” In order to volunteer to help students with writing, interested students may sign up with Barbra Crowther in G5. Junior Jordan Tovar said, “ I have definitely felt like I need help on papers, I just never knew where to get it. A
new tutoring system should help because it allows personal help for writing strategies and more.” During the tutoring session, students will be divided by grade level and meetings will be more helpful when essays are due Vejar said, “I’ve been trying to get this tutoring in motion since the beginning of the school year, but there have been many complications. The Workshop will open in December and the more students who sign up is how many peer editors there will be.”
A&E
November 2019
the-conqueror.org
3
Middle Schools Throughout District Perform Alongside LAEU
Photo by Ismael Torres
Middle School Band Play Enthusiastically Aside LAHS Band.
Middle schoolers from Fairgrove Academy, Orange Grove, and Sierra Vista all came to the Pink Out football game on Friday, October 25. For many, this was their first experience playing on a football field. The students were able to gain experience through meeting new people and going through a small taste of what high school band is like. Fairgrove Academy band director Sarah Rodriguez said, “Middle school band night is a night where band students from nearby middle schools combine together with the high school band students to experience what high school is all about. The students from the high school introduce themselves to the middle school students and explain and show the students what they do in high school band. All the stu-
Alyssa Bourbon, Jueliza Mainit, and Carmen Li perform together for their audience.
Footloose Showcased After Months of Immense Effort By Stacey Medina The audience watched in awe as the curtains slowly rose and dancers burst into song and choreography. Spirits were lifted and worries forgotten as the audience enjoyed the first show. Monday the 18 was the premier of the musical Footloose at the Hacienda Heights Community Center. Senior Gizel Mainit played one of the lead roles of Ari-
el, a girl who struggles with obeying her father’s strict and unjust rules. Her role consisted of multiple solos, one of which was called “Hero”. Mainit says, “I’ve been in P.C. since freshman year, and all of the singing practice has helped me feel more prepared for Footloose. I was also in Grease, but my further experience has led me to be able to conquer this role.” Sophomore Zachary Del
Rosario played the starring role of the musical, Ren, a boy who is new to the school and struggled with following the unfamiliar anti-dancing laws. Del Rosario said, “This was my first time being in a musical and it was a really unique experience. Initially it was difficult to adjust to such different standards of performance levels, but I was able to adapt really quickly.”
dents get to mingle with one another and get to know each other.” The marching band performers from Fairgrove Academy spent the beginning part of their rehearsal time practicing for the performance every day during the week leading up to their performance. Saxophone section leader Jessica Rangel said, “I went home and practiced the songs. I learned them quickly so I could teach them and make sure my whole section knew the songs.” This experience was one that required preparation and effort. But, for the students, it was all worth it. It even brought forth a few potential future band members. “We’ve never played on a field like that before. It was fun and different. The game and performance made me want to join the band next year at Los Altos,” said Rangel.
The game is an exciting new encounter for students. It’s also a chance for students to get a feel of what their high school time will be like. As well as an opportunity for recruitment. “The middle school students get to hear what years of practice and experience sounds like, and will hopefully motivate and encourage the students to attend that school and join band. Also, this is a great way for the high school to recruit middle school students to join and be a part of the program. This is also an event that the middle school band instructors encourage their students to attend...As a middle school director, it is very important for me to continue to collaborate with the high school directors to ensure our students have a smooth transition from middle to high school and will be informed about what the high school has to offer,” said Rodriguez.
By Kimberly Gonzalez
very brave in doing this and I hope they realize that they're a lot stronger than they think they are.” Not only do students applaud the brave poets but also show their appreciation of the understanding audience that always seem to hold an open heart and mind. “The audience contributes as well because it's like a whole crowd of people supporting the writers, but at the same time, the writers are helping the audience by showing them they are not alone.” Said Montiel. Rise up Poetry Night will continue to allow and help students gain the confidence to receive help through an open circle of understanding people. Junior Melanie De La Torre said, “It’s a safe space. Poetry is an art form . Writing itself is like art . We all express through different ways & words . Poetry night unites the students with a type of bond.”
Brave Conquerors Express Themselves Through Poetry
Between laughs and heart full smiles, bright lights and attentive audience, a student takes in a deep breath of confidence as they hear their name, stepping onto the welcoming stage, ready to express themselves through their poetry full of emotion. On October 15, poetry club and advisor Mr. Contreras set up the annual event, Rise Up Poetry Night, in the hacienda from 6 to 8 pm, allowing students to express their emotions through poetry without the fear of judgment. Students experience new thoughts, memories, feelings, and more personal things that may be going on at school or home that may help them or others through a difficult time where they don’t need to feel alone. Junior Alexa Montiel said, “The event helped students emotionally, sharing poems helps people by getting things off their chest. The students that shared were
Photo by Ismael Torres
Photo by Rebecca Rangel
By Rebecca Rangel
Nicholas Ross reads out emotions to welcoming crowd.
4
December 2019
NEWS
the-conqueror.org
Barnes and Noble Host Book Signing Ting said, “It’s like writing an essay, you don’t just write it one time and there you go, you’re done. There’s the first rough draft,” she continued and reflected, “I’m going to have to go back and I’m going to have to figure out, ‘Did I say this twice? Does everything flow? Does it all match what I’m saying? Is my timeline right?’ There’s just a lot of details that readers don’t see that is put into a novel.” The former Los Molinos Elementary School teacher related to the students in the room about the struggles of writing. As well as all the time and effort it takes to write any style of writing. Ting also discussed the challenges of growing up as an Asian immigrant and being a second language learner. She conveyed her growth as a person, having been a shy young girl and blossoming into a well published author. “Me, as an Asian person I felt like, when I was younger I didn’t know that I could do a lot of things, more because of the color of my skin to tell you the truth. And then there were times when I was a little bit timid to go out and meet other people because... I was born in a generation where we were mocked down; people and kids made fun of me, I talked funny or whatever because I came when I was young, but I didn’t know how to speak English when I went to school. And growing up you didn’t see a lot of people of the same culture you could look up to.”
Phtoto by Lorena Rivas
Continued from Page 1
The ofrenda at the DDLM Celebration filled with a collection of photos and objects used to remember love ones who have passed away. The ofrenda commemorates family members, friends, and even celebrities. The objects left on the altar are there as an offering.
DDLM Celebrates Loved Ones By David Galaviz
Dia de los Muertos is more than skeletons and food. The Latin tradition is believed to be a day where the living world and spirit world blend together. The Spanish Honor Society held a Day Of The Dead event to celebrate and show respect for family and friends that have passed. Students prepared various decorations ranging from colored calaveras to handmade paper spanish medallions for the Hacienda. Sophmore Fernanda Mireles said,
“It’s more of being respectful and enjoying the presence of our family, rather than partying and dressing up.” The Spanish Honor Society members gathered many pictures and items to show on display at the event. Students were encouraged to send pictures of late family members to be shown. Mireles and other people like Olivia Mora agree with pictures or objects to remember loved ones displayed as a key part of the tradition. “I think the event is important because it remembers those who have passed away,” Mora said.
People were able to enjoy student performances. Such as a Baile Folklorico and listen to the “Mariachi La Lupita”. With such a large event to plan, the Spanish Honor Society and Spanish Department take about one month to prepare. The event has so many intricate parts that it can require more time and patience, and the night was able to raise money from drinks, and face paintings. “Bringing the students, teachers, and parents together in the end to make the event a success.” said Erindira Andrade.
Continued from page 1 Thunberg began organizing school strikes back in August 2018, where she would sit in front of the Swedish Parliament, holding a sign stating “School Strike for the climate.” Students all around the globe were encouraged by her activism to do the same, leading to the “Fridays for Future” movement. “The fact that she’s so young and so aware makes her able to draw in the audience she has built and have an overall bigger impact, especially with kids our age.”Sophomore AP Environmental Science student Glitzel Gonzalez said. Thunberg’s speech at the L.A. Youth Climate rally pointed out how the recent wildfires in California are proof of the climate crisis the world is facing, showing how policy changes are needed. Her powerful presence was one that empowered the
crowds to further their beliefs and protest in order to make a major difference. “I feel like the youth today are very cynical and feel disempowered by institutions and don’t know where to put their energy, or how to put it into action.” English Teacher Shalom Montgomery said. Thunberg believes teenagers are not heard by their governments but will be the ones most affected in the future. Her involvement in these environmental issues have raised awareness. Youth was a major focus of the event. The speeches and marches reminded society to take care of the enviornment. “Kids our age are limited to this information she discusses, so seeing someone her age or the same age as us and protesting makes us want to get involved.” said Gonzalez. Approximately 1,000 protestors rallying together to impose change at the L.A. Youth Climate Strike. The posters demanding change floating on top of the crowd.
Photo by Shalom Montgomery
Greta Thunberg Rallies Alongside L.A. Youth Climate Strike
FEATURE
December 2019
the-conqueror.org
5
Young Painter uses imagination to create a “Paint Night” Masterpiece.
College and Career Center Returns Continued from Page 1 Not to mention, the colorful walls and welcoming space will intrigue students to become more focused in approaching their future. Like students, the staff is also excited to open new ideas and options to students that will lead them to positive futures. Counselor Lorenzo DeBellis said, “The Conqueror Discovery Center (CDC) will benefit students in a variety of ways. First and foremost, we want the center to be a welcoming space for all students to simply explore and obtain practical college and career information.” The main focus will be to help students expand their options and have more post-secondary options that do not have to necessary be going directly to common ones such as college. In order to do this, the school will be having professional guest speakers from several different fields with the goal of introducing more options to students. “We want every student to know that the CDC is a hub on campus that highlights and values ALL career options, from a cosmetology certificate program to a welding apprenticeship, from bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering to a doctorate in medicine, and so on and so on, and everything in between.” Said DeBellis.
was being with my friends and taking a break from school work to do something peaceful,” said Isabela Santiago Rubio. Rubio enjoyed painting with her friends and being able to paint something that she was happy making and wasn’t getting graded on neatness or execution. “I liked that I could experiment with the paints and be able to do what I wanted to do… I’m definitely am coming back”, said Rubio. Sophomore Vanessa Sanchez described the night as fun and more than she expected. Sanchez loved how easy it was to follow along and be able to add her own ideas into the painting. “After getting the essential things like the background and a simple mansion. Adding things like the old tree or graveyard was even more fun. Comparing my pumpkins to the ones my friends made us laugh,” said Sanchez. After adding their last ghost and drying their paint-
Photo by
Photo by Rebecca Rangel
As people walked into the class, they were directed to one of the many seats that were prepared with a blank
canvas, brushes, and other tools that would be need for their painting. Artist Kimberley Gonzalez coached the students as they followed step by step. “What made the event fun
Senior Kimberly Gonzalez leads the aint night event n a personal art experince.
ings. Everyone hung up their aprons and took their new masterpiece home to show their family. Already making plans for the next “Paint Night”.
“The event was amazing and so much fun. I loved making something creative I could take home and show off.” said Sanchez.
Art Students Murals Inspire, Motivate By Kimberly Gonzalez You feel the bright colors and words creating a sense of inspiration as you enter the College Career Center, motivated by the further artwork throughout school to continue working hard for your future. The feeling of constant learning and creative mind blocks are no longer a thing as student artists create artwork that will motivate students in future years. Senior Vanessa Carmona said, “I feel like it will push others to make the school a better place because that’s what art is all about, spreading positivity and happiness.” Senior and AP artist Ericka Cortez has already been painting a mural for about six months and continues to put in more artwork by painting another mural for the new and incoming College Career Center. Her main goal in creating these wonderful pieces of art is to further motivate, not only students now, but future Conquerors. Cortez said, “I think my murals and artwork will impact students to continue to want to express the significance of art and to overall
Photo by Genesis Barajas
By David Galaviz
Rebecca Rangel
Guided Paint Night Encourages Student Creativity
Kimberly Gonzalez painting inspiring murals to be enjoyed by the many students on campus.
create more artwork.” The murals will be painted throughout the campus with inspiring work of arts using words such as ‘explore.’ And currently there are five in progress with artists Vanessa Carmona, Ericka Cortez, Kimberly Gonzalez, and Gabriela Roldon with the goal to make the school a more appeasing and colorful masterpiece. Carmona is excited and thankful that she is allowed to be doing this for her school, Cortez said, “I’m happy that we’re allowed or share out art work with the rest of the school because many don’t really understand how art can change a person’s perspective on certain things and how it can help our imaginations grow.” Several murals will continue to be made, and despite the consuming hours that it will take to make them will be worth it as the future for our school will be to motivate students to explore and expand their possibilities. “Knowing it is going to stay for a long time makes me feel extremely proud because I know that I’m leaving a part of me on this campus that will hopefully put a smile on someone’s face for the years to come.”
6
December 2019
OP-ED
the-conqueror.org
Photo by Ken Komaromi
Assistant Principal Sheds Light On Vaping Facts & Myth Sophomore students sat in the Hacienda during their English period, confused after being ushered away from their classes on Monday Oct. 29. They sat noisily, not knowing what was to come. Assistant Principal Danny Hong patiently waited for them to calm down, then spoke chilling facts to the unsuspecting crowd. Hong exposed statistics surrounding vape and vape users, that teens generally do not know before they make the choice to vape. He shed light on a topic generally kept in the dark by vape companies. Sophomore Caprice Romero said, “I felt that it was good to know about vaping and what it can do to your body. It was scary to know the statistics about vaping.” For many students, this was hard to hear. Whether students vape or not, most know someone who does. Romero said, “The story of the young teenager really got to me and I’m glad she was able to finally realize what she was doing and how she was able to
Photo By David Galaviz
By Rebecca Rangel
start a campaign to stop vaping which went viral.” Hearing about a true story and how quickly something that seems harmless can spiral out of control and become a life-threatening ordeal is terrifying. Sophomore Oscar Rocha said, “The information he [Hong] told us was new to me. But, the statistics aren’t really shocking to me because the kids these generations are known to make bad decisions.” These statistics are new and frightening, but at the same time, they are nowhere near being unbelievable. Many view the youth as be-
Los Altos Conquerors working together to make a heart for the #SpreadKindnessChallenge.
ing prone to making harmful choices which makes the situation much more believable. However, Rocha does believe further action should be taken to lessen the chances of vape use and further harm. Rocha said, “My personal opinion on vape is that it should be banned from being sold in stores since teens are getting a hold of it.” Hong disclosed facts about an issue that has plagued many high school lives. He made students understand the dangers of vaping through using relatable true stories and cold hard facts. Hong brought the dark side of vaping into light.
Students Accept “Spread Kindness Challenge” By Elias Robles Nearly 100 students gathered early on Monday, November 18 to form a giant heart in the middle of the football field as a part of the “Spread Kindness Challenge.” The students gathered at the stadium at 8 in the morning before school dressed in white to take a picture used to promote the “Spread Kindness Challenge”, as challenged by Schurr High school. Schurr High School recently began its “Spread Love” campaign, used to spread awareness towards all aspects of negativity affecting
schools everywhere, including bullying and gun violence. At a time where schools can be filled with negativity and fear, small steps like these to spread love are greatly needed. With the recent Saugus High School shooting, the importance of unity and a feeling of love among students on campus is one that can help even in the smallest of ways. Schurr’s Renaissance challenged all schools to join their campaign by simply taking a photo of students uniting to form a heart, posting it, and challenging other schools to do the same with their student bodies.
Old Apple Product Update Cause Financial Burden on Consumers Old Iphones and Ipads must be updated by November 3rd at 12 am, or else the apple devices will not be able to connect to the internet any longer. Apple released an ios software update to all older iphone and ipad users to reset GPS location every 19 years. Junior William Gomez said, “When I heard that I had to update my Iphone 5, or else I won’t be able to connect to wifi anymore, I was super afraid that if I did not update my phone, I would not ever be able to use it again. As soon I was notified to update my iphone, I immediately updated it, because I did not want to forget to update it, and never have wifi use again.” If the older apple products aren’t updated, new softwarews will not be uploaded onto the devices, because those products still have data from back then. Gomez also said, “My phone also had started to become slower and it was hard for my
Photo by 9TO5Mac
By Adrian Banuelos
phone to connect to the wifi. I personally think that apple does this, to force people to buy the new apple products out right now. Even with the new update, my phone has become slower, meaning I have to buy a new phone.” As new apple products come out, new apple software
will come out, resulting in people having to update. Senior Nicholas Gonzalez said, “I had to update my old ipad mini, or else it wouldn’t be able to connect to the internet anymore. All of the older apple products just need to be updated because they are beginning to
become outdated, because there are so many new apple products coming out now.” Apple wants customers to be purchasing new products constantly, so they are going to slow down older products, for you to buy the newest ones. Gonzalez also said, “Apple is constantly advancing,
and coming out with the latest and newest products. I feel that as each new product comes out, the older product becomes left in the past, and it almost seems if apple leaves out the older apple products, to put more attention on the new products.”
December 2019
SPORTS
the-conqueror.org
7
La Serna Lancers Pierce Through A Winning Streak By Lucy Argaez Friday night lights beaming, the cold
Photos by Ismael Torres
were
air enveloped the teams on the field. The players got into their positions and the whistle blew signaling the start of Game two CIF, which took place on November 15. Game two determined the CIF ranking of each team; it also determined the championship winners
Photo by Rebecca Rangel
for this season. The final score was 28-14, with the La Serna Lancers taking the win. Highlights from the game include two downs made by wide receiver Rene Zaldivar in the first and fourth quarters. Zaldivar took the ball back and completed a 76-yard run, which gave the team a score of 21-7 in the first quarter.
Angelica Arroyo said, “In my opinion Soleil and Tiana are really good leaders. They always give us advice and help us whenever we need help and treat everyone with respect.” The co-captains believe the most important thing is not to stand out individually, it is to stand out as a team.
Friendship Remains Strong Through Ups & Downs
and
Phoyo by Brayan Larios
La
In the fourth quarter Zaldivar was passed the ball again had a 61-yard run which changed the score to 21-14. La Serna Lancers made a final touchdown leaving the score 28-14, Serna won the championship game and moved on to division 6 CIF.
In an effort to score another touchdown, Zecheriah Rodriguez makes a run for the end zone while defense comes at him.
By Lorena Rivas Co-Captains Soleil Espinoza and Tiana Trevizo both lead the cheerleading team with positive energy, always helping to improve and advance as a team. Their friendship began before being on the team and it has flourished into a strong bond. Espinoza said, “It was before I was on the cheerleading team that I met Tiana through a friend, at first being on the cheerleading team we didn’t talk much but eventually we started building a friendship.” Espinoza and Trevizo students do their best to make the team more unified and more responsible. Espinoza and Trevizo often notice if anyone on the team has a hard time helping and
making the team progress. Espinoza said, “I think Tiana is a good co-captain and she helps me balance the team in general. When there are difficulties in the team we talk about possible solutions. When cheerleaders have problems learning some routine, Tiana and I review the routine with them and ask where they are having problems so we can do everything possible to help them.” “ Although football season is over, Espinoza and Trevizo motivate cheerleaders to continue practicing now that cheer competitions will begin soon. The friendship between Espinoza and Trevizo encourages cheerleaders to collaborate in team efforts. Soleil Espinoza said, “Now that the competitions are coming we will constantly press the team to commit and work hard to achieve our goal.”
8
December 2019
SPORTS
the-conqueror.org
By Lorena Rivas Soleil y Tiana las dos dirigen al equipo de animadoras con energía positiva, siempre ayudando a mejorar y avanzar como equipo. Su amistad que comenzó antes de estar en el equipo ha florecido y se ha hecho un lazo de amistad más fuerte. Espinoza dijo,”Fue antes de estar en el equipo de animadoras que conocí a Tiana a través de un amigo, al principio estando en el equipo de animadoras no hablábamos mucho pero con el tiempo comenzamos a construir una amistad.” Espinoza y Trevizo es-
tudiantes de último año hacen su mejor esfuerzo para que el equipo sea más fuerte y responsable. En el equipo de lo más importante no es destacar de forma individual, es destacar como equipo. Es por eso que Espinoza y Trevizo están al pendiente de ver si alguien en el equipo tiene dificultades para asi ayudar y hacer progresar al equipo. Espinoza dijo,”Tiana es una buena capitana porque me ayuda a equilibrar mucho al equipo. Cuando hay dificultades en el equipo hablamos de posibles soluciones.” Cuando el público observa a las animadoras hacer movimientos se podría decir
Photo by Rebecca Rangel
En las altas y bajas la amistad de Espinoza y Trevizo Motiva un Equipo
Espinoza y Trevizo hacen todo lo posible para motivar a la multitud de “Conqueror Crazy” durante el juego de fútbol Americano. que a simple vista sus movimientos son fáciles, pero que se vean fáciles significa que ellas pasaron por un gran tiempo practicando y esforzándose para lograr todos los movimientos .
Ya que la temporada de fútbol Americano ha terminado, aún así Espinoza y Trevizo muestran responsabilidad y motivan a las animadoras a seguir practicando más ahora que el equipo de anima-
doras tendrá competencias. Espinoza dijo,”Ahora que vienen las competencias vamos a presionar constantemente al equipo para que se comprometa y trabaje duro para alcanzar nuestro objetivo.”
Caballero y Diaz: La Amistad que Salio de La Cancha By Brayan Larios
tad al equipo es compromiso, unión, humildad y contagiar el mismo objetivo que es llegar lejos en el torneo. El objetivo individual y personal de Caballero, es mejorar su capacidad física, para estar a nivel de competir. Caballero explico que era muy importante para el mejorar en lo personal para después lograr mejorar como equipo.
Photo by Brayan Larios
Eber Caballero y Luis Díaz jugadores de Varsity del equipo de Soccer de Los Altos High School, tienen una Amistad ejemplar adentro y fuera del campo ya que se complementan el uno al otro. Ellos sienten una gran responsabilidad por el equi-
po, Caballero dijo “Que el compromiso con el equipo es muy grande, que para él representa un orgullo portar la playera del equipo. Por otro lado, Diaz dijo, “Que él está comprometido con aportar muchas anotaciones (goles) y poner lo mejor de su parte para que el equipo funcione colectivamente”. Caballero y Diaz dijeron que lo que aportan con su amis-
Caballero y Diaz se paran orgullosomente juntos,antes de practican sus tecnicas.
Caballero dijo “Primero hay que empezar el cambio por nosotros mismos, no podemos cambiar a los demás sin empezar por uno mismo”, él nos comentó que está muy contento y además confiado, por el plantel de jugadores que tienen en el equipo, también dijo que él está agradecido con el coach Javier por su forma de trabajar al equipo, nos comenta que es un gran coach y que le tiene aprecio al igual al coach Armando. Por ultimo Eber nos hizo saber que él está comprometido con la portería, que el a toda costa defenderá el arco, dice que él No está dispuesto a fallarles a sus compañeros. Diaz dijo, “Yo estoy de acuerdo con Eber y mi objetivo es realizar la mayor cantidad de goles posibles, porque ese es mi trabajo como delantero, así como Eber es portero y sabemos que hará todo lo posible
para que no le marquen gol.” Diaz comentó que estaba muy contento y emocionado por jugar. Como buenos amigos salen a entrenar fuera de escuela y se preparan fuertemente, salen a comer, a visitar amigos juntos frecuentemente y ellos como amigos tienen un objetivo que es: hacer más fuerte la convivencia en el grupo, unir al equipo, tratar de ser amistad y hermandad con todos los jugadores. Caballero y Diaz dicen que, si logran eso, podrán conseguir muchos logros juntos y llegar al sueño de todos que es llegar al CIF y lograr el Campeonato. Ellos son considerados una amistad ejemplar ya que ven mucho por el equipo y sus compañeros y sabemos que lo pueden lograr muchas cosas juntos no solo como amigos si no como un equipo.
By Adrian Banuelos Seniors Marco Lopez and George Gonzalez are 2 varsity players that are practically inseparable, because they have been best friends since Middle School at Orange Grove. Marco Lopez said, “George and I are basically the same exact person, because we both like playing baseball for highschool and for travel ball. George has actually helped me overall in life and in baseball. He is the one who has made me such a better pitcher than before in the past.” Both Gonzalez and Lopez play on the varsity team, and as well as play for the West Covina Braves outside of school,
primarily for more practice. Lopez also said, “I am with George everyday during school and, when it comes down to baseball because we are both pitchers that are always practicing with each other. This is because in baseball whatever position you are, you tend to stay with the same position players as you. I am always trying to motivate George, when he is not having a good pitching day, and does the same for me when I am not at my best. We show each other the fundamental steps again, and tell each other to just breathe and to slow down and relax.” Gonzalez and Lopez plan on applying to the same University together after high school, and to continue to play
baseball at the college level. George Gonzalez said, “Marco has been my best friend for a very long time now, and he is someone that I could go to, to talk to him about how my life is going. He is a friend that I could always trust, and that he would never turn his back on me.” Marco and George became best friends because they both like the same things, such as playing baseball, and like getting good grades in school. Gonzalez also said, “We are getting closer to the end of pre season, and so far we have put up a good fight with all the teams we have faced. My goal for Marco and I is to be the best pitchers on the team, for both travel ball and highschool.”
Photo By Danielle Porras
Baseball Friends Can’t Be Separated
Lopez and Gonzalez push each other while they do drills that will help advance their skill.