73/05 Senior Edition June 10, 2021

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Volume LXXIII Edition V

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“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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June 10, 2021

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The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 2

The Cougar Press Staff

Katie Medina Riley Ramirez Managing Editors

Yasmin Myers Print Editor

Anna Guerra Online Editor

Caroline Marsden Greta Pankratz Media Editors

Peyton Redmond Assistant Editor

Avery Cameron Staffer

Alex Hernandez News Lead

Alexis Mendoza Staffer

Rowan Muñoz Staffer

Sophia Nacu Staffer

Savanna Nustad Sports Lead

Samuel Plasch Staffer

Jack Schatzman Arts & Entertainment Lead

Elise Sisk Staffer

Livia Vertucci Staffer

Logan Wilkov Staffer

Jocelyn Wood Features & Opinion Lead

About the artist

Letter from the senior Editors

Thank you all for the support and positive contributions that you have sent our way throughout the school year. It is your continued support that motivates us to publish our stories at your viewing leisure.

Photo from: Ben Pace Guest writer Ben Pace

My name is Ben Pace and I’m a senior at VHS. I’ve been doing art since it rubbed off on me from my dad when I was really young and I was always so stoked to do it with him. I never really saw my potential until COVID-19. That’s when I had time to just be at home and let my mind be free and express it in my art.

My art is a reflection of my mind and the life I grew up living. Whether I’m thinking of a rad perspective of a wave, something in nature, a trippy idea, thought, or vision that I want to come to life in front of me.

I grew up going outdoors all the time with my family; surfing and swimming, hiking and exploring. I’ve always loved everything out in the wild and made it a huge part of me. It’s my life!

I have a lot of visionary art in my work because I’m always so curious about the patterns in nature, consciousness, awareness and the higher states of mind that nobody seems to talk about enough.

My overall message and goal with my art is to stoke people out on the real stuff in life and even make them wonder about the things that they might not have even thought about yet.

We are all capable of so much and our minds have lots of power!

@benpace.art on Instagram

Over the years of our high school experience, we’ve dealt with many hardships; a pandemic, natural disasters, and the loss of loved ones to name a few. But at the end of the day, the strength of our community shone through the darkest of times.

We couldn’t be more grateful for our community’s understanding of the importance of the free press. We take great pride in being VHS’s outlet to amplify student’s voices.

This school year, a great majority of the Editorial Board will be graduating and setting off to continue our individual endeavors. Rest assured, we leave with great confidence in knowing that the prolonged legacy we and others prior built will not be lost.

The Cougar Press could always use an extra set of hands to tell the abundance of stories waiting to be shared.

We encourage you all to stop by anytime and get involved.

The door to Room 105 is always open.

Hugs and kisses xx, Yasmin, Katie, Riley, Anna and Peyton The Editorial Board

Mission Statement

The Cougar Press is a student-run, community forum of Ventura High School and the surrounding community.

As a publication, we strive to fairly report on the issues and happenings that occur throughout our school and community. We encourage involvement from our readers, as support from our community only improves the quality of our reporting. We can be contacted at thecougarpressvhs@gmail.com

Staff letters to the Class of ‘21

Photo by: Logan Wilkov Christian Gallo Dear Senior Class of 2021,

Beginning in March of 2020, all of our lives would be changed. Socially, academically and economically. Change, with a little bit of fear of the unknown, was, and is, in the air. As you grow into young adults and eventually into adulthood, you’ll begin to understand that the changes and challenges that life brings are, whether we like them or not, the things that we can count on to always be with us on this journey.

The true test of character is

how you face these challenges, embrace them, deal with them, and ultimately grow from them.

It’s not easy, but it’s a necessary part of the human condition.

Growth. Life will return to normal one day and you will look back on this time of your life that, in retrospect, was a little crazy and filled with challenges that you, your friends, and your family endured. Certainly, I will do the same. Rest assured, there will also be triumphs and times of joy.

Although we all didn’t get to know each other and learn from each other as much as I, or perhaps you, would have liked, I have confidence that the class of 2021 will move forward with the lessons learned from these last couple of years and enjoy great success. I wish you the best of luck and happiness in your future endeavors, truly.

Mr. Gallo

Margaret Sellers

Class of 2021:

I love you. To those of you I know, I hope I remembered to tell you every time I saw you. To those I haven’t met, I’m telling you now. I love you. You are hope. You are light. You are joy. You are wonderfully weird and unique and odd in all the right ways. You are smart and creative and funny. You are our everything.

Thank you for sharing these years with us. It’s been an honor: To think with you. To read and write with you. To talk and dream with you. To listen to you. To learn and laugh and cry and process life with you.

But now you’re off into the world. It gives me cheesy Hallmark tears; I’m just so excited! At the tail end of a rough go, we’re about to get a darn fine dose of goodness joining the adulting ranks. Thank goodness.

We need your light, your creativity, your quirkiness, your hope. We need your questions, your enlightened perspectives, your demands that we do better. And please, stay you—even (especially) when we push back.

We need YOU.

This is the poem I read to my students every year, and post over our bookshelves, and frame by our door. Maybe, hopefully, I read it to you. If not, here it is, my dream for you:

Sébastien DeClerck

Seniors,

It has been a privilege to teach you.

Despite media reports of a world gone wrong and despite the historical struggles of your four high school years, you represent a fortunate generation in a fortunate time. You still live in the most prosperous country on the planet. You still reap the benefits of a free, public education and classrooms filled with teachers who can pretty much teach you what they want.

Whether or not you believe it now, I assure you that that liberty has enriched your experience at Ventura High. As you enter the world as adults, you are charged with protecting the prosperity, the liberty, and the opportunity that Stefoni Rossiter

Dear Seniors,

I’ve been a teacher for 25 years, and I can honestly say that I have never encountered a group like you. Life teaches us many lessons, if we are willing to learn. Through the significant challenges you have faced, you have been offered extraordinary circumstances (in many painful ways) to grow and thrive. I know it has not always felt like it was an opportunity, and this past year has been so very difficult for us all, but I KNOW IN MY HEART that the lessons you have learned about the preciousness of life will stay with you forever.

I, too, have learned a lot about myself; we all have. Some of those things I have learned, I’m

To You

By Langston Hughes To sit and dream, to sit and read, To sit and learn about the world Outside our world of here and now— Our problem world— To dream of vast horizons of the soul Through dreams made whole, Unfettered, free—help me!

All you who are dreamers too, Help me to make our world anew.

I reach out my dreams to you.

Photo by: Alexis Mendoza Jay Locher Dear Seniors,

Over the past eighteen months, the world has shown you its terrifying capacity for horror, suffering, fear, hate, falsehoods, indifference, and division.

However, simultaneously, the world has also demonstrated its inspiring ability for beauty, healing, trust, love, truth, compassion, and unity.

As you mature and continue your journey into the future, your life’s path will be

Photo by: Logan Wilkov Erin Jones

Photo by: Logan Wilkov

have been made available to you over the course of the last twelve years.

It has been a pleasure to teach you. Though you have smiled and you have laughed a lot, you have not been fooled.

You know that the world is a difficult and sad place and you have often encountered that darkness yourselves. You have often overcome it. Sometimes, your laughter and smiles were misinterpreted as a lack of seriousness in your approach

not particularly happy about, and you may feel the same way…... but guess what? We get to make changes about ourselves as we grow and learn. What a gift.

This school year, I have heard a common theme from my students, and especially from my seniors, and that is that they will no longer take simple pleasures and

Photo by: Logan Wilkov

privileges for granted. That lesson may be more important than anything else you have learned in your studies throughout your entire education.

We WILL move beyond this pandemic, and if you pay attention, you will find that although life is fragile, it is also beautiful, brutal, unfair, amazing, mind-blowingly unpredictable, ever changing, surprisingly simple and complex at the same time, and endless in its opportunities.

to your studies, a silly, youthful naïveté, a foolishness. But, despite your pleasure—or more likely because of it—you have learned and you have grown. In enjoying your time with us here, you have invited us to enjoy teaching you.

Thank you.

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to teach you and it has also been a challenge. By demanding of me that I prepare lessons that challenge you, by not permitting me to be mediocre in my teaching, and by pushing me to always provide you with more, you have caused me to think beyond myself and my realm, you have allowed me to come to new understandings and you have enriched my own personal exploration of who I am and my place in this world. Thank you.

Sébastien Paul DeClerck

The world needs all of us to move it forward and toward a tomorrow that we can be proud of.

To my production kids, I love you. I am blown away by your commitment, your courage, your creativity, and your absolute and complete dedication to our drama family. I have been amazed with your willingness to share your ideas, to bravely walk down new avenues of theater production, to hold my hand as I struggled to learn those new ways, and to support each other in ways we never imagined we would need to.

To my classroom seniors, it has been a pleasure to walk this path with you, whether I’ve known you for four years, or whether this was my first year with you and I might not really know what you look like because you didn’t turn your camera on.

I wish you ALL the best. Every exit is an entrance elsewhere….. Go make your big entrance! (And then come back and give me a big hug when it is safe.)

Love, Ms. Rossiter

Justin Weber

Dear Class of 2021,

Class of 2021,

shaped by how you understand and respond to the uncertainties and challenges posed by this dual reality in human nature and the human condition. Your character will be defined by where you choose to stand, what you choose to believe, and how you choose to act.

I believe in your potential to travel that journey successfully and to create moments of meaning, purpose, fulfillment, and service - for yourself and others. And I - and my colleagues - are here to support you in that endeavor. We are rooting for you because your progress and success will lift us all.

Congratulations on your perseverance through four challenging years of high school and upon your upcoming graduation! Thank you.

In the last year-anda-half of crazy times with fifty million different schedules, too many emails to count, and changes galore, there has been one constant—you, my students.

Despite everything, you have been wonderful—flexible, resilient, and kind.

Whether I had you as juniors in AP Lang or Seniors in ERWC, you showed up for Zoom meetings, AP Prep, writing conferences, and after-class chats.

We still had the chance to share weekend stories, sports victories, and college decisions. We have discussed cows, the pros and cons of an island civilization, and living in a bus in Alaska (you know, totally normal topics for an English class!). I have enjoyed your weekly book chats and having some of you back in my classroom!

I wish you all the best in life. As we discussed from Into the Wild, “Life is only real when shared,” and I am glad we had the chance to share a bit of our lives with one another over the past two years.

Take a deep breath. Take a moment to focus on the sights and the sounds. Look around… what do you see? Pause and take note, because you only get to graduate high school once, and your time is right now.

Peace, James R. Locher IV

Love, Mrs. Jones

Photo by: Alexis Mendoza

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 3

Photo by: Logan Wilkov

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know some of you, and I sincerely hope that I have been able to, at least, make you smile and, at most taught you something about our world. I have enjoyed our time together. I have indeed learned from you throughout our experience. And I plan to employ those lessons learnt in my own life, to make myself a better student, teacher, friend, and human. Thank you for your time.

Now you are off—onto the rest of your lives! How exciting!

Don’t waste a minute thinking

Photo by: Logan Wilkov

about how this year wasn’t what you had always thought it would be. Hopefully, you have learned by now that some things are simply just out of our control.

But, as you go forward, focus on what you can do, and what you can control. Make the most of your time. Recognize a unique opportunity, and take it! Know your own truth, and be prepared to examine it from time to time.

Listen to others. Find your extreme and rest in your balance.

I hope you find what you are looking for, and I hope that you find what you weren’t. Take your time, you are young, and there is plenty of life ahead. Slow down and have fun.

You have a lot to be grateful for. There is much to appreciate. See y’all around.

Welcome to the rest of your life.

Respectfully, J. Weber

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 4

Arts & Entertainment Recaps

Music ends the school year on a high note VHS seniors share their musical triumphs of the year.

Anna Guerra

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, what commenced as small, remote practice groups for the music department ended in a series of melodious concerts and even a collaborative music album. Because of hybrid learning, the various music classes couldn’t meet as a full orchestra until April. Instead, students opted to participate in chamber groups, which are small groups of musicians without the presence of a conductor.

pieces that we practiced in the chamber groups were performed at our concerts in the past week.

My favorite part of music this year has 100% been coming back to inperson rehearsal. I really missed the group dynamic, it’s been great working with everybody again.”

This year, the VHS Department of Music released an album, having never done so before, titled “Roots and Rhythms.” This album features recordings from the Spring Concert Series, various ensembles, solos and original compositions by student musicians.

Music department students prepared for the final concerts of the year beginning from the end of spring break. Photo from: Julienne Cormier

“The silver lining was definitely getting close with our groups and getting through this challenging pandemic,” said senior Talia Wilcox. “Many of these

“The album was something that we [had] been thinking about since the first semester, and having it come together has been a really cool

experience,” continued Wilcox.

“Each group recorded their chamber pieces, and as a full orchestra we recorded our concert repertoire to put on the album.”

“Personally I am in the saxophone chamber group pieces and also [all] of the ones played

by Honors Wind Ensemble,” said senior Riley Meagher. “There’s a really cool selection of music on it and I thought it was pretty awesome that former students created the album cover and helped with marketing. I hope that the department continues to make albums each year because I think it was a success!”

Having experienced mostly remote learning, this year’s students had the opportunity to expand their musical knowledge in more than one area. “Some of my favorite parts of music this year have been learning more about music history and the music industry while we were online,” added Meagher.

The VHS Department of Music also hosted a Spring Concert Series, the first in-person concert of the school year. The Strings and Percussion Concert took place in the VHS auditorium while the Wind Ensemble performed on the senior lawn.

Meagher concluded, “Playing at my last concert was a very bittersweet moment. I’d love to give a huge thank you to the music department and Mr. Hunt

Oops, Zoom did it again VHS Drama Department discusses the technical challenges faced with Zoom performances.

Riley Ramirez

Unlike years prior, the 2020-21 school year began entirely online in an effort to remain safe from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the VHS Drama Department continued to write plays and carry out traditions, beginning with “Zoomdunnit” in Jan., the spring musical “Quest for Quinonium” in April and ending the year with “The Toby’s,” their own annual awards ceremony for the drama/ theater department.

The department wasn’t able to put out a play following the initial school closure March 2020 and with budget costs in mind, the department was able to put out their first play of the year via Zoom. Due to financial reasons, drama students thought it would be best to write the play themselves to avoid the costs of purchasing one. “We had meetings for weeks before the show just brainstorming ideas for the play,” said senior Angie Flum, “We eventually settled on the idea of a murder mystery and the writers began mapping out the plot. It was written entirely

by Ramsey Dillon, Kylie Pence, Jaidyn Sellers and Chloe Wastell.”

Rehearsals were held online, where Flum soon learned the “Many real technical problems that made rehearsals difficult in a way we had never experienced before. It was extremely difficult re-learning everything we thought we knew about theater

“Quest for Quinonium” was the Drama Department’s spring musical that was set in the future in space. Photo from: Margaret Sellers for this new format, but it was design for “Zoomdunnit” was great practice for the musical to whatever the cast had available in come.” their homes.

The cast had to learn For both the play and to act without being able to see the musical this school year, the the audience and without any students connected to a third physical connection to their party provider that set up a website fellow cast members. “It was for VHS Theater, sold tickets and definitely an adjustment,” said streamed the shows to those senior Kylie Pence, “Usually who bought tickets. The spring drama is a very fun class where musical, “Quest for Quinonium,” you get really close with everyone was no different. With the success because you have a lot of time to from the fall play, the department talk and put yourself out there. I decided it was best to pursue the think Rossiter tried to keep that same online streaming service even over Zoom and really did the with the musical, which was once best she could.” Costumes and again completely written by VHS props were handled mainly by students Jack Zilles, Kylie Pence, Ms. Rossiter and the costumers Ryan Palmisano, Chloe Wastell, on set. They picked out each piece Mya Sherman and Ramsey Dillon. for the characters--if the actors Unlike the fall play, this was a didn’t already own them--and the musical, which meant that the cast picked up their costumes and music would have to be written brought them home. As for the by hand as well. All music was set, the VHS auditorium could composed and produced by Gage not be used at the time. The Burgi. The production of “Quest

“Creating the music album was mostly just recording it and then giving it to the professionals,” said senior Talia Wilcox. Photo from: Tess Luoma for being so amazing these past four to step up and make the changes years. Music is often the highlight in the department that you of my day and I am always so want to see,” finalized Wilcox.

“Leadership is such a big part of honored to be a part of one of the this department… I am really sad best high school wind ensembles!” to be leaving, the department has

“My advice to future provided such a home for me for seniors would be to not be afraid the past four years.”

The Wind Ensemble played at their outdoors spring concert series on May 20 in the Senior Quad. Photo from: Tess Luoma for Quinonium” was much more complicated, as it was set in a futuristic timeline in space.

“Almost every single character used a virtual background for the entirety of the show, because of this Ms. Rossitter bought green screens and ring lights for almost everyone in the cast. The stage-managers and Ms. Rossiter spent many meetings deciding on costumes and prop pieces and Ms. Rossiter spent many more hours customizing each costume for the cast,” said Flum, “The prop pieces that weren’t purchased were made by a group of volunteers in the cast that spent a lot of time putting each thing together by hand.

Makeup [and hair] was decided on by the stage managers and each individual cast member.”

The production included acapella versions of the songs that the singers would play, as they sang live each night. The cast members were also in control of their own sound effects, which is

something that differed from the traditional play where the sound crew was in control of all sound effects.

The shutdown last March took its toll on the department, and in its closure, halted the progress of students’ performances. “Last year, right before lockdown, I was really breaking out of my shell in the musical and the lack of exposure to performing was kind of destructive to my confidence in theatre. Thankfully, I am getting back into it now that I’m inperson and it’s really exciting,” said junior Alina Reitz. However, in spite of all this, the students in the drama department have gotten nothing but closer. Pence said, “Surprisingly, the cast got very close this year, which I was worried wouldn’t happen, but we had Snapchat group messages and lots of time online together.

We ended up becoming a little family just like how it’s been in [the past].”

The fall play “Zoomdunnit” was the first virtual play written and performed by the department students. Photo from: VHS Black and Gold

I bequeath...

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 5

Graphics by: Yasmin Myers Adeline DeLamar: The one stupid seagull to my sister. If he’s still alive Aidan Marquez: My goldfish to Dorian so he doesn’t get hungry at school Aislin Calderon: I bequeath my Utah acceptance letter to Jaylene Alexis Mendoza: I bequeath absolutely nothing Alyssa Onstott: The scripts to all of my favorite scenes I’ve done in drama to Quinn McMurtry: As well as my chemistry notes in case she ever ends up getting Ms. Sovich (in that case I’m sorry Quinn) Alyssa Henderson: Julia Jones and Avery Kightlinger my spot on the varsity soccer team

Devin Larsen: I bequeath Wyatt Mojo my gayness

Jesse Olivo Charco: Never listen to haters

Madeline Ramirez: Varsity cheer captain to Sam Carr

Rory Bruton: Nothing, they don’t deserve it

Devin McNulty: Do not procrastinate

Jessie Landeros: I bequeath my activism for LGBTQ+ rights

Melissa Flores: The breadillo to Simone and to future piccolo players

Russell Rodrigues: My series essay

Jisel Luna: The senior year experience to the new oncoming seniors

Meriah Torres: I bequeath my favorite pencil to Kayla Washington

Diego Alvarez Castrejon: I bequeath the weight room to the people who actually want to work out and not to the ones who sit in the corner by the yoga balls Dillon Brontsema: Tell freshman to enjoy high school Dominic Doud: MY parking permit

Joe Lowry: The blue chair in my Garage to Mick Lowry John Terrones: I bequeath someone to strive to be the best and face all their fears no matter the outcome

Emma Lisle: My unattainable swag to Justin Lisle

Jordan Wagoner: Become friends with your teachers, it’ll help you out a lot

Farbod Mohsenian: I bequeath my drip to Logan Bobis

Katie Medina: My dog Scout to literally anyone who will take him

Michael Giordano: The art of procrastination to Christopher Giordano Mya Conboy Rodríguez: I bequeath my school spirit to Ellie Anestos Nataly Ortega: I bequeath the senior year I didn’t have to those who are next Nevada Knowles: My varsity letter to my little brother :)

Anna Guerra: I bequeath my crippling anxiety disorder to the class of 2022

Bailey Malcolm: Being the teacher’s pet to Aivan Malcolm Benet Bouchard: Best dressed to Wyatt Mojo (keep it up) (From left to right) Juniors Emma Hoeffliger, Lizzy Rodriguez and senior Madeline Ramirez. Photo by: Felix Cortez

Charles Lively: My senioritis

Frances Kayser: My Mock Trial team captainship to Gabriel Ornelas: I pass on a gift of wisdom to you upcoming Seniors. Enjoy every minute as the year will go by in a flash

Kayden Kapp: I wish the best for everyone ! Thank you for the memories !!

Kylie Pence: My dump truck to Mya Sherman

Grace Mansfield: The jazz band to Kyler

Lauren Hansen: I bequeath my AP Euro exam score to Lushka

Christian Theobald: Knowledge

Gustavo Hinojosa: Kobe Hernandez

Leilani Grijalva: Take things one step at a time

Chyna Crowell: I bequeath money for food to Madi

Jackson Zilles: An unhealthy amount of McConnell’s ice cream to Lilia Duque

Liam Cameron: I bequeath my giant status to Tobias Raymond

Chloe Wastell: The bench, to the next nervous kid who just moved here

Connor Loughman: Academic Eligibility to Micheal Leighton Daniel Hrabak: Nothing get ur own drip David Johnson: I bequeath the Jazz Band to Kyler Shinn

Savannah Marsicek: To all the lowerclassmen: Please be kind to each other. You’re all going through similar things and odds are, the person you think doesn’t get it, actually does Sergio Sandoval: I bequeath the title of slowest mile time in the group to Juan Martinez

Sofia Mastroianni: I bequeath Wyatt Mojo the official account of @ niallstravels, Inman Costa I bequeath best hair to you and Alina Reitz I bequeath you my Depop clout. Love you guys so much <3

Ava Hall: Ms. Withers to Pitas and Clover Higgins

Cade Ledesma: My legacy to Ayden Triana

Samantha Hirschhorn: I bequeath Morgan Hirschhorn and Jillian Zollar Mine and Taylor Nichols shared junior year locker

Shantae Marie Williams: I bequeath my sedulous character to all those who have struggled in school because of their problems at home

Alyssia Troutman: Dancing to THE SONG every time it comes on to jjswagger

Breanna Burke: My truancy letters to Jennah Burke

Ryan Augusta: My clone of a brother who is now a freshman

Jaclyn Brodersen: The ability to (somehow) manage a ludicrous schedule to Emily Sehati <3 Jaylene Lozano: I bequeath my horrible taste in boys to anyone...literally anyone

Logan Wilkov: My lack of punctuality to Bailey Tanner Maddie Huot: I bequeath my hope that the rest of the classes will be able to experience VHS again before they graduate

Noah Johnson: Club Key Owen Bouwman: Mr. Cherrie was interested in one of my belt buckles. Which was a cougar.

Peyton Redmond: My overwhelming sex appeal to Wyatt Mojo, most athletic to Inman Costa, mermaid powers to Chelsea Ochoa, and senior captainship to Becca Locher. Best of luck to you all <3

Sydney Long: I bequeath the honors flute section to Kylie Cloutier, Simone Sykes, and Ella Strong Talia Wilcox: The Model UN team and being the coolest Jew on campus to Emily Sehati Tarah Martin: Enjoy your high school experience because it goes by so fast.

Participate in all the activities like football games and dances Taylor Sovich: My mermaid powers to Chelsea

Ramsey Dillon: My test answers

Tomas Mountcastle: XC Team Captainship to Mason Jekogian, he’s a little confused but he’s got the spirit

Riley Meagher: Wyatt my fat *ss and Inman my swag

Tyler Miller: My parking spot to JT

Riley Ramirez: McDonald’s management to Nathan Pennington

Yasmin Myers: My halfempty coffee drink to the Art Soup trash can

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 6

Graphic by: Miles Bennet

I’ve always had a crush on...

Graphic by: Yasmin Myers

Aidan Marquez: Coach Triana

Christian Theobald: Someone

Farbod Mohsenian: Sofia macaroni

Kylie Pence: Charlie Richard

Owen Bouwman: (Classified)

Aislin Calderon: The eye candy that drives the White Toyota Tacoma

Chyna Crowell: Someone at school

Frances Kayser: Joseph Campbell

Lauren Hansen: Emma Lisle

Peyton Redmond: Natalie Portman

Connor Loughman: Sydney Long

Gabriel Ornelas: Delaney

Leilani Grijalva: Myself

Grace Mansfield: My boyfriend David

Lena Alvarez: Carolyn Caulkins <3 ;)

Gustavo Hinojosa: Some girl

Liam Cameron: Madeleine Scheer

Jackson Zilles: Max Eulenhoefer

Logan Wilkov: Leeto

Alina Calamia: Señor Grall

Jaclyn Brodersen: Pans (and Otto)

Makayla Good: Mollee Green

Riley Ramirez: Katie Medina Rory Bruton: Natalie Portman Russell Rodrigues: Dominic Doud, Gregory (Ramsey) Dillon, Deagen Hendrix, Marcus Burdick

Jason Hepfer: The person reading this ;) Jaylene Lozano: Big Ed

Seniors Georgia Rowley and Dylan Nicodemus. Photo from: Georgia Rowley Alyssa Onstott: Jonathan Montejano, since I met him in the 6th grade. I know it sounds dumb, but I have loved him since the very beginning, and I wouldn’t change any of our memories together for the world Alyssa Henderson: Mr. Chamaa Anahí García: Myself

Daphne Bullock: Joseph Lopez David Johnson: My girlfriend, Grace Devin Larsen: Myself Devin McNulty: ...

Diego Alvarez Castrejon: Me, myself and I

Jesse Olivo Charco: Someone Jessie Landeros: Johnny Depp Jisel Luna: Benny Soliven John Terrones: To be honest I’ve never really had a serious crush on anyone.

I try to focus on myself and see what comes in the near future Julianna Jacobs-Vargas: Anna Guerra

Andres Gallegos: My soccer ball

Dominic Doud: RUSTY RODRIGUES, GREGORY (RAMSEY) DILLON, MARK

Katie Medina: Riley Ramirez

Angel Ramirez: Hector Alvarado

Emma Lisle: Breanna Bombshell Burke

Kayden Kapp: Vincent Esposito <3

Melissa Flores: Jacob Sommer

Shantae Marie Williams: Caleb Barajas

Meriah Torres: Myself

Angie Flum: Katie Medina

Michael Giordano: The Chair Model

Anna Guerra: Julianna Jacobs-Vargas

Naomi Quandt: Theo Warren

Ava Hall: Jack Sales Benet Bouchard: Mrs. Jones Breanna Burke: Emma “juicy a$$” Lisle Caleb Gilbert: Miranda Holguin Charles Lively: Lola bunny Chloe Wastell: Jim Morrison

Seniors Fernando Ochoa and Maddie Huot. Photo from: Maddie Huot Marileen Estrada: Ryan Augusta: Your mom Marileen Estrada cuz she’s super sexy and cool and Sergio Sandoval: Angel funny Ramirez

Seniors Marley Sapp and Lindsey McDermott. Photo from: Lindsey McDermott

Sofia Mastroianni: Mr. Weber Talia Wilcox: Captain America

Nataly Ortega: I’ve always had a crush on young Ian Somerhalder

Taylor Sovich: Tjm

Nevada Knowles: Noah Johnson

Tyler Miller: McEntryre...

Noah Johnson: Neri

Xavier, Terminello: Alice McCoy

Oliver Hernandez: Gustavo Hinojosa

Tomas Mountcastle: Tms

Yasmin Myers: Paul Rudd

Something I would tell my freshman self would be...

Adeline DeLamar: Colleges didn’t care about honors classes in your sophomore year, chill out Aidan Marquez: Take in every moment of high school

Chyna Crowell: Everyone will judge you no matter what you do so just do whatever you want Connor Loughman: Please do ur homework Daniel Hrabak: Get ur license

Aislin Calderon: Don’t wear tube tops ever again Alexis Mendoza: WHY WERE U SO ANNOYING Alina Calamia: Girl! Uncross your arms and put a smile on your face!

Alyssa Onstott: Remember that the bad times are just times that are bad. life can be unfair at times, but it isn’t a reason to give up on it. You got this. Just hang on, okay?

Alyssa Henderson: Don’t wear a ponytail every day to school Anahí García: Why are u so slow Andres Gallegos: Live ur freshman year then best my was the best ever Angel Ramirez: Do your work Angie Flum: I luv u <3 stay cool Anna Guerra: You had to be ugly then so you can be hot now Ava Hall: Go outside more Bailey Malcolm: You don’t have to try so hard, have some fun and mess around Breanna Burke: You don’t need to try so hard for community college

Daniela Contreras: You don’t need your biology textbook...

David Johnson: Senior year isn’t gonna be normal bud Devin Larsen: It only gets worse!

Devin McNulty: Get ready miss girl Diego Alvarez Castrejon: Do your damn work Dillon Brontsema: Don’t take it for granted Dominic Doud: U r going to meet someone called ramsey dillon. DO NOT engage with this individual. HE IS NOT HUMAN. HE IS AN INSTAGRAM BOT. (This is a joke, I am not bullying Ramsey Dillon. He is a great dear friend.

Actually, he told me NOT to write this. That showcases how good of friends we are. Not the beginning part, this parenthesis part. Thanks)

Jesse Olivo Charco: Don’t let someone bring you down Jesse Zapata: Get your stuff together and challenge yourself Jessie Landeros: Influence yourself, don’t let others make decisions for you Jisel Luna: everything is going to be worth it in the end.

Joe Lowry: Teachers want you to pass just ask for the help John Terrones: Something I would tell my freshman self would be that you’ve made it this far and to be proud of himself.

One chapter has come to an end and another one is only just getting started

Meriah Argueta: It’s okay to be scared of the future, just be yourself and try your best!

Meriah Torres: Take the sat’s junior year instead of senior year!

Mia Monsour: Your future you is gonna hate you if you keep on procrastinating

Samantha Hirschhorn: Something I would tell my freshman self would be please set your alarm earlier Savannah Marsicek: Think really hard about any big decision you make, so you don’t regret it later

Joselyn Espinoza González: Just focus on school Kayden Kapp: Throw the skinny jeans away

Naomi Quandt: You won’t get any taller

Kylie Pence: Girl

Nataly Ortega: Something I would tell my freshman self would be not to procrastinate, it does a lot of damage with time

Lauren Hansen: That’s literally not your shade Leilani Grijalva: Be yourself and know who will be by your side

Nevada Knowles: Loosen up a little bit, try not to take it so seriously:)

Frances Kayser: Don’t dye your hair black, you’re too pale for that

Liam Cameron: She’s way outta your league bro

Noah Johnson: BTC

Gabriel Ornelas: Take your time wisely. I believe in you

Logan Wilkov: Stop worrying and overthinking. Get on meds early

Caleb Gilbert: Keep grinding

Madeleine Scheer: Don’t “kick it” in the locker room

Cayden Chappell: Try things even when you don’t want to

Jaclyn Brodersen: To live, not just be alive

Madeline Ramirez: You’ll end up being best friends with rhino

Charles Lively: Get out more, join a sport

Jaidyn Sellers: An A- isn’t the end of the world

Makayla Good: It goes by faster than you think enjoy it will you can

Chloe Wastell: Shhhh

Jason Hepfer: Invest in Tesla stock Jaylene Lozano: Don’t wear skinny jeans. Ever

Salvador Guevara: To don’t be messing around

Shantae Marie Williams: To not worry so much about what other people think

Farbod Mohsenian: Don’t do drugs kid

Grace Mansfield: Always plan ahead

Sabrina Westrich: Get familiar with a computer, you’ll need it a lot your senior year

Mya Conboy Rodríguez: Don’t act stupid, or talk about my life lol

Jordan Wagoner: Don’t take German, it’s useless

Jackson Zilles: You don’t get much taller bud

Christian Theobald: Do your homework and don’t procrastinate

Melissa Flores: That online school is gonna suck a**

Ryan Augusta: Appreciate your true friends

Michael Giordano: Don’t try so hard

Jonathon Fleming: Get out while you can

Gustavo Hinojosa: Work Harder

Cade Ledesma: You only live once

Melissa Aguayo: Don’t date until senior year or at least no one from your school

Graphics by: Greta Pankratz

Sergio Sandoval: Do more! It’s easy to give up but taking a class twice isn’t wise. Push yourself because your success starts with you. Your future starts now!

Maddie Huot: Something I would tell my freshman self would be don’t stress about the little things and don’t be afraid to do things that scare you

Brian Genhart: Everything will be okay and stop being immature

Melisa Reyes: Do smarter decision, and focus on the brighter things life has for you in the future

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 7

Matthew Champagne: Cherish your time in Mrs. Blackwell’s class because you will never have an easy English class again

Oliver Hernandez: Echamos Peda?

Owen Bouwman: You’ll rap in front of an entire Track N Field team Peyton Redmond: Bestie I’m afraid to tell you this...

Ramsey Dillon: Do what you want to do, don’t do it for others Riley Meagher: Do your homework

Sofia Mastroianni: You shouldn’t care so much about what people think, because they aren’t really thinking about as much as you think they are!

Talia Wilcox: Stop crying Tarah Martin: Why did you put a mannequin head on for “Meme day”...SO CRINGE!!!

Taylor Sovich: Joining xc and track was such a good move Tomas Mountcastle: The perfect Trader Joe’s Pot Pie is microwaved for 12 minutes and 30 seconds. Additionally, leave the rice covered for 5 minutes after cooking to ensure optimal fluffiness. (Use garlic salt, no plain a** regular salt) Tyler Miller: There’ll be opportunities don’t worry

Riley Ramirez: Don’t worry you will get braces

Xavier Terminello: Keep being yourself -- don’t be defined by your morals but uphold them

Rory Bruton: Join more clubs

Yasmin Delgado: Keep it going

Russell Rodrigues: Don’t wear a fedora on the first day of school

Yasmin Myers: Don’t give your email to the College Board

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 8

Graphic by: Yasmin Myers

Aidan Marquez: When a bird pooped on my white football polo Aislin Calderon: El numero dos during a xc race Alexis Mendoza: Walking through a senior class while I was a freshman Alina Calamia: After taking a fat s**t I walked out and found a group of girls laughing and talking about how bad it smelt.

They proceeded to spray me with perfume. I’m not mad about it, this experience has shaped me into the person I am today Alyssa Henderson: Was sophomore year we were

My most embarrassing moment...

Connor Loughman: Anderson calling me out in front of everyone Daniela Contreras: Pretending to fall down the stairs and actually falling Devin Larsen: Crashing my car in the lot!

Devin McNulty: Participating in meme day freshman year Diego Alvarez Castrejon: Never had one Dillon Brontsema: Missing a layup in basketball Dominic Doud: Watching someone watching south park in Miller’s class Emma Lisle: Winter junior year

Photo by: The Cougar Press

doing a project thing in class and I slipped on the grass and fell really hard in front of my whole class Angel Ramirez: When Luis Peralta dropped me with his backpack sophomore year Angie Flum: Being super hot all the time Anna Guerra: Farbod telling I do not possess enough “drip” Ava Hall: Running track and the freshman lockers Bailey Malcolm: Singing in the locker room after track practice while someone was in there Breanna Burke: Sending a pic in the AP euro group chat with my coochie in it Cade Ledesma: Cheerleading for the powderpuff game Cayden Chappell: Walking into the wrong classroom Charles Lively: when I didn’t get the hint from one of my friends Chloe Wastell: I don’t know I blocked them all out Chyna Crowell: Messing up a cheer routine during a rally

Farbod Mohsenian: That one girl Frances Kayser: Slipping in the mud on the senior lawn while running to Mr. Locher’s room Gabriel Ornelas: My grandma found out I am batman Grace Mansfield: Tripping up the stairs to the band room Gustavo Hinojosa: Nothing Jackson Zilles: Locher telling me my fly was down Jaclyn Brodersen: Running into a glass door in front of 40+ people Jaidyn Sellers: Getting stuck between two cars in the parking lot, surrounded by a bunch of people trying to direct me out, then having Hailey send a video of the whole thing to the cheer group chat Jason Hepfer: Began at birth and is an ongoing occurrence Jaylene Lozano: Is my White Chicks moment in the school bathroom

Jesse Olivo Charco: Not asking a girl in person Jessie Landeros: Purchasing a book by Ogerestsu Tanaka and my card declined Jisel Luna: Was walking into class late sometimes and watching everyone stare at me Jocelyn Lee: When I had to go to the E.R. for having a tampon stuck inside of me Joe Lowry: Yacking in the lot during 6th John Terrones: Burning my cookies in beginners cooking class. I remember it like it was yesterday. Good thing only a few people were in class Jordan Wagoner: Slipping in mud in the senior lawn Julianna Jacobs-Vargas: Accidentally closing my panties in my locker and coming back the next day to find them hanging out for everyone to see xD Kylie Pence: Friday’s for the girls Lauren Hansen: All of sophomore year Leilani Grijalva: I’ve had a lot Liam Cameron: Ripping a fat one in class Logan Wilkov: Falling down the bleachers in the student section during a varsity volleyball game Maddie Huot: Getting really nervous during a presentation Madeleine Scheer: Dating my ex Madeline Ramirez: Walking up to the upper lot and having the wrestlers blasting and singing I love it

by Kanye West Makayla Good: My first race for track I threw up Marileen Estrada: From the second I first stepped foot on campus to the second I left Matthew Champagne: When we forgot it was going to be our group’s turn to present our Animal Farm presentation in Mr. Locher’s class and we had the whole thing written in Greek as a joke so we told him we hadn’t finished it yet

Melissa Flores: Getting pooped on by a seagull and it dripped from my forehead Meriah Argueta: When I thought someone was waving at me but turned out to be the person behind me they were trying to wave at Meriah Torres: The time I forgot my project at home when it was my day to present Mía Monsour: Probably shaking like crazy as I was presenting my word essay in AP Lang because all I had for breakfast was coffee Michael Giordano: I’d say probably at a concert when we (the low brass section) had a part of a piece where we had to play random notes to build tension but we weren’t in sync at all so it didn’t sound menacing or tense, just bad Mya Conboy Rodríguez: Losing my homecoming crown AFTER I won Naomi Quandt: All of the guys I’ve dated Nataly Ortega: Tap dancing right front and center without any emotion, having people notice, and confront me about it Nevada Knowles: Any school dance that I attended Noah Johnson: 4AM little house

Graphic by: Peyton Redmond

Riley Ramirez: When the civic scraped over the speed bumps every day Russell Rodrigues: I used the restrooms Ryan Augusta: Getting man handled by Luc LeVasseur Sabrina Westrich: Bleeding through my pants my first day of high school Samantha Hirschhorn: My most embarrassing moment was dropping my invisalign retainers on the floor of Pete’s and the waitress giving them back to me in front of my entire 10th grade English class Sergio Sandoval: Scoring a perfect zero after a night of studying Shantae Marie Williams: Air balling some shots during warm-up Sofia Mastroianni: Peeing my pants in Mr. Locher’s class during the parody videos Talia Wilcox: Watching the Locher parody video in public Tarah Martin: Walking around with a mannequin head-on and being posted on “Ventura High School Meme Page” on Instagram Taylor Sovich: The entirety of the parody video in 10th grade

Photo from: VHS Music Department

Oliver Hernandez: Saying 9/8ths Owen Bouwman: Raging out loud in class Peyton Redmond: Unknowingly sleeping with my camera on in Econ for a grand total of 10 minutes (sorry Gallo) Ramsey Dillon: Watching South Park in Mr. Miller’s class Riley Meagher: Barfing

Tomas Mountcastle: Picture this: It’s the day of the Animal Farm presentation for Locher’s class sophomore year. Our entire presentation is still translated into Greek and I’m on the verge of losing my B in the class Tyler Miller: Falling asleep on the wall next to the 50’s building Yasmin Myers: Running to journalism with Riley and having Sellers chew us out for being 3 minutes late

Adeline DeLamar: Grocery store parking lot, for a group project check-in Aidan Marquez: The kitchen

The weirdest place I’ve been during a Zoom is...

Devin Larsen: Only at my desk or it wouldn’t happen Devin McNulty: The gym bathroom

Joe Lowry: In my garage making the best of a short day.

Ha John Terrones: The weirdest place I’ve ever been during a Zoom is at home. I never expected to be at home for so long but we just have to cope with being at home and hope for the best Jonathon Fleming: On a bike ride

Photo by: Tess Luoma

Aislin Calderon: The shower Alexis Mendoza: Bathroom

Diego Alvarez Castrejon: No answer to this one because I just stayed in my room for Zoom classes

Alina Calamia: El baño Alyssa Onstott: The Taco Bell drive thru

Dillon Brontsema: Bathroom Dominic Doudin: My desk

Alyssa Henderson: Work Alyssia Troutman: In the shower

Jordan Wagoner: Waiting in line at a grocery store Joselyn Espinoza González: The mall

Angel Ramirez: The bathroom

Graphics by: Peyton Redmond

Madeleine Scheer: Walking

Owen Bouwman: In my

into work on zoom

messy bed

Madeline Ramirez: In the

Peyton Redmond: The toilet

shower Ramsey Dillon: In the Makayla Good: On the toilet

bathroom

Matthew Champagne: The

Riley Ramirez: McDonald’s

VHS swimming pool

bathroom stall

Melissa Aguayo: With cows

Rory Bruton: Your mom’s house

Melissa Flores: In a Dentist appointment

Russell Rodrigues: In shower

Meriah Argueta: When I

Ryan Augusta: At the wedge

went camping Salvador Guevara: My boss Meriah Torres: A trailer

house working

Joseph Lopez: My toilet

camping at Rincon

Katie Medina: In my grandma’s bathroom

Mia Monsour: Driving in my

The weirdest place I’ve ever

car

been during a Zoom is the

Samantha Hirschhorn:

Emma Lisle: Hobby Lobby

bathroom

Farbod Mohsenian: On a chairlift snowboarding

Sergio Sandoval: At a Kendrick Lamar concert. I was

Anahí García: Bathroom Andres Gallegos: Target buying a ps5

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 9

sleeping does that count?

Frances Kayser: The Starbucks drive-thru

Shantae Marie Williams: The bathroom

Gabriel Ornelas: Mexico Taco Shop

Shawn Danebrock: Riding

Grace Mansfield: The DMV

dirt bikes

Anna Guerra: Toning my hair in the shower whilst having a wee little tinkle

Gustavo Hinojosa: Bathroom

Sofia Mastroianni: On a ski

Bailey Malcolm: Costco

Jackson Zilles: In the ocean

lift

Photo from: Joe Lowry

Breanna Burke: A Vegas casino

Jaclyn Brodersen: In “the cloud”

Kayden Kapp: Working out w Alexis

Cayden Chappell: Bathroom

Jaylene Lozano: The bathroom

Kylie Pence: Catalina

Charles Lively: The bathroom

Jesse Olivo Charco: My bathroom Jesse Zapata: Dining room

Christian Theobald: In class Chyna Crowell: New Mexico Daphne Bullock: Driving David Johnson: Your moms house

Jessie Landeros: Covid vaccine waiting room Jisel Luna: On a 14 hour drive to Oregon Jocelyn Lee: The shower

parking lot Mya Conboy Rodríguez: I

Leilani Grijalva: My bed

Nataly Ortega: The weirdest

Utah Tomas Mountcastle: My

place I’ve ever been during a Zoom is at a dental office room

Logan Wilkov: In the shower Maddie Huot: The weirdest place I have ever been during Zoom is at work in the break room

Taylor Sovich: A pizza place in a random little town in

never went to classes

Liam Cameron: Massage therapy with Joseph Opolka

Francisco zoo

Michael Giordano: The Vons

Lauren Hansen: Dunkin

Chloe Wastell: My roof

Talia Wilcox: The San

Noah Johnson: Atlantis

orthodontist’s office Tyler Miller: Sh*tting Xavier Terminello: A basement in Wisconsin Yasmin Delgado: Store

Oliver Hernandez: Bathroom taking a fat dookie

Yasmin Myers: The shower :P

Senior Map

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 10

Aidan Marquez Alexander Dorsey Alexis Mendoza Alyssa Onstott Alyssa Henderson Angel Ramirez Brian Genhart Cara Morphis Charles Lively Chloe Wastell Christian Theobald Connor Loughman David Johnson Dominic Doud Farbod Mohsenian Jayden Chapman Jessie Landeros Jisel Luna Joe Lowry Jordan Wagoner Joselyn Gonzáles Katelyn Moon Katie Medina Kayden Kapp Leilani Grijalva Liliana Ramos Logan Wilkov Maddie Huot Melisa Reyes Melissa Aguayo Meriah Argueta Meriah Torres Naomi Quandt Natalie Wood Nataly Ortega Nevada Knowles Owen Bouwman Russel Rodrigues Ryan Augusta Savannah Marsicek Sergio Sandoval Shantae Williams Tarah Martin Yesenia Cruz

Alina Calamia Ava Hall Benet Bouchard Daphne Bullock Devin Larsen Emma Lisle Kylie Pence Lauren Hansen Peyton Redmond Riley Meagher

Devin McNulty John Terrones

Jesse Zapata

Lena Alvarez

Joseph Lopez

Grace Mansfield

Ramsey Dillon

Cade Ledesma

Cayden Chappell

Haley Sabo Sofia Mastroianni

Chyna Crowell Hunter Leija

Makayla Good Yasmin Myers Brynne Stevens Jackson Zilles Noah Johnson

Andrew Strong Anna Guerra Dylan Nicodemus Julianna Jacobs-Vargas Matthew Champagne Taylor Sovich Tomas Mountcastle

Angie Flum Lindsey McDermott Mia Monsour Tyler Miller Elliot Feingold Jaye Duckhart Sydney Long

Jonathon Fleming

Joce

Senior Map

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 11

Liam Cameron Mya Conboy

Talia Wilcox

Frances Kayser

Jaidyn Sellers

Jason Hepfer

Samantha Hirschorn

Jaclyn Brodersen Rory Bruton Sabrina Westrich

The

Data

TM

Erik Maxwell

Daniela Contreras Marileen Estrada Andrea Cordero Melissa Flores

elyn Lee

Bailey Malcolm

Riley Ramirez

Alyssia Troutman

28.5%

Going to a public university

11.4%

Going to a private university

85.7%

Staying in California for college

14.2%

Going out-ofstate for college

1%

Enlisting in the military

55.2%

Going to a community college

3.8%

Going to a trade-school or other organization

0%

Joining a TikTok hype house

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 12

Adeline DeLamar: Monsieur DeClerck

My favorite teacher is...

Christian Theobald: Tolkmitt

Aidan Marquez: Mrs. Sovich

Chyna Crowell: Mr. Gallo

Aislin Calderon: Mr. Larson

Connor Loughman: Mr. Raney

Alexis Mendoza: Mr Rivera Daniel Hrabak: McEntyre Alina Calamia: Heidi House Alyssa Onstott: Mr. Miller, & Ms. Rossiter. The two people who have watched me grow into the person I am today since my freshman year & who have always accepted me in their classrooms

Daniela Contreras: Mrs. Volic !!

Jesse Zapata: Mr. Grall the best Spanish teacher ever

David Johnson: Mr. Weber

Jocelyn Lee: Tolkmitt

Devin Larsen: Mrs. Guerrero

Joe Lowry: “Stew”

Dillon Brontsema: Mark Tolkmitt Dominic Doud: Mr. Jaquette

John Terrones: I personally don’t actually have a favorite teacher. I respect all my teachers because of the advice they give me. Their advice has helped me succeed and made me become the person I am today

Alyssia Troutman: Ms. Rossiter

Emma Lisle: Mr. Larson

Andrea Cordero: Mrs. Sovich

Farbod Mohsenian: Mrs. Guerrero

Joselyn Espinoza González: Mrs. McKee

Andres Gallegos: Mrs. Griffin

Frances Kayser: Larson, Reynosa, Locher, Jones, Sovich, Grall, Steward, Arichea, Verdades

Julianna Jacobs-Vargas: Mrs. Jones

Gabriel Ornelas: All my teachers were amazing!

Kayden Kapp: GATCHAAA

Angie Flum: Stefoni Rossiter!!

Anna Guerra: DeClerck of course

Grace Mansfield: Mr. Hunt

Leilani Grijalva: Mr. Larson

Benet Bouchard: Mr. Tolkmitt

VHS teacher Justin Weber. Photo by: Lola Bobrow bPy: Anna Guerra

Breanna Burke: Spellman

Gustavo Hinojosa: Mr. Culp

Caleb Gilbert: Mr. Culp Cayden Chappell: Mr. Cruz

Kylie Pence: Rossiter!

Lauren Hansen: Jaime

Bailey Malcolm: Mr. DeClerck

Brian Genhart: Mr. Tackett

Katie Medina: Mrs. Volic

Lauren Hammond: Mr. Votruba

Ava Hall: Pierre or Ms. Withers or Mr. Tolkmitt

Jackson Zilles: Ms. Rossiter and Mrs. Reynosa Jaclyn Brodersen: Ms. Baenosa, and def not M. DeClerck :)

Charles Lively: Ms. McKee

Jaidyn Sellers: Mr. Locher

Chloe Wastell: I like them all

Jason Hepfer: Ms. Reynosa

Madeline Ramirez: Mr. Grall Makayla Good: Mrs. Reynosa

Lena Alvarez: Mr. Hunt Liam Cameron: Mr. Rivera Logan Wilkov: Seller$ Maddie Huot: My favorite teacher is... well I have a few.

Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Reynosa & Mrs. Larson have helped me throughout my high school journey by always being a strong support and mentor to me

Rory Bruton: Mr. McEntyre Russell Rodrigues: Mrs. Bergfeld Ryan Augusta: Mr. Votruba Salvador Guevara: Mrs. Griffen Samantha Hirschhorn: Mr. Tolkmitt

VHS teacher Linda Bergfeld. Photo by: Juliana Jacobson

Marileen Estrada: Jared McEntyre <3

Savannah Marsicek: Too many. But shoutout to Ms. Rossiter for being the amazing and supportive drama teacher that she is

Matthew Champagne: Ms. Bergfeld

Sergio Sandoval: Mr. Culp the world’s greatest world history teacher in the history of world history

Melissa Aguayo: Paul Togneri

Shantae Marie Williams: Mrs. Dipaolo

Melissa Flores: Ms. Withers

Shawn Danebrock: Hays

Meriah Argueta: Mrs. Minadeo!!

Sofia Mastroianni: Mr. Locher

Meriah Torres: Ms. Reynosa

Sydney Long: Mr. Hunt

Jonathon Fleming: Bergfeld Jordan Wagoner: Señor Grall

Angel Ramirez: Mr. Hays

Madeleine Scheer: Mrs. Sovich

Jessie Landeros: Saltzman and Minadeo Jisel Luna: Mr. Larson

Diego Alvarez Castrejon: Mr. Miller

Alyssa Henderson: Ms. Reynosa

Jesse Olivo Charco: Ms. Clobes

Daphne Bullock: Mr. Gallo

Devin McNulty: Mrs. Reynosa

VHS teacher Mark Tolkmitt. Photo by: Anna Guerra

Jaylene Lozano: Mr. Tolkmitt

Graphics by: Katie Medina

Mia Monsour: MRS. JONES FOR SURE Michael Giordano: Mr. Hunt Mya Conboy Rodríguez: Mr. Tolkmitt Naomi Quandt: Mrs. Reynosa Nataly Ortega: Ms. Guerrero

VHS teacher Jared McEntyre. Photo by: Yasmin Myers

Talia Wilcox: Locher, Schmidt, Jones, Reynosa, DeClerck, Hunt

Noah Johnson: Rubacalva

Tarah Martin: Mr. Grall and Tackett

Oliver Hernandez: Mr. Votruba

Taylor Sovich: Ms. Reynosa, sorry mom

Owen Bouwman: Mrs. Rossiter, Mrs. Bergfeld, Mrs. Pimentel

Tomas Mountcastle: Coche Cruz

Peyton Redmond: Mr. Biller

Tyler Miller: ...

Ramsey Dillon: Mr. McEntyre

Xavier Terminello: Mrs. Clobes

Riley Meagher: Da Mac and Hunt

Yasmin Delgado: Mr. Tackett

Riley Ramirez: Mrs. Volic

Yasmin Myers: Mr. Pacula

My biggest regret is ...

Aidan Marquez: Never playing another sport

Brian Genhart: Not trying hard my first 2 years

Aislin Calderon: Joining the softball team

Cade Ledesma: Not joining track freshman year

Grace Mansfield: Not applying myself enough

Cayden Chappell: Not doing more

Jackson Zilles: Selling my $TSLA

Alexis Mendoza: Not taking school seriously for the past 4 years Alina Calamia: Crap talking like there was no tomorrow

Charles Lively: Not joining a sport freshman year

Gabriel Ornelas: Not making more friends

Jaclyn Brodersen: Not spending enough time enjoying life

(From left to right) Seniors Marley Sapp, Aydan Jennings, Casper James and Blaise Basile. Photo from: Rory Bruton

Alyssa Onstott: My last long term relationship should have ended sooner than it did, I regret being in it for so long.

I also regret meeting some of the people I did. They really ruined a lot of things for me.

I wish I made better friends, who would have given me more memorable fun experiences Alyssa Henderson: Not talking more and putting myself out there

Chloe Wastell: Don’t have any Christian Theobald: Procrastinating

Angel Ramirez: Staying in Chamaa’s class

Melissa Aguayo: Not enjoying my last years of school

Shantae Marie Williams: Not playing basketball senior year

Mya Conboy Rodríguez: I regret nothing

Sofia Mastroianni: Staying in XC and track

Joe Lowry: Nothing I have no regrets

Kayden Kapp: No regrets ever Kylie Pence: #noregrets #girlboss

(From left to right) Seniors Kylie Pence and Emma Lisle. Photo from: Emma Lisle

Naomi Quandt: Not making more friends Nataly Ortega: My biggest regret is not making school work top priority, I should’ve dedicated myself more

Lauren Hansen: Meeting bonc

Angie Flum: Not kissing my friends everyday

Nevada Knowles: Not having the time to be in a musical or play

Dillon Brontsema: Not being more talkative

Leilani Grijalva: Not going to enough games

Noah Johnson: Height

Anna Guerra: Going inside the portable’s bathrooms

Dominic Doud: Graduating during COVID-19

Ava Hall: Not taking a drama class

Emma Lisle: Letting Breanna drive my car in upper lot

Liam Cameron: Going through high school without a license

Breanna Burke: Not streaking :/

Frances Kayser: Leaving my chemistry homework to the last minute sophomore year and pulling all-nighters

Sergio Sandoval: Nothing I live to the fullest I try to live as every day is my last

Jocelyn Lee: My orange hair junior year

Jordan Wagoner: Taking German as my foreign language freshman year

Farbod Mohsenian: Not taking more chances

Samantha Hirschhorn: My biggest regret is not going to senior ball, powderpuff or prom as an underclassman

Michael Giordano: Not making more time for fun things

Devin McNulty: Not having enough fun

Bailey Malcolm: Not participating more in extra curricular activities

Salvador Guevara: Not going to prom

Jisel Luna: Procrastinating

Daniela Contreras: Not trying out for any sports

Devin Larsen: Not seeing more things from the drama department

Ryan Augusta: Believing a high school relationship could last

Mía Monsour: Not putting myself out there more

Jonathon Fleming: Not starting high school earlier

Andres Gallegos: Failing one class

Marileen Estrada: Going to the 2019 neon dance

Jaylene Lozano: March 16th

Daniel Hrabak: Not having a car

David Johnson: Not trying harder in jazz band

Russell Rodrigues: Graduating during COVID-19

Meriah Torres: Not doing cross country

Connor Loughman: Not caring about college

Anahí García: Thinking boys from school were cute

Makayla Good: Not hanging out with my friends enough bc of homework, etc.

Jason Hepfer: Attempting to socialize

John Terrones: My biggest regret is not trying to beat my own personal mile time record 5 mins and 54 seconds.

If I would have tried to beat it I would have succeeded

Chyna Crowell: Not doing what I wanted to do

Riley Ramirez: Freshman year

Jaidyn Sellers: All of freshmen year

Jessie Landeros: Not meeting enough people during my 3 months at VHS as a new student before covid hit

Graphics by: Katie Medina

Madeline Ramirez: Hanging out with Joseph and Tho

Melissa Flores: Not going to more social events when I had the chance. And to go to more parties and gatherings

Jesse Olivo Charco: Doing drugs

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 13

Logan Wilkov: Staying in the locker room Maddie Huot: My biggest regret is not playing a sport at VHS Madeleine Scheer: Dropping math

Oliver Hernandez: Not staying posted up with my homies

Talia Wilcox: Not getting someone to take me to prom as a freshman or sophomore since prom didn’t exist junior or senior year Taylor Sovich: Being the mask demo in HLA-10, awkward Tomas Mountcastle: Not getting to dissect a frog in AP Bio, literally the only reason I took it. Smh

Owen Bouwman: Having a crush

Tyler Miller: Sophomore year at the wall next to the basketball courts

Peyton Redmond: Getting injured

Xavier Terminello: ? I have no regrets lol

Ramsey Dillon: Using the VHS bathrooms

Yasmin Delgado: No regrets

Riley Meagher: Fridays for the girls

Yasmin Myers: Not taking Farbod to hoco

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 14

Adeline DeLamar: How often

I hope my parents never find out...

Cade Ledesma: Summer

Riley Ramirez: They always

I was actually off campus

going into sophomore year

find out

Aidan Marquez: That I fell

Charles Lively: The red

down the stairs at football

notebook

practice after I got knee surgery

Chyna Crowell: A lot of things

Jason Hepfer: Who Joe is

Jaylene Lozano: That I have a long-distance boyfriend Jesse Olivo Charco: I smoke Jesse Zapata: I got a F on a quiz Jessie Landeros: My crippling obsession with anime Jisel Luna: I would leave for lunch without telling them while they would think I was in school all the time for lunch

(From left to right) Seniors Mark Phouiphiphath, Itzel Martinez, Shantae Williams, Priscilla Nunez, and junior Diane Villaloboz. Photo from: Shantae Williams

Aislin Calderon: That I got into Harvard, but denied their offer

Connor Loughman: As if

Alexis Mendoza: About all those ripped report cards

Devin Larsen: The Davey Wavey incident

Alina Calamia: Me graduating is the result of crying to my teachers about my bad grades. It worked:)

Devin McNulty: ...

Alyssa Onstott: About any of the times I hung out with Adam, Jacob, Ronnie, or Sawsha. They would be very unhappy to hear those stories about what we did Alyssia Troutman: What goes down by the side gate Andres Gallegos: Nun Angel Ramirez: I cheat on tests

Daniel Hrabak: Lunchtime

Diego Alvarez Castrejon: Who my friends really are(just a bunch of idiots) Dillon Brontsema: About me sneaking out Dominic Doud: VHS Bathroom card games Emma Lisle: The third drawer on the left Farbod Mohsenian: What happened in their bed

Joe Lowry: Find out what? We are always chillin here!

John Terrones: I hope my parents never find out that one time I lost 40 dollars. It doesn’t sound too bad, but “that’s 40 dollars worth of dollars” Jonathon Fleming: About the tunnels beneath the school Jordan Wagoner: How many times I’ve slept in class

Matthew Champagne: The reason I would stay up until 3am doing homework was because I would start at 12

Melissa Flores: That I cuss like a sailor at school and talk crap about Mormons Meriah Torres: I turned in my science fair project two weeks after it was due Michael Giordano: How bad of a driver I really am

Graphics by: Peyton Redmond

Rory Bruton: What happened at my house Russell Rodrigues: About the VHS bathroom fight club Ryan Augusta: Why the neon dance was so fun Salvador Guevara: That I missed around through high school

Mya Conboy Rodríguez: Everything “going on a drive” consists of Naomi Quandt: How many times I’ve cheated and still got a bad grade Nataly Ortega: I hope my parents never find out I wouldn’t do my homework at most times Nevada Knowles: That I was actually as unrebellious as I seemed, how lame is that?

Samantha Hirschhorn: I hope my parents never find out the “minor details” I conveniently left out of every story Shantae Marie Williams: How late I used to stay up to get my homework done Sofia Mastroianni: What really happened on the night of the crime Talia Wilcox: That I never did

Joseph Lopez: Any of it

Noah Johnson: Trim Shop

anything

Katie Medina: I have nothing to hide, Wendy and Victor know everything Kayden Kapp: How many times I ditched Kylie Pence: I’m an open book Lauren Hansen: All of sophomore year

Frances Kayser: Why I broke my ankle junior year

Leilani Grijalva: I’m a bad student sometimes

Angie Flum: About my tramp stamp

Gabriel Ornelas: I am Batman

Liam Cameron: What really went on at Farbod’s

Oliver Hernandez: That I’m gay

Taylor Sovich: Find out

Anna Guerra: I can’t speak, she’s reading this right now

Gustavo Hinojosa: That I broke a drill bit

Logan Wilkov: About the girl’s locker room

Owen Bouwman: I raged out loud in class

Tomas Mountcastle: I never

Ava Hall: They already did

Jackson Zilles: What really happened homecoming 2020

Madeleine Scheer: Why I get $25 cashback

Peyton Redmond: :D

(From left to right) Seniors Sofia Mastroianni and Benet Bouchard. Photo from: Sofia Mastroianni

what?!

requested that grade bump in Spanish freshman year. Ruba por favor no digas a mi mamá

Bailey Malcolm: The guys I dated sophomore and junior year

Jaclyn Brodersen: How high I’ve climbed sans belay

Madeline Ramirez: About my whole junior year

VHS bathroom fight club

Breanna Burke: What my chargers are actually for

Jaidyn Sellers: What happens on the side of Sammy’s house

Makayla Good: That I sneak out more times than they think

Riley Meagher: About the

Yasmin Myers: The obscene

night of the crime

amount of Ke$ha I listen to

Ramsey Dillon: About the

Tyler Miller: What getting ice cream with Hailey really meant

Aidan Marquez: All the staff and fellow students Aislin Calderon: The pan dulce that made my taste buds scream with joy

What I’ll miss most about VHS...

Daniel Hrabak: Seeing people Daphne Bullock: The people David Johnson: The friends and teachers

Jesse Zapata: Kicking it with the bois Jessie Landeros: The lovely teachers and staff

Nevada Knowles: My coaches

Logan Wilkov: The free domes

Noah Johnson: JAIME

Maddie Huot: What I’ll miss most about VHS are all of the teachers, sitting in the student section at games and all of the relationships I have created with many friends as well

Alexis Mendoza: The teachers and hang out spots

Devin Larsen: The trenchcoat kids

Alina Calamia: Ventura Unified School District show choir

Devin McNulty: Sports and school dances

Jocelyn Lee: Owen Bouwman

Madeleine Scheer: Prom... oh wait

Diego Alvarez Castrejon: Lunchtime with the lads

Joe Lowry: Parking lot skate sessions

Madeline Ramirez: Lunch time with my friends

Dillon Brontsema: The people

John Terrones: What I will miss most about VHS is kids I saw around campus. At one point in my life they seemed like strangers and after the past 4 years they don’t seem like strangers at all. I consider them like companions who are a part of my memories that I will forever cherish

Alyssa Henderson: The dances and some people

Dominic Doud: Vending machine Emma Lisle: Valentino’s 8” Vals Veggie Farbod Mohsenian: Keeping trucha for Jaime

Makayla Good: The casual morning cougar anthem

Christian Theobald: The long breaks from school Chyna Crowell: The occasional school fights Connor Loughman: Track team

Salvador Guevara: The ppl and the fun I had there Savannah Marsicek: The memories. Both the good, bad and ugly Sergio Sandoval: Is standing under the tree in the senior lawn during break, that was the spot where about 30 of the boys used to hang out precovid. During lunch we’d head out to the weight room and pump some iron. Shout out to Mr. Knowles for having the weight room open Shantae Marie Williams: Playing for Coach Ann Larson and Coach Anderson

Bailey Malcolm: The faculty

Chloe Wastell: Friends, teachers, metal club, drama class, simplicity

Rory Bruton: The people

Sabrina Westrich: My friends

Ava Hall: Being silly with the classmates

Charles Lively: The teachers

Riley Ramirez: K-9’s at homecoming 2019

Melissa Aguayo: Socializing with everyone

Anna Guerra: Seeing how many cheese sticks the seagulls could fit in their gullets

Cayden Chappell: My teachers

Ramsey Dillon: Lunchtime in the parking lot with my friends

Ryan Augusta: The baseball team

Angie Flum: The bomb threats </3

Caleb Gilbert: Rivalry games

Peyton Redmond: Homies, track team and Jaime

Matthew Champagne: Mr. Murphy’s disturbingly joyful greetings

Angel Ramirez: Mr. Hays’s class

Cade Ledesma: Buena vs.

Ventura rivalry games

Owen Bouwman: The teachers

Russell Rodrigues: The vending machine

Andres Gallegos: Soccer

Brian Genhart: PE with my friends

Oliver Hernandez: Nothing

Marileen Estrada: Not a single thing

Andrea Cordero: Is the sport events

Breanna Burke: Valentino’s 8 inch

Graphics by: Peyton Redmond

Liam Cameron: The librarian

Jisel Luna: Is all the memories I had made there with old and new friends

Alyssa Onstott: The theatre department. Everyone in it became my family, and the stage became my second home. Ms. Rossiter helped me get over my anxiety, and my fears and I am forever thankful for the experiences I made in that classroom

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 15

(From left to right) Seniors Cade Ledesma, Simon Brown, Camilo Aviles and Jordan Tanner. Photo from: Cade Ledesma

Frances Kayser: The amazing students, teachers, and staff I’ve gotten to know :)

Jordan Wagoner: Snack bar food

Melissa Flores: Is the random rants and adventures we go through at school

Gabriel Ornelas: My teachers and my coaches

Joseph Lopez: The breakfast burritos

Meriah Argueta: My friends

Grace Mansfield: Music classes and seeing my friends Gustavo Hinojosa: Nothing Jackson Zilles: Cardboard boat races Jaclyn Brodersen: The fascinating people Jaidyn Sellers: Being out in public in my cheer uniform and having random people start conversations with me Jaylene Lozano: The not so hot boys Jesse Olivo Charco: Football

Kayden Kapp: Seeing people I’ve grown up with Kylie Pence: Drama department Lauren Hammond: The water polo team Lauren Hansen: The student service lady Leilani Grijalva: The football games Lena Alvarez: The music room

Meriah Torres: Seeing all of my friends in the parking lot Mía Monsour: All the memories and friends I made Michael Giordano: The music department and also that the campus is outdoors Mya Conboy Rodríguez: Seeing everyone Naomi Quandt: Playing in volleyball games Nataly Ortega: What I’ll miss most about VHS is my freshman year, it really was the Golden Year

Sofia Mastroianni: Going to lunch in the best forerunner at VHS Sydney Long: The music department Talia Wilcox: The music room Tarah Martin: The dances and the football games :( Taylor Sovich: The xc and track team!!

Tomas Mountcastle: The ungodly number of seagulls that congregate after lunch, also the cross country team to a lesser extent Tyler Miller: Everything Xavier Terminello: The people and friendships forged in these hallways Yasmin Delgado: Friends Yasmin Myers: Ms. Adamich

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 16

In 10 years...

Aidan Marquez: I will be a teacher/football coach

Christian Theobald: I hope to have a stable job

Jesse Olivo Charco: I will be in the army

Mía Monsour: I hope I still am able to live in California

Aislin Calderon: I’ll be at my sugar daddies funeral

Chyna Crowell: I will own a business

Jesse Zapata: I would be somewhere great in life

Alexis Mendoza: Hopefully I’ll be successful

Connor Loughman: I will still be based

Jessie Landeros: Pursuing a career in forensics

Michael Giordano: I will be 28, hopefully alive, probably married, and living “Very Far Away from Anywhere Else” ;)

Alina Calamia: Hopefully on a beach with a margarita

Daniel Hrabak: Rich

Jisel Luna: I hope to be successful.

David Johnson: I hope to still be making YouTube videos

Jocelyn Lee: I will be a sorority girl

Alyssa Onstott: I’ll hopefully have gone to college, moved out from my parent’s house, and have my own car and be more independent.

I just want normal struggles like everyone else and to be a bit happier Alyssa Henderson: I will be a pediatric nurse, traveling, and probably have kids Anahí García: Imma be a millionaire Andrea Cordero: I hope I will be a registered nurse and working at a hospital Andres Gallegos: Wanna make my own floor company

Devin Larsen: I better be doing something I like Devin McNulty: I’ll own a house and have a cute firefighter family Diego Alvarez Castrejon: I’ll have traveled to Tokyo, New York City, and to somewhere in France Dillon Brontsema: I want to have a family and a stable job

John Terrones: In ten years I might be working in a nice beautiful restaurant as a chef. I don’t know my future but I believe our future is based on the choices we make in life Jordan Wagoner: Hopefully I have a job, maybe a cat Katie Medina: I’ll live in the English countryside with lots of dogs

Emma Lisle: I’ll be six feet under

Kayden Kapp: I will be rich Kylie Pence: I will be hot, famous, and enlightened Lauren Hammond: I’ll find out what the long term effects are Lauren Hansen: Pls don’t have a kid Leilani Grijalva: I hope I have my dream job Lena Alvarez: I’ll be dancing in Europe Liam Cameron: I’m gonna be the best big brother you could ever ask for

Angel Ramirez: I will be 28 years old

Farbod Mohsenian: Imma be on your tv screen

Logan Wilkov: I expect to be living on a farm with chickens.

Angie Flum: I will be working in a botanical garden and petting cats every day

Frances Kayser: I hope to be in my medical residency!

Gabriel Ornelas: I will be happily married with many children

Maddie Huot: In 10 years I hope to be finished with college, and hopefully be traveling to many places such as Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and more!

Grace Mansfield: I want to be a vet

Madeleine Scheer: I hope I can breathe

Gustavo Hinojosa: Ima be posted with the homies

Madeline Ramirez: Driving my white G wagon with red interior

Breanna Burke: Dude idek, you tell me

Jackson Zilles: Hopefully I didn’t drop out of college

Makayla Good: I will have a big ranch and probably have a bunch of cattle and horses

Brian Genhart: I’ll have a family with my girlfriend and have a good life

Jaclyn Brodersen: I hope global emissions of greenhouse gases grow by less than < 37 (and that I can help attain that goal)

Anna Guerra: I’ll be relaxing in my mansion wearing a vintage Juicy Couture tracksuit Ava Hall: I’ll be on a sick one Bailey Malcolm: I hope to be living in the PNW with my dog

Cade Ledesma: I won’t be working a 9-5 Cayden Chappell: I’ll be old

Jaidyn Sellers: I’ll have finally hit my growth spurt

Charles Lively: “I will have a successful life”

Jason Hepfer: I hope to have graduated medical school and be attending residency.

Chloe Wastell: It’ll be ten years from now

Jaylene Lozano: I’ll be a stay at home mom

Savannah Marsicek: I hope I can live comfortably

Joe Lowry: I hope to be a firefighter

Dominic Doud: It’ll be 2031...

2032... I think

(From left to right) Seniors Devin Larsen, Peyton Redmond and Riley Meagher. Photo from: Sofia Mastroianni

Mya Conboy Rodríguez: I’ll be a teacher and a farmer

Graphics by: Peyton Redmond Samantha Hirschhorn: In 10 years I will be sitting, drink in hand, admiring the nyc view from the floor to ceiling windows of my home

(From left to right) Seniors Katie Medina, Riley Ramirez, Elliot Feingold, Angie Flum and Yasmin Myers. Photo from: Yasmin Myers Sergio Sandoval: I will be a Naomi Quandt: I’ll be living in billionaire. Maybe a Formula 1 Hawaii world champion. I will definitely have at least 3 businesses up within Nataly Ortega: In 10 years I want my first 2 years. I will be a wellto have a secured life. I want my recognized music producer, singer career, a place to live, and maybe and influencer. I don’t plan to do someone to live it with just these things. I am going to do these things and more. So in ten Nevada Knowles: I would like years I can look at taking it down a to have made some crazy pants notch and starting a family memories:) Shantae Marie Williams: I’m Noah Johnson: Finding Waves on going to be graduated from a university working to help impact Mars other people’s lives Oliver Hernandez: I’m going to be posted with my homies Owen Bouwman: Have a successful experience

Talia Wilcox: I’ll be either working at the UN or Disneyland

Peyton Redmond: I will be a milf

Tarah Martin: I will hopefully finished schooling to be a Dermatologist

Ramsey Dillon: I’ll be 28 years old

Photo from: Jordan Tanner Riley Ramirez: I will literally still be in school

Marileen Estrada: I will still be a communist

Rory Bruton: In April 2031 a large volcano in the Mediterranean will erupt...

Melissa Aguayo: I will be living in Texas

Russell Rodrigues: I’ll be 28

Melissa Flores: I hope, that I traveled to Asian countries and camped around the USA

Ryan Augusta: I’ll be a nurse, who also just happens to be really good at skiing

Meriah Argueta: I would like to be somewhere where I am happy and can help others

Sofia Mastroianni: The one who brought 1D back together

Salvador Guevara: I’ll be having a family

Taylor Sovich: I better have a dog Tomas Mountcastle: I will own at the very least one dog, if I have multiple (this is highly likely) one of them will be an Australian Shepherd named Roscoe Tyler Miller: I will be rich Xavier Terminello: I hope I don’t forget to treasure and feel gratitude towards all the people in my life­— especially me...

Yasmin Myers: I’ll be a milf

My quarantine coping song/album is...

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 17

Aidan Marquez: Legends Never Die by Juice WRLD

Chyna Crowel: Digital Druglord

Jaidyn Sellers: Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift

Melissa Flores: Hot pink album by Doja Cat

Russell Rodrigues: Saint Bernard/ Lincoln

Aislin Calderon: Big Time Rush

Connor Loughman: Kawakiwoameku

Jaylene Lozano: Be happyDixie Damelio

Meriah Argueta: BTS- Best of me!

Ryan Augusta: Luv is Rage 2

Alexis Mendoza: AM - Arctic Monkeys

Daniel Hrabak: Savage Mode 2

Jesse Olivo Charco: F*CK LOVE

Meriah Torres: Good news

by Megan the stallion

Alina Calamia: Sugar daddy

by Queen Herby

Daniela Contreras: Candy

by Rico Nasty and the Zeroes album by Declan Mckenna :p

Jesse Zapata: My oldies playlist

Mía Monsour: Anything by A$AP Rocky or J Cole

Alyssa Onstott: Rebelution’s peace of mind album, or the courage to grow album

David Johnson: Sad to say, BILLY by 6ix9ine

Jessie Landeros: Mild High Club Timeline album

Michael Giordano: Society Eddie Vedder

Alyssa Henderson: American Boy

Devin Larsen: Anything from the icon that is Olivia Newton John

Jisel Luna: Immortal Kid Cudi

Mya Conboy Rodríguez: Does to me

Alyssia Troutman: Cotton Eyed Joe

Devin McNulty: More than a woman

Jocelyn Lee: Kill Yourself by $uicideboy$ <3

Naomi Quandt: Is This It by The Strokes

Joe Lowry: Stone Love by Pepper

Nataly Ortega: My quarantine coping song is Maneater by Nelly Furtado

Sergio Sandoval: POWER Kanye West

Nevada Knowles: Too many sad love songs to choose just one haha:)

Shantae Marie Williams: 2014 Forest Hills Drive and How to Save a Life

Noah Johnson: Blonde on Blonde

Sydney Long: Sweet Night

by V

Oliver Hernandez: En El Refuego - Grupo diez 4tro

Talia Wilcox: Fearless by Taylor Swift

Owen Bouwman: Breaking Benjamin - Phobia

Tarah Martin: Supalonely by BENEE

John Terrones: Somewhere I belong by Linkin Park Julianna Jacobs-Vargas: Ventura by Anderson Paak Katie Medina: All five of One Direction’s albums Kayden Kapp: All the oldies but goodies Photo from: Chyna Crowell

Anahí García: Anything by Ssgkobe

Diego Alvarez Castrejon: Young-Vacations

Andres Gallegos: Corridos tumbados

Dillon Brontsema: Luv is rage

Angel Ramirez: La Feria de Cepillin Angie Flum: Ctrl SZA Anna Guerra: The Twilight soundtrack #teamEdward Ava Hall: Don’t Stop the Rock Freestyle Bailey Malcolm: Bury Me at Make out Creek/ Mitski Breanna Burke: Fearless (Taylor’s Version) Cade Ledesma: Stinkfist by Tool Charles Lively: Boys will be bugs Chloe Wastell: “Toys In The Attic” Aerosmith

Dominic Doud: Boilermaker- Royal Blood Emma Lisle: Block your number - Maude Latour Farbod Mohsenian: Couchie land by yn Jay Frances Kayser: Good Days

by SZA Gabriel Ornelas: From Shrek, True Love’s First Kiss Grace Mansfield: Father of The Bride by Vampire Weekend Gustavo Hinojosa: Los Hermanos- Grupo Diez 4tro Jackson Zilles: Silver Warehouse by Silver Warehouse Jaclyn Brodersen: V.3: Subliminal Verses -Slipknot/ Lateralus -TOOL

Kylie Pence: Miss Megan

Salvador Guevara: All eyes on me Samantha Hirschhorn: Freakin’ Out On the Interstate by Briston Maroney Savannah Marsicek: Honestly, Burning Pile by Mother Mother, just because it gives the vibe of just contributing to the chaos and not caring anymore. Of letting your cares float away

Lauren Hansen: Pitbulls entire discography Leilani Grijalva: One wishRay J Liam Cameron: Say So, Doja Cat Logan Wilkov: Chinese Fountain — Growlers Maddie Huot: Any song on the “Van Life” playlist on Spotify Madeline Ramirez: Sneaky link Makayla Good: Tennessee whiskey by Chris Stapleton Marileen Estrada: The Little House on the Prairie opening theme

Seniors Breanna Burke (left) and Emma Lisle (right). Photo from: Emma Lisle

Peyton Redmond: Mo Bamba by Sheck Wes

Taylor Sovich: Plume by Caravan Palace

Ramsey Dillon: Black Pentagram by Coldrain

Tomas Mountcastle: GoneJRJR and Video Killed the Radio Star (The Bugles)

Riley Meagher: Afycso

Matthew Champagne: Folklore by Taylor Swift

Riley Ramirez: Day Off Trees and Lucy

Melissa Aguayo: YHLQMDLG- Bad Bunny

Rory Bruton: Darling Come Back Home

Tyler Miller: Whole Lotta Red Xavier Terminello: A & X Yasmin Myers: Back to Black

by Amy Winehouse

Sports Recaps

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 18

Boy’s Volleyball Girl’s Volleyball From backyards to sweating side-by-side.

Photo from: Valerie Paris

A small, but mighty and memorable season.

Photo from: Grace Quandt

Boy’s Soccer Kicking it into high gear.

Photo from: VHS Cougar Athletics

Girl’s Soccer

Varsity Football

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Varsity football looks back on their victories this season.

Photo from: @venturagirlssoccer on Instagram

Photo from: Felix Cortez

Greta Pankratz

Greta Pankratz

Alex Hernandez

Alex Hernandez

Yasmin Myers

The boy’s volleyball season began on March 8, but well before the season was cleared to officially begin, the boys spent the preseason staying in shape and practicing.

Due to the restrictions of COVID-19, practices started outside, three days a week.

Eventually, practices moved indoors in the gym, five days a week. The season consisted of a couple months of matches, from March 8 until May 14, in which the team ranked fifth in the Pacific View League. Head coach, Tim Mays commented on the season, “It’s been a challenging season for us but the boys were very resilient and improved every single week.”

Although the year brought many challenges, a highlight, according to senior Kai Paris, was the home game against Channel Islands. This game was their first win of the season, finally rewarding them for the hard work they had put in all year. Paris said, “It was awesome to see everyone from the new freshmen to the returners to get so hyped after an amazing game.” Finally, the team could celebrate together.

The varsity girl’s volleyball season was short, but sweet, lasting only two weeks with two games. The year started off with outdoor workouts on the softball field. These were a chance to reconnect until the team had their one week of real practice before their two games.

For the two games, they played Thousand Oaks, who they lost to, and Buena, who they beat. According to senior Grace Quandt, the highlight of the short season, “Was definitely beating Buena.” Within such a short season, the team still found time to beat VHS’s rival team. Senior Julia Horstmeyer commented, “I will forever remember rushing onto the court with the people I had spent the last four years with celebrating because that was what we had spent so many practices, tournaments, and long hours working for.”

The senior night took place on the night of the Buena game, giving the seniors and positive and memorable way to finish off their four years.

The varsity boys soccer team placed sixth in the Pacific View League, with three wins, eight losses, and one draw. As many VHS seniors experienced and can attest to, students’ sports seasons were unprecedented during the 2020-2021 school year.

“My senior year was really weird, I thought we wouldn’t have a soccer season,” said Chris Gonzalez. Despite the unusual circumstances, the team still managed to have a memorable season and push through the obstacles. Senior Camilo Aviles said, “Our season did not go the way we planned and wanted it to be like but we worked hard every single game with only little time to develop with each other.”

Aviles shared the highlight of his season was during the team’s second game against Buena High School. “It was unreal to score two goals that night and the second one being an unforgettable bicycle kick that left everyone in that stadium shook.”

The girl’s soccer team placed fifth in the Pacific View League, with three wins and seven losses. The coach of the team, Todd Tackett said, “We didn’t do as well as we wanted to. We didn’t think we would have a season but then all of a sudden we had a season.”

Senior Devin McNulty also found the season to not go as planned “due to not being able to practice and connect like we normally could pre-COVID-19.”

Despite the outcome of the season not being ideal, the team persevered and ended the year on a high. “I have to say though this was by far my favorite season I’ve ever played during my high school years. I’ve never felt more connected and comfortable with a team than I did with this one. I felt proud to be a part of a strong group of girls and I’ll never forget our laughs! Saving a [penalty kick] was definitely the highlight of my playing time!” said McNulty.

Varsity football gathered a total of 4-1 wins this season, including the very 28-25 win that placed the bulldogs back in their doghouse for the 11th consecutive year. Senior Dorian Dawson shared, “My favorite moment was when we beat Buena and held the trophy.” Scoring an average of 4.2 touchdowns per game, and a total of 21 touchdowns this season, varsity football came to win regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the season.

Senior Erik Maxwell shared his thoughts on his final high school games, “What I’m going to miss the most is being with the team every day and playing under the lights every Friday night.” Maxwell commented on the obvious differences between this year’s season and the years prior, “[COVID-19] took away a lot of time that we could have spent together as a team. It also felt really weird during the games with the stadium being so empty.”

Empty stadiums or not, families and friends still gathered to watch the games held through Zoom and cheered for a successful season.

Boy’s Cross Country

Girl’s Cross Country

Baseball Varsity baseball steps up to the plate.

Photo from: Felix Cortez

Boy’s Basketball Girl’s Basketball Despite COVID-19, varsity The varsity girls are finally boys slam dunked this season. back on the court.

Photo from: Felix Cortez

Photo from: Felix Cortez

A team that’s in it to win it.

Photo from: Mason Jekogian

Running through the deep.

Photo from: Mason Jekogian

Alexis Mendoza

Alex Hernandez

Alex Hernandez

Sophia Nacu

Sophia Nacu

The VHS varsity baseball team is currently placed second in the Pacific View League with eight wins and two losses. The team has had a batting average of 127, while also having 87 runs batted in. Senior Robert Velasquez said, “I love how the team performed throughout the season, even though the pandemic really took a toll on us. We were still able to push through and work hard, it just shows how resilient these guys can really be.”

This season has also come as a surprise to players in the VHS baseball team, one of them being senior Taylor Ruby.

Ruby said, “I wasn’t expecting to play this season at all, but when it was announced sports would be returning, we all played great and it couldn’t have been achieved without the players.”

“Our season is going well. My favorite part is spending time and playing games with my team which is really fun,” said senior Caleb Gilbert. The varsity boys team’s most recent game was a 53-61 loss against Buena High School and are currently 3-3 in the Pacific View League.

Senior Shlim Simone’s favorite part of the season was practice where he could, “Mess around while still getting the work in.” The coach of the team, Dan Larson said, “We adapted as well as we could. Things changed so quickly. We went from strict protocols being outside only to playing indoors within a week. I am optimistic. At this moment we have four league games left and five games overall. We can still accomplish a lot. I certainly want to finish strong for our school, our team and our seniors.”

The girls are currently 5-1 in the Pacific View League and number two overall. “I think our season so far has been going really well and our team has had a really strong bond since we have all been playing since we were kids,” said junior Alexis Howery. Howery’s favorite part of the season has been the team’s bonding, especially during road trips to games.

The coach of the team, Ann Larson, said, “Anything that can get our world slowly back to normal is good. We started the year doing zoom workouts on computers and phones, later we got to practice six feet apart outdoors at Cabrillo Middle School, and now we are actually playing games and enjoying true basketball. They have adapted really well over the course of the school year! I am very proud of them!​”

Although COVID-19 had a huge impact on the boys cross country season, the team did not let that get in the way of enjoying their year. Although the first eight months of not being able to train with one another was a challenge, the boys proved that they were up to it. VHS senior, Tomas Mountcastle, said “I really enjoyed being able to watch all of my teammates race and excel this season. Even with such barriers to competitions and running, they all really stepped up to the place and killed it out there.” Mountcastle continued, “having people to share the love of running with is something spectacular. Andrew Martinez, Matthew Champagne, and Willeam Mendez for being there since day 1.” Of course, they couldn’t have done it without the help and guidance of their coach, Tyree Cruz. “Finally, I want to thank Coach Cruz for being such a stellar coach.”

The girls cross country team is something special! While they only got to compete in three races this year, the team made sure to make the most of it. 2020 has definitely had its ups and downs, but the team made sure to never let it affect their ability to persevere and work through hardships, such as social distancing and very rarely seeing one another at the beginning of the season. VHS senior, Taylor Sovich spoke on this topic, “I think COVID-19 did impact this season socially. We definitely used to have more XC girls on our team, but nonetheless, we still had a great little group and new girls who decided they wanted to come out and run for us during the pandemic, which was so awesome to see!” Although lacking in numbers, the team proved themselves worthy as they raced and got close with one another this year.

Sports Recaps Girl’s Golf Swing low, sweet chariot.

Softball Hey batter batter, swing!

Photo from: VHS Softball

Photo by: Anna Guerra

Logan Wilkov

Jack Schatzman

With the varsity girls golf team on a winning streak, they are set to be winning their season with no losses to date. With the team playing six matches against all schools in the Ventura league, they won each match ending their season 6-0 in the league. “We’ve been doing really good this season and I’m really happy at how we’ve been doing this season. We’ve won all of our matches and that makes me really proud of my team,” said senior Breanna Burke.

The team had to encounter a lot of obstacles and challenges in this new COVID-19 landscape for sports, and that made them closer, while also deepening their appreciation for golf and the people they are surrounded by. “This year has been really tough but I’m happy that I got to evolve with the team but also as a person,” said sophomore Belen Hibbler. The varsity girls are hopeful to be part of CIF Championships next year.

Track Not a jog, but a sprint to the finish line.

The girls Varsity softball

team stands fourth in the Pacific View League with a 2-6 and overall 4-7 record. Senior team co-captain Kayden Kapp said, “For softball, I feel like we improve more every year. All of the girls are so fun and amazing to play with. I love them so much and will miss them.”

Junior team co-captain

Bella Peinado continuously applied pressure at the pitching mound with a total of 27 strikeouts across the ‘21 season according to MaxPreps. “This year was by far the best experience I had in all four years of high school. I can’t wait to see them in the future balling out,” senior team co-captain Jade Leoffler said.

The varsity girls just kept on swimming.

Boy’s Tennis And the tennis balls kept on flying.

Photo from: Grace Endaya

Photo by: Livia Vertucci

Elise Sisk

In the 2021 swim season, the Ventura High School swim team placed first overall. They stood undefeated in the season and have come in first place in all five meets. In the Buena v.

Ventura swim meet, they came in first. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of sports have been forced to change, swimming was no exception. Senior Jonathon Fleming said, “This year’s swim dynamic hasn’t been too different from previous years. We pretty much practice and go to meets like normal. The only slight difference is the lack of personal interactions with other teams.”

The social interaction was a large part of the swim meets, but that lack of interaction this year did not hinder the swim team’s ability to compete. Senior Grace Endaya said, “This team is second to none and I have loved every second of this season with them. Everyone works so well together and there’s never a lack of hard work and laughter at practice.” Overall, the 2021 swim team did not let the pandemic stop them from winning.

Livia Vertucci

There have been many

changes this year, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the hard work of the boy’s varsity tennis team. This year has been tough, but the boy’s tennis team has been staying consistent. “The season was fun. I was glad to have one,” said varsity player Jack Gordon, “COVID-19 made the team a lot smaller, but overall we had a good season.”

On May 6, the boy’s

team went against Buena. “We won the game against Buena. It was hard work, but I was super proud of us. It’s definitely harder having such a small team, but we work really hard,” said Gordon.

The varsity boys also qualified for CIF. COVID-19 had a major impact on so much, but the boy’s varsity tennis team ended with an undefeated season.

Girl’s Tennis Varsity girls tennis team ballin out.

Photo by: Livia Vertucci Livia Vertucci

While this tennis season hasn’t been the most normal, the girl’s varsity tennis team turned the adjusted covide season and made it as normal as possible.

“Overall, I felt super good about this season. It was definitely an adjustment and completely different, but we won most of our games!” said senior Tess Luoma.

Recently, the varsity girls went up against cross-town rivals Buena, winning the season’s biggest game 15-3. The varsity girls have been working hard to make up for the lost time after starting their season late because of the pandemic. “I love being on the tennis team. It has been a nice break from COVID-19. I also really love the community,” senior Talia Wilcox said, and went on, “We had a full season, and luckily it’s pretty easy to socially distance in this sport, so we’ve gotten to practice.” While other sports had to stop training due to COVID-19, tennis has been able to meet their entire season. Along with beating Buena, the girls have made their mark in the competition field by qualifying for CIF, one of their many achievements.

Boy’s Waterpolo Girl’s Waterpolo Boy’s Wrestling Girl’s Wrestling Masked and splashed.

Photo from: Liam Genkel

Photo from: VHS Cougar Athletics

Jocelyn Wood

While this season looked a bit different from others, the varsity boys and girls track and field teams still persevered and made their way to the top. As they did not lose a single meet this season, they won their biggest meet this season against Buena.

Senior Julia DiSilvestre broke the school record in triple jump, which was last set in 1982.

DiSilvestre said, “Although this season wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, I am so grateful to have gotten a chance to compete at all. We couldn’t go to some of the bigger meets but what we have done has been a blast! The team has really come together and given it everything they’ve got. COVID-19 took away a few months of our normal training but we did not let that affect our performance.”

Swim

The Cougar Press Senior Edition Page 19

Riley Ramirez

Varsity boys waterpolo

had 8-2 this season, which also just marked the 25th consecutive year that varsity boys had won against Buena High.

Senior Rory Brutton

chose to speak on a highlight of the season, “[My] favorite moment was when Jack Zilles blocked two penalty shots in one game.” Senior Charlie Richards also commented on some highlights, “My favorite moment of the season was beating Buena in our last game of the season, and I’d like to shout out all the boys that decided to come back and finish off our last year of water polo.”

Drown? More like dominate.

Wrestling through a unique season.

Photo by: Logan Wilkov

Photo by: Caroline Marsden

Riley Ramirez

Varsity girl’s waterpolo went three wins and five losses this season. The girls beat Buena twice, as well as Newbury Park in overtime 14-12. They, however, lost both games to Oxnard and Rio Mesa, and lost a game to Thousand Oaks as well. Co-team captain senior Taylor Nichols said, “I want to shoutout my fellow [co] captain Ashley Roberts, as she was an amazing teammate to have by my side and I don’t think I could have done without her. Water polo was a remarkable experience and I have met some pretty outstanding people because of it. I will never forget the endless battles we fought as a team and especially the obstacles we faced this year. I’m proud of every one of my teammates for staying hopeful and willing to adapt to such a unique situation.

I will never forget my water polo experience here at VHS!”

Caroline Marsden

Boys wrestling had a

short but victorious season. The team won against four schools, Channel Island 72-6, Pacifica 4133, Rio Mesa 48-30 and Buena 43-38. “Wrestling season for us was very scrambled and filled with last minute decisions but with such a headstrong coach we made worth out of the little we got for a season and got business done,” said senior Stormie James.

Senior Jesse Zapata also shared his thoughts, “Wrestling season this year was odd of course, a struggle of getting back into shape. But the team was strong together and we were prepared better than the other teams.”

Girls fight their way out of a season like no other.

Photo from: D. Hanson Caroline Marsden

Senior Selena Garcia spoke for the girls wrestling team on her overall experience, “Although I didn’t take my opportunity to wrestle this season, my girls worked harder than ever.

They all surprised me. I’m so proud of everything they’ve achieved. My coach, he’s given us everything.

He’s done so much for us, for himself, for our parents. I’m so grateful to be a part of something like that. They have no idea how much they’ve truly pulled me out of a corner I thought I would never leave. That’s my family. ‘4lifers.’”

The varsity girls went up against Channel Islands, Pacifica, Rio Mesa and Buena. Sophomore Hannah Benson loves wrestling because, “It allows me to vent.”

Hannah’s favorite moment was, “When I placed 8th in CIF.” Sophomore Elsa Safranski said, “Why do I wrestle? It’s because I don’t want to be in PE class and I just want to try something new,” Elsa added, “It sucks that sports are being delayed and at the same time I’m trying to stay safe and stop COVID-19 from spreading.”

This year, girls wrestling trained through an unusual season but gained lots of experience.

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11 1. (From left to right) Seniors Elliot Feingold, Angie Flum, Katie Medina, Riley Ramirez and Yasmin Myers. Photo from: VHS Yearbook 2. Seniors Casper James (left) and Emma Lisle (right). Photo from: Emma Lisle 3. Seniors Sofia Mastroianni (left) and Riley Meagher. Photo from: Sofia Mastroianni 4. Art by: Ben Pace, see page 2 5. (From left to right) Seniors Aryssa Ozuna, Cade Ledesma, Devin Larsen, Caleb Gilbert, Charlie Richard, Rory Bruton, Joe Lowry, Blaise Basile, Jake Nichols, and Dylan Nicodemus. Photo from: Joe Lowry 6. Seniors Anna Guerra (left) and Yasmin Myers (right). Photo from: Yasmin Myers 7. (From left to right) Seniors Devin Larsen, Riley Meagher, and Peyton Redmond. Photo from: Sofia Mastroianni 8. (From left to right) Seniors Joe Lowry, Blaise Basile, and Jake Nichols. Photo from: Joe Lowry 9. (From left to right) Seniors Alyssia Troutman, Angie Flum, and Samantha Hirschorn. Photo from: Alyssia Troutman 10. Art by: Ben Pace, see page 2 11. (From left to right) Seniors Peyton Redmond, Riley Meagher, Devin Larsen, Breanna Burke, Kylie Pence, and Emma Lisle. Photo from: Emma Lisle 12. (From left to right) Seniors Benet Bouchard, Abigail Martinez, and Paulina Perez. Photo from: Benet Bouchard

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Bon Voyage Cougar Class of ‘21