TM- May 2013

The Matador Senior Issue May 23, 2013 - Volume 58, Number 10

Photos by Derek Deng

NEWS

THE MATADOR

Awards Night honors scholarship recipients Steven Ho Hardworking San Gabriel seniors and scholars assembled for the Academic Awards Night at the Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on May 20 to crowds of proud parents and supporters. San Gabriel’s administration awarded both college-bound students with scholarships and academic scholars with certificates honoring their merits.

A total of $117,900 was awarded as scholarship money to seniors applying to college. Stoles and cords were also given out to seniors that attended.

Many guest speakers were invited to give speeches about specific scholarships and causes. Representatives came from organizations including Hilcrest P TA , t h e J o h n R o b b M e m o r i a l Scholarship, SGHS Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSA), and the Alhambra Latino Association (ALA).

Scholarships were meted out, ranging from $125 to $12,000 depending on the scholarship and application process.

Senior Jenny Teng, winner of the Syracuse Founder ’s Scholarship, explains how excited she felt about

Photo by Derek Deng

Principal Jim Schofield awards senior Freddie Garcia with one of the many awards he received that night.

receiving the $12,000 to Syracuse University in New York.

“It will help pay for the tuition, which would be around $57,000,” Teng said. She remarks how she went through an application process before being considered for the award. Teng felt relieved after receiving news of her scholarship, which selected her among many other applicants.

After over 20 scholarships were announced, the Academic Awards Night honored over 100 students who excelled in academics in individual subjects. Senior Eric Alvarez was given the Athletic Achievement Award for his efforts in football, and junior Jestin Ma was given the Bausch & Lomb Award for his efforts in the sciences. The departments that offered awards were Business and Technology, English, English Language Development, Industrial Technology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Visual and Performing Arts, and World Languages.

Immediately after awards were given, numerous clubs and organizations honored their dedicated senior members by presenting cords and stoles; they were awarded by the International Thespian Society, National Honors Society, Advancement Vi a I n d i v i d u a l D e t e r m i n a t i o n (AVID), Business and Technology Academy (BTA), Speech and Debate, Academic Decathlon, Medical Careers academy, Associated Student Body, and California Scholarship Federation (CSF). Although many seniors did not claim their stoles or cords, the Academic Awards Night recognized the individual achievements and scholarships of students that attended.

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Toga held outdoors with Orbit5 Chelsey Tr an San Gabriel High School’s Toga 2013 was held underneath the stars on Friday, May 17, 2013. It began at 7:00 p.m. with Orbit5 as the DJ. An ASB member’s connection to DJ Orbit5 gave us the opportunity to have this professional EDM DJ perform for our dance.

ASB decided to try having Toga outside this year behind the Big Old Gym by the Tennis Courts instead of traditionally being held inside a gym.

“We had to prepare more because it was the first time we had a dance outside this year. It [required] more work than in the gym; the setup was different,” sophomore Qi Guo said.

However, despite the flashing lights and upbeat music, there was not much dancing. Toga ended early due to a lack of dancers. Some people felt that the dance was too cold outside, so many left.

Apprehensive peer counseling students awaited as next year’s peer assistants were announced on May 14. These peer assistants include David Chen, Yvonne Chui, Adam Dang, Angel Garcia, Laura Garcia, Sarahi Hernandez, Dat Hong, Jiqi Huang, Maurice Le, Wendy Liu, Kaylah Medina, and Justin Yeh. Next year, these students will be available during every period to counsel students. Students are free to come by the guidance office if they need to talk to or refer someone they believe could use some support.

Peer assistants are student counselors who have completed two years of the peer counseling class and have passed through interviews given at the end of their second year. They take the skills and techniques that they learned from class and apply them to real-life situations.

Peer assistants talk to students on a daily basis about various issues such as friends, family, and school. They are available during every period and take the time to listen to each student’s problem, helping them to explore the various options in their lives. Some of them even take the time out of school to contact their counselees to check up on them.

“We can summon them during any period and just talk to them. We get to know more about them. We support and listen to them, but we also need to report some things,” peer assistant David Chen said.

At the same time, these peer assistants will also learn about themselves as they get to know their counselees.

San Gabriel Swim Team’s banquet was on the same day as Toga, preventing prospective attendees from attending. Numerous first-time dance attendees were not impressed by the change in toga’s usual location.

“It was okay but the bad thing about it was that it was outside,” sophomore Nelson Luong said. “[It was] whack [the] first half, [but] fun the second half when everybody left,” sophomore Carol Lam said.

Amy Pham and Kobe Khauv won Toga princess and prince for the freshmen. Qi Guo won Toga princess for the second time for the sophomores, no sophomore ran for prince. Allison Lo and Sonny Hy won Toga princess and prince together for the second time for the juniors. Sandy Nguyen and Ronald Eusebio won Toga empress and emperor. “[It was] spectacular; [a] great way to end my senior year,” senior Sandy Nguyen said.

Photos by Derek Deng

Top Left: ASB hires professional DJ Orbit5 to play exciting music for the students at Toga.

Botton Left: Enthusiastic Toga attendees enjoy themselves at San Gabriel’s first open-air dance this year at the school’s basketball courts.

Right: Students voted for the 2013 Toga court who represent the spirit of the Greek tradition.

Counselors select next year’s twelve Peer Assistants K ri s t y Duong

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“We learn many things. We learn various techniques in class, but we also learn about ourselves. We learn how to do [our job] better and what mistakes not to make,” Chen said.

Each year, the counselors must make tough decisions by selecting 12 people from the second year peer counseling class to be peer assistants based on their counseling and listening skills.

“We look for people with good counseling skills. We run mock counseling [sessions] and see who has a real desire to make a difference in people’s lives,” counselor Devin Vergo said.

Photo by Derek Deng

Twelve Peer Assistants were chosen to provide our student body with a meditative resource, spanning all personalities in order to best relate to the many students at San Gabriel.

Band, Choir showcase year-long preparation at Spring Concert Chr istopher Lan After a successful winter concert, the Matador bands and choirs seek to produce more musical entertainment at their annual Spring Concert. The event was hosted in the auditorium on May 22 starting at 7 p.m. Admission were sold for $2 at the door, and the band sold food and refreshments.

The show featured, in the following order, the mixed choirs, advanced choir, Show Choir Club, Matador drumline, novice band, concert band, symphonic band and a joint performance of the Alma Mater by the combined choirs and bands.

Following an absence in the winter concert, Show Choir has practiced for a special performance in the spring concert.

“We worked really hard to practice for the concert, and it’s going to be really fun,” Show Choir leader Helen Chhea said.

Choir director Cecilia Revilla conducted the choir.

Matador band alumnus Peter Hoh conducted the drum line. Band director Tammy Cognetta, senior drum major Jacquelyn Flores, and guest conductors Luis Tafoya and Gail Torres took part in conducting the bands’ pieces in hopes of producing a fantastic show.

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THE MATADOR

MCA students tour fire department, mortuary K a t h e ri n g M o n t e l o n On May 8, about 40 Medical Careers Academy students visited the San Gabriel Fire Department followed by a tour of Mountain View Mortuary. The tour was interrupted three times due to emergency calls at the fire department.

Students learned about how the department uses its ambulance. Firefighter Vanessa Murphy explained that the ambulance carries a drug box for people who may need a fluid medication injected, a monitor to shock a patient in case of cardiac arrest, and airway bags, such as oxygen masks.

“I learned that they have to go through a lot of obstacles. After what I have experienced I plan to be more involved in the medical field,” sophomore Emily Soto said.

While Murphy and other firefighters went to assist with the calls, Chief Derek Doehler took over the tour.

Doehler spoke about how quickly the firefighters have to change into their gear when there is an emergency call. He also stressed the importance of having the fire truck cleaned, as well as the use of the city’s map, the kitchen, lookers, and the sofa and TV privileges.

Doehler explained that fire departments have mutual aid agreements, such as San Marino and other nearby locations. Captain Alex Robbins talked about the process of becoming a firefighter and the steps required to train for this career.

“I always wanted to be in the medical field. This made me want to pursue my career more. I’m planning to volunteer along ride-alongs. I learned you need to have good study habits, strength, and be determined,” sophomore Star Bojorquez said.

After the tour of the department, the students traveled to Mountain View Mortuary, where they began with lunch in the Sunrise Chapel located inside Mountain View Mortuary. The groups were divided in two, and they learned facts about the mortuary such as in 2011, 65 movies were shot at Mountain View. At the end of the tours, students agreed that the learning experience had been well worth their time. Medical Careers Academy students now have a better idea of career options such as being a paramedic, firefighter, and licensed funeral director.

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

NEWS

Huang’s art to be shown at U.S. Capitol K al een Luu Blinded by her joy-filled tears, senior Michelle Huang rose to accept the first place prize for Judy Chu’s 4th Annual Congressional Art Competition on May 4.

Along with a certificate recognizing her for her talent and a scholarship award to assist her with her college fund, Huang was also offered two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Congressional Art Competition Reception on June 26, where her winning art piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the duration of a year.

Drawing in over 170 candidates, the competition was held at the Pasadena Museum of History.

“I was really shocked because even second and third place were my highest hope. I never knew this day would come; I never expected to be able to win first place,” Huang said.

Titled “Spring,” her winning art piece illustrates Mudan flowers with leaves sitting delicately on a branch.

She attributes her success with the fact that her style is very traditional. Huang uses watercolors on rice paper to create her pieces, and in particular, the one that won her the prize took her about a month’s time to complete.

With art, Huang’s passion derives from her belief that it allows her to express herself through her medium.

“Art allows me to open my mind more freely to things [as opposed to] just opening up a book,” Huang said.

With over eight years of art lessons under her belt, Huang’s talent does not stop there. She is also fond of the violin and the piano, as well as dance.

Huang had entered the contest in a previous year after having gained information from her teacher Karen Keller, but had failed to place.

While others may have been discouraged from such an experience, Huang remained optimistic.

“I decided to give myself a second chance because I still wanted to world to be able to see my work. I didn’t want to give up on myself because I believe that if you’re not successful the first time, you should give yourself another chance,” Huang said. She sends her thanks to her art instructor and her parents for their encouragement, but especially her mother, who first got her interested in art. When asked for words of encouragement for any students who might be afraid of showing the world their art, Huang chose to be philosophical.

“Everyone’s unique. They shouldn’t be afraid because without your own uniqueness, nobody would be special and we’d all be the same.”

All photos courtesy of Judy Chu

Left: Senior Michelle Huang’s traditional styled artwork is on display during Judy Chu’s 4th Annual Congressional Art Competition Awards Ceremony.

Huang’s piece will be sent to the U.S. Capitol where it will also be on display among other winners across the nation.

Right: Senior Michelle Huang poses with U.S. Representative for California’s 27th congressional district, Judy Chu, during the awards ceremony. Chu awards Huang a certificate that recognizes her for her talent in art.

Band parades down Garvey Ave for Play Days festival P ri sci l l a Li ang On May 18, the Matador Marching Band performed in the Play Days Parade in Monterey Park. The parade started at 11am and was three blocks down Garvey Avenue, and ended at Barnes Park. This is the last parade of the season for the band.

The band was led by junior drum major Ryan Duong, who thought “the parade went pretty well despite the incredibly crunched scheduling recently.”

This year ’s Play Days Parade celebrates the city of Monterey Park’s 97 th birthday.

The Matador Band was not the only one in attendance; other bands from nearby schools such as Mark Keppel’s, along with other bands from different districts were in attendance, making this parade a more social one, as members from each band can converse with old friends and perhaps make new ones.

“The parade was generally fun and the band

did phenomenally well at their finest level,” junior Alexander Zhen said.

The band has been limited on time, as they are busy with their next three performances before the end of the school year, including the Spring Concert, the Coffee Concert, and playing at graduation.

Despite this, Duong said that “[he] felt like the band gave a good performance, along with [their] ID unit and flag team, and [he’s] very proud to see that [their] hard work lead to great results.”

Junior drum major Ryan Duong placed first while the band placed third as a whole.

Lastly, the Auxiliary Unit placed second in the parade over all. The route of the march ended at Barnes Park in which Play Days festival was located.

Numerous band members and local commuters joined in the festivities which included a ferris wheel, food booths, and live entertainment.

All photos by Nana Akahoshi

Top: Junior Drum Major Ryan Duong leads the band.

Bottom: The Matador Marching Band parades down Garvey Avenue.

OPINIONS What are words

Sandy Peng Reviewing the year When they said senior year was going to go by quickly, they weren’t exaggerating.

I’ve never felt more flustered than in all my four years here. There are just so many fleeting thoughts running through my mind that I find it hard to prioritize.

Should I organize them by importance?

Proximity? Or the least amount of energy required? Sometimes, I’ll be excited to graduate. Ready to leave behind Scantrons and Socratic seminars, tardy sweeps, and ridiculous school rules.

Other times, I’m scared out of my mind just thinking about leaving. There’s still so much I haven’t done yet.

I’ll admit I have had those senioritis days when I just watched the time pass away, and I’m not proud of it. I would look forward to holidays, minimum days and nothing else. Instead of counting down the days, I realized that I should have been making the most out of my numbered days. I should have done more.

With graduation right around the corner, I can’t help but fill my mind with regrets.

I regret not trying harder in that AP class.

I regret not being more active in clubs. I regret spending so much time watching “How I Met Your Mother.” I regret not going out with my friends more often.

However, there’s nothing I can do about it now, except make the best out of my last two weeks.

I’ll admit that I’m not ready to leave.

The trees in front of the cafeteria where I hang out with some of the coolest kids in school. The old, stale volleyball gyms where I spent most of my high school career. The “Pancake” where I became a part of Class Council and Prom Court. The nameless, blue door known as H2, which eventually became my second home. The concrete ledge in front of the library where I received my first kiss. All these places will always remind me of the reason why I dragged myself out of bed every day at 7 a.m. for five days a week, for four years.

High school is so much more than just leaving behind friends you might never see again, leaving behind teachers who actually know your name, and most importantly, leaving behind your memories so you can make new ones.

I can’t guarantee what will happen in the next four years. Whether I’ll have a horrible roommate, have a ruthless professor, or be successful in life. But one thing is certain. In two weeks, we will all go our separate ways and finally start living life. In about one week, I’m going to receive my diploma. It just hasn’t hit me yet.

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

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Letter from the editor This year was full of changes. We expanded the paper from twelve to sixteen pages and are proud to have four pages in full color.

This year we tried to tackle controversial issues like gun control, bullying, and mental health. Our goal was to talk about things that actually mattered. The cutesy stuff was supposed to take a back seat and be replaced with hard hitting news that would impact our lives.

My biggest goal was to create a publication that a p p e a l e d t o t h e e n t i re student body. Of course, most of us on staff focus on AP classes, college,and the like, but we are so confined to our AP bubbles that we were afraid to break out and cover different stories. As a journalist, the worst thing you can have is a fear of talking to people, but that is what we started with back in August.

I am proud to say that we have grown since then. The first issue I was determined to put the football legacy on the front page because I knew it was an amazing story that would appeal to more people, to almost everyone. It was a story we never would have covered if we had confined ourselves to only talking to the people we have in our academic classes.

I wanted our staff to recognize, respect, and appreciate that there are different types of people on campus. We as a staff, are very similar and when 35 other staff members think exactly like you, it’s hard to believe that there is a world outside of H2. But that’s not the way we wanted to live.

That’s not what I wanted my year as Editor-in-Chief to be about.

Yes, this is our ninth issue

and we’ve taken a few pretty photos, and written a couple decent articles. But that’s not what I’m going to miss.

I’m going to miss listening to Isai Fernandez talk about his love for sports and his desire to help high school students who are injured while playing in high school games. I’m going to miss listening to Pablo Garcia and Freddie Garcia talk about how proud they were to win Los Renombrados and how they did what they did for internal gratification instead of a certificate and dangling cord. I’m going to miss listening to Lana Vong talk about how she gave up going to UCI and UCSD in order to pursue her dreams of becoming an artist.

Those are our stories.

Those are the stories of our school and the people who walk these concrete halls day after day.

Our publication used to be about finesse and pica boxes, but now, our publication is about stories.

It’s about finding the quirky sides of the people inside and outside of our classes.

When you hear someone talk about what they love, when you see the passion and hunger in their eyes, it reawakens your own. And I have been honored and blessed to be able to do exactly this day after day for the past three years.

I thank my staff for the work they have put into making this publication a success month after month. But more than anything, I thank the people that have allowed us to tell their stories. We appreciate it, and couldn’t have done it without you.

Lauren Fukumoto 2012-2013 Editor-in-Chief

Rejection should not dictate passion and change their outlook on what is important.

Many people resolve their disappointment with different emotions, We all fear it—the nine-letter word that rolls around in the back including anger, depression, apathy, or a mix of any of them. of our throats and slides uneasily down to the bottomless pit of our Sophomore Joyce Tien explains how she came to terms with her club stomachs. The word is plain and simple, but extremely dangerous. That rejection by admitting her mistakes and trying to apply again.

“I tried to find out why I didn’t make it [into] the club, and I think word is rejection—not in terms of unrequited love, but in terms of not becoming the next club president or class council member or anything I could have tried harder on my application,” Tien said. Although that one has dedicated years of effort into. Although it may seem like she is disheartened about not being eligible for a cord, Tien will stay positive and reapply. the end of the world, rejection is no reason to lose “I can’t just give up. I’ve wanted this for hope and stop trying—we get back up when we a long time and being in the club is more fall, we keep on moving through it all. important to me than a cord,” Tien said.

So many times have I seen people quit Rejection is just another part of life that a club and become extremely unmotivated is plagued with “what if’s” and “I should after they did not receive the position they have’s.” Not accepting this disappointment have been worshiping for years. Junior leads people to ugly roads like hatred, Christopher Cam explains how desolate he arrogance, or depression in order to cope felt after not becoming a cabinet member with the loss of what may seem like more for a club he was actively involved in since than life itself. These dangerous roads are freshman year. easier to crawl and balance on, but they “I was devastated, but I knew I loved the are mere escape routes for important selfclub a lot so I was just overreacting,” Cam evaluation. In taking these routes, we avoid said. Despite feeling extremely disappointed, our problems by running away from them, Cam remained in the club because he still and that is a true waste of time, especially loved being a general member. However, for passions that took years to develop.

Cam feels that in the end, the members are As hard or awkward as it may seem, the ones who should choose whether to stay the mature thing to do after rejection in the club or not. might be to accept it and reevaluate what Some people are convinced unfairlyis important. The right paths in life are hinged voting systems reward popularity, the ones that look directly at a problem not ability. Others point fingers at bias and and move past it. This is a mind battle, a favoritism. Whatever the situation, it is problematic that many people lose the motivation to pursue a goal if Illustration by Annie Huang difficult one that requires strength, understanding, and, they spent years preparing to become a leader of that organization. most importantly, hope. This is rejection. This is life. But this does not The blow of not fulfilling longtime dreams might overcome a person have to be misery.

S t even H o

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THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Media exploits The media’s portrayal of people has caused controversy for years now, but in most recent years, the issue of racial and cultural insensitivity is much more recognized.

Tokenism is a gesture that some use to attempt to include minorities into a certain setting as a means to divert any signs of prejudice and discrimination. However, in doing so, this gesture often comes out as a sugarcoated way to stereotype people. Many examples of it can be seen in television and film, like in the film “Sixteen Candles.” The character of Long Duk Dong created much criticism because of its racial insensitivity. The movie’s other characters, who are all Caucasian, try to help assimilate Dong, the “token Asian” character, into American culture. The issue is that they treat this character like he is inferior to all of them because of his lack of English skills and odd characteristics, a trend typically seen with many characters of minority races. Although many of these scenes can be seemingly humorous at first, the stereotyping is not only a lazy attempt to be funny, but it is also tactless and shows a caricature of what a different race other than one’s own acts like.

The matter of cultural appropriation has been fappeared often as well. Although it can be helpful in having cultures learn more about

OPINIONS Ngo hanz 4 u

Hana Ngo

one another and create a melting pot of diversity and knowledge, it can become borderline offensive when done inappropriately. The most recent issue of this was Selena Gomez’s live performances of her single “Come & Get It,” where she sported a bindi, which is typically used for religious purposes. Although some Internet users defended her by saying that some bindis are merely decorative, the Hindu leaders at the Universal Society of Hinduism spoke up about how it was problematic and offensive. According to WENN, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed said that “the bindi […] is an ancient tradition in Hinduism and has religious significance” and that “it is not meant to be thrown around loosely for seductive effects or as a fashion accessory aiming at mercantile greed.” The lack of awareness can be deemed harmless when it is the first offense, but after multiple times, it becomes disrespectful and tasteless.

“Ignorance is bliss” is not a phrase to use when it comes to potentially offending someone else’s race and culture. Taking time to avoid these unsettling media influences and properly educating oneself about others can help one avoid being thrown into hot water.

To the good and bad

-Natalie Tran Image by Jenny Bui

Unintentional racism and ignorant actions lead to shame Nana Akahoshi We are living in an equal environment where everyone gets treated equally. Every ethnicity is admitted by society and everyone has the freedom to express themselves. However, the fraternity at the University of California, Irvine probably did not think it through when they posted a promotional video for their formal dance.

UC Irvine’s fraternity Lambda Theta Delta decided to make a promotional video for their installation formal dance, and decided to lipsync Justin Timberlake’s “Suit and Tie.”In the video, one of the members decided to paint his face black, posing as Jay-Z in the song.

After such action seen in the video, the video spread around the Internet, ultimately reaching the news.

After seeing this video, I did not think this was intentional, but it was definitely hurtful.

It was obvious that the video was made purely for advertisement and entertainment, but it does not make it acceptable to do anything they want. Their decision to blackface was not a wise idea, even if it was for “fun.” Like how there are limits to jokes, there are limits to “fun.”

“The boys were not racist since they had no intention; however, their action was insensitive and ignorant,” teacher Larry Kanow said.

We all like jokes. However, students usually find the most stupid things funny. However, racism should not be part of the fun, especially if it is on the Internet. Technology is so advanced now that a post can spread all over the world within a day. The more it spreads, the more people will get hurt.

Things that can be quite acceptable in our area can be extremely offensive in a different area. From the moment the members decided to put on such video, they should rethink the details in the video, and fix parts that can become offensive. ““We sincerely apologize if we offended anyone whatsoever. On behalf of my brothers who were involved in the video, know that it was unintentional. But unintentional or not we do know that it was wrong,” president of the Darius Obana fraternity said in an interview on losangeles.cbslocal.com.

Sometimes, our actions can lead us to trouble where we cannot turn back. These situations often happen because of our lack of thinking. In order to avoid these mistakes, it

is always important to think before you do it. Maybe a second is enough.

Illustration by John Truong

TUTORING IN YOUR HOME Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, SAT UC Berkeley Graduate Roy Wu (626) 818- 2587

T-minus seven days. Seven days until May 31, the last day of school, and as well as for us seniors, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – graduation. I’ve been looking forward to that day since the beginning of the school year, and I’m excited for the clichéd new chapter in my life. Despite my excitement to leave, I will fondly look back over my times here at San Gabriel.

Time, so simple, yet so complex, controls our very being. Our mind is wired with a clock ingrained, ticking away and counting down. We have schedules in school and we’re constantly asking, “When does class end?” Outside of school, we worry about how much time we have to do our homework, or when our favorite TV show is on. The world was thought to have end on Dec. 21, 2012, and yet here we are in 2013, prepared to say goodbye.

Time is of the essence, and I hope I’ve used my time wisely, partaking in activities that I cared for and making memories with people I care for. Speech and Debate gave me a second family, as well as a voice along with being a part of The Matador’s staff. Using my time to benefit the community by volunteering through NHS and hopefully, inspiring freshmen as a motivator through MoMa. There were probably times when I wished I didn’t pull an AP Thursday, times when I wished I studied more, and times when I wished I challenged myself, but in the end time is what you make of it. Time doesn’t stop for anyone; it just keeps going and going – akin to the Energizer Bunny.

I remember when it was time to choose high schools, people encouraged me to get a permit to go to Mark Keppel. I’m glad I didn’t though, because I’d rather be a Matador over an Aztec, any day.

These past four years as a Matador has taught me lots of lessons – you learn who your real friends are, you somehow find a piece of who you are (that journey is still ongoing), and you learn which teachers are good, and which aren’t.

I probably said “I hate this school” and I’m sure you can all relate, but the truth is, there are times when we love it – which is why school is a love-hate relationship, then again, maybe everything is a lovehate relationship.

Our time at San Gabriel may be over, but it’s our time to shine in the “real” world. As for the underclassmen, make the most out of your remaining years as a Matador, make a difference so that when we return we can see what you have done to the school.

SPORTS

THE MATADOR

Sports gear evolves as the players do

Photos courtesy of howard.edu, t0.gstatic.com

a huge wave of consumers in the past few years with some retailing to as much as $259 a pair. The new Kobe 8 have been selling at a starting price of $239 and Kevin Durant’s newly endorsed shoes have been going for $140. Major sporting companies like Nike and Adidas have taken advantage of these markets to reach out to their fans and common consumers. Around the 1970s, most players wore the basic Chuck Taylor Converse to play basketball. During that era, shoes were never as highly popular as they are today. In many ways, Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird had contributed widely to this industry when they cracked the plain Chuck Taylor tradition and began to endorse the new Converse Weapon model which offered more support

and style to the 80s. In the 90’s, Jordan’s signature Nike brand shoes would help kickstart the new era of low-top or mid-top basketball shoes.

The legends of the game used to wear simple white wristbands and sweatbands which were actually meant to absorb sweat. As time progressed, players like Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant may be seen wearing the popular shooting sleeve. The shooting sleeve came into the league when Iverson wore it for a couple of games due to an injury.

With the growing demand of consumers, many markets have made profit off fans’s genuine love for their teams and the league. As more people to purchase the sleeves, the new shoes, the baggy shorts off the courts, many players both in the pros and in college began sporting them on the court.

Student Input

Photo by Sonny Hy

“I think [short] shorts were the swag back then, and our society’s music has made them evolve in the new era.” -David Gonzalez

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Off-court fashion displays bold looks Bri an R ios

M a r v in L u u As the NBA playoffs are closing in, it is hard to ignore the various styles that players have developed over the past few years. From the classic short-shorts of the 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s to the long baggy shorts of this era, from the regular sweatband to the shooting sleeve, trends have developed in the league that cannot be ignored.

From 1891 to the early 1980s, players had only worn short-shorts which were often above the mid-thigh. According to basketball.epicsports. com, Ernie Grunfeld and Bernard King had already favored long baggy shorts.

When Chicago Bulls shooting guard Michael Jordan entered the league in the 1984 season, the league was slowing evolving. Though Grunfeld and King favored longer shorts, Jordan is often credited for adding inches to the traditional shorts when he suggested to the manufacturer of Chicago’s shorts, Champion, to extend the length as he felt that the shorts were affecting his game defensively. By the mid-80’s, Jordan’s baggy long shorts were adapted as an acceptable standard by the league; it was clear that the days of Magic Johnson, Larry Birds, high socks, knee pads, goggles and white wrist bands were gone.

Basketball shoes have hit

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

More than just stats and awards, professional athletes have always embraced their fashion sense. Depending on the individual, that could either be a good or a bad situation. In a recent climate of hipsters, the already stylish NBA players have amped their fashion choices for the bright lights of post-season play. More recently, Miami Heat all-star Dwyane Wade and company evened the

series, 1-1, winning against the Chicago Bulls in a statement victory. At the postgame conference, Wade’s bold jacket represented his loud and proud accomplishment. It is at pre-game and post-game press conferences who athletes can exude confidence in their style.

Athletes that have dominated their respective sport and captivated the sports world have also entered the realm of fashion. The iconic “Air

Photos courtesy of purseblog.com, businessrider.com, gorillagolfblog.com

Jordan” shoes are a footnote for athletes collaborating with clothing line companies in order to exhibit their aura of style. Michael Jordan’s “Air Jordan” have been a staple product since 1985.

Tennis icon Serena Williams is not one to shy away from the fashion spotlight.

Off the tennis court, she has collaborated with Nike to start he clothing line “Aneres” and she also has her own line of handbags.

PGA Tour veteran Ian Pouler is known for wearing ostentanious colors and designs that make him stand out at tournaments. Poulter created his own clothing line known as “Ian James Poulter Designs”. “Look good, feel good, play good has always been my mantra,” Poulter said.

Despite being known for what they do on the field, it is off it that athletes can express their individuality through their fashion sense, or lack thereof for some ( I’m referring to you Russell Westbrook).

Athletes have combined their love of sports with a passion of fashion to express themselves.

Student Input

Photo by Sonny Hy

“I like the off-court style because it’s different from the athletic competition attire we normally see.” -Brandon Miramontes

Workout of the Month:

Step 1

In-and-Out Plank You do not have to be an athlete to live a healthy and vigorous lifestyle; you just have to give exercise and eating healthy a try. Anyone can do it.

Description: The In-and-Out Plank works out the core and thighs, and serves as a light cardio workout.

Step 1: Begin in a traditional plank position where you stomach and face are positioned toward the floor, and your forearms support your balance. Tighten your abs as you hold this position.

Step 2: Jump and bring your legs in to about half your body length. Lift your butt up as your bring your legs forward.

Step 3: Jump and bring your legs back out to the original starting position.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 2 and 3 quickly for as long as you can go.

Step 2

Photos by Oscar Molina

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THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Pro-athletes get excessive paychecks Mimi Lam

Floyd Mayweather, boxer, earns $85 million.

Tiger Woods, golfer, earns $59.4 million.

LeBron James, basketball player, earns $53 million.

These athletes are within the top 10 of Forbes’ World’s Highest-Paid Athletes.

Many argue that they are being overpaid.

Along with celebrities, athletes have fans who help them earn their high incomes.

Other than entertaining people with their high athletic skill, what did these prominent sport figures do to earn their superfluous cash flowing?

To answer this question, the sport industry must be considered. Ticket sales, advertisements, sponsorships, and endorsements all contribute to the plethora of revenue they earn. A fraction is allocated toward the athletes’ salaries, allowing even the lowest earning players to earn a couple of thousands of dollars. However, these highly anticipated stars seem to be

SPORTS

And then there were four: Rivera predicts NBA conference winners

earning more than they are doing.

Some are even going to the extremes to state that they are not earning enough.

UCLA basketball All-American, Ed O’Bannon sued NCAA for using his name and images without paying him, according to Forbes. I believe it is quite greedy how someone with a more than tolerable paycheck to be demanding more money. Honestly those who work as a construction worker or fire fighter are more deserving of that kind of paycheck. Some may find it unjust that I am comparing completely different occupations; however, they do have one similar aspect: passion.

It’s too far-fetched to think that people will aspire for careers correlated to their skills and passions rather than the amount of money they will make. With the amount of money the sports industry earns, the people could at least donate it to people struggling to pay their bills. It isn’t right how a great inflow of money goes to the affluent, leaving a tipped balance.

Perhaps, athletes could influence their power and help ones in need.

Larios makes his CIF mark at San Gabriel Oscar Molina An avid football player for many years and only a first year member of track and field, senior Gabriel Larios made the remarkable achievement of going to CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) for two sports. Last year, in the 2011-2012 football season, he accompanied the team in its journey to the Division II finals. This year he decided to experiment with the unfamiliar sport of track, and he encountered immediate success, ultimately being able to qualify for the 100m and 200m races, with times of 11.5 seconds and 23.19 seconds, respectively.

Larios began to particpate in football in the fourth grade when he joined the Pasadena Trojans; he was placed as a corner, a position he would play until senior year, when he was switched to wide receiver. Larios’ early exposure to football allowed him to become a varsity member by sophomore year.

“During my sophomore and early junior year I got lazy,” Larios said as he reminisced over his high school performance. “But I saw that I had potential so I began to work harder.”

The dedication and intense work Larios described was exactly the attitude that helped him and the team achieve a historic CIF accomplishment for football.

“Every game was nerve-racking because I knew I had to stop really good guys,” Larios said in description of his CIF experience.

Photo by Derek Deng Larios’ excellent athletic dedication got him into the San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame (a collection of the top two “In creating success, you football players of each high school in the region), along with have to consider how you Eric Alvarez, who too, participated in the Hall of Fame game want to be remembered.”on May 18 at West Covina High School.

Gabriel Larios After encouragement from former track coach Ted Brock, and current track coach Jason Carson, Larios decided to attempt becoming a sprinter, which he executed masterfully when he placed 8th in both the 100m and 200m at CIF Prelims with times of 11.2 seconds and 22.9 seconds, respectively.

“Track was a completely different experience because I had to focus a lot on technique rather than strategy,” Larios said.

In an effort to repay his father, and be a role model for his younger brother, Kobe, Larios aspires to become a police officer as he continues to play football at East Los Angeles Photos courtesy of pasadenastarnews.com Community College.

Karen R iver a In the Western Conference Finals The Memphis Grizzlies are coming in as the No. 1 defensive team while the San Antonio Spurs are coming in the No. 4 offensive team.

After two games of the Western Conference Finals the Grizzlies fell 2-0 in the series.

The Grizzlies have not been successful in game ones, but after coming back from a 2-0 deficit against the Clippers and a 1-0 deficit against the Thunder, Memphis is capable of making the needed adjustments to possibly beat San Antonio.

After game one there was noticeable confusion with the Grizzlies pick and roll defense. San Antonio excelled in disguising their screens tricking Memphis into predicting the probable play. Boris Diaw and Tony Parker were x-factor’s in the Spurs offensive scheme to confuse Memphis defensively resulting in open San Antonio shooters and open lanes to the rim. Memphis’ best option is to do what they did against the Clippers and the Thunder and play San Antonio 1-on-1.

Memphis suffered offensively in both games being pushed out of Photos courtesy of gstatic.comthe post where Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are most effective, forcing Memphis to shoot jumpers. It will be crucial that their perimeter players consistently hit their outside shots to open up the post for Randolph and Gasol.

Memphis can play the Spurs 1-on-1 defensively, but their streaky offense can derail them. I’m taking San Antonio in seven games.

The Indiana Pacers clinched the series against the New York Knicks and are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals against the defending 2012 NBA champions, the Miami Heat.

The Pacers are coming in as a No. 2 defensive team while the Heat are ranked No. 5 offensively. Indiana has size advantage over Miami with players Roy Hibbert and David West.

Hibbert will go up against Miami’s Chris Bosh having the size and strength to post him up.

However, Hibbert will have to be sure to not get into foul trouble allowing Bosh easier access to the net.

David West of Indiana will be a big part in whether Indiana is successful.

West’s size advantage to crash the boards is an edge over Miami, but the bigger task will be if West can hit his jumpers. Lastly Paul George, will have the responsibility of defending LeBron James. Though there is no definite answer to shut down James, George’s defensive effort can make James work harder offensively . Indiana is a tough defensive team, but an effective Miami team on both ends of the floor has the edge. I’m taking Miami in six games.

Scanlan reflects on his passion for baseball Nana Akahoshi John Scanlan is not just a graduate of San Gabriel and an assistant principal of the school, but also an athlete. Ever since he was involved in baseball since eight years old, baseball has become an important factor in Scanlan’s life.

Scanlan’s journey with baseball began with his parents’ suggestion to join little league. They wanted Scanlan to try something different other than just school.

“My parents told me to join little league for a year, and if I did not like baseball, I can quit,” Scanlan said.

It did not take long for Scanlan to fall in love with the sport. He not only played baseball for a year, but throughout high school as well. When he joined the high school team, he did not play for the city when it was season. However, once season was over, Scanlan participated in the city baseball league.

“Because it is impossible to do both city and high school baseball at the same time, I altered city team and high school team so I can enjoy playing both,” Scanlan said.

Baseball was not only an enjoyment for Scanlan. Scanlan discovered his passion for teaching through his involvement in baseball.

When Scanlan graduated from high school, he began to coach for the high school baseball team. The team won the league championship while he was coaching.

“Baseball was like a foot-in-the-door to get

onto the path of education. Because of baseball, I was able to become involved in the Alhambra Unified School District,” Scanlan said.

Scanlan’s passion for baseball was not just from his enjoyment in participating in the sport.

More of the reasons came from whom he played with throughout the baseball career.

“Through baseball, I met so many lifetime friends who I enjoyed playing with and even today, I still keep contacts with them,” Scanlan said.

Balancing both baseball and academics was not an easy task for Scanlan. In his free time, Scanlan would spend his time practicing baseball, and only came back home after five o’clock in the evening. From there, he would eat dinner, take a shower, and finally start homework.

“Although it was not easy balancing both sports and academics, baseball was never a burden to me since it was something I really enjoyed doing,” Scanlan said.

Photos by Derek Deng

LIFE & ART

THE MATADOR

8

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

‘The Great Gatsby’ remains loyal to original novel Rebecca Lei Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby was amazing. The film is based on the novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the 1920s, The Great Gatsby features showgirls, parties every night, a stock market boom, and - of course - underhanded black market dealings. The story is centered around Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), a bond salesman who is drawn into the world of a rich and scandalous elite. He becomes entwined into the twisted webs of love between his cousin and her husband, Daisy and Tom Buchanan (Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton) and his neighbor, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio).

While modern elements were included into the making of the movie, so as to not alienate the viewers, Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby is extremely faithful to the seed from which it sprung.

The actors were cast with the images of the characters in mind, as all of them excel at portraying their roles. Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Jay Gatsby, does a spec-

Photo courtesy of blog.commarts.wisc.edu

Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of the 1920s classic ‘The Great Gatsby’ was widely released on May 10, 2013 in theaters and can be viewed both in 2D and 3D. The movie was considered widely controversial and drew mixed reviews from critics.

Cultural trends in the Roaring Twenties Tra n L a m In the 1920s, there were profound changes in lifestyle and culture. Telephones, automobiles, movies, and electricity drew consumer demand. The American’s total economic wealth doubled from 1920 to 1929, and even new music such as Jazz was introduced; everything seemed so promising. Alternatively called the “Jazz Age,” this time period was called the Roaring ‘20s. Originated in New Orleans, jazz music started to gain immense popularity during the 1920s, which influenced other parts of the world.

Jazz music took root from the blues and ragtime music, being an amalgam of African, African-American, and European music. During the 1920s, a plentiful amount of civilians took part in music and were more probable to own a piano and played music sheets than in any other time period. Louis Daniel Armstrong, one of the most famous jazz musicians, exposed his gift to the world with his charismatic playing of the trumpet and singing during the Jazz Age. Not only did more people start moving to the cities, but cutting-edge products such as the radio and washing machine were also introduced. Lush and ornate forms of architecture, art, clothing, hairstyles, and furniture started flourishing as well.

Consumer culture really took off as companies began to increasingly advertise to consumers to buy their products. American literature also took its shape as prevalent, renowned American books and novels started developing. For example, Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby in 1925, which criticizes the materialism and selfish individualism of the age; it turned out to be one of America’s most propitious literary works.

The movie industry of the 1920s, especially in Hollywood, also started to rapidly gain ground in aamount of time. As motion pictures gradually gained popularity, the movie stars started to gain more fans, allowing a connection between a fan and a celebrity.

Before the Roaring ‘20s, there were no audio in the

motion pictures, but later on, sound was implemented in a motion film for the first time in 1927 in a film called “The Jazz Singer,” and this skyrocketed the movie industry to enormous exposure and popularity; these motion films with audio were called “talkies.”

The films introduced the audience to new pop culture such as hair styles, clothing, and social behavior.

As mass media started to shape pop culture, print media such as the newspaper and magazines grew tremendously popular. This gave Americans the chance to feel interconnected with everyone else in the sense that they enjoyed and shared common interests because they were all reading the same news and watching the same movies from the media. The radio also gave pop culture a voice. The radios especially aided the exposure of Jazz music to a wider range of people. Although Jazz musicians were mainly African-Americans, they were listened to and enjoyed by people of all races. Civilians also became more immersed in watching the news, sport games, dramas, shows, and music on a variety of broadcasting channels and radios.

Photo courtesy of culturerun.files.wordpress.com

A photo depicting the “Jazz Age” era during the Roaring ‘20s showcasing a couple dancing to the “swing dance.”

tacular job of preserving Gatsby’s core trait- his utter belief in the power of love and hope. Maguire, Mulligan, and Edgerton also play their parts enthrallingly.

However, it can clearly be seen that some elements of Luhrmann’s adaptation differ from the original novel to move the plot along, or make more sense of the novel. Some of these are actually very helpful for the understanding of the viewers, such as the opening scene where Carraway is in a sanitarium for ‘morbid alcoholism,’ which sets up much of the movie and leaves the viewer with a sense of suspense and foreshadowing. With Jordan and Nick’s relationship almost nonexistent, the central love story between Gatsby and Daisy is clearer. However, Luhrmann’s version is more full of flashy, showy events and downplays the subtle and quieter elements that give readers of Fitzgerald’s novel moments of clarity.

All-in-all, Luhrmann’s adaptation of this classic modernizes Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby without besmirching the beauty of great American literature.

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THE MATADOR

FEATURES

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Remembering all the times we had together: October royalty

December dynamite

The Homecoming game and dance of 2012 were definitely notable events of 2012-13. Who could ever forget the Parisian-themed events, decked out in pink and black decorations? Or the loud cheers of the crowd when our football team mercilessly defeated the Moors? Or even the flabbergasted looks on the Homecoming king and queen’s faces when they realized that they won? “Homecoming was definitely an unforgettable time for me,” Homecoming queen Katie Mai said. “When I saw the rose in the box, my jaw dropped. It was a magical moment.”

Evacuation must occur immediately following a fire lit on the towel dispenser in the L building boys’ restroom. On Dec 11, 2012, the first real fire alarm of the year sounded followed by the groans of students.

Campus supervisors contained the area until the fire department arrived. Security measures and awareness was raised following the incident. Every student must be held accountable as well as teachers giving the hall passes. “Students should understand what’s right or wrong. This was quite a childish act that not even a child could commit,” campus supervisor Anthony Granados said.

- Rebecca Lei

March remembrance

- Mimi Lam

April rooftop sighting Los Renombrados took place in the Matador Stadium on Feb 28, celebrating the achievements and future goals of the 35 semi-finalists.

Requirements for consideration for this award include having dedicated at least 200 hours of community service, and the finalists are described to be amongst the top four percent of the senior class, with the inclusion of extra-curricular activities and academic achievements. Out of the 35 semi-finalists, 23 were chosen to be finalists.

- Priscilla Liang

Every year, Principal Jim Schofield promises the school that if the student body scores a certain cummulative score on the CST exams, he would live on the roof for 24 hours.

This year, San Gabriel High School scored an API score of 812 and on Monday, April 15, Principal Schofield fulfilled his promise to live on the roof. During his stay, he built a tent and brought along his Macbook (along with a few one dollar Red Box movies), newspapers, and his work. “I am really proud of the student body this year for their hard work and effort,” Schofield said. “Now let’s hope for a better improvement for next year’s API score.”

May best

- John Truong

Photos by Derek Deng, Natalie Tran, Hana Ngo, and Laura Lam, El Camino Real.

Timeline by Natalie Tran

San Gabriel High School is currently ranked 925 out of the top 2000 best public high schools in America, according to The Daily Beast. Newsweek and The Daily Beast ranked schools based on six areas: graduation rate, college acceptance rate, AP/IB tests taken per student, average AP/IB test scores, the percentage of students taking at least one AP/IB class, and average SAT/ACT scores. Among the top 25 transformative high schools in America, San Gabriel is ranked number 19, with a graduation rate of 94 percent and college-bound graduation rate of 96 percent.“I’m extremely proud,” Principal Jim Schofield said. “Being on the list of the top 25 transformative schools is a great honor.” Compared to other public schools in the area, San Gabriel High School surpasses Mark Keppel High School, Alhambra High School, and Gabrielino High School.

- Jenny Wu

WILLS

THE MATADOR

Nana Akahoshi Future Plans: Become rich and buy a Lexus and a Black Stallion.

Will: I, Nana Akahoshi, of sexiness and laughter, bequeath my awesome volleys to Nancy, my invincible backhand to Susanna, my tenor skills to Oscar, my smile to Hui Hui, my sexy winking to Joooo, my crazy laughs to Kryten, my height to Michelle, the word “badonkadonks” to Ryan Duong, and my optimism to Johnny Diep.

Quote: “IT’S A MANGO!!!!” – Celine Hui Memories: All the things I did with my tennis team, lunch breaks filled with laughter with my friends, life stories with Mr. Kanow, and talking about Black Stallions during 5th period AP Gov. Predictions: Celine will be a princess, Kenneth will be short, William will become green tea, Lucy will make fried rice for me, Tiffany will go clubbing, Chris will love Black Stallions, David will forever have moody hair, Brios will never buy sweet tea, Irene will be Iweney, Derek will go to dances, and Alex will buy a fan.

Thanks to: The tennis team that made my high school the best, my lovely tenor saxes who will eventually dominate band, and my family and friends who have supported me throughout high school.

Alan An Quote: “Live life. Be happy.”

Dawn Au Future Plans: Major in Microbiology at University of California, San Diego and marry Ok Taecyeon.

Will: I, Dawn Au, of weirdness, bequeath my weirdness to the dirty couple, Amber Stern and Stella Liang.

Quote: “Don’t get even, get ahead”- Larry Kanow Memories: I will never forget all those crazy swim meets. 3KDJ. Picking on the maknae. Maknae picking on vice-leadah.

Predictions: Karen will marry one of her numerous biases, Kris, Eunhyuk... Janet will marry Chanyeol. Kaylee will marry Junsu. Maknae will never marry Minwoo.

Dara will be world leader hehe.

Thanks to: the Infamous 3KDJ (Kaylee Wang, Karen Bach, Kelly Lam, Dawn Au, and Janet Ye. 3KDJ, you guys were the highlight of my high school career, and thanks for going through everything with me. I love you guys <3. P to the T to the QUACH. My baby. I love you, hun. My best-est friend of all, Lily Wong. We have made it through thick and thin since the seventh grade. I am so glad to have you in my life. You’re the best, Lily <3.

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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

cautious do not live at all.” - Ambrose Redmoon Memories: Countless Basketball practices, games, and victories; 3KDJ Adventures to Korean Music Festivals and K-town; Endless concert adventures with Janet Ye; Planning for Prom with JCC; Late night APR sessions with JCC & SCC. Predictions: Janet Ye will live in Korea and pave her success there in civil engineering. Dawn Au will become a ubiquitous and successful singer from Cube Entertainment. Kaylee Wang will marry Kim Junsu. Kelly Lam will always be Minwoo’s wifey and our Maknae. <3 Thanks To: All my teachers, especially Mr. Kanow and Ms. Sumi, for always supporting me. 3KDJ for showing me that nothing is too hard to overcome with great friends by your side. My fellow class council members and advisers for showing me how exciting and fun school can be with the right group of people.

Thanks to: Ms. Sumi, Ms. Mar, Mr. Gin, Mr. Hendrickson, Ms. Johnston, and Ms.Vicky for pushing me to do better and better myself.

Mindy Banh Future Plans: It’s still up in the air.

Will: Always keep your head up and don’t ever give up. I leave my will to all the students of San Gabriel High School. Be who you are and never be afraid.

Quote: “Keep walking. Don’t stop.” – Nea Walker Predictions: Well, life is unpredictable, so who knows?

Thanks To: All of my teachers, family, and friends who helped me in my time of need and for never giving up on me.

Leon Chan Will: I, Leon Chan, of loud personality and louder voice, bequeath my control of JYeh to Stanley Ho, presence to Justin Yeh, an actual personality to Kenny, talks to Shannon and Shayna, rage to Ashley Yu, height to Amanda Truong, my cursing to Pauline Vu, hugs to Brandi Huynh and Kat Nguyen, and my voice to Debate.

Quote: “What do we say to the God of Death? Not today.” - Sirio Forrel (Game of Thrones) Memories: I will remember Capt Hook and Black Widow, hosting the talent show, all the times in ASB. The joys of planning prom and APR with JCC. The bonds I’ve built through the debate team. Wasting away countless hours with LHG. 3 AM in AU’s parking lot after Homecoming. All while being in a second Ohana.

Predictions: I predict that Duke will quit college to be a hair model, Hao will be arrested for something violent, Judy will win an Oscar only to be arrested for breaking in to RDJ’s house, Ms. Kim will overload on boba, Andrew will finally get a job, Lauren will go to Coke rehab, and Eileen will “hate me.”

Thanks to: Speech and debate for all the memories, bonds, and skills. JCC for the stress and the balloons. ASB for the anger, the hatred, and the love and people.

Ms. Kim for reading all my stuff. Andrew and Angel for teaching me how to be someone I can be proud of. And my friends for putting up with me.

Carolina Bautista Memories: Spending every minute that I wasn’t in school playing softball. There was always practice and, at the time, I hated it, but now I’m glad there were so many practices it led to many memories, great memories.

Predictions: My softball girls will continue to have such big hearts and never lose love for their sport. Jen will be the greatest player San Gabriel ever had.

Thanks to: All of my teachers, they taught me about the greater things in life.

Evelyn, the only one who thought like me and listened to my ridiculous stories, I’m happy to have met her. Sandra, always going out of her way to make me feel better. I’m very grateful for having Johanna by my side. She has supported me in everything I do. I know how stubborn I can be and she’s the only one who can put up with me, I got mad love for this girl. I give a huge thanks to my softball girls.

They are my family. I love them and will always have them close to my heart.

Tuan Au Quote: “Life is moving too fast. If you don’t stop to take a look, you might miss it.”

“Play hard, study hard, and remember to give yourself some day-offs in your senior year.”

Natalie Benavidez Quote: “ In school you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

Will: I, Natalie Benavidez, leave my sister Marisa my smartness, my skills to my brother Joshua, and my awesomeness to the underclassmen.

Future plans: One word - SUCCESSFUL. Memories: Football games, practice always getting canceled, and the food fight when Lilian got hit my a milk carton.

Karen Bach Future Plans: I plan to spend my next four years as a Biochemistry major at UCLA to accomplish my dreams of becoming a doctor. I plan to travel to Korea and Europe.

Will: I, Karen Bach, of great coffee addiction and Yogurtland fruit-cutting expertise, bequeath my K-Pop infatuation to Winnie Tran, my alley oops shots to Judy Huang, and my academic resiliency and downtown 3-pointers to Coco So. Quote: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the

Khalil Campbell Future Plans: To major in Kinesiology and become the best trainer in professional sports and hope to be really successful!

Will: I, Khalil Campbell, prince of cuteness, awesomeness, and “darkness,” bequeath my attributes to my newer friend, Savannah Cheung. I hand my reigns of defensive mastermind to my good junior Marvin Lim. Memories: Any important memories would have to include senior prom with da boss Nancy Lam! The Iron Man 3 movie afterwards where she fell asleep haha and my entire senior year with mai homedawg, the one and only Eric Sotelo.

Alvin Chan Future plans: Finish my to-do list.

Will: I, Alvin Chan, of cynicism and silence, bequeath my cynicism to Britteny Chieng, nothing to Kevin Kang, and my non-existent people skills to Stephen Kang.

Quote: “I do bite my thumb, sir.”

Memories: The Persistence of Salvador Dali.

Predictions: Tomorrow will happen and California will remain a state for quite some time.

Leslie Chan Will: I, Leslie Chan, hereby bestow my almighty scepter to Dexin Zuo, my holy “hole” status to Helen Tran, my infatuating cuteness to Jia Wu, my barbaric manliness to Jie Ding, my brazen humor to Brenda Che, my spunky attitude to Diana Guerrero, my weird reactions to Esteban Yu, and my freedom to be independent to Susan Lee. I had amazing time with you all and I will miss you dearly! Take care of my legacy and I hope you all are inspired to pursue your passion.

Memories: I remembered meeting this boy when I just transferred to SGHS. I didn’t know too well (in fact I just met him a day prior); still, he came up to me and stated, “You’re not going to be able to create a colorguard team.” ‘Spare the embarrassment of [my] failure’ is what he was trying to say. If this boy is reading this, I hope he can see how miserably flawed his judgement is. And I deeply hope you, readers, will not be discouraged to battle against the odds. *****Memories: For one year, we have been toying with each other minds. For 2 months you did not call me until I was at the very edge of moving on -- luckily I hadn’t done so. It’s been 2 years and 9 months and we both are still in the honey moon phase. I will always remember how we’ve entered into this stage, and forever will I always cherish these memories we’ve made. Oh Bryant, you’ll always be a dork.

Thanks to: Ms. Vicky Yum for being so helpful to colorguard, Mr. Li for reviving my love for math, my team for making my days in SG colorful and bright, and my boyfriend, Bryant Trieu, for making me smile and laugh everyday.

Chieng takes gap year to pursue artistic talents N a n a A k ahoshi

Photo by Derek Deng

It is senior year, and as seniors, we all apply to colleges both in and out of state, hoping to become successful in the future. However, this is not the case for senior Britteny Chieng. Instead of applying for college, Chieng made the decision to take a gap year right after she graduates.

What triggered Chieng to take the path of a gap year was her desire to dive into the unknown and experience something different. “Although I was admitted to several Cal States and UCs, I was not sure if I really wanted to go to these colleges, and I wanted to explore something beyond school environment,” Chieng said.

In her gap year, she is planning to take classes, read, and work on her art portfolio because she is planning to apply to the California Institute of Arts after her gap year. “Since junior year, I realized that I really loved art and wanted to go to that college ever since,” Chieng said.

Chieng’s decision to take a gap year was not an easy decision. Her mother was against her decision be-

cause she thought not going to school for a year might affect her future.

“Even though my mom disapproves, it is my own choice, and my mom is trying really hard to understand for me,” Chieng said.

Chieng’s love for art made her pursue careers in art, such as an animator, art teacher, and free-lancer.

Before coming to the conclusion to pursue the arts, Chieng challenged herself to different fields by joining different clubs, or by being involved in several different clubs.

Throughout high school, Chieng was involved in couple of school plays and showed her passion through them. She performed in “Wait Until Dark,” “Hotel Paradiso,” “The Chairs,” and “What the Bellhop Saw.” Chieng’s love and talent for acting took her from playing a minor character to playing one of the major characters.

Chieng’s passion toward arts did not stop with just her involvement in the school play. Chieng also competed at Poetry Out Loud and Poetry Slam.

Again, Chieng’s talent in expressing her emotions and interpreting the

poem allowed her to join the AP Literature Poetry Out Loud team, and compete against many other students who share the same passion toward poetry.

Chieng’s involvement was not solely in the arts, but many others including Red Cross, National Honors Society, and track. She even participated in the half marathon in Los Angeles last year.

“I tried out many clubs to see what I was really interested in, so I did not limit myself to just clubs that was related to art,” Chieng said.

Although she has great interest and passion towards arts, she still felt the need of time to think thoroughly about her future, and came to the ultimate decision to take a gap year instead of going straigh to college.

Chieng understands taking a gap year is really intimidating and can be a scary decision, but it does not mean doing so is a bad thing. “Success and happiness look different to everybody, and whether it means going to school right after high school or totally going off the tangent, I say take your dreams and run with [them],” Chieng said.

Photo by Nana Akahoshi

To p : Chieng performing at the district Poetry Out Loud c o m p e t i t i o n i n D e c e m b e r.

Chieng placed third reciting Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird.”

Left: Chieng performing Shel Silverstein’s “Lester” for Get Lit. Chieng was placed on the San Gabriel High School Get Lit team and was chosen as sacrificial poet at the county competition. on April 26.

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THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Derek Chau Future Plans: Get a GameCube. Obtain a degree at UC Irvine.

Will: I, Derek Chau, of cognizance and joviality, leave…Oscar Muñoz a portion of my awesomeness, Brandon Ascencio the permission to use the nickname Branasce, Dat Le a book on how to spell common English rights, Austin Ung some power, Harold Burgos the deed to white castle, and Frankie Zhang a solid gold yo-yo.

Quote: “The truth is like the sun, you can only shut it out for so long.”

Memories: Brandon, Oscar, and Dat feeding in League of Legends.

Having my first and only MoMa group with Chris Lew, Emily Vo, Sandy Ho. Attending PTSA meetings and receiving tutoring from Project HOPE. All my time spent with the fantastic Business and Technology Academy.

Predictions: Oscar will change his name to Auger. The three of them will still feed in League of Legends. Oscar’s GameCube will break down and become trash.

Thanks to: Everyone that took the time to talk to me!

Thanks To: All of my teachers for passing their knowledge to me and friends for making school fun!

Johnny Chau Future Plans: School, work, Rage.

Will: I, Johnny Chau, of idiousness, bequeath my Donut O’s to Avery Chih and Joel Hyun, my excellent sense of direction to J. Thai, the mystical tree to BSMK, my idiousness to the rest of the babies of SO, and my cuteness to Raymond Sy. Quote: “In between goals, there is a thing called life that has to be lived and enjoyed.”

Memories: My garage, junior year to senior year, summer in SD, March madness, Fridays.

Predictions: Vanessa De La Rosa that Sasuke is going to die, Samuel Hyun is going to become a famous artist.

Thanks to: My brothers and sisters for making my high school years fun. And to the homies, HH.

Constant Chi Future Plans: Gain 50 pounds at UCLA, meet a foreign exchange student there and go back home with her to South Korea.

Will: I, Constant Chi, of unintended intimidation, worried overanalysis, intense indecisiveness, and arrogant jerkiness, bequeath my infinite awesomeness to Dylan, Nathan, Victor, Oscar, Alissa, Bicky, Jenny, Judy, Seleen, and the rest of my underclassmen.

Memories: XC/Track meets and after-parties, SCC meeting/hangouts, Dai Lo’s, HC Court and Jamba Juice, wrestling tournies w/ k.phung, E-SMACK, awesome upperclassmen, noobsauce underclassmen.

Predictions: John will get buff and bulky, Duke will get OnStar so he won’t lock himself out of his car, Sandy will be a professional wheelchair destroyer, Victor will grow a foot taller, Eric will learn to love pho, and Ashley will suddenly love kpop.

Thanks to: My XC team, my Track/Field team, my Dai Lo’s, my Senior Class Council, my underclassmen, my wonderful alumni, and all my friends for making high school a bit easier to bear.

Alondra Chavez Will: All my accessories I leave to my beautiful daughter Konica and all the food in my fridge to my guinea pigs Danky and Doobie. My combat boots to Rene Silva ‘cause I know how much he loves them :D and all my other belongings to my younger sister Ana Lopez. My diploma to Ms. Tran so she can see it everyday.

My last wish is to be buried on top of Rene Silva.

Victor Chen Future Plans: I plan to be a boss. OH WAIT, I ALREADY AM. LOLz Will: I, Victor Chen, say hi.

Quote: “If life gives you lemons, then you have lemons.”

Memories: I will always remember being reminded by Eavan Liang that I am 6’10 and not one inch shorter.

Predictions: Zot. Thanks to: My duo queue partner, Kevin Phung, for always being boss. My partner in crime, John Huynh, for his awkwardness. My idk, Constant Chi, for being Constant. My BFF5ever, Zhenhua Li, for being a brother. My squirtle, Eavan Liang, for thinking he can beat me in basketball. Thanks to all my great friends who have always been there and have supported me through tough times.

David Cheung Future Plans: Major in computer science and land a job at Microsoft. After college, start a family and take good care of them.

Will: I, David Cheung, of greatness and awesomeness, bequeath my greatness to my brother Brandon Cheung, my awesomeness to my sister Elaine Cheung, and my love to my mother Theresa Cheung.

Memories: Track and field practices and meets, basketball with friends, and video projects.

Konica Chhin Future Plans: Major in Hospitality at Cal Poly Pomona.

Will: I, Konica Chihn, of food and laughter, bequeath my food to Viciente Saenz, my laughter to Julie Truong, and princess crown to Rosa Gamino.

Quote: “Every mistake is just a lesson.”

Memories: Getting thrown into a trashcan, cheering at games, carrot fights, and being a princess.

Predictions: Monique is going to get rich and adopt Louie and everyone will have me plan their weddings.

Thanks To: Ms. Kim, Mr. Nguy, Mr. Posada, Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Nong, and Coach for putting up with me this year.

Britteny Chieng Will: I, Britteny Chieng, bequeath my meteor showers to Clay Chieng, my books and bruises to Kevin and Stephen Kang, mi sushi màgico al club de Cultura Latina, my tofu to YAWP on the mic, and all of my stage grace to the thespians and stage managers.

Quote: “He never understood that the Devil’s thumb was the same as medical school, only different.” --Into the Wild Memories: Soph/Jr yr mornings; Becoming unevenly tanned w/ Nana, Coach Brock, 2011 JV tennis team; Little Theatre’s casts & crews pro at Britteny-proofing; 1st slammin poets, Ms. B&Nico; lunches w/ Ms. Morales; Churros Predictions: I predict Alvin will surpass Da Vinci, Helen will body wave on Broadway, Lammy will make it rain, Jo will collideoscope, Arizona Sky will be #1 scandalous, Mr. Schofield will do a dance number with choreo & Clay will make a sauce responsible for a new strain of diarrhea.

Thanks to: Alvin Chan, Mr. Posada, Mrs. Lapi, Ms. Morales, Ms. Burkhart, Google translator, Mr. Gin, supporters of the Arts, Karen Lam, Debbie Dinh, Arizona Sky, Joanne Ly, Kdmy, Tracy Lee, and everyone I met who made everything a bit more interesting.

Vivian Chinh Future Plans: To leech off of my parents for the rest of my life, but will eventually get kicked out of the house to pursue a nursing career. I’ll end up gambling on rooster fights for a living.

Will: I, Vivian Chinh, the master of procrastination and laziness, shall bequeath my injuryprone ability to Brandon Ha, and my sleeping talent to Tiffany Heng.

WILLS

Quote: “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” - Sweet Brown Memories: My high school life was so boring that all I can remember is sleeping in nearly all my classes. Also hanging out with my friends.

Predictions: Kelvin Ta will become buff, Michelle Lov will fall in love w/the new & improved Kelvin (JK), Lyna Phung will survive on spam & tapatio sauce in college, Brandon Ha will gain 10 more lbs.

Thanks To: Thanks to myself for being SO AWESOME & WONDERFUL; and thanks to everyone who put up with my sarcastic remarks and provocations.

Lucey Cisneros Future Plans: Cal State Fullerton, then transfer to UCLA. Will: I, Lucey Cisneros, bequeath my leadership skills to Elizabeth Casillas & Carol Lam. My love for dance, ability to learn things quickly, and sharpness to Ruby Leal & all the new members of the Drill Team. My friendliness and talkative personality to David Chen and all the new Peer Assistants.

Quote: “Better to live with the ‘Oh wells’ than the ‘What if?’s” “Everyone is smart, but if you judge a fish for its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it’s stupid.”

Memories: Becoming Drill Captain, getting sashed for 3rd year, Prom, Ditching SG football’s games to go to Alhambra’s, performing in Pep Rallies, JoJo-Jam 2009, ghetto chola talks w/ Ronald in Yearbook, pimpin’ in summer school 2011 at Keppel, drill bondings, Sadies ’12, hell week and Drill practices.

Predictions: Jennifer will eat so much shrimp, she will become a shrimp. Jessica will own Wendy’s. Evelyn will marry a black guy. I will become a cop and arrest hot guys. The dress code will become so strict, girls won’t be allowed to show their ankles or neck! LOL Thanks To: Thanks to all the teachers and counselors who helped me in my high school journey. A special thanks to Mr. Mason for always supporting and believing in me these past four years! I love you! Thanks to all my haters and ex-friends for helping me separate the real from the fake and end up with my true real friends! :) c/o 2013!!!!

Angel Cruz Will: I, Angel Cruz, co-president of ACADEC, would like to wish next year’s president, Kristy Duong, the best of luck. I know you can do great things for this club, and I just hope that Raymond does not give you too much of a hard time.

Quote: “It is not your paintings I like, it is your painting.” – Albert Camus Celine Dang Future Plans: Major in Economics at University of California, San Diego.

Will: I, Celine Dang, of pinkness and royalty, bequeath my name and grades to HuiHui, my lack of height to Michelle Hau, my fake Crocs to Annie Huang, and my half of the stand to Arthur Thai.

Quote: “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.”

Memories: Disneyland. Prom. Falling down the bleachers at USC. Football games with band. Getting kicked out of class for talking too much. Mr. Kanow’s life stories. Going out with Nana and Kenneth after school on Thursdays. My beloved trips to Target.

Predictions: Kenneth Ng will become an Olympian, Nana Akahoshi will get her black stallion, Brian Rios will introduce me to super cute athletes, Monica Lam will marry a white guy she meets at Santa Clara, and Irene Hong will become my doctor.

Thanks to: KENNETH AND NANA, for being there for me always. BUTT, for being a great listener. Brios, for being my source of laughter. Irene, for being there to calm me in my times of panic. HuiHui, for always being my confidante.

Passion for music blossoms into career path S onny Hy

Photo by Lauren Fukumoto

Top: As a sound engineer, senior Chris Oliva plans to work with sound boards like the one pictured here from the auditorium.

L e f t : Senior Gabriel Garcia DJs at a local party. Garcia has been booked at several venues all over Los Angeles and plans to continue DJing while pursuing a degree to become a paralegal and majoring in Business and Administration.

Photo courtesy of Gabriel Garcia

Music is a passion that all can pursue; however, there are many subsections of it written that many do not understand. Seniors Christopher Oliva, Adrian Olivera and Gabriel Garcia understand that making it big in music is not an easy feat, but this does not faze their determination and love for music.

Their passion, their love, and their dedication to this eternal pleasure has driven their futures. All three of these students have decided to pursue careers involving their ultimate passion: music.

Oliva and Olivera are actively focusing on sound engineering and mechanical engineering, respectively, both having different plans on achieving their dreams.

Garcia plans on becoming a DJ on the side as he achieves his degree as a paralegal by focusing on business and administration.

Oliva has had passion for music since his childhood, thirsting to be involved in it. He plans on going to Pasadena City College and then hopefully transferring to a college that is specialized for his major, Sound Engineering, such as Califorina State University, Northridge.

“I love music; it means more than everything to me,” Oliva said. Oliva chose this because he feels that if he had not, he would have regretted it for his entire life.

His love for music began in first grade with the Ramones. “Music soothes the soul, man,” Oliva said to

summarize his feelings about music.

Olivera plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering while minoring in Sound Engineering. His uncle and cousins have all inspired him to achieve his dream because of their efforts in bands. Ever since his childhood, he has always wanted to be involved with music. “[I] really love music, and I really like making [it],” Olivera said.

“I’ve been wanting to do something with music, and I really like making music and putting it together,” Olivera said, claiming that his family ”inspired me... because they have their own bands and I always [watch] them play.”

Garcia plans to be a DJ at various clubs all around Los Angeles after he majors in business and adminstration, as well as getting an associate degree in Paralegal.

He wants to do as much as possible in DJing because of his passion, but he feels that a source of steady income is necessary in his life, resulting in his choice of becoming an attorney.

“Seeing [my father] be able to support a seven-person family with somewhat ease makes me want to just follow in his footsteps in whatever I do. My goal is to eventually do just as well as him, and I know if I can be just like him, I’ll be sucessful in life,” Garcia said.

Altogether, all of these three students have been driven by their love for music, decided on their future, and used it to the advantage.

FOCUS

THE MATADOR

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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

School correlates to the amount of stress that students receive A n n i e H u a n g a n d Reb ecca Lei With the increasing level of competition to get into the nation’s top colleges and schools, current-day students cannot go on with only good grades. For example, in order to get into today’s top-ranked colleges, one must be an amazing, sparkly, unicorn fairy bunny. No longer will a mere 4.0 guarantee a college acceptance. As a result, students strive to become more outstanding and involved individuals, but at the expense of their physical and mental health.

“High school students are very conscious of the need to present a profile to prospective colleges,” stated Richard L. Hall, PhD, on WebMD. “They are told this by their counselors, by teachers, by their par-

ents. It is not just having good grades, but it is taking part in significant extracurricular activities and even community service.” Hall also mentioned that the intense focus on school was often overwhelming and actually detrimental to the performance of students.

“So many things are needed to get into good colleges, such as sports, clubs, and maybe some internships. I sometimes feel burdened by the need to be involved in a lot of activities, which takes a lot of time out of studying,” junior Chhe Tum said.

Pressure originating from both school and home also generates a fair amount of stress upon students.

“I feel the need to do well in high school for a better future because I know my parents work hard for the money and food they provide for me. It’s the least I can do to make them proud and know they raised a daughter they can be proud of,” junior Michelle Zhou said. However, the stress that students feel is not only

caused by academic and familial pressures. Social relationships can bring about stress when added on to the onslaught of work that challenging classes provide.

“I’m fine as long as I know how to manage my time wisely, [but sometimes] school is really stressful for me because I also have to deal with friends and relationships,” junior Nina Dionisio said. Dionisio also stated that the added pressure from being a first generation child and role model did not detract from the amount of stress that her AP classes caused.

Due to environmental factors such as familial pressures and social distractions, and also physical factors such as excessive amounts of work from various subjects as well as extracurricular activities, many teenagers experience a stress level way beyond their capacity. As a result, better time management and reasonable scheduling will help to lessen the stress level compiled up by the high expectations and endless responsibilities of these teenagers.

C

Eating disorders consume the mind and inhibit the capabilities of those affected Sonny Hy

Eating disorders are major mental health disorders that have stricken many across the world; students at San Gabriel High School are not immune to this issue. Junior Aria Gonzalez* is a victim of this severe mental health disorder. She encountered this during her freshman year.

Gonzalez had eaten and immediately felt like vomiting. This was not the end of it; for another three weeks, vomiting became an inescapable part of her life. Ritually during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, she threw up constantly and did not know what was happening. Her family paid heed and called the doctor after three weeks of this h She was astonished; the vomiting had stopped, but her body could not cooperate. Eating became a monumental challe in fear of vomiting. Every meal she ate, every time she breathed, vomiting had become torturous and taunting to this yo enveloped in depression, unhappiness, and suicidal tendencies as vomiting and starvation became core parts of her life.

“I was alone. No one helped me, some of my friends knew and yet none of them bothered to help me. They kind of ju me out to eat. I couldn’t talk to my family about it. I felt completely abandoned,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez had to fight this off herself. She confessed that the school mental health facilities failed to aid her plight. She The only chance of vindication came from her own determination.

Gonzalez had lost 30 pounds in the course of five months of this perilous journey. She felt “happy that she had lost w [she] wanted to live.” She was suicidal and completely depressed.

Recovery took five months of her life. Battling and overcoming this was no easy feat for this perilous girl. Looking sought more help, but she is healthy now and is looking forward to her future, including applying to University of Calif Eating disorders are horrible mental issues that plague teenagers across America. <www.kidshealth.org> recorded that are not merely the inability to eat a cheeseburger or drink Coke every other day - it is the extremely unhealthy behavior t merely two types of eating disorders that involve the paranoia of gaining weight and purging to avoid putting on weigh that must be treated. These are not conscious choices made by the victim; it is a behavior forced upon them by their unheal Eating disorders are not choices. They are unfortunate and unhealthy diseases that must be treated; however, their se Briefs by Annie Huang and Natalie Tran

BRITNEY SPEARS Information from www.nimh.nih.gov Chart by Annie Huang

The multi-platinum pop icon was revealed to be suffering from ADHD after critics slammed her for consistently leaving from the X-Factor judging table. She manages by taking medication, and to maintain happiness and focus, she spends time with her two sons.

MICHAEL PHELPS

The 25-year-old Olympic swimm ADHD since childhood. After bein two years, he decided to use swi find focus and battle his mental

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FOCUS

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Claiming to be “depressed” is ignorant and problematic De rri ck Chi a nd Va ne s s a De L a R o s a People undergo obstacles throughout life that tend to impose stress or anxiety on them, such as relationships, schoolwork, or sleep deprivation. Due to an intense feeling of pressure to do well, students tend to overreact when things do not go as they expected, claiming that they are “depressed” because they did not receive desired results. What some students fail to realize is that depression is a real, severe mental disorder that should never be taken lightheartedly, and that people who are actually suffering from the maddening disease may be offended by ignorant others who do so.

Clinical depression is caused by both biological and emotional factors that completely distort a person’s character; they falter in academics and social interactions. According to WebMD, some reasons for depression are sexual orientation, family life, or interaction with people. It is an inexorable disease that changes a person’s demeanor and inhibits their existence ; they struggle considerably in normal settings and situations.

A disheartened student cannot begin to compare a bad grade or an unexpected outcome to the effects of this impeding disease; they cannot match their feel-

ings with those of someone who is actually depressed.

In Elizabeth Wurtzel’s novel, Prozac Nation, Wurtzel endeavors into the minds of those who have fallen victim to the agonizing disorder, bringing light to the morbid effects of depression.

“A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end,” Wurtzel wrote.

People nowadays use the term “depressed” too liberally. When people overdramatize a simple situation such as not having Internet for a week, they say they are “depressed”. Many people do not realize that they are disregarding others when they treat depression as everyday sadness.

“People shouldn’t be saying they’re depressed when there are real people in the world suffering from depression. That’s why people who are really depressed aren’t taken seriously anymore; the term ‘depressed’ has lost its significance,” sophomore Emma Lucas* said. Lucas is currently battling depression herself.

People should be more cautious about the words they choose to describe their emotions, staying cautious of the effects that their words can have on another group on people. *name has been change

horror, prescribing her pills to halt the vomiting, she said. enge as she began to continuously avoid meals and snacks oung woman. She couldn’t escape from this; she soon was . ust shrugged me off, avoiding it altogether by not inviting

e felt abandoned by the school, her friends and her family.

weight but, [she] knew this wasn’t right, this was not how

back upon this time, she confessed that she should have fornia, Santa Barbara next year. t one or two out of 100 teenagers suffer from its grips. These that involves eating and weight. Anorexia and bulimia are ht. These two are completely unhealthy and are problems lthy mind that is plagued by a fear of weight and being fat. everity is undermined by uninformed views and people. *name has been changed

S

mer has struggled with ng on medication for imming to help him illness.

Commentary: Therapy provides necessary insight Natalie Tr an Since the second semester of my junior year, I have been going to therapy weekly. I already know most people’s reactions to this (considering I have seen and heard many already): “Oh... you’re in therapy?” they ask in a half-confused, half-analytical tone. Yes, I am in therapy. It’s always a bit hard to try not to yell at the ones who are more condescending toward this, but so far, I would say I’ve done a decent job not exploding at anyone.

There is always the stigma that therapy clients are “crazy.” You know the general “crazy person” prototype: violent, paranoid people with delusions of grandeur and depressive tendencies. It seems as though pop culture and media have been the reigning force when it comes to stigmatizing people in therapy, creating huge, problematic misconceptions about them.

My guidance counselor was the one who referred me to Hathaways-Sycamore, which provided me free therapy on campus for these past two years after filing papework. She saw that I had lost focus in my life and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to get back on track. School and home life had taken a toll on me physically and psychologically, constantly barricading me from what I could potentially do.

Mental health concerns a lot more than just illnesses. According to the National Library of Medicine, mental health “includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being”and “affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life.” I have never been professionally diagnosed with any mental disorder, nor do I claim to believe I have any. What many people do not realize is that therapy is not just for people with mental disorders.

Therapy is really just a way for anyone who is willing to go to it to find their own way to cope with their lives and their states of mind.

Going to therapy isn’t as dramatic as it seems. I don’t lie on a couch while someone jots down every single one of my thoughts on a clipboard. I just talk about my life and let out the things I hold in. I believe that therapy can work for practically anyone who is willing to do it, no matter what kind of therapy. From my experience, it has provided me with a better insight and ways to cope with life.

All illustrations by Annie Huang and Natalie Tran

DEMI LOVATO

The 20-year-old Disney star has battled two eating disorders and bipolar disorder since her youth, which resulted in excessive substance abuse and self-harm. However, she eventually learned to love herself and take better care of herself after getting admitted into a treatment center.

ELTON JOHN

Bulimia nervosa, along with alcohol and cocaine addiction, had taken control of this pop legend’s life.

Despite numerous challenges, John finally decided to get his life back on track by admitting into a rehab center in Chicago.

Photos courtesy of mirror.co.uk, bestfan.com, livejournal.com, and fanpop.com

WILLS

THE MATADOR

Mak to serve in Air Force after obtaining degreee quent camping trips and training.

“He also added that the mandatory activities were irIntegrity first, service before relevant to his goal of becoming self, excellence in all we do, the a doctor,” Mak said.

Air Force’s creed in which senior Mak will be majoring in Henry Mak has adopted as his own mechanical engineering at personal mantra.

Uuniversity of California, IrDeviating from most seniors in vine while attending Air Force the graduating class of 2013, Mak ROTC meetings weekly. The aspires to join the Air Force in hope ROTC program requires that to gain leadership, confidence, and Mak attends training during communication skills. summers; however, he un“I want to join the Air Force bederstands that education is a cause it will give me the opportunity priority. to travel, work with planes, and do It is after schooling at U.C. other interesting jobs such as rescueIrvine that Mak will serve four medic or security force,” Mak said. years as an officer in the Air Mak was initially interested in Force. joining when he discovered that his Mak has chosen an atypical brother enlisted in the University of path to his aspirations, but a California’s Army Reserve Officers’ necessary one to keep his goal Training Corps (ROTC) program. in reach.

“My brother recommended the Mak is confident that the Air Force for me over the Army and Air Force will provide valuable Marine Corps because the lifestyle is experiences and instrumental better and all the technical aspects skills that will be crucial in would help me in my career after order to propel him to new the Air Force. heights in his future endeavors.

Photo courtesy of Henry Mak He revealed that while he was Joining the Air Force will only Senior Henry Mak wearing his older enlisted in the Army ROTC his GPA fuel his motivation to become a significantly dropped due to the fre- brother’s army uniform. developmental engineer.

B ri a n Ri os

Debbie Dinh Future Plans: Creative Writing at UCR while drowning in student debt.

Will: I, Debbie Dinh, of word vomit and strawberry lipstick, bequeath my editor skills to Derrick Chi and Rebecca Lei, my herpes to the awful Sonny Hy, whatever is left of my muse to the beautiful Vanessa De La Rosa, my resilient social skills to Judy Linh because God knows she needs it.

Quote: “Its happening.” – Princess Kim Memories: Laughs with Sonny Hy, Lauren Fukumoto, Karen Rivera, and the dreaded sports team, sobbing through deadlines with journalism, making fun of John Truong’s grotesque drawings, drama rehearsals, falling and crashing into some dude named Hien Trinh, and living the monolid life with Princess Kim. Predictions: Karen Rivera will marry a successful Jewish man, Sonny Hy will regain his Socialist leadership over the free world, Vanessa De La Rosa will become a Homewrecker, Ms. Kim will not live in H2, Judy Linh will become a small girl doing big things, Lauren Fukumoto will finally give me that pumpkin cheesecake recipe she promised two years ago, and Princess Kim will quit playing LOL. Thanks To: Sonny Hy because it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Vanessa De La Rosa for being the light of my life and the fire of my loins, Mr. Slagle and Jennifer Kim for being amazing advisers, Tofu Girl, and thanks to Lauren Fukumoto for being the bestest friend you can ever ask for.

Henry Loc Duong Future Plans: Major in Political Science at American University in Washington D.C. and I’ll co-dominate the world with at least 50 other people who wrote this in their will.

Will: I, the incomparable Henry Loc Duong, of procrastinator-land, bequeath my awful art analysis skills to Jennifer Ngo, the “pro” in procrastinator to Brandon Lu, and my magical paper wand to Joanna Mai. Quote: “You will meet very smart squirrels in college” - Mr. Gin Memories: Spending lunch w/ CCG in the Career Center, late-night movie runs ‘til 2 a.m., SAVE Forums, college visits with friends, Debate Tournaments, being late to Ms. Kim with Sharon, and Mr. Slagle’s English projects.

Predictions: Eileen F. and I will conquer the east coast in 4 years, Tiffany Yu will be a renowned OBGYN, Jonathan L. will host a fashion show on E!, Chris T. will be the new Hugh Hefner, Son T. will be an Imagineer, Vivian L. will learn 1000 languages, and Lydia X. and I will run against each other in an election.

Thanks To: All of my teachers over the past 4 years who had to put up with me and all of my fellow classmates for being super awesome. And a big shout out to CCG for being the best group of friends a little boy could ever ask for. CCG4LYFE. Tiffany Duong Future Plans: Major in Biology at UCI, and have a pet bunny named Mochi.

Will: I, Tiffany Duong, of carefree spontaneity, bequeath my love for alpacas to the lovely Kristy Duong and our future team members, and my quest for environmental trivia to Alan Duong. I wish you all happiness and success!

Quote: “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” -Haruki Murakami Predictions: Our Acadec team will move to D1 & finally beat Keppel. Yadanar Oo will become CEO of some company on Wall Street, Helen Vuong will wed Jay Park, Brandon Pham will become Internet-famous, and Kevinism will conquer the world.

Thanks to: All my wonderful teachers and friends for giving me their time, Acadec and Enviro cabinet for the parties, and Phamily for their undying support.

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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

William Duong Future Plans: Major in Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona.

Will: I, William Duong, of great heights and captivating mind, bequeath my math skills and a HK rose to Irena Ngo, my sassiness to Nina Dionisio, my nonexistent track abilities to Kevin Luu, and my last dance to Savannah Cheung.

Memories: Sitting and talking with Sharon Yu in every class we had together, my night at prom with the best date, waitering at the dinner play, spending my summer volunteering with Sharon S., Joyce T., and Jefferson S., Mr. Gin’s 4th period AP Gov talking about the most random topics in class.

Thanks To: Everyone that drove me somewhere, especially Jenny Teng, who took me out the most, Vicki Lam and Christina Co who made my last month of senior year the most memorable and fun, Ms. Mar the best math teacher ever and for letting me stay in her 6th period.

Ronald Eusebio Future Plans: Milking cows and farming corn at Kansas State University. After earning a useless journalism degree, I’ll come back to California and drink all the boba I want while spending the rest of my life looking for a job. #chillinlikeavillain Will: I, Ronald John Eusebio, of egregious adjectives and striped shoes, bequeath my Snapchat “talents” to Villar Nguyen, Photoshop surgery skills to Justine Pham, Dora the Explorer dance moves to Gibson Loc, lunchbox collection to Jennie Lim, ABG writing to Julie Vong, and YBK to Matthew Diep.

Quote: “People tell me I don’t have any talent. That’s why I work hard.” - Sandara Park, 2NE1.

Memories: Drowning Natalie Ma in a river in Arizona. Being the only freshman trumpet. Karaoke partiez with Sharon Yu. Mr. P-ing, not peeing, with Princess Kim and Tina Chan. Midnight breakfasts with Kathleen Nguyen. Sweeping 1st place (6 medals & 2 trophies!) at YBK state & prom with Anna Huang. Mentallyderanged AP Lang group. Just swaggin at school.

Predictions: Teresa Truong will run the school tabloid, SG Smut. Chris Lim will own SPAM. Anna Huang will find true love in Duke, Kevin Wu. Kobe Luu and Eric Hong will elope and live happily ever after. Villar Nguyen and Kenny Yeung will never age. Dillon Hong will be my butler. Mrs. Jenny Teng-Malik, enough said. UCSD will be renamed UCSG. Georgia Luong will buy out McDonalds and merge it with Sriracha.

Thanks to: Band, Choir, Yearbook, ASB, AcaDec, PTSA, and everything else I do on campus for years of cheers and tears. Anna Huang for 7 years and counting of being amazing. And to Qi Guo, Teresa Truong, Phong Dang and the others, thank you.

Isai Fernandez Future Plans: Graduate from college and become a physical therapist. Ball out playing football, and open my own clinic.

Will: I, Cinco, of Beastness and sexiness, bequeath all my love to my Gorgeous girlfriend Jaleen Lujan. Hand down the torch to the future Ballers of the football team.

Memories: Meeting my girlfriend and spending most of my time with her :D Winning league and going to the CIF Finals my junior year. Being a Peer Assistant and being partners with Jasmine Lau. Playing “Two-Bit” in the Outsiders play and playing “what would you do” with Andres and Oliva. Clowning around in Mr. Ramsay’s class with Arella and Antonio and yelling “Kobe” every time I threw something away. Prom was dope!

Thanks To: Coach O. for teaching me life lessons. Ms. Beda, Mrs. Barbie, Mrs. Vergo and all the beautiful ladies in the office who helped me and took care of

me throughout high school. My Girl for supporting me and being my biggest fan in whatever I did. All my teachers who pushed me to do better. All the people that doubted me and made me prove them wrong.

Ricardo Fernandez Future Plans: Make a time machine and come back to the day I wrote this and come up with a better will.

Ariella Flores Future Plans: Major in Animal Science.

Will: I, Ariella Flores, of kindness and greatness, will succeed in my career. I will graduate from high school, make my family, friends, and teachers proud. I will go to college and graduate, get my major or bachelor degree.

Quote: “Only you can control your future.” – Dr. Seuss Memories: With all my friends, softball, and being close to my two favorite teachers, Mr. Mason (Riley) and Mr. Ramsey.

Predictions: I will succeed my future, and keep in touch with my younger friends.

Thanks To: All my friends, family, and teachers who’ve been there for me and helped me out for my 3 years here in SGHS. Eileen Fung Future Plans: Major in Industrial Organizational Psychology, obtain a P.H.D., minor in Women’s Studies and revolutionize the world.

Will: I, Queen Eileen Fung I, hereby bequeath my wonderfulness and delightful spirit to my departing CCG members. To my dear, dear Swim varsity girls, I hope you guys kick some real butts next year and show MK that we cannot be overlooked! To my debate kiddies, I leave you guys my sassy-ness and charm.

DOMINATE! Memories: My favorite memories consist of the legendary CCG hangouts. Nothing could top our incredible days and nights spent together laughing, joking, and living life to the fullest.

Thanks To: I would really like to thank Tiffany Yu for making me a better woman.

I have never met a more caring, genuine, and wonderful person, ever. You show me there is a world outside my own and changed me for the better. There is also Lauren Fukumoto, who I would like to thank for always making time for me and my rants. And last, but certainly not least, CCG. You guys help me forget all the problems in my life, and for that moment in time, just see how beautiful the world can be. Without you guys, I doubt I would be as awesome as I am today.

I have never had a better group of friends in my entire life. So thank you, thank you for making this year the best.

Marisa Garibaldo Future Plans: Explore the world and accept whatever experiences it may offer me. Meeting inspiring people, eat the best food, and read many great pieces of literature. Live the simple, yet extraordinary, life.

Will: I, Marisa Garibaldo, of endless laughing and eating, bequeath my laughing to the Girls Basketball Program (especially Melissa Quac and Coco So) and my eating to who other than the lovely ladies in Famille Des Amies.

Quote: “Sometimes you lose a battle, but mischief always win the war.”

Memories: Those long, endless, tiring hours of basketball practice. Finding my best friend, Kristy. Making it into Famille. Long, early services. Countless hours of basketball. Creating bonds with people I’ll never forget. Experiencing unforgettable love.

Predictions: Poe will have Frankie’s babies, Alicia will become a chef and get fat, Viri will stop crying lulz, Sandra will fix her tan, Jen will play softball 5 ever, Coco will become a Pokémon master, basketball will find its heart again.

Thanks To: The Basketball Program, I wouldn’t be who I am today without it.

Famille, for all the laughs and memories and bands. My friends for always being there. Coach Honda for believing in me. And Adrian for making my senior year amazing and unforgettable.

Jessica Gonzalez Future Plans: Continue going to school after graduation and work to my fullest and become the best person I can be. I’m still undecided with the career I want, but I will accomplish my dream. When I grow up, I will meet Tim Tebow and marry him.

Quote: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best out of everything.”

Memories: I have so many amazing memories in SG, but only a few writing limit, haha. One memory would be the football games, all of them. My memories in Drill, meeting new people each year.

Predictions: SG will get more lame after our year. Teachers and staff will get more strict, and all the alumnis will be happy because we’re out of the prison we call school. Oh, no offense! And lastly, I will marry Tim Tebow!

Thanks To: Everyone who stood by my side through all the drama and what not for all the teachers who listened and never gave up on me. And thanks to everyone if you follow me on Instagram, do it “jessiee_5.”

Alex Hi Future Plans: Probation office and open a small business.

Will: I, Alex Hi, leave my shuffling skills to Aver Chih, my leadership skill to Samuel Hyun, and all my O.G gear to my lil bros.

Quote: “All money in, no money out!”

Memories: The tree will the brodies and seastars.

Predictions: All my friends are going to make it big.

Erika Ho Future Plans: Open up a bakery in Seattle and become a famous Food Network chef married to Chris Evans and go backpacking with “dude look like a lady.”

Quote: “I am Loki, of Asgard. And I am burdened with glorious purpose.”

Predictions: Courtney Ta will become a doctor and move to Sesame Street with me. Judy Huang will marry RDJ. Ashley Cortes will become a strong independent woman. Alex Fan will become a man. Alex Lo will be our LA Fitness Trainer.

Maria will be a pimp. Drew Navas will be my sassy neighbor. Oscar is going to be the guy in the commercial that wags his finger.

Memories: Dude look like a lady, Café food, running from narcs, Sesame Street, Starbucks, Chris Evans, premieres.

Thanks To: All the new friends I made for the best senior year memories ever.

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THE MATADOR

Randy Ho Future Plans: Own a clothing brand or a drink store.

Will: I, Randy Ho aka Leadja aka da bes, of swag and yolo, bequeath my pong skills to LHG (especially Kent), humor to AARiNG, unsweaty pits to Jay Kim, Yoona to B-|2ad, FISH TACOS FROM OMANAS to MOANSINSL33P, big clock for B4rking C4t, anime p55e for M&M’s, cooking to Jon Tan the 6urvy Man, my sleep habits to Megan 7hai, Where’s Waldo? skills to MI8, sin9ing voice for D-B McGee, dance moves to my little sister, Michelle 10v, blender for 11eon, acting to Kat12 Mai, rhymes to Cal13in, SNSD18/2 to Mora, brain for games to Diana Nguyen, and my butt for everybody that was in Track and Field.

Quote: “Wanna fight?”

Memories: Everything LHG, #BCG, WHAS#, tacos, pizzaroll tortillas, McDonalds, Earle Street G. Thanks for the fun times even though we’re spread out.

Heads up high until it’s on cloud nine.

Predictions: Nobody will keep in touch with each other. Nobody will have time to meet up. Nobody will be there for your death. Nobody.

Thanks to: LHG, ESG, WHAS#, some of the Rising Sun, SNSD, BASED GOD and Dora the Explora.

Anna Huang Future plans: Major in pre-wed at Duke University #GoBlueDevils, marry Kevin, and transfer to USC to take over the world with my army of #swag #Trojans Will: I, Anna Jessica Huang, of psychedelic vivacity, bequeath my $wag Qu33n throne to Brandi Vu and Pauline Huynh. My yearbook EIC position to John Truong, extreme hashtagging to Tracy Hoang, #InstaSwag to Ronnie Lee, and selfie-taking skills to Jason Ngo. Quote: “Everything is half speed.” - Kevin Wu Memories: Wasting my life away in H2 for the past three years. Snapshots. Kevin and Eric. Dreading yearbook camp for years. Taboo and Slenderman in the back room. Giving up our writing careers to play Hide-n-Seek at Sears. Short bus adventure. #PlotTwist Predictions: Vannes will marry Eric and I will marry Kevin. We’ll see each other at family reunion, girl! Jenny will marry her hot white boyfriend and take over NYC. Ronald will become mayor of Swag Gabriel. Kathleen will find her KDrama dream boy.

Thanks To: Kevin for being Eric… Van2nes for being best friend of the year.

Ronald for being ratchet. Susan for being the Nike spokesperson who always tells me to #JustDoIt. Calvin for being the bestest friend a girl can have. And yearbook for being my clarity.

Fanny Huang Future Plans: Eleven years from now, I’ll be a pediatrician, own three cats, and maybe bake cookies.

Will: I, Fanny Huang, bequeath my excellent attention span, shimmying abilities, and DOLFIE-LYFE powers to Alexander Zhen.

Quote: “ YOU’RE CONFUSEDDDDD!” - Myself Memories: Helen hugged me for the first time..

Predictions: I predict that Vivian Chinh will become an exotic giraffe tamer, Helen Lam and Jessica Cheung will finally be able to float, Sharon Yu will be accidentally discovered by a modeling agency, Bianca Zafiro will morph into an intense llama, and Stephanie Tran will forever stay below 5’1”.

Thanks: To Sharon Yu, Helen Lam, Stephanie Tran, and Vivian Chinh for being there for me through all the rough times.

Jinwen Huang Will: Flip all the burgers! Ride all the rollercoasters!

Quote: “Trust is like a string, it can be strong, it can be fragile, it can save your life or strangle you. However, if it is cue, there is no way it can return to its original state.”

Judy Huang Future Plans: Not be the girl who has everything, but nothing.

Will: I, Judy Huang, bequeath my undeniable love for Grey’s Anatomy to Ashley Yu, my unrealistic dreams of marrying a celebrity to Tiffany Tran, and my insane love for film to Danny Bui. Quote: “Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist.” – Tony Stark Memories: Dude look like a lady, 100+ degree Joshua Tree, Spam Musubi, Maroon 5 Concerts, 104.3MyFM, LA and Hollywood adventures, debate team bonding, fat club, Ohana.

Predictions: Courtney is going to save my life as a doctor. Erika is the future wife of Chris Evans. Ashley is the Double D kroq girl. Maria will fly off with Superman. Alex L. will be my husband’s (RDJ) trainer. Alex F. will grow up.

Michelle Huang Future Plans: Major in Health Science and help prevent suffering of the ill, injured, and disabled.

Quote: “Success is not how much money you make, it’s how much difference you make in people’s lives.” –Michelle Obama Memories: Being a Key Clubber, going into Art competitions, the pain that made me strong in Color guard, playing the violin in Orchestra, and pulling all-nighters.

Thanks To: My teachers, my parents, and my boyfriend for supporting me through thick and thin.

Tiffany Huang Future Plans: Major in Animal Science.

Will: I will bequeath my greatness to my lovely Kristen Ham and Susanna Chen, for they will carry the tennis team next year.

Quote: “Just do it.” –Nike Memories: Fighting for food after or during tennis season.

Predictions: Wifi at school isn’t going to be available until 10 years later.

Thanks To: My friends since middle school, tennis fiends, and alumnus who have helped me throughout this year.

Christine Huynh Will: I, Christine Huynh, of uniqueness and awesomeness, bequeath my ability to keep quiet to Jasmine Huynh, my superb parking skills to Marc Quach, my weirdness to my littles and my love for texting games to Emily Szeto.

Quote: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Memories: Meeting my lover in Ms. Hom’s class (I love ya :o)), making it to Amor Amici, all the times I spent with my sissys and brothers at beach social

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 and X-Mas exchange, waking up at 4 in the morning for services, all the stupid things I did with Elaine HAHA. Predictions: Tiffany Troung’s love for 1D will never die, Carol Lam will finally learn how to tie her hair, my littles will be President/VP one day, Elaine Gao will still be a crazy driver, Jasmine Huynh will stop laughing for no reason, Marc Quach and Jasmine will have the friends they deserve and nothing less, Tyler and I will still be the fattest couple there is.

Nancy Huynh Will: I, Nancy Odom Huynh, of greatness, bequeath my attitude to Megan Thai, problem solving skills to Jason Ngo, my slowness to Krys Pham, my never-ending appetite to Angie Lin, my passing abilities to Vanessa Linares, my butt to Jaleen Lujan, and my ugly facial expresssions to Jenny Liang.

Memories: Volleyball games, CIF tournaments, Mammoth trip.

Predictions: Heather Tse will end up on American Idol, Sylvia Hoang will be driving a Range Rover, Michelle Lov will gain the freshman 15, Shaneen Lin will become a great photographer, Jasmine Lau will be a party animal, Vannes Tang will become a comedian.

Thanks To: Thank you to Mr. Kanow, Chris Kwan and Mr. Ryan for helping each and every one of us grow and become a better athlete and person.

Taylor Huynh Future Plans: Major in Business Administration at CSULA. Go to Graduate School at USC. Have my own company.

Will: I, Taylor Huynh, bequeath my leadership skills to Geneis Echeverria and Andrea Guzman, my messed up sleeping schedule to Cassandra Rodriguez when she becomes a senior, the crazy, weird time schedules of practice and games to the girls’ soccer team.

Quote: “Surround yourself with the dreamers and doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with most who see greatness within you, even when you don’t see it within yourself.”

Memories: All the ASB days and events, all the soccer games, all the soccer months I spent with soccer girls, all the times I spent with my friends. Genesis Echeverria’s birthday party, DCON in Anaheim for 3 days, 6 Flags, Knott’s and Disneyland.

Predictions: Cassandra Rodriguez will be varsiy goal keeper. Genesis Echeverria will be a professional soccer player on the women’s USA team. Joyce Tien will amaze everyone that she has met and will ever meet. Carolina Loaisiga will change everyone’s life one day. Janette Nguyen will be a confident person whether she knows it or not.

Thanks To: Coach Monica Carrasco, Coach Albert Fernandez, Coach Jorge Estrada, and my friends who helped me through everything.

WILLS

Tomhanks Kung Future Plans: Actually trying in the school I am attending. Finding my purpose in life. Dying, knowing that the people I care about are not suffering from poverty, insecurity, and living up to their potential. Surviving and create meaning with the new knowledge that I will gain.

Will: I, Tomhanks Kung, Mr. Most Outspoken(nothing special), pass this knowledge for the next generation. In your senior year, think of surviving your classes, not surpassing everyone. Be unique, do not stack yourself with AP classes when there’s college courses to go at least at a community college.

Quote: “Life can knock you down, but you choose whether to get up or not.”

-Karate Kid(2010) “Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead.” -Hans Christian Andersen “It is as hard to take success as it is failure” -Louise Nevelson “I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.” -Socrates Memories: Jelina’s expression when she does something that seems embarrassing to her. Teachers accidentally use profanity in their lecture. Getting an “A” on an AP class test. Getting knocked out in class when the teacher talks about their life rather than their lecture. Opening doors for strangers.

Prediction: I believed that my friends will create their own purpose to continue living. Some will live the way they wanted to, others will live the miserable life that they ought to never discover. All of us will experience rejection, depression, and betrayal, but not all of us will let it interfere with our lives.

Thanks To: The teachers/coaches who had me as their pupil. Calvin “Little” Lam. Key Club. OGS. LHG. Environmental Club. Track and Field. Jelina “UCLA Girl” Luu. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelists. Henry “Loc” Duong. Son “Sun” Tang. Tiffany So. Other friends that I could not mention in this will because of this 250 word cap.

Teresa Kwan Future Plans: Overrule government and dictate the United States as Queen Teresa.

Will: I, Teresa Kwan, of absolute awesomeness, bequeath my infamous hyena laugh to Carlos Lam, my insomnia to the best family ever, Thu Nguyen and Emily Szeto (and Nancy Fu too, I guess…), my royal tiara to Tiffany Truong, and my title as “Milkshake Master” to my newest little Kaylie Nguyen.

Quote: Philippians 4:13 Memories: Doing the dumbest and most idiotic things with the shipforking potatoes, swimming in 50 degree weather, football games with Drill, being crowned Homecoming princess, innerclubs with AA&SO, and Breann’s unforgettable nauseating farts.

Predictions: Duke Lin will become dirty again. Sandy Nguyen is going to work for Dara Dan, but still boss him around. Breann Tang-Gaddi will become an official spokesperson for the Cuchini. Ramito Sarabia will model for oranges.

John Nguyen will cry a river and drive over it. Vannes Tang will pick her kids up from school in a white van.

Thanks to: Kevin Vuong for loving me through thick and thin. You’re the best.

Top academic seniors share secrets to success

1: Susan Lei

College: University of California, Los Angeles Motivation: Her parents, who always told her to try her best. She also likes the feeling of putting in effort into what she does.

Advice for underclassmen: “Do what you like, and do not procrastinate. Make sure to be wellrounded and stay on track.”

What she wishes she had done: “If I could give myself advice, I would tell myself to be more involved in leadership positions.”

College: University of California, Berkeley Motivation: His own ambition along with a circle of friends with positive influences.

Advice for underclassmen: “Do what you love to do, stick with it, and strive for the best. It’s important to know your limits and have good time management. Always ask for help because there will always be someone out there to help you.”

What he wishes he had done: “To balance life in a better way with school family, and friends.

Also maybe get involved with more projects, both on and off campus. I also wish I realized sooner that the most important thing is for myself to be happy.”

3: Jane Lei

2: Dara Dan

College: University of California, Los Angeles Motivation: Her family, who always wanted her to be the brightest she can be. She wishes to be a role model for her brother. Her teacher Larry Kanow is her inspiration because he has not only inspired her to major in chemistry, but has also inspired her with his life stories.

Advice for underclassmen: “When you need help with a subject, look up video tutorials online to make studying easier; video tutorials have helped me a lot.”

What she wishes she had done: “Since I’ve been hard-working for the past four years, I wish I would’ve been able to tell myself to just chill and enjoy high school more.”

College: University of California, Los Angeles Motivation: Expectation, pride, competition, a bit of ego, and the future. His family has pushed him to do well in school and go to college, which he expected of himself.

Advice for underclassmen: “You will fail. You will regret, but you will never succeed if you don’t make the most of what you have and put yourself out there and try. Join a sport, join a club, find your passion, find a hobby, find a community that will support you and push you to be a better all-around student.”

What he wishes he had done: “I wish I had joined Speech and Debate to improve my speaking skills. I also regret not trying Academic Decathlon or Science Olympiad.”

Quotes compiled by Crystal Wong

5: Constant Chi

Photos by Sonny Hy and Derek Deng

WILLS

THE MATADOR

Calvin Lam Future Plans: Become a doctor or neurologist, grow a few more inches, write a book.

Will: I, Calvin Lam, conqueror of heights, bequeath my great Internet service to Dennis Ong, my terrible puns to John Nguyen, my skepticism to David Pham (you know what for), and all my money to Peijie Lei. Quote: “Every person is going to die. Living long enough, each will suffer the loss of his friends and family. All are going to lose everything they love in this world. Why would one want to be anything but kind to them in the meantime?”

–Sam Harris Memories: Brenden Diep’s diamonds and his secret Ninja Turtle identity, Jonathan Tan’s scary neck, Peijie Lei’s extraterrestrial origins, Donald Trinh’s sandals, Dennis Ong’s constant harassment for being four-feet tall.

Predictions: Brenden Diep will meet someone richer than him, Peijie Lei will return to his home planet, I will outgrow everyone else, and Calvin Li turns out to be my real father.

Thanks To: Everyone for an amazing four years, as indifferent as I seem; soap for keeping me clean; trains for keeping me on the right track; sidewalks for keeping me off the streets and paving the way to tomorrow while never curbing enthusiasm.

Helen Lam Future Plans: Figure out the meaning of life.

Will: I, Helen Lam, of skepticism and doubtfulness, bequeath my presidential status to David Zheng and my pie eating skills to Alex Zhen.

Memories: Hanging out in YAWP, watching the school plays, and seeing couples form within my group of friends.

Predictions: Fanny Huang will become a famous pediatrician. Sharon Yu will fulfill her dream of being in a cubicle. Vivian Chinh will have ten kids. Alice Luu will keep playing Runescape, and Alex Luu will continue being weird.

Jimmy Lam Future Plans: Going to Rio Hondo College to pursue a certification in becoming a Master Mechanic.

Will: I will leave my special stuff to the San Gabriel Boys Varsity Tennis! SG YOU KNOW! Quote: “You are one step out the door in life.” – Ms. Burkhart Memories: I am going to miss all of the times when I get to chill with all of my friends, because after May 31st it’s going to be very difficult for it to occur again…

Predictions: Kevin Vuong will become a doctor and will treat me if I am sick!

Gordon Loc will be the greatest tennis player that I will ever know! Patrick Dam will be the greatest person to go to and get a massage! Brandon Thai will be the greatest anesthesiologist!

Thanks to: Thanks to all of the teachers and staff at San Gabriel High School for

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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

being the best staff team a student can ask for! SG YOU KNOW!!

Kelly Lam Future Plans: Bby Brain at UCLA and continue dancing.

Will: I, Kelly Lam, of spontaneity and cubby adventures, bequeath my legs and sprints to Diana, fights to Randy, midnight talks to Justin, Viola to Viola bbs, SAT score to Michelle and Chhe, banana song to 3KDJ loves, vlogs and summer to Brandon.

Quote: “Illuminating a finite world with finite connections and smiles.”

Memories: 3KDJ hangout. Maroon5, KMF’13, KBBQ, face masks; Homecoming court, Track and Field League Champs, wingflappin’ Wednesdays, adventures to L.A. with Brandon, Disneyland orchestra performances, KarmaKreu, MULA. Predictions: Dawn will have 8 babies. Janet will leave me alone and touch all Korean men. Karen will have Kris and Jerry’s baby. Kaylee will own two dolphins named GD and Junsu. Brandon and I will continue our vlogs and jam sessions.

Thanks To: Janet Ye, Dawn Au, Kaylee Wang, Karen Bach, Karen Cam, Dara Dan, Zoey and Lena, Billy Lin, Coach Brock. Marcus Nguyen, Mr. SoCal Sun, and personal adversities.

Monica Lam Future Plans: Major in Business at Santa Clara University in NorCal. Will: I, Monica Lam, of calmness and ice-chewingness, bequeath my awesome editor skills to my opinions co-editor Maggie Cheng, my calmness to the overexcited Steven Ho, and my Lam line to my two brothers, Tony and Kevin.

Quote: “The best thing in life is to hold onto each other.” - Audrey Hepburn Predictions: Irene will gain 30 pounds feasting, Yadanar and Dara will be successful hippies, Ashley and I are going to have an awesome house, Katie is going to be a hipster for life, Austin will live in Korea, Hana and Jenny will never stop their fangirling, Celine will marry a hot, white guy, and Nana will get a Black Stallion.

Thanks to: My favorites, Katie, Ashley, Dara, and Austin for the last two years, Ms. Mar for letting me chill in her class when I had nothing to do, class council for providing me with unforgettable friends and memories, and lastly my family for supporting me in all the crazy extracurricular activities that I have gotten myself into.

Tracy Lam Future Plans: Major in Kinesiology (Pre-Physical Therapy) at Humboldt State University.

Will: I, Tracy Lam, the almighty VP of Anime Anonymous, bequeath my great powers as VP to David, my nonexistent badminton skills to Annie, and my great BS-ing skills to whoever needs them.

Quote: “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke Memories: Those embarrassing moments that I will do my best to forget, hanging out with my oddball friends, Anime Anonymous, Maid Café, MoMa, and

Badminton.

Predictions: I predict that Jane/Jenny Luong will be a first in the world of law; Chinh will become a surgeon at a hospital I will never go to; Carmen will somehow open a café; and years from now, Julia will mellow out.

Thanks to: All my teachers, especially Ms. Lee, Mr. Osborne, and Mr. Gin for all the knowledge, help and memorable times; my friends for being weird; the Badminton Team, Mr. Wong, Ms. Wu and the Anime Anonymous staff for an eventful senior year and the memories.

Jasmine Lau Future Plans: I plan to become a Pharmacist and continue to play volleyball throughout my college years!

Will: I, Jasmine Lau, bequeath my addiction to smileys to Megan Thai, my leadership skills to Joan Phan and Vanessa Linares, my athleticism to Krys Pham, my funniness to Nevin Nguyen, my optimism and amazing driving skills to my little brother Kevin Chow, and lastly, I would like to bequeath my happiness, cuteness, and amazing passing skills to the wonderful Charlie Diep.

Quote: “ What doesn’t kill you, will only make you stronger.”

Memories: Volleyball tournaments, CIF games, bruises from sprawling, busting my chin open, and being in class council!

Thanks To: Mr. Kanow and Chris Kwan for always watching over me. And to all my friends who have been there for me when I needed them the most!

Carmen Le Future Plans: Major in Pre-Business at Riverside, open a boba bar in SGV Will: I, Carmen Le, leave my secretary position to Kathleen Pham and my belly rubbing powers to David Zheng. To Victor, I leave you my recipes so you can feed the cabinet. Anime Anonymous Cabinet of 2013 and 2014, thanks for a great year.

Quote: “When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show you have a thousand reasons to smile.” – Unknown source Memories: Choir, Sophomore year tennis class, Anime Expo 2012, Anime Anonymous as a member and secretary, meeting people, eating lunch with my friends, Maid Café.

Prediction: Helen Chhea shall be seen on T.V. and David Zheng shall be a trap for next year’s Maid Café.

Thanks to: All the friends I’ve made over the years and to all my teachers for guiding me this far. You guys made me see things I would’ve gone on ignoring.

Justin Lee Future Plans: Business Major at CSUN. Quote: “Prosper.” –Boys Varsity Swim Team Memories: Swim meets, eating lunch with friends, participated in the talent show will Flo-Mo, asking someone to Prom.

Thanks To: All my teachers and friends for making my Senior year unforgettable!

Seniors create life plans out of theater experiences Sonny Hy The arts have become more than a hobby, they have become a calling for seniors Joshua Oropeza, Cristian Saldivar, Carol Ma and Ryan Nguyen.

Cristian Saldivar is pursuing acting and lighting design at California State University, Los Angeles. This has “always been something I’ve enjoyed, and I never really wanted to get into this field before, but it was not until this theater program that I’ve really fallen in love with it,” he said. He has always wanted to act since he was five years old, working on 14 shows and acting in six throughout high school. Drama class and drama teacher Patrick Posada refined his passion for acting and gave him insight into both lighting design and acting. Saldivar loves these two passions and said that “[I] would never stop loving them.”

Joshua Oropeza was “really young” when he realized “[he] wanted to be an actor.” He said that“[his] parents are 100% supportive of everything that [he] does.” He believes that acting is something that is innate, something that is born within and that acting can only be refined and improved on thorough training and practice.

He plans on attending Los Angeles Community College and majoring in theater, getting his general education and then transferring into a program at University of Southern California for acting. “Acting helped me cope with the troubles in my life, and I wanted to help others escape their world,” Oropeza said.

Carol Ma wants to major in sound design

because of her intense passion that she feels whenever she interacts with the process. Ma believes that sound design allows the “ability to express creatively” feelings and emotions.

Her family has been extremely supportive of her choices and actions.

“I enjoyed theater tech because when you see the finished product, it creates a warm feeling within the soul looking at all the

work being completed and coming out so perfectly,” senior Carol Ma said.

Ryan Nguyen plans on majoring in set design or gaming graphics. His plan is to go to Pasadena City College and then leaving to a four-year college, living in New York to learn about theater and its strings and making it big through designing and building. Posada and Martin Quach all inspired him. His fam-

ily silently supported his actions.“Don’t be afraid to do what you like; don’t let anyone stop you as long as you like it; go on and make it your dream,” senior Ryan Nguyen said in conclusion.

Acting and the related professions are all fields that capture students all around the world and San Gabriel High School is no exception.

Top Left: Seniors Cristian Saldivar as Ponyboy and Omar Sarbia as Sodapop performing a scene from ‘The Outsiders.’

Top Mid: Senior Carol Ma adjusting the stage curtains for an outside production of ‘Annie.’

Top Right: Senior Ryan Wynn attempting to create a microphone for an outside production of ‘Annie.’

Bottom: Seniors Cristian Saldivar and Joshua Oropeza rehearse a scene from ‘Wait Until Dark’—last year’s suspenseful drama production.

17

THE MATADOR

Susan Lei Future plans: Be involved in science-related activities at UCLA, meet awesome people of different cultural backgrounds and create even more lasting memories outside of school.

Will: I, Susan Lei, of determination and perseverance, bequeath my SAT knowledge and procrastination tendencies to Berbelyn Mendoza.

Memories: Last-minute studying/cramming, zero period naps, late-night complaints to my brother, Ryan’s “Gucci bag” moment, productive study sessions on the weekends, physics and psychology references to everyday events Quote: “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” -Eleanor Roosevelt Predictions: Jelina becomes a cartoonist for Disney, tree-hugger Priscilla gains worldwide recognition for her puns, Leanna finds her other L, Jessica becomes a fearless car driver, Christine becomes champ of all eating contests, Lily finally finds her (younger) Maru, and Anna reigns as EDC queen.

Thanks To: My family, friends, and teachers for making high school a memorable four years!

Jonathan Leung Future Plans: Major in Chemistry at UC Santa Barbara, transfer to UCLA or UC Berkeley, grad school at Cal Tech.

Will: I, Jonathan of the House Leung, the First of his Name, leave nothing to anyone, mainly because I don’t know any underclassmen.

Quote: “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.” - Horace Memories: Late-night movies with the Power of Three. Freshman year debate (even though I only competed twice). Prom. Hanging out with friends.

Predictions: Chris will still be a player and Loc will be a political campaign organizer.

Thanks To: CCG for helping me through my ordeal, Chris for being my best friend, Loc for being the chauffeur, Peijie for the L4D days, the 5th period Bio group for making the class slightly bearable, all my other friends, and Tina.

Eavan Liang Future Plans: To become a Mr. Hendrickson.

Will: I, Eavan Liang, of the Los Angeles Clippers, bequeath my brotherly love to Victor Chen, John Huynh, Zhenhua Li, and Kyle Wong; and the rest of my heart to Lyna Phung.

Quote: “If life gives you lemons, then you have lemons” - Victor Chen “Failure is the mother of success.” - Lyna Phung Predictions: Lyna Phung will rule the world with me by her side, Kyle Wong will continue to save me everyday, and Zhenhua Li and I will completely annihilate Victor Chen and John Huynh everytime we play basketball.

Priscilla Liang Future Plans: Major in economics/international relations at the University of California, Davis.

Will: I, Priscilla Liang, of great wittiness, bequeath my knack for creating puns to my sister, Stella Liang.

Quote: “It’s amazing that the amount of news that happens in the world every day always just exactly fits the newspaper.” -Jerry Seinfeld Memories: I will remember band tour 2011, tri-city field shows, and being part of ‘The Matador.’

Predictions: Stella Liang will be the next great Olympian, Susan Lei will win a Nobel Prize, Jelina Luu’s artwork will be featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), and Steven Ho will become a columnist for a major publication.

Thanks To: Many of my teachers who have inspired me in so many ways. Ms. Kim, for being a wonderful adviser, Señor Garcia for teaching us the importance of experiencing other cultures, and Ms. Cognetta for being the best band director ever.

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

WILLS

Artists aspire for a creative lifestyle and career Deb b i e Di nh Turning passion and art into careers may seem like an improbable journey to some, but seniors Andres Bermudez and Lana Vong are determined to pursue a life in which they can have the ability to express their creativity.

“As an artist I could never see myself living the same routine every day or working in an office,” Bermudez said. “I love to draw, and I love everything that is cultured. I don’t want to be part of the norm.”

An aspiring tattoo artist and hair stylist, Bermudez found his passion through personal interest and encouragement through his experience working with drama productions. Although his parents are unsupportive of his career, friends and teachers, such as drama teacher Patrick Posada, encouraged him to follow this path.

“Tattooing is like the devil to my dad, and he thinks I’m immature and that I don’t know what I want,” Bermudez said.

Bermudez’s passion started when he was a freshman, admiring cartoonist Robert Crumb and author Ayn Rand and getting inspiration from San Francisco Street Art. He plans to work in a tattoo palor/hair salon in Venice Beach and make some music alongside his work.

“I wouldn’t not let it work out.”

Bermudez said.

Vong intends to specialize in product design after taking art classes involving activities such as creating tables and electronic styles. The summer of her sophomore year, she found that this was what she wanted to do through advice from former aluma Michelle Fong and art teacher Karen Keller. After finishing her education at Pasadena City College, Vong wants to continue design classes at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

“My friends were upset that I turned down acceptances from UCI and UCSD, but I think PCC is the best option for me because I get to work on my art portfolio,” Vong said.

Initially against her career choice, her brothers and parents eventually warmed up to the idea of Vong becoming a designer.

Before Bermudez and Vong, many other San Gabriel students took interests in pursuing art as a career. One such alumus is Anthony Davalos who graduated in 2010. A band and tuba enthusiast, Davalos participated in PCC’s band and evolved his love for music; however, his real passion lay in car design.

“I’ve been designing cars since I was little, and I just always wanted to do it for a living,” Davalos said.

His family, especially his grandmother, has been particularly supportive of his work and actually introduced him to taking classes at the Art Center

College of Design in Pasadena. Currently, Davalos is taking a gap year to work on his portfolio.

“My future plans are to design cars, retire and go back to playing the tuba,” Davalos said.

With the constant pressure to find, by definition, “stable jobs” such as regular day businessmen or pharmacists, these San Gabriel students are a compilation of earnest passions that refuse to be belittled or shrugged away.

Vickie Lieu Future Plans: Major in Liberal Studies at California State University, Northridge.

Will: I, Vickie Lieu, grant my social skills to my little sister, Cindy Lieu, my leadership skills to my little brother, Kevin Lieu, and my other skills to my friends who will still be at San Gabriel next year.

Memories: Badminton games, Key Club meetings, hanging out with my friends at new places, and singing in choir.

Predictions: Helen Chhea will be choir president next year and then a famous performer after a few years. Andy Tran will be in Advanced Choir for two more years and become the lead actor for one of the plays.

Thanks To: All my teachers, friends, and other adults who have helped shape my goals and skills. Also, thanks to my family for supporting me and pushing me forward.

Hayley Lim Future Plans: Major in Veterinary Technology at Platt College.

Memories: All the good times at my lunch table.

Thanks To: Everyone who made my senior year as amazing as I hoped it would be and those who were there for me when I needed them.

Jasmine Lim Future Plans: Major in Chemistry at San Diego State University, pass the N2 exam of the JLPT, and study abroad.

Will: I, Jasmine Lim, of all things in my mind, pass my tenacity, resistance, and luck to Michelle Tu and Brianna Ly, my Rainbow Dash print to Mark Zamudio, whatever is left of my Mabinogi skills(not gold) to David Nguyen, and my resemblance to my lil’ sister, Jennie Lim. Quote: “If I were assured of your eventual destruction I would, in the interests of the public, cheerfully accept my own.” –Sherlock Holmes to Professor Moriarty Memories: Members of the Band coming to a Saturday football game with only an hour’s notice, the break after the windstorm, scaring Davin Vuong so bad he fell backwards, Flaming Kitties, Alex Luu’s pestering in Kanow’s, and the day nail polish had been spilled.

Predictions: A doujinshi will be made for Kevin Chu and David Zheng, Polly Trieu will move back to California, Sally Pe will scream at someone, Stephy Deng continues being cute, and Justin Sor will magically teleport and fall off a tree.

Thanks To: Everyone! (So much for being creative right here…)

Duke Lin Future Plans: Become a Duke.

Will: I, Duke Lin, of extravagant hair and the flowing stache, bequeath lane one

R i g h t : S e n i o r A n d re s B e r m u d e z ’s u n f i n i s h e d sketches of possible tattoos and other designs.

Left: Senior Lana Vong’s design of a unique mechanical cat that produces stickers and other crafts for young children. These were made product design classes at the Art Center College of Design and featured on their blog, <http://blogs.artcenter.edu>. to Koung Kham and Raymond Sy, and the skills to beat simple phone games to Kelly Giang.

Quote: “I am the influence and I’m above it.”

Predictions: I predict that Shayna Quach will continue to pick up things for me, Kenny Yeung will stay short, Dat Hong will break the one minute in fly, and Alex Luu will make it big when he sells his paintings of Bruce Ho. Thanks To: the Speech and Debate team and the Swim team for everything, from the dreadfully long competitions to the wonderful coaches and teammates.

Shaneen Lin Future Plans: Major in Business at University California, Irvine.

Will: I, Shaneen Lin, bequeath my setting position to Angie Lin.

Quote: “Wish it. Dream it. Do it.” –Anonymous Memories: Volleyball program, talking to the underclassmen, running for prom court, CIF boys finals, free boba from tea station, girls night out, Mammoth with volleyball girls, hiking, singing at convalescent home, winning poly tournament.

Predictions: Tyler Bui + Christine Huynh will get married. Nancy Huynh will become a supermodel. Angie Lin will become prom princess. Heather Tse will be Vannes Tang’s bridesmaid when she gets married. Sandy Peng and Omar Sarabia will get married. Richard Zheng will become buff like Johnny Fu. Syliva Hoang will have 5 kids.

Thanks To: Mr. Kanow, Coach Chris Kwan, Mr. Wong, Richard Zheng, Sylvia Hoang, Nancy Huynh, Vannes Tang for always being there for me.

WILLS

THE MATADOR

Michelle Lov Future Plans: Become a kpop idol & have lots of fun at UCR with SBQ <3.

Will: I, Michelle Lov, of elegance and beauty, bequeath my LoL skills to Brandon Ha, my endless love for SBQ, my cramps to Megan Thai, & my skinniness to Kelvin Ta. Quote: “To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are.” - Sven Goran Eriksson Memories: LHG hangouts, movie nights at my house with friends, endless spazzing about nonexistent men, heart-to-heart talks at the “wall” with Julianne, & checking calculus test scores at the same time with Nancy.

Predictions: Randy Ho will master BTD choreography with me, Diana Nguyen will become a music video director, Jerry Vong will still be my biffle, & Kelvin will get a six pack.

Thanks To: Mrs. Bishop, Mr. Garcia, LHG, SBQ, Kelvin, Megan, Nancy, Biggo, Biffle, Diana, Princess, Moosh, Pajaro, and my family.

Brianna Nicole Lozano Future Plans: To travel to other countries. To volunteer and help others and sky dive.

Will: I leave my beastly freestyle to Teticia, my beautiful butterfly to Jocelyne, and I leave my sexy swimsuit body to Charlie.

Quotes: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

Memories: When I made the Choreo team my junior year, and when I won second place in swim finals my senior year.

Predictions: I predict Charlie is going to make it to an out-of-state college; Jocelyne will strut her way on the varsity swim team; Leticia will be very successful in life, and I predict for myself that I will make it to the top and help so many people.

Thanks To: I would like to thank all my swim buddies for making it so much fun and all the coaches I’ve had for pushing me. Going to miss this school. Thanks to everyone who was a part of my high school experience.

Daniel Lu Future Plans: To become a Pokémon master and catch them all.

Quote: “To protect the world from devastation! To unite all peoples within our nation! To denounce the evils of Truth and Love! To extend our reach to the stars above! Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of lights! Surrender now, or prepare to fight! Meowth! That’s right! - Pokémon Memories: Playing volleyball, my time with Gloria Su, being able to meet a lot of people at RYLC. Predictions: Brandon will become rich and powerful. Dara will take over the world. Rachel Ma will become a gold digger. Shaneen will find a hot guy at Irvine and make beautiful babies. Gloria and I will live at Malliby Point and drive world class Audis.

Thanks To: Ms. Joan Lee for all her kindness and assistance; All of my friends who have been there for me; Gloria for making my senior year amazing and fun.

Ashley Luong Future Plans: Create amazing memories at UCSD, travel all over the world, do something meaningful with my life.

Will: I, Ashley Luong, of clumsiness and an addiction to shopping, bequeath my endless ambition and limited supply of motivation to Pauline Vu, my love for sarcastic comments to Brandi Huynh and my determination to avoid senioritis to Vicki Liu. Quote: “I, myself, am entirely made of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.”

Memories: JCC, APR, and Prom 2012, Yearbook, dinner outings, la clase de Español del Señor Garcia, LHG hangouts, BA meetings with my bbff.

Predictions: Monica and I will live as crazy, old, dog ladies in a house that we decorate together and Dara will rule the world.

Thanks To: My favorites for being amazing, LHG for being my shoulder to lean on, Kevin for always be there, Brian for being my wonderwall, my teachers, and all the wonderful friends I’ve made.

Georgia Luong Future Plans: Major in Social Work to become a Child Services Worker.

Will: I bequeath my extroverted personality and independence to my little brother, Kent Luong.

Quote: “Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear...” - Anonymous Thanks To: OLIVIA, for being my shoulder to cry on and the constant encouragement. Our same sense of humor! You and I are different in so many ways, yet, similar in many more; you fill what I lack and as do I to you. Thanks for being the greatest best friend! PETTY, for being so understanding and brightening up my gloomy days! SANDYp, for being encouraging. LINH, for being my homegurl & there to comfort me at my lowest. DU, although your jokes and opinions were hurtful at times, you’re still my guy BF and I know you’re always there for me. KEAR, for ALWAYS being nice to me and comforting me at my lowest. ELAINEg, for being such a good friend and always listening to what I have to say. RONALD, for making every day a better day. JENNYm, you were always real with me.

TAMMY, being able to vent to each other and how we have so much in common. Everyone else that I’ve ever spoken too, had class with, etc.! Sriracha, for making food taste delicious. :) Jane Luong Future Plans: World Domination. Major in Law at UCI. Will: I, Jane Luong, bequeath my whistling powers to Shayna Quach, my fun and energy to Teresa Truong, my social awkwardness to Michelle Hau, and my love to Nina Dionisio.

Quote: “As to me, I know of nothing else but miracles.”

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

–Walt Whitman Memories: Debate tournaments, volunteer services, ASB events, tennis games, guidance office.

Thanks To: Everyone I’ve ever gotten the pleasure to know.

Alice Luu Future Plans: Major in zombie destroying and become educated in graphic design. Continue interests in gaming, art, and public relations. Become the best person that I could be.

Will: I, Alice Luu, of maxed Runescape skills and ultra dorkiness, bequeath my love for gaming and hardcore music to my soul mate and best friend, Brandon Lu. Predictions: Ricardo will take over the world with his toe. Brittney will become famous because she is super talented and enlightening. Christine Nguyen will become a pretty donut maker.

Quote: “Passionately curious about life and constantly surprised by how little I know.” –Anonymous.

Memories: Tough journey of finding out who I am and what I need to improve on. Awesome times spent and shared with the nicest friends I would ever ask for, except Vivian Meng, she’s terrible.

Thanks To: John Cao for prom and teaching me about trust and strangers. Jenny Wu for helping me out whenever I needed support. Mr. Posada for influencing me with his passion for life and art. Everybody who wasted their time reading my will.

Jelina Luu Future Plans: Major in Biochemistry at UCLA and survive.

Will: I, Jelina Luu, of smiles and bad tans, bequeath my drawing skills to John Truong and Annie Huang, my weirdness to Steven Ho, my sand-filled shoes to Elvis Ha, my randomness to Sonny Hy, my darkness to Julie Vong, my strawberryflavored foods to Tiffany Heng, and my toe cramps to my brother, Kevin Luu. Quote: “A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.” –Tom Wilson Predictions: Susan Lei will find the cure to cancer, Yadanar Oo will become the CEO of a successful company, Leanna Lai will marry L, Priscilla Liang will die from an overuse of hand sanitizer., Randy Ho will open a famous taco shop, Jackson Yee will get eye surgery, and John Nguyen will become Batman.

Thanks To: My parents, friends, teachers and coaches for supporting me these past four years. And thank you all for the memories.

18

19

THE MATADOR

Katie Mai Future Plans: Escape mai existential crisis and then preserve positivity. I simply plan to be happy and that is just enough for me.

Will: I, Katie U. Mai of tallness and royalty, bequeath my indomitable spirit to Ryan H. Duong, my vibrant cheerfulness to Oscar Molina, and my unwavering heart to Arthur Thai. I give everyone the courage to believe in their greatness.

You’re awesome.

Quote: “Alas, I am dying beyond my means.” – Oscar Wilde Memories: “A Moment in Time” in BAND, CC4LYFE, LHG, PEER, POETRY & THEATRE. Love-hate relationships. Growing up at SGHS. Pretending to be a thug when I’m not. Spontaneous adventures with the best friends on Earth. Finding my voice. Falling in love every day.

Predictions: We will all be okay, amazing, and hopefully, happy. If I don’t rule the world, then maybe…Dara Dan will. Life will screw us over and over again, but we will have the strength to pull through it all, if we just don’t give up.

Thanks To: Riley Mason & Patrick Posada. Ashley Luong, Austin Lam, Monica Lam, Dara Dan, Mora Ung, Hana Ngo, & Britteny Chieng. Oh yeah, you too, Dennis Ong. To friends, to classmates, and to everyone else who has touched my heart, I thank you! <3 Nathan Meza Future Plans: Major in music and teach others.

Quote: “And I realized that you can also earn with something you love. Like making music.” – C418 Memories: Walking around school doing stupid things for the entertainment of others. I’ll also miss doing things for the theatre.

Thanks To: The teachers who made classes enjoyable and my friends who made the rest of school together.

Alan Moreno Future Plans: 1) Major in engineering/criminal justice. 2) Be at the side of my love forever. 3) Helping out those who need my help.

Will: I, Alan Moreno, of fairness and solemn judgment, leave a message behind.

I have nothing to give. The only thing I have is hope, and I have hope that my time in San Gabriel was worth to many. I want respect, responsibility, and spirit to be retained.

Quotes: “Some of us wish our lives were written in pencil so mistakes can be erased. My life is written in permanent marker, and I wouldn’t want it any different.” -A. Moreno Memories: Everyone’s reaction after cutting my long hair. Spending time with close friends. My first kiss.

Predictions: -I can’t tell the future, but I hope I get to see my friends again. I can also hope for the future of San Gabriel to be bright. We pass down the torch to the next in line - be better than we were.

Thanks To: Mrs. Lee for being caring, supportive, and encouraging. She is more than a teacher to me; she is a dear friend. Mrs. Wright for offering opportunity. She may be a tough cookie, but she does it for us, Mrs. Basette for being a considerate, caring, and fun teacher. Math may be boring to some, but she sure makes class enjoyable, friends, school staff, and counselors.

Kenneth Ng Future Plans: Major in Accounting at California State University, Los Angeles.

Will: I, Kenneth Ng, of super tallness, bequeath half of my Tastea drinks to Pauline Vu, and the other half to Amanda Troung. My yearbook craziness to Brandi Huynh, and my weirdness to my favorite daughters Amy Phung, Ronnie Lee, and Laura Lam. Memories: Hanging out in the band room with Celine and Nana. USC band day with the Matador Band. Crazy screaming at football and volleyball games with the trumpet section. Jacon swallowing a balloon in the middle of class. Our only editor hang out of the year at Pauline’s house. #WHAS Predictions: Celine Dang will own her own business, Nana will own her own samurai sword and hide it next to her father’s, Brandi Vu will become Pauline Huynh, and Amanda Truong will go to Tastea every day.

Thanks to: Celine Dang and Nana Akahoshi for hanging out with me every day.

Brendon Nguyen Future Plans: Major in business.

Quote: “Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you, and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, ‘cause hate in your heart will consume you too.” – Will Smith Christopher H. Nguyen Future Plans: World Domination.

Will: I, Christopher Nguyen, bequeath my sarcasm to Jeffrey Chow, my shuffle skills to Avery Chih and Jeffrey Wu, my purple wig to Angela Fong, my height to Linda Wang, Michelle Tu, and Chelsey Tran, and the love for Sol Oriens to all of my brothers.

Quote: “The Game.”

Memories: Sol Oriens, drumline, marching band, tour, eating lunch inside the lunch building with old friends, being swim manager with Lily Wong, football games, Chi Sao with the homies, kicking it with Nana and biking with Lucy.

Predictions: Samuel Hyun will become a WC Sifu, Pedro Sierra will never get out of the band room, Pepe will become a professional wrestler, Aydin Hau will become a male model, Andres and Nathan will join my clan on GMS, and David will receive David’s car.

Thanks To: EVERY. SINGLE. ONE of my teachers for giving me their love, knowledge, and sense of humor that is permanently engraved in my brain, all my friends that made HS so much more easy to survive, and to Amor Amici for their love and care to their brothers.

David Nguyen Future Plans: Have a good education and major in animation.

Thanks To: All the friends I have and the teachers I’ve had.

Diana Nguyen Future Plans: Open a smoothie shop.

Will: I, Diana Nguyen, bequeath my metabolism to Alissa So, my sprinting speed to my sister, and my driving skills to Khalil.

Quote: “im da bes.” - Gil Memories: Eating Taco Bell, In-N-Out, and McGangbangs. Getting 4 free orange

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 drink refills and Honey Boba. Track & Field, #BCG, WHAS#, and ER5.

Predictions: Jessica will stand on a car with her finger in the air. Randy will be the one who will win street fighter tournaments. Michelle will make a million dollars without even earning it. Alissa will get the highest score in the world on her SAT. Kelvin will not have to know how to count to know he’s worth a billion. You know what? Bigger number, he will be worth a gillyun. John, Constant, Randy, Princess, Mora, and I will attend SNSD’s world tour.

Thanks to: Michelle Lov, Randy Ho, Christina Co, Sophia Yip, John Nguyen, Jessica Cheung, and Billy Ha. :) Don Nguyen Future Plans: Major in Film/Television at Cal State Los Angeles Will: I, Don Nguyen, and my uncontrollable sarcastic tone and amazing hair skills, bequeath my uncontrollable sarcastic tone and amazing hair skills to Julie Pham. Use my powers for the good and not the evil.

Quote: “Life’s just a ride, so enjoy it while you’re still on it.”- Bill Hicks Memories: Friends have made me the person I am today, through the struggles at camping, the fights we have with each other, some of us still pull through. Deep talks at night are the best when you’re with the best people. Adventuring hikes, Spontaneous Photoshoots, and crazy makeup. I love my one-on-one talks with people when I go out because of my 2-seater car. Maria Zhu, although I bring out the bad side in you, know that those are the best times I have with you. Tina Tran I have and will always push you to do your best, and now that I look at you, I see that it’s paid off. Alex Lo, even though we don’t exactly hang out, I can see that you’re a giving person and I hope you and Maria stay together forever, haha. Judy Huang thanks for always supporting my makeup bizz and everything that came along with it. Other friends, Karen Negrete, Elaine Gao, Courtney Ta, Andrea Jimenez, Heather Tse, Erika Ho, Ashley Cortes, Natalie Chaidez, Jocelyne Niebla. The memories that I have with you all, I will treasure until the day I die.

Predictions: Everyone will be successful except for those who I despise.

Thanks To: They cared for me in ways I can’t explain and for that I am honored to call them my teachers/heroes Mrs. Lee and Ms. Kim. I hope to one day come back and visit you when I become successful, and well if I don’t, you know why.

To be honest without these two teachers impacting my life the way that they did, I would never have been who I am now. Which I thank you for and I am forever in your debt.

John Nguyen Future Plans: Figure out what master plan has been settled for me at University of California, Riverside as I eat tacos.

Will: I, John Nguyen, of all greatness and awesomeness that words cannot describe me, bequeath my unfinished goals to Nathan Phan to complete, my not-so-achey feet to Dylan Chu, my endurance to Alissa So, and my happiness to all my underclassmen.

Quote: “Thanks for nothing, and by nothing, I mean everything.” – J.L. Memories: XC and Track, HC court, LHG, Dai Lo’s, Junior and Senior Class Council, APR, high school dances, upperclassmen and underclassmen.

Predictions: LHG will finally go international, Nathan Phan and Dylan Chu will continue growing as beasts, Teresa Kwan will be dictator of the United States, Constant Chi will sneak me into SNSD’s concert when the time comes, Jelina Luu will find her Korean Seoul mate.

Thanks to: Everyone who entered my life and made high school unbelievably incredible, LHG, Dai Lo’s, Junior and Senior Class council, Cross Country, Track & Field, Distance4Lyfe, WHAS#,underclassmen (you know who you are), and alumni. Thanks for everything.

Olivia Nguyen

WILLS

Future Plans: As my brother predicted, I’m heading to UCFL. University of California is for losers.

Quote: “We have a hulk.” – Tony Stark Memories: Basketball games, all those spirit weeks, NOT going to school.

Predictions: I don’t know, let me get my crystal ball.

Thanks To: All campus duty people for taking all the short-shorts and saving my eyes.

Sandy Thi Nguyen Future Plans: Not a clue. I am just going to be brave when I move east and hope for the best in the School of Management at Boston University. I will be happy.

Will: I, Sandy Nguyen, of the honest and the bold, bequeath my east coast swag to Jenny Bui, my determination to Sean N., my passion for food (esp. chimicahangas) to Irena Ngo, my quirkiness to Kristy N., my unconventional view of beauty to Jocelyne Ruiz, and my Pepsi-Cola Cat to Vicki Liu. Quote: “We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” - Marie Curie Memories: Smith park, swim pre-lims, getting a 0 on Court’s bday, 4th period TA, cherry cokes, neon pink tights, backstage with “The Outsiders”, convalescent home services, cleaning Ms. Fricioni’s room, having Breann wash dishes, singing aloud in class with John, smack-talking with Austin, and pink Wednesdays.

Predictions: Teresa will become a Chargers girl, Breann will be the cleaning my place wherever I live, Courtney will become a “Mindy” with me, J. Bui will be J. Harries, Duke will be dirty, Yadanar will live the high life @ Cal, Dara will turn into rectangle, and Vannes will learn to love herself.

Thanks To: Ms. Sumi for being my mother at school, Mr. Kanow for all the advice and guidance, Mr. Ryan for being young and for sheltering us, Ms. Mar for putting up with me in 1st, 2nd, during lunch, and sometimes 6th. Teresa and Breann for being the best ship forkz in my life. No forks were given when we were together.

Adrian Olivera Future Plans: Major in mechanical engineering at CSUN and travel the world.

Will: I, Adrian Olivera, of my frogs and great taste in music, bequeath both to the crosswords.

Quote: “Try and not to hide nothin’ behind your eyelids because your ears will still see clarity.” – Shihan “You can’t tell me nothin’.” – Kanye West Memories: Football, chilling with friends, meeting new people, sleeping at school, acting in my first school play, and my whole senior year with my girlfriend, Marisa.

Predictions: I’m going to be somebody important.

Thanks To: The teachers who really helped me throughout these years, all my friends, anyone whoever doubted me, and my beautiful girlfriend for making my senior year so much more memorable.

Mia Gabrielle Olvera- Rojas Future Plans: Become a registered nurse, then become an airline pilot.

Will: I leave my experience, traits, and wisdom to my sister, my best friends & my younger football brothers. I leave my athletic assistant positions to those who come after me. I also leave a piece of my heart to this high school and its students.

Quote: “Stay Faithful, Stay Blessed, Stay Lifted.”

Memories: Being an athletic assistant to the football & wrestling teams, spending time with the people who matter, and learning.

Predictions: The football & wrestling teams will be champions, my sister will continue on her path to success & all of my friends will achieve their goals!

Thanks to: God, my family, my best friends and the 2009-2012 football and wrestling teams for their continued dedication, support and love for me and my future.

Seniors awarded over $100,000 in scholarships Doc Kerr Athletic – Eric Alvarez

– Constant Chi

Association – Debbie Dinh

UCLA Student Achievement Recognition Scholarship –

Betty Rogers Scholarship-Southern California Journalism Alhambra Management Association – Angel Cruz

West San Gabriel Valley Association of Realtors – Sharon Yu Thomas Donfrio Memorial Scholarship – Lana Vong

Asain American Association of AUSD Scholarship – Ming Nguyen, Jianye Situ, Phillip Ly

Judy Chu 4th Annual Congressional Art Competition Scholarship – Michelle Huang

Alhambra Day Nursery – Pablo Garcia, Michelle Hernandez Elizabeth Fenton Memorial Scholarship – Yi Dai

Project Sam – Cristian Saldivar, Gilberto Chavez

Syracuse University Founder’s Scholarship – Jenny Teng UCLA Regents – Susan Lei

Elk’s National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship - Susan Lei

Asian Pacific Islander Association Scholarship Foundation Susan Lei

Elk’s National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

UCLA Regents Scholarship – Constant Chi Constant Chi

John Robb Memorial Scholarship – Brandon Wong, Ryan Kao, Adrian Olivera

First District PTA – Yadanar Oo

Alhambra Council PTA – Dara Dan

ALAS – Pablo Garcia, Carlos Villanueva, Jose Lopez, Jesse Perez, Valerie Robles, Natalie Cabrera, Crisel Galindo

Alhambra Chamber of Commerce – Yadanar Oo, Pablo Garcia Hillcrest PTA Alumni Scholarship – Raul Ruiz Jr.

Kiwanis Club of San Gabriel – Alan An, Freddy Garcia, Jelina Luu

SGHS PTSA – Natalie Cabrera, Derek Chau, Angel Cruz, Dara Dan, Isai Fernandez, Freddy Garcia, Pablo Garcia,

Ksien-Te Kao, Phillip Ly, Catherine Kassandra Martinez, Yadanar Oo, Yinyin (Catherine) Wu

Tzu Chi Foundation – Yinyin (Catherine) Wu Eastside Optimists – Angel Cruz

WILLS

THE MATADOR

Dennis Ong Future Plans: Major in computer science somewhere cool.

Will: I, Dennis Ong, of outkasts, big puns, and 90s hip-hop knowledge, bequeath my computer skills to the binary star of the school and mos def, my common sense to everyone, from the far side, to the other pharcyde.

Quote: “If you are scared to take chances, you’ll never have the answers.” -Nas Memories : Freshman and junior year band tours.

Predictions: My cousin, Frank Lee, will have more snapbacks than his belt loops can hold.

Thanks To: My friends in LHG for inviting me to places, the squad of Brian Truong, Justin Lee, and Calvin Voong for the countless hours of games, Calvin Lam 4 the endless puns, Brenden Diep for the endless pools of diamonds, and Katie Mai for always being there for me.

Yadanar Oo Future Plans: Major in Economics at UC Berkeley and hopefully study at Haas School of Business.

Will: I, Yadanar Oo, of all things business, bequeath my FBLA knowledge and ambitions to next year’s officer team and future aspiring members.

Quote: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson Memories: Everything FBLA-related, journalism, “The Outsiders,” and drama class.

Predictions: Jelina will have cute babies, Sandy N. will find a boy she likes, Irene will party hard, Dara will become my business buddy, and Janet will find and marry a Korean boy.

Thanks To: My friends and teachers for the continuous support and for making my high school experience amazing. Thank you to that one special person (you know who you are!) for always being there for me with a green tea frap. or a phone call whenever I needed someone.

Sandy Peng Future Plans: Major in Biological Sciences, become fluent in Spanish and Chinese, go to Med School, and become a multilingual Pediatrician.

Will: I, Sandy Peng, of congeniality and permanent bad luck, bequeath my love for GAPS to Vivian, Brenda, and Anthony, my humor to Steven, my “lame” jokes to Oscar, my smile to Wendy, my long legs to Nina, and my femininity to my sister Jessie.

Quote: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison Memories: Having heart-to-heart conversations in Journalism with my girls, making it into SCC, Mammoth, breaking Constant’s wheelchair, Mora teaching me how to walk in heels, dinners and boba runs with SCC, praying about AP Calc with Alex, Justin, and Steven, and winning Prom Queen and King with Braceface.

Predictions: Irene will live next to me in Pasadena, Tracy will marry a hot white guy, Dara will attend Boba Anonymous for his addiction, Yadanar will rule the world, Austin will have adorable children with dimples, Mora and Karen will have Korean husbands, Monica will have 1000 speeding tickets, Ash will be a Supreme Court Justice and Linh will still be beautiful.

Thanks to: Mr. Kanow and Chris Kwan for their words of wisdom, Ms. Tran and Ms. Jong for always helping me out, Ms. Kim for being a hilarious adviser, Omar for showing me there’s more to life than just school, Irene for holding my hand through the thick and thin, Trace for always being there for me, and Brandon, Richard, Andy, and Alicia for helping me survive senior year.

Hieu Phan Future Plans: To continue to play Mabinogi and invite whoever I meet to try it. To become a game designer. To expand my influence in Mabinogi and to become the best.

Will: I, Hieu Phan, of Alexina, invite all of San Gabriel High School to play Mabinogi and add me.

Quote: “Play Mabinogi and add me!” – Peter Vuong, dreamare of Alexina. “ur an idiot” – Angie Tran. “wut” – Bang Huang. “I am a huge fan of Hieu Phan!”

– Mr. Olivos.

Memories: The last two years of going home after fourth period to play League of Legends, Vindiztus, and Mabinogi. Starting Mabinogi during sophomore year and where I am now really brings back memories.

Predictions: At least half of the school will add me on Mabinogi :D or at least some people will start playing.

Thanks To: Peter Vuong, dreamare of Alexina, and Vincent Nguyen, blastore of Alexina for joining me in Mabinogi during sophomore year. Thanks to Angie Tran for gifting me so many things in League of Legends.

Melanie Phu Will: I, Melanie Phu, will remember the good times and bad times I had with my friends in SGHS. Quote: “Don’t give up on something you worked so hard for.”

Memories: Freshman year KIISFM concert, track & field 2013, Key Club and environmental sci group (CMKV) Thanks To: All my teachers and friends who have taught me to become a better person and never give up on my dreams.

Kevin Phung Future Plans: Major in Cramping.

Will: I, Kevin Phung, bequeath my buffness to Philip Lin, my weirdness to Sharon Yu, and League of Legends skills to Eric Sotelo.

Quote: “Go big or go home.” - Eric Sotelo.

Memories: Tacos after meets, League of Legends marathons, and watching movies every weekend with Sharon Yu. Predictions: Sharon will con everyone out of their money. Princess will be rich from making hats. Victor and I will get to Gold League.

Thanks to: Eric Sotelo and Constant Chi for the motivation, Victor Chen for his good morals, and Sharon Yu for brightening my day every day.

Kelly Raygoza Future Plans: I plan on majoring in music production at Rio Hondo Community College, then major in graphic design at Cal State LA. Quote: “My thing is, until you’ve lived my life and until you’ve been through what I’ve been through… DON’T JUDGE ME! Don’t judge anything I say.” – Phora Memories: Hanging out with my friends at lunch! Going to football games and banquets/fundraisers.

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

20

Seniors awarded Robb scholarship S t even Ho After 27-year Business and Technology Academy (BTA) adviser John Daniel Robb passed away on Nov. 22, 2012, the Robb family organized donations to sponsor the first annual John Robb Memorial Scholarship offered to BTA seniors at the Academic Awards Night. Although one winner was originally intended to receive $1,000, two runner ups were offered $500. Senior Brandon Wong received the $1,000 scholarship while seniors Ryan Cao and Andrew Oliver were given the two $500 awards.

The John Robb Memorial Scholarship was created by the Robb family in order to preserve the memory of the strong influences that John Robb had in shaping the BTA program. Assistant Principal of Student Activities John Scanlan explains the high honor that comes with receiving this prestigious scholarship.

“The scholarship recognizes outstanding students in BTA,” Scanlan said. “[The Robb family] came up with something to keep John Robb’s memory alive.”

Thanks To: To all my friends and thanks to my teachers for helping me succeed.

Karen Victoria Rivera Future Plans: Major in Journalism at UCLA or at the University of Michigan. I will work as the Lakers beat writer and NBA analyst. I should be married to either Pau Gasol or Dave McMemanim, and if not, some successful, handsome Jewish man.

Will: I, Karen Rivera, bequeath my dirty, extremist ways and glorious backroom to Sonny Hy. I leave my amazing sports knowledge to the little sports group in H2, and my old man love to Mayra Jimenez.

Quote: “I may not believe in myself, but I believe in what I’m doing.” –Jimmy Page Memories: Deep conversations and laughs I shared in the backroom with Sonny, Lauren, and Debbie, working with my sports group and pulling through in the clutch when Oscar needed my sports articles, laughing at John’s first place ridiculous drawings, chasing the people who stole Mayra’s bike, and my cat noises in 5th period senior English.

Predictions: Sonny Hy will be the leader of the free world, Debbie Dinh will have seven children, Mayra Jimenez will be the future Matador mascot, Andrea Jimenez will own 2154106746050651 shoes, Lauren Fukumoto will continue to wear black, Oscar Molina will be the greatest ladies man, and Joshua Oropeza will sell oranges AND be the greatest actor to ever live.

Thanks To: All the journalism homies, close friends and FEW teachers who made my overall misery at San Gabriel High School a bit sweeter. By the way, you should ask for my autograph now.

Pedro Rodriguez Future Plans: Get my Bachelor in engineering and work for NASA. Will: I, Pedro David Rodriguez, of epicness and great mind, bequeath my brains to Matthew Sotelo, my epicness to Justin Vollaire, and my coolness to Angel Armendariz.

Quote: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” – Coach O Memories: Hanging with my friends after school, giving blood, and sleeping over in the gym.

Predictions: Justin will be an all-star in college; Matthew will be in advertisement; and Angel will still be Angel.

Thanks to: My family and closest friends for always being there for me.

Raul Ruiz Future Plans: Attend CSULA, and then transfer to UC to major in the Medical Field.

Will: I, Raul Ruiz, of loyalty and respect, bequeath my experiences to my sister, Jocelyne Ruiz, to carry on her hopes and dreams at SG. Quote: “Don’t judge those who try and fail, judge those who fail to try.” - Unknown Memories: SG Basketball practice/games, spending time with all my friends, MESA and MoMa, surviving AP Bio with Loc, Chris, and Jonathan, laughing at the good times in Mr. Kanow’s AP Chem with Vicki, Eileen, John, and Calvin, going on random topics in Mr. Gin’s AP Gov with Chris, Jimmy, Georgia, and Johnny.

Thanks To: All my teachers for the knowledge and skill to be ready for anything, especially Mr. Kanow, Mr. Wong, Mrs. Wu, Mr. Gin, and Mrs. Jong for being there when I need her. To all my friends who I’ve met and known since the beginning, all the way up to now, thanks for being on my side all the way ‘til the end. It’s not about the destination, but the journey we’ve been through together.

Omar Sarabia Future Plans: Marry Sandy Peng, skip college and go straight to being a billionaire, or major in engineering at UCR. Will: I, Omar Sarabia, of amazing carelessness, bequeath tuba section leader to Jose Chavez, Alba to Irena Ngo, my love for band to the rest of the tuba section, and the Sarabia name to my little brother Andy.

Quote: “If you judge a fish by how well it can climb a tree, it will be stupid forever.” – Albert Einstein Memories: Being Prom King, all the football games with the band, all the endless nights at Johnny’s house with HH, and spending three amazing years with Sandy Peng.

Predictions: Kevin Vuong will be infinitely trapped by Teresa Vuong, Kear Son’s bad luck will end, and Johnny Chau will live past 70.

The recipients were chosen through an application process that may have included a project or essay. After the BTA students were rigorously evaluated, finalists were narrowed down from the applications and the Robb family reviewed the final names once more. Scanlan comments on the difficulties in deciding the winners of the applicants.

“There were many students. It was hard for [the Robb family] to decide on one winner, so in the end they also chose two runner ups to get $500 each,” Scanlan said.

The Robb family collected donations over time with the support of many people who were influenced by John Robb. The scholarships are directed toward college, as the three recipients of the award must first prove that they are attending a college in order to receive the scholarship.

The recipients of the John Robb Memorial Scholarship will have their names engraved on a plaque to be showcased in Qui Nguy’s room. As more names will be added in the years to come, the memory of John Robb and his significance to the BTA program will live on in the future of our students.

Thanks To: All the teachers who helped guide me the right way, Mrs. C for all the food, and everyone else who made SG a more bearable place to be in for the last four years.

Jefferson Sau Future Plans: Compete in LoL’s CSL at UCI. Will: I, Jefferson Sau, of benevolence, bequeath my greatness and defty mechanics to Sharon Cao. Quote: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney. “Do you know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.” – Thomas Jefferson.

“Play Mabinogi.” – Hieu Phan (agianthag of Alexina) “Add me on Mabinogi.”

– Peter Vuong (dreamare of Alexina) Predictions: Samson will become a master chef. Jimmy Nguyen will be the best nurse in North America. Leo is going to be the next Jaedong. David and Tien are going to work for Apple. Virakboth will teach chemistry at MIT. Micheal will be dunking on noobs in the NBA. Lyna Phung will be the next Queen of England.

Thanks To: Those who do and those who don’t. Special thanks to Hieu Phan for inviting the world to play Mabinogi.

Michelle Sen Future Plans: Majoring in Biology at the University of California, Riverside.

Will: I, Princess Michelle Sen, of Royalty and Princessness, bequeath the awesome Lunch Club to subjects: David Ha, Fong Lin, and Royal Subject Stella Low --- to continue the legacy and make it prosper into greatness; my proudness to Katherine Nguyen the Great, and my devastating great sense of humor to Kelly Xu. Quote: “I find that a duck’s opinion of me is largely influenced by whether or not I have bread.” – Mitch Hedberg Memories: Long practices and soccer games, collaboration = collablahlation, waking up for zero period for all four years, friend scavenger hunt during lunch, the formation of lunch club, traveling in a gang (for emphasis, EMPHASIS), and looking at beautiful sky and finding geese’s.

Predictions: I predict Stella Low will be the greatest female lawyer ever; Susan Lee 25 years from now will marry a rich husband and clean up after elderly people, Helen Gip to open the cutest boutique store, David Ha a computer wizard, and Fong Lin to be Fong Lin. Thanks to: Thank you Ms. Joan Lee for pushing and nagging us (me) to get things done and not giving up on us even though we have senioritis bad. Thank you to Ms. Pek Lee for providing a home during lunch for me, microwave access, letting me vent to you, and the unconditional welcomes and acceptances. Thank you Stella Low for putting up with my craziness, Susan Lee for being there, and Helen Gip for creating wonderful senior memories for me. Thank you to everyone who I’ve met throughout my high school journey for making these past 4 years memorable.

Hao Shi Future Plans: Attend college, realize failure, go work for Costco, die alone with cats, or fry fracking toasters.

Will: I, Hao Chen Shi, of laziness and brilliance, bequeath the stewardship of the “boxes” fall to Jestin Ma, Kevin Chu, and William Nguyen. I also bestow gluttony to the fat ones, you know who you are.

Quote:“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” - Albert Camus Memories: Speech tournaments into the late hours of night, hanging out afterwards, getting a D in AP Language and Comp, and earning a 5 on the exam.

Wasting away senior year with senioritis. All the while with disregard for certain “rules.”

Predictions: Dara Dan goes nuts, Sandy tries to get a rich, white husband and fails, Rachel Ma changes majors, Steven Kuo plays professional League, and HuiHui gets paid more for his job. Leon Chan, former ASB president, will change in weight, more or less.

Thanks To: Friends who are rather diverse, some testing my patience more than most, Hieu Phan. I would also like to give special thanks to Mr. Andrew HuiNguyen and one Mr. Angel Pinedo for their vast and fabulous knowledge.

Rene Silva Will: I leave everything to Alondra Chavez because she is my everything. I love her.

21

THE MATADOR

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

WILLS

Seniors look beyond California for college options Eileen Fung

Smith College

- “I decided to go out of state because I wanted to see the world outside of the San Gabriel Valley. I want to be more independent and it offers me more of an opportunity to develop as a person because I can meet more diverse people.”

- Even though it’s an all-girls school, it feels really normal. I feel like I can change the world one day. It’s all about woman empowerment and individuality and sexuality exploration.”

- “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. You won’t always have someone to hold your hand. You need to be able to live on your own. Don’t be afraid to try new things.”

- “I want to have new experiences for college. Because of my interest in politics, Washington D.C. is perfect because there are endless opportunities there.

-“The financial aid is much better. American University is known for great internship programs.

- “Don’t be afraid to be the first because you will be an example for someone else.

Photo courtesy of sophia.smith.edu

Jenny Teng Syracuse University

- “I have always wanted to go out of state for college. However I was actually debating on staying in California but I decided that I had to take the opportunity to go to New York since it has always been my dream.

- “Do what is best for you. I personally think that everyone should take the chance and apply to an out-of-state school just because that school might end up being what is best for them. Going out of state brings many new experiences and seeing different things that can’t be done here, which is one of them main reasons why I chose Syracuse University.”

- “I wanted to go the east coast. Boston partially gave me a full ride, so I decided to attend Boston University. I just like trying new things. I am going to miss the one season weather here while I’m at Boston. It’s really cold there and it’s really hot in the summer.”

To the underclassmen: “You just never know if you are going to get in or not. Just apply anyway.”

-Photos compiled by Sonny Hy

Evelyn Soto Future Plans: Attend Mt. Sac community college and transfer to a 4-year university.

Quote: “No dream is too BIG.” – Biggie Smalls Memories: Being part of the drill team, bondings, cracking jokes with Brandon in the dean’s office, Jojo Jam, cheering for Eric A. at football games and meeting Carol.

Predictions: I predict Jennifer P. will live alone with 15 boys. Lucey will become a cop and only arrest guys for being cute. Jessica will work at Wendy’s. Carol will be a P.I.M.P. Thanks To: My friends who stuck around all those years. My best friend Eric for being there since back in elementary. All the teachers who pushed me into never giving up.

Gloria Su Future Plans: Major in Dark Arts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Will: I, Gloria Su, of endless laughter and awkwardness, bequeath my unconditional love to Tiffany Truong, beautiful writing skills to Nancy Liang and Kaylah Medina, driving skills to Nina Dionisio, and my leadership to the ASB kiddos.

Quote: “Sometimes, the only way to stay sane is to go a little crazy.” – Girl, Interrupted Memories: Tennis games and crazy bus rides, making it into ASB, AP Thursdays for WHAP with J.Teng and C.Ton, insanely early mornings for HC and APR, and trips to Six Flags, random boba runs.

Predictions: Michelle Hau will still be short, Jenny Teng will meet a hot British guy in New York, Dara Dan will take over the world, Jenny Luong will become my personal lawyer, and Daniel Lu will make me a sandwich.

Thanks To: Mrs. Jong, for being a great mentor and a big support these past four years; J.Teng and J.Luong, for being there through thick and thin; Daniel Lu, for always putting up with me; and to all my teachers, for being such an inspiration.

Courtney Ta Future Plans: To finally get my license and find the fountain of youth.

Will: I, Courtney Ta, bequeath my humor and laughter to everyone because you all need it.

Quote: “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr purr purr.” – Sheldon Cooper Memories: Dude look like a lady, a dollar, cousinnss, meeting Jesus, retail therapy and shaved ice, adventures in LA, Friday family dinners, biking, fitness club, muppet Predictions: Judy will get a restraining order from RDJ, Erika will move to Sesame St. w/Elmo, Ashley will be a mom of 10 kids, Maria will find herself in the wilderness as sasquatch, Alex Lo will be a body builder, Alex Fan will always be a kid.

Thanks To: Everyone who made me laugh, you know who you are.

American University

Photo courtesy of american.edu

Photo courtesy of syr.edu

Eric Sotelo Future Plans: Save the world.

Will: I, Eric Sotelo, bequeath my workout ethics to Alvin supplement his boba plan, my respect to Alissa for all her hate, my humbleness to Allen, my awesomeness to Isaiah, my high jump skills to Elvis, and my niceness to everyone else I couldn’t mention, you know who you are :) Memories: Laughing to the point where it hurt freshman year in football. Running and eating at the same time during cross country junior year. Meeting so many great people that I will never forget in my senior year.

Thanks to: Coaches, Teachers, and all fellow students, on influencing me to be the person that I am today. Wouldn’t be who I am today without ya, thanks!

Loc Duong

Sandy Nguyen Boston University

Photo courtesy of bu.edu

- Quotes compiled by Maggie Cheng Kelvin Ta Future Plans: Become Kelvin 16.0 for the lovely Michelle Lov and make her regret and meet Kim Taeyeon.

Will: I, Kelvin Ta, give my all to Taeyeon. That is all.

Quote: “Don’t make me snap my fingers in z-formation, hip rotation, booty sensation.” - Lil Savion Memories: Staying up until 4 a.m. doing homework (good times, good times) and pigging out/watching movies with friends.

Predictions: Michelle Lov will have so much regret. The Jynx and Squirtle will create cute little jynx turtles. Chinh will gain lots of chins. Brandon Ha will become super buff and muscular.

Thanks to: Friends and family, and all y’all out there. Thank you so much.

Vannes Tang Future Plans: San Diego State University Will: I, Vannes Tang, of height and indecisiveness, bequeath my blocking skills to Krys Pham, my hitting skills to Joan Phan, my jokes to Megan Thai, and my kindness to Katherine Nguyen.

Quote: “It is not enough to be good if you have the ability to do better.” – Alberta Lee Cox Memories: Mammoth trip with volleyball, skanka Fridays with Vanessa Linares, CIF, APR with JCC& SCC, FBLA SLC, Prom.

Predictions: Tyler and Christine will get married, Angie will have a cupcake shop, and Amy & Ronnie will perform in Coachella, and Sandy will rule BU. Thanks To: Mr. Kanow, Mr. Ryan, and Chris Kwan for all their support and being amazing coaches, Shaneen, Sylvia, Nancy, Dara, and Jasmine for being the greatest friends I can ask for. Heather for being my seastuh and Harison for being my brother.

Breann Tang-Gaddi Future Plans: To become a peace ambassador and become filthy, rich but share my money, and possibly Sandy’s future maid after she promises to feed me.

Will: I, Breann Tang-Gaddi, bequeath my weirdness to future thespians, my spirit and loud voice to my cheer babies, and my sucky throwing skills to my future shot put team.

Quote: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible.” – Audrey Hepburn “Shipfork potatoes” – Shipfork potatoes “Pick it!” – Track and Field Prediction: I predict that Sandy will marry a rich husband with green eyes, Teresa will become the shortest Victoria’s Secret model, and that we will somehow all live next door to each other when we’re old ladies.

Thanks To: Annabelle Nguyen, Brittany Nerey, Babycakes Konica, Linh Phong, Jane Le, my Shipfork sisters for taking care of me and sticking by my weirdo butt. My Thespians, ASB, Track and Field, Volleyball, Cheer, and my teachers.

Jenny Teng Future Plans: Attend Syracuse University, take over New York City, move to London, and marry a hot British boy.

Will: I, Jenny Teng, of obsessive fangirling and love for British boys, bequeath my fangirling and stalking abilities to Ashley Yu, my love for BP to Chhe Tum, my soul to Teresa Truong, and my last name to Christy Deng.

Quote: “Work like you don’t need money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one’s watching.” —Unknown Memories: L.A. adventures, Malibu with friends, flute socials, appearing on TMZ, band tour, cramming seshes with Son in Gov., library study groups with Christine and Gloria, prom 2013.

Predictions: Anna will be a Blue Devil and marry Kevin Wu, Christine will marry Lee Min-Ho, Hana will own a bajillion cats, Gloria will still have hamster cheeks, Duke will finally get his beef jerky, and Eric will forever be late and continue

blaming me for everything in life.

Thanks To: The crew for sharing your crazy adventurous sides with me, the friends I can keep for life even on the other side of the country, Ms. Jong for always making time for me, and all the other acquaintances I have made to survive high school.

Megan Thai Future Plans: Party hard at SDSU and travel abroad to see the coliseum in Rome, Italy.

Will: I, Megan Thai, aka Blazing Inferno, bequeath my sight to Josephine Leung, sassy-ness to Laughing Weed aka Judy Tang, my dirty jokes to Prancing Clouds aka Kelsey Ko, left- over sun drop to Ryan Duong, & my paleness to Michelle Lov Quote: “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”- Mark Twain Memories: The year I finally get out of my house to hang out with the LHG gang, 4 years at the tree, heartfelt conversations, talks of nonexistent men, cross country meets, and having random talks with the underclassmen.

Predictions: Randy, Mafia Leader, Ho will get a beach body; Michelle Lov will become a kpop idol; Diana Nguyen will become a track star; Jonathan Tan will continue to get curvier.

Thanks to: LHG; Randy, Michelle, Diana, Lyna, Judy(s), Jessica, & KD Petty Thai Future Plans: Major in Criminal Justice at Cal Poly Pomona. In about 8 years I’ll become a million-dollar lawyer, the president, a Victoria Secret model, and a Laker girl, whose goal is to travel around the entire world in one day.

Will: I, PBMT, happy bunny, bequeath my passion for dance, flexibility, cuteness, eating habits, death stare, and weird eating faces to CT, my dog-lifting skills and PA skills to ML, my leadership to TH, MS, BH, DA, and my joy of performing and facials to choreo.

Quote: “Without struggles, there is no progress.”

Memories: All the sweat, time, and tears with choreo at practice, games, peprallies, competitions, and dance show, also going to FTB before games with choreo girls. Playing powderpuff, going to FB practices, games, passing games and The Hat with HT, MG. Predictions: Choreo will place 4th place or up at street dance. ML will take the fb team to CIF. SG will get recruited and be famous. ET will be an amazing actor.

CT will miss me and grow up to be a great dancer with more lame jokes. Oh and the world is going to end.

Thanks To: All my teachers who have got me where I am now, Choreo for giving me so many memories and laughs, Peer for making me into a better person, CT, ML, Friends for always being here for me and being so supporting me which I was at my worse. (luv you) Christine Ton Future Plans: Major in Biochemistry at some great university.

Will: I, Christine Ton, of crazy obsession for potatoes and Korean dramas, bequeath my talkative skills to Tracy, my pranking skills to Elim, Gloria, and Christina, my meager poetry skills to Melinda, and my survival skills to all my underclassmen friends.

Quote: “Action will not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.” - Benjamin Disraeli Memories: Eating at lunch with friends, playing tennis, and supporting teammates, reciting poetry, walking with friends to go out, insulting friends and getting insulted, awkwardly eating chips at track meets, movie nights, “study sessions” at others’ houses.

Predictions: Jenny will marry Zayn Malik, Lily will marry Soo Joong Ki, Leanna will marry L, and Susan will have more granny caricatures.

Thanks to: Coach Marcella for fueling my love for tennis, Coach Steve for making it more fun, and all the my other teachers who all played a part in who I am today.

WILLS

THE MATADOR

Natalie Tran Future Plans: Major in Graphic Design at Cal Poly Pomona, make a ton of money so I can buy everything at Sephora, and marry my boothang Dylan O’Brien.

Will: I, Natalie Tran, of radiant hair and fierceness, bequeath my sass to Michelle Zhou, my sample smuggling skills to Jaina Ramadane, my hustlin’ trill swag to Nina Dionisio, my fearlessness to Amanda Truong, my Photoshop savviness to Annie Huang, my makeup to Chelsey Tran, and my Focus page to Sonny Hy (try not to make every spread about Lana Del Rey, okay?).

Quote: “The world keeps moving and we keep moving with it, and everything we experience makes us realize how beautiful life really is.” – Britney Spears Memories: Getting stuck in the parking structure at ELAJEA 2012, beach trips with the peer assistants, physio group projects, closing night for “The Outsiders”, begging people to go on food runs during newspaper deadlines, going to Sacramento with SAVE, running Freshmen Summit, “I DIG YOU SO MUCH,” and causing havoc in 6th period calculus.

Predictions: Brian Rios is going to be the biggest SportsCenter reporter ever to exist, Tiffanny Trinh will heal the world, and Sharon Yu will finally show up on time for class.

Thanks To: Ms. Kim and Mr. Slagle for being two amazing publications advisers and leading us to competition victory, Mr. Mason for always lending an ear to listen to my problems, Ms. Mar for dealing with me and my senioritis, and the peer resources program and newspaper for helping me realize my abilities and full potential. And to everyone else – you know who you are.

Stephanie Tran Future Plans: I’ll be handling all your dead bodies (Because I’ll be an autopsy surgeon).

Thanks To: Everyone who I’ve met from middle school up to now, since I only have 250 letters to do this. I really want to say thank you for everything, even to the people I’ve lost throughout the year or to the people who I just say hi to or wave at, and to the people who are extremely important to me, you know who you are. Oh and to all of my teachers who have put up with me. I love all you guys and I hope you all live happily ever after.

Bryant Trieu Memories: Our stupid, little ninja games during lunch, spinning around in a circle and running towards the wall, and well, just hanging out together during lunch.

Future Plans: Major in Kinesiology while procuring a personal trainer license.

Will progress to Grad. school to obtain a degree in Sports Medicine.

Quote: “Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you, never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye, never gonna tell a lie and hurt you.”

Memories: Heyeyeyeyeyaaaa (What’s going on?).

Thanks To: Our One True Lord, Nicolas Cage.

Brian Truong Future Plans: Major in Environmental Science at San Jose State. Work for companies like water management; prevent fracking in California, restore ecosystems/ habitat.

Will: I, Brian Truong, with inspiration and motivation, leave behind greatness and enthusiasm to swimmers and the school.

Quote: “Knowledge is power”, “When the tough gets going, the going gets

Armando Mejia

My college has my major and I can do what I want to do especially in environmental science.

“

If I get accepted to the airforce, then I will go. If not then I will go to Rio Hondo instead.

Photos by Derek Deng and Sonny Hy

”

Kevin Truong Will: I, Kevin Truong, ‘Will’ a positive mindset and attitude to my sister, Tammy Truong, to thrive in the next two years she has left of high school.

Quote: “If we are unduly absorbed in improving our lives we may forget altogether to live them.” - Alan Watts Memories: Making movie projects for Myers, AP Art History field trips, and Spanish with Michelle Lok. Thanks to: All the teachers who gave minimal amounts of homework and all of my friends who survived the past 4 years of high school with me.

Roger Vargas Future Plans: Not to forget the names or the face of my classmates.

Quote: “Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”- Albert Camus Memories: Playing handball with friends, playing cards with them, and making a couple of new ones.

Sandra Vazquez Future Plans: Major in Criminal Justice and become a commanding officer in the Army.

Will: I, Sandra Vazquez, of lameness and “studlyness,”, bequeath my powerhitting to Sofia and Yaya. My ability to run into a wall and bounce back up to Melissa Quach, and my “studlyness” to Jackie and Jazmine.

Quote: “Nike shoes make me run faster!” –Sandra Vazquez Memories: The long hours of basketball games, tournaments, and practices. Every time we would go to King Taco. Vicki Lam ordering for herself in Spanish and waiting for Julie to get full so she can eat her food. Comparing tans, bumps, and bruises with the softball girls.

Predictions: Marisa Garibaldo will be the fastest runner with shin splints. Coco So will marry Chris Paul.

Thanks To: My basketball and softball families for making high school bearable.

Marisa Garibaldo, Tiffany Ha, Arella Taghdis, and Carolina Bautista for listening to my rants, laughing at my lame jokes, and always making me feel better.

Lastly to Sandy Ho for making me laugh, feeding me dumplings, teaching me important life lessons, and just being herself.

Annee Vong Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” –Dr. Seuss Thanks To: Tiffany Heng and Mandy Huang for always being there for me, the best littles I could ever ask for. Mrs. Joan Lee for pushing me to figure out my goals in life and helping me achieve them.

Calvin Voong Future Plans: Major in Nursing at CSULB, Work for a few years then head back to school to obtain my MSN, work for another few years then head back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner. Marry, have kids, and live my life in peace and quiet with my beloved family and friends.

Memories: Playing on the courts with my team, the cheering and bonding I get to experience with my beloved swimmers, going out on dates, loads of stress because of AP’s, chilling in Mrs. Mar’s class during lunch, gaming with my brothers from another mother!

Thanks to: Mrs. Cognetta for being such a great and understanding coach/ teacher! Mrs. Revilla for being the best teacher to T.A. for in SG! Mrs. Sumi for being the center of motivation for my desire to excel in the sciences! Mr. Kanow for being such a huge influence during my sophomore and junior years! Mrs. Kanik for being my mentor and tutor for all the difficult times! Mr. Li because he is just out right cool :D (and a great trig teacher)! My swim team for keeping me motivated throughout the ups and downs! Nancy Huynh and Natalie Hour for being such great friends these past few years! And of course all of my brethren who had my back since day one!

Peter Vuong Future Plans: Will continue to play Mabinogi, add me IGN: dreamare of Alexina Quote: “Download and play Mabinogi.” –Hieu Phan Memories: Walking home for the last three years.

Lily Wong Future Plans: Major in Biostatistics at University of California of San Diego Will: I, Lily Wong, Korean drama and strawberry fanatic, shall bequeath my love for strawberries to Tiffany Heng.

Quote: “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.” -Theodore Roosevelt Memories: Monthly dates with Dawn and Dara, hanging out with my friends at lunch, feasting during stats with Duke and Richard.

Predictions: Christine will marry Lee Minho. Kaylee will marry Junsu. We will go to Korea and stalk Kpop stars.

Thanks to: All my friends and teachers who helped and encouraged me throughout my high school career to get me to where I am today.

Luwena Wou Future Plans: Own a mansion with 500 dogs all named Luwena Jr., become president of DogLand, World War D (destroy all the cats).

Quotes: “Did you ever walk into a room & forget why you walked in? I think that’s how dogs spend their lives.” “Don’t marry the person you want to live with, marry the one you can’t live without, but whatever you do, you’ll regret it later.”

Memories: soccer games, cute girls, 4th period freshman-senior year, tripping on random cracks out of nowhere, running into poles, barking back at dogs, soccer theory with Churchgirl (Natalie).

Predictions: I will stay short forever, Genesis will be an awesome soccer player, Squirrel (cough cough) will get rabies and fleas and WON’T grow much taller than me.

Thanks To: girls for being cute, my soccer coaches for making me run around, and teachers for those nice long naps in class.

Junior College

“

Military

tough.”

Memories: Swim meets, hanging out with awesome teachers, field trips, study groups, hanging out with friends after minimum day. Good times with The Lee. Breaking my swim record. Winning 1st place in 50 free consolation finals.

Predictions: Everyone in swim makes CIF. Aydin Hau will take my place in the 50 free.

Thanks To: All teachers for inspiring and motivating me to work hard; and thanks to all friends for great memories.

22

Where do seniors go from here?

4 Year College

Brian Truong

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

”

“

Jennifer Ma

No Degree

Andres Bermudez

I am going to community college because I can save money and transfer later when I get my credits.

“

College is for certain types of people - I’m not that type. I’m not interested in college.

”

”

Infographic made using nces.ed.gov

In a poll taken on The Matador Online <thematadorsghs.com>, the survey asked what people plan to do after high school. 48 people voted that they would attend a public 4-year university. 11 votes went to a private 4-year university. 4 votes went to community college.

Another 4 votes went to people who did not plan on pursuing a degree. And the last two votes went to those who are doing other things after high school. Cut off date for survey is May 20.

Illustrations by Annie Huang

23

THE MATADOR

Jenny Wu Future Plans: I will be majoring in Environmental Science at the University of California, Irvine in the fall.

Will: I, Jenny May Wu, of singing, dancing, and napping, bequeath my copyediting skills to Christopher Lan, my leadership skills to Jestin Ma, my Service Chair eyes to Stanley Ho, my sarcastic humor to Rebecca Lei, and my love of books to Kristy Duong and Mimi Lam. Quote: “I majored in surprising people and minored in being awesome.” “Dream High 2” Memories: Volunteering with my clubs, writing for the newspaper, being an officer, choir performances, dancing with my friends, and going on fun field trips.

Predictions: We’ll all continue to be our crazy selves at college and meet some really cool people.

Thanks to: Everyone who has made my high school career special, awkward, awesome, fun, and memorable. Special thanks to my friends and Mr. Osborne and Mr. Gin. I couldn’t have made it without any of you, so I thank you for that.

Yinyin Wu Quote: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

Memories: I couldn’t speak a word of English when I first came to SGHS, but the school has transformed me.

Janet Ye Will: I, Janet, bequeath my yearbook pickup traditions to Brandz, my ability to stay awake at camp and senioritis to Paulz, my indesign knowledge to Mark and Kelly, and my secrets to staff and reference pages and concerts to Tracy.

Quote: “Just because you’re breathing, doesn’t mean you’re alive.” – Tablo Memories: Never-ending deadlines, editor meetings, ELAJEA, SCJEA, IHOP yb pickups, yb camp, 3KDJ Krismas, concerts, concerts, and more concerts. Skipping ACT to go see Big Bang twice, almost dying before and at KCON, BAP the day before calc, sleepover at Mora’s after SMTOWN, spending every summer and weekend at H2, inside jokes with the Maknae, seeing Amanda everywhere, and learning to stop caring after junior year.

Predictions: Annz will major in pre-wed and marry Kevin Wu at the San Gabriel mission. Kenz will own Tastea. Ryz will never stop sleeping everywhere. Pauz will live happily ever after with Zac Efron. Brandz will own a slave drive and have a thug giraffe pet. Karen will marry Krease and roll with the buffaloes and crop tops. Dawn and Kaylee will open their own boba corner with Junsu and Taecyeon. Kelly will never stop being disowned.

Thanks To: Yearbook, for making the last three years of high school tolerable, and 3KDJ for being my second family <3.

Sharon Yu Future Plans: Major in Business at UC Irvine.

Will: I, Sharon Yu, bequeath my seniorness to Kristy Wang, my love and height to Nina Dionisio, my promptness to David Chen, and my morning snacks to Kevin Phung.

Quote: “1, 2, 3, 4 FRIJOLES! FRIJOLES!” - Kevin Phung Memories: Being late every day with Natalie Tran, having feasts in second period, partying in sixth, daily hugs between classes, and endless prom shopping.

Predictions: Helen marry my son, William will change his name to Willana, and everyone will get a sweater.

Thanks To: Kevin, for making this year wonderful.

Tiffany Yu Future Plans: Major in Biochem at UCSD and live up to the CCG awesomeness!

Will: I, Tiffany, of nerdiness and lameness, bequeath my nerdiness to Markyluoo and my lameness to my lovely Helen Melon.

Quote: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E. E. Cummings Memories: CCG trips, meetings, food, birthday, holidays; Mrs. Tran’s project, and Lauren’s hugs.

Predictions: Eileen – live up to Smith’s “SLUG”; Henry – be fab at night on Washington’s streets; Chris – be the best entertainer; John L – party hard at SB for CCG; Sonny – live the life of Gatsby; Lauren – prep NY for me; Vivs – sleep with me.

Thanks to: All my teachers, CCG members, Sophie, Ralphie, Bubbles, friends, and someone that stays up with me.

Andy Yuen Future Plans: Cal State East Bay. Will: I, Andy Yuen, of silly raps and sarcastic remarks, bequeath my trash talking to Kim Huy, my buffness to Kenndrick Vuong, my funny jokes to Megan Thai, my intimidating look to Jenny Liang.

Quote: “You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months overanalyzing a situation, trying to put pieces together, justifying what could’ve, would’ve happened or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move on.” – Tupac Shakur Memories: Volleyball tournaments, winning Kennedy Tournament, hanging out with my Volleyball family, having a fun time at prom with Jenny Liang, Brandon’s dumb remarks in Mr. Ramsay’s class.

Predictions: Kim Huy will always talk trash, but won’t do anything, Kenndrick will still be weak, Megan will be fat eating gallons of ice cream, and Jenny will still be a young grasshopper who knows nothing.

Thanks To: My friends who helped me survive my senior year. Ms. Lee for being the only teacher who actually cares about me, gives me advice, and encourages me to not give up.

Bianca Zafiro Future plans: Double Major in Public Policy and Statistics.

Quote: “I said hey…, what’s going on?” – He-Man Memories: Sitting around, standing around, pointing and laughing.

Predictions: Everyone will be successful and sexy. Angel will be The Prophet of the 21st century. Stephanie will become a hot nun. Kyle will, hopefully, still be a lame, adorable, computer nerd. Gary better have some pecs by the end of college.

Thanks To: All my teachers and friends as they were a significant part of my maturation during high school. Special thanks to Ms. Bishop for showing me that college is when our lives begin; another 4 years to savor.

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013 Alicia Zhang Future plans: Major in Chemistry at University of California, Los Angeles.

Will: I, Alicia Zhang, of lame jokes and funny laughs, bequeath my intelligence to Derrick Chi, my non-soccer mom car to Jaina, my heart and soul to Nina Dionisio, my beauty to Steven Ho, my ability to stay awake in class to Seleen, and all the red velvet pancakes to Sonny Hy. Quote: “You don’t know me, you don’t know what I’ve been through.” – Sonny Memories: Junior year Sundays “doing homework” with Kaylee and Linh, 6th period Calc, crying about bio grades with Michelle, becoming LR finalists with Linh, playing games and neglecting our job in 3rd period with Julie, getting ready for hc2013 with the ABGs, and Prom 2013.

Predictions: Sonny will become a chef and open a restaurant and be happy.

Linh will meet a smart, white guy in college; Kaylee will go to Korea and meet her Korean boys. Tuan Lam will open his own Vietnamese restaurant. Natalie will be famous.

Thanks To: Sonny for being a true homie and Jaina for feeding me with love and pho. Thanks to Ms. Mar for providing me with a second home and Mr. Kanow for believing in me and being the best teacher ever. Lastly, thank you Derrick for all that you’ve done for me, and Linh Phong for being the best that I could ever ask for.

Richard Zheng Will: I, Richard Zheng, would like to bequeath my hitting skills to Kevin Chow,

WILLS

fruitness to Nevin Nguyen, math skills to Charlie Diep because I just found out that he sucks at it LOL, soberness to David Pham, and leadership to Kim Huy. Thanks To: Shaneen Lin for the awesome memories we had together. I’d like to thank my beloved coach, Chris Kwan for making me a better person and volleyball player! Lastly, I’d like to thank all my close friends, mostly my bffffff for always being there for me =] Maria Zhu Future Plans: Travel to the ends of the earth and be Queen of the world.

Will: I bequeath my awesomeness to my favorite, Christian Majano, and my sexiness to my Kahana Kai family, Michelle Sy and Emily Lee. Quote: “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

Predictions: Alex Lo will be a buff, trophy husband with 10 butterball sons, Oscar Enciso will forever be black and drink African water, Judy Huang will be on Cheaters with RDJ and Adam Levine, Courtney Ta will be the newest discovery at the zoo as the Sasquatch, Don Nguyen will be an absolutely fabulous Hollywood makeup artist, Alex Fan will marry a 6-foot blonde bombshell , Tina Tran will have a home. With lots and lots of angry little babies.

Thanks To: Oscar Enciso, Judy Huang, Courtney Ta, Don Nguyen, Alex Fan, Erika Ho, Tina Tran, Ashley Cortez, David Lang, Rocio Vera, and Shawn Tran.

And my high school sweetheart, Alex Lo.

A letter from the seniors of The Matador staff

Nana Akahoshi

Monica Lam

Brian Rios

Celine Dang

Priscilla Liang

Debbie Dinh

Jelina Luu

Karen Rivera

Lauren Fukumoto

Hana Ngo

Julianne Teng

Yadanar Oo

Natalie Tran

Irene Hong

Sandy Peng

Jenny Wu

For the seniors of The Matador staff, being in newspaper was not just an elective course to fill in a free fourth period class. It was an memorable experience for all of us, each staff member with a different story. For some, it was the stepping stone into future journalistic endeavors, taking the skills acquired from the class along post-high school. For others, it was a way to learn self-expression, garnering the ability to write with compassion. And for all us, being on staff was a wonderful way to meet people, learning how to communicate with others and gaining new friendships.

Being a part of the staff opened us to new opportunities. Asides from having the privilege to learn how to use professional design programs in class and being able to become a platform for the student body, we also were able to compete in area and regional competitions, which motivated our staff collectively to improve as student journalists even further. The memories of us cheering until we became lightheaded and our blood rushed through our veins for every victory we have made for our staff and our school hold true and deep in our heart.

We have our advisers to thank truly – Steve Slagle, who retired last year after leading The Matador for 18 years, and Jennifer Kim, who took the reigns as publications adviser and helped turn The Matador into what it is today. Without the guidance and care of these two incredible individuals, the staff would be lost.

Last but not least, we must thank our readers. With every issue you have picked up, every article you have read, and every photograph and illustration you have enjoyed looking at, you have motivated us to only continue to improve as a newspaper.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our newspaper in any way possible. Our memories as part of The Matador staff are ones that could never be duplicated.

Sincerely,

Seniors of The Matador Staff

2013 Tonight’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Memory

1

2

“ When it’s love...Yeah, you say them out loud Those words, they never go away They live on, even when we’re gone. ”

— What are Words by Chris Medina

4

3 1. Junior Class Council prepares to announce the prom court before crowning king and queen. 2. Prom queen Sandy Peng and prom king Omar Sarabia share a sweet moment before slow dancing. 3. The official prom court photo from left to right: (top row) Kevin Phung, Richard Zheng, Omar Sarabia, Eric Sotelo, Gabriel Larios; (bottom row) Vannes Tang, Sandy Peng, Shaneen Lin, Lucy Nguyen, and Linh Phong (not pictured). 4. Seniors Jacky Lei, Christopher Tran, Eileen Fung, Jonathan Leung, Calvin Voong, Henry Loc Duong, and Tiffany Yu mingle before walking in the Catalina Ballroom.

Photo courtesy of Teresa Kwan, Chris Lew, and Clifford Photography