aquila
University Preparatory Academy’s
Volume V, Issue I
www.upaaquila.com
Dec. 15, 2015
Jog-a-Thon a Success for Athletics By Angelique Garcia
Photo by Diana Freslassie Mr. Francis talked of his role as a protector of peace. Left to right: Hilda Mendoza, Daisy Adin, Shawn Francis, and Caitlin Flores.
Occupation Inspiration By Rithwik Nichenametla
This year, UPA implemented a new idea created by teachers Laura Gordon-Reska and Andrew Yau. Career Day was initiated for the sole purpose of igniting a spark of passion in the hearts of students around the school. Seven speakers from various occupations were invited onto campus to deliver thirty minute seminars summarizing their job and their contributions to the progression of human society. Moreover, they explained why they were interested in their field and how to excel in it. “Career Day is meant to help students see careers as more than an opportunity for money,” said Reska. Students voyaged to different stations with their advisory
classes for a valuable experience with an EMT, district attorney, graphic designer, policeman, firefighter, Google engineer, physical therapist, nurse, and NASA engineer. Many of these speakers are related to either a UPA staff member or student. Janice Go, the graphic designer, attended high school with Mr.Yau. On the other hand, Girish Chachad, the NASA engineer, is the father of Ravi Chachad, a UPA alumni. “Career Day was way better than the college forums we had last year,” said Yohe Terefe, who would like to see it again next year. Many students were inspired by Mr.Wallace, a firefighter and father of UPA students Tyler and Cameron Wallace.
Photo by Diana Freslassie Google engineer Prashant Marathay visited with UPA students on Career Day. From left to right: Cameron McElroy, Andrew Lin, Prashant Marathay, Flavio Quintero, Melissa Drews. “He risks his life on a daily basis, not for money, but for the satisfaction of doing good,” said freshman Daniel Rodriguez. Students like eigth grader
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Sebek In honor of UPA’s first Career Day, firefighter Mr. Wallace brought a firetruck to UPA premises.
Emiliano Ortega admired Prashant Marathay, a Google engineer and father of Sitara Marathay. Marathay provided beneficial insight as to how to receive employment from large companies. He explained that one of the most valuable assets to have when applying for a company is to have references inside the company. After the seminars concluded, students were treated with burgers and chips from Mojo Burger. “The burgers were the best part,” said freshman Yashpreet Joura. Career Day was a success at striking the hearts of various students. Many of the speakers were enthralling and inspiring, pushing students to consider what they want to pursue in the future. “A career should be something you sincerely enjoy doing everyday,” Reska said.
UPA welcomed the annual PTSO Jog-a-thon as a campus wide event for all grades to paticipate in. This year’s jog-a-thon occurred on Friday October 9, 2015, and marked the 5th annual Jog-a-thon at UPA. The event was to benefit the PTSO, and the funds help raise money for sports teams at UPA and its students, who truly benefit from it the most. This year was the first year that the Silent Auction was introduced; an event where parents could bid on tickets, gift baskets, and gift cards as another way to raise money for the school. UPA saw a tremendous turnout, and students from various grades came out and participated. As the Jog-a-thon course could not accommodate the vast population of the school, middle and high school students ran at separate times. “It’s a great way to bring the school together in an event that also raises money,” said senior Ethan Nguyen. By attending, students not only showed support for this event, but also their support of the athletic programs at UPA. Students can have a great impact on their school, and it is apparent that the students at UPA wanted to do exactly that. “I would have run even if I wasn’t required to as a UPA athlete,” says 8th grader, Josh Richardson. As an athlete on a sports team at UPA, the required duties are to participate in the Jog-athon and support the school. Richardson didn’t view the Jog-a-thon as a chore, and even had a blast participating in it this year as well as previous years. “I bet my brother that I could get more laps than him, even though I didn’t,” said Nguyen. UPA is a small and family-oriented school, and the Jog-a-Thon did a great job of capturing that essence, making the event fun for everyone involved, whether it be watching or participating. Whether the joggers were there for their friends or to gain the title of top runner, there was a sense of enjoyment for the students and even a little friendly competition. “Each year I feel like the Joga-thon gets better and I can’t wait until next year,” said 10th grader, Adrienne Lee. The joggers genuinely enjoyed participating, even when it was a requirement. Participants still had fun, and ultimately it was for a cause that benefited the school as a whole.