Natalie Bohr, Sarice Freeman, Yesenia Garcia, and Talya Richardson,
were the homecoming court of 2006-2007. Brianna Perez, was named
this years Queen.
Clad in satin dresses and high heels, 19 of Millikan’s finest
young ladies graced the stage of the auditorium. Nominations ranged
from JROTC
and the swim team, to PEACE Academy and the Corydon. The variety
of talent and personalities made the auditorium that crisp Thursday
evening truly the happiest place on earth.
The nervous tension of the contestants could be felt in the air.
Backstage was a hustle and bustle of last minute changes, warm-ups,
and hairspray. But aside from the nervousness, the general emotion
was excitement. I’m so excited to be doing this with all my
friends. “It’s such an amazing experience!” said
softball nominee Kelli Panter.
As the auditorium filled with anxious parents and raucous classmates,
the contestants donned their eveningwear and prepared take on the
stage. The introductions of all 19 contestants began: One elegantly
dressed lady after another had all of 15 seconds to show her personality
to the judges.
The following talent portion of the program was the highlight of
the evening. Gymnastic routines, a comedic saxophone performance,
color guard, Latin sambas, vocal performances and booty-shaking dances
brought down the house. When the top ten girls were announced and
the curtain dropped, the crowd was a vibrant mixture of joy and disappointment.
The question and answer portion of the competition followed.
“What are the qualities you look for in a friend?” was
the golden question of the night. After much deliberation and anticipation,
the final five were announced.
Entering Friday’s homecoming game in a fairy-tale carriage,
the homecoming court made their appearance. Flanked by pastel balloon
pillars, the final five were narrowed down to Brianna Perez and Talya
Richardson.
Anticipation melted into tears of joy and excitement as Brianna Perez
was named homecoming queen. The crowd erupted in joyful applause
as her name was spelled out in silver balloons.
Blood Drive Draws Great Success
By Jocelyn Rodriguez
Feature Page Editor
This year’s annual Halloween blood drive was once again a
big success for the Millikan Rams, who donated 225 pints.
“We like coming to Millikan because we are always successful
here,” said Sheryl Berlow, organizer from People Helping People.
The goal this year was 200 pints of blood that, according to Berlow,
would go to help cancer, leukemia, trauma victims, and other needs
at the Long Beach Memorial Center and Miller Children’s Hospital.
“This is the best fall we’ve ever had,” stated Berlow.
She also added that Long Beach Memorial uses 1400 pints of blood
a month and just one pint can save up to three lives. However, there
were strict requirements and many volunteers were turned away. Beyond
the medical requirements, students had to be 17 years or older and
weigh at least 110 pounds.
Senior Tyler Mangham said, “I was very happy to hear that I
had the chance to save lives. Giving blood was great on account of
I probably saved some lives, I feel like I am a hero.”
Donating one pint of blood earned each student five hours of community
service or the opportunity to clear ten demerits. Volunteers also
received a free t-shirt for their help.
The blood drive committee, in conjunction with the organization,
People Helping People, was responsible for the turnout of the event.
Krystal Santos, chairperson of the blood drive committee, stated
that it took a tremendous amount of work to put it together.
Santos said that it took “hard work and dedication from student
council, the blood drive committee, and also Ms. Stevens and Ms.
Rosa.” She added, “I want to thank everyone who donated
blood: the committee, the people who came to help the nurses, JROTC
for the pancakes, Ms. Stevens and Ms. Rosa.”
OPINION PAGE: Page 2
When Nature Calls, Who’s Listening?
By Layhearn Tep
Staff Reporter
This is the first in a series of environmental articles.
Imagine a utopia with cool refreshing air, sweet sea breezes that
dance along the tip of your nose, and beaches you only see in postcards.
You can only dream of places like these. But what if there was a
place like that?
I discovered this on my trip to Catalina; it amazed me how beautiful
it was. It was natural beauty, not something you have to make or
force. Your only obligation was to enjoy it.
On the trip to Catalina, a small island off the shore of California,
I witnessed nature. Not the regular trees or random patches of grass
you see lying around in the city, but nature in its purest form.
The vivid green grass is so amazing that you begin to wonder how
everything grew in such precise patterns. I savored the wonderful
smell of the flowers blooming in the early spring, the beautiful
aroma of the clear blue sky, the sound of rocks under my feet as
I trekked uphill, and the warm feeling of the sun on my skin: It
was one of the only times in my life that I wanted to wake up early,
not to watch my favorite TV show, but to watch the sun rise over
the ocean.
I figured it would be pitch black at night because of the lack of
lights, but I was wrong. The skies were illuminated by thousands
of stars. In the city, you would be lucky to see a dozen stars. But
on Catalina you can’t escape them.
For the first time in my life, I felt small. Not insignificant, but
small. I could have taken a picture, but it was one of those moments
where looking back at photographs would have seemed foolish when
you only needed to close your eyes to visualize.
Nature must not be forsaken, but treasured. We must protect and enjoy
nature’s present beauty before it becomes our past. Slowly
as our natural resources deplete, so does our environment. We constantly
pollute our oceans, clog up our streams, trash our cities, cut our
trees, and destroy our air.
We could easily help the environment with small efforts like recycling
bottles, carpooling to conserve gas, or walking an extra 10 feet
to throw away our trash instead of dropping it on the ground.
Although it’s easy to just forget about the environment, it
isn’t fair to future generations. We only have one world, and
if we don’t protect it then we’ll lose it. There’s
beauty all around us, but whether it is still around for future generations
is for us to decide.
Students Stung by Scholarship Scams
By Kimberly Stern
Sports Editor
College tuition can cost a lot nowadays. For many families the expense
for higher education is equivalent to buying a house.
In looking for creative ways to finance a college education, students
can become prey to scholarship and financial aid scams.
Students fail to realize that scholarships are basically free money
towards college. You shouldn’t have to pay immediately so as
not to risk the loss of a “great opportunity.”
Companies who try to scam students guarantee either scholarships,
grants, or other wonderful financial aid packages. However, the difference
between a valid scholarship and a scam is that legitimate companies
never guarantee or promise scholarships or grants.
In some cases a student will pay an upfront fee with intentions of
receiving a break in the expense of college. The irony is that a
student is actually losing money on scholarships. As the wise saying
goes, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions students of the gimmicky
clichés used by scams: “The scholarship is guaranteed
or your money back” and “You can’t get this information
anywhere else.” One of my favorites is: We’ll do all
the work!” (To get free money and not do any work? Just give
me a pen and tell me where to sign.)
Michelle Ponce, Career Center supervisor at Millikan, says, “Scholarships
are everywhere. However, the best way to validate them is to stop
by [the Career Center] and ask for help.”
Companies who scam students are finding easier ways all the time.
The obvious reason is that students are desperate for money.
The FTC’s advice for not becoming a victim is to take your
time and don’t feel rushed. Also, before signing anything read
through the fine print carefully.
Letters to the Editor
Uniforms
I recently read the Point-Counterpoint on the uniform policy and
I was surprised to find out that people are still trying to fight
uniforms.
Yes, I admit the rules for the uniform policy have begun to get a
little crazy, like not being able to wear colored sweaters and undershirts.
But those are really the only two we can really cry about.
The truth is that uniforms really do help this school. As Brooke
Posen stated, “People don't have care about what they are going
to wear in the morning. “You take less time to get ready and
get to school faster because you don’t have to pick out clothes.
Jonathan G. Lopez, 12th grade
California Image
I loved reading all of the articles! They were all well thought out
and the reader could tell that the Corydon staff worked their hardest
to make this newspaper appealing. Even though there were articles
that I disagreed with, it was nice to read them because it helped
me see an issue from both points of view. However, I feel that
Jennifer Pletcher’s criticism towards blondes and California
came across as judgmental. Many of her points were unfounded and
she made it seem as if being blonde was a bad thing. However, Jennifer
did express herself well. Overall, this issue of the newspaper
was very interesting and enjoyable.
Shannon Smith, 11th grade
Sleep Deprived
Your article on sleep deprived students was very informative. It
was interesting especially because I’m sure most students
can relate to it. It really helped me understand the side-effects
of not getting enough hours of sleep. I’m sure that once
students read the article they will try and find ways to get to
sleep at an earlier time
I also really liked the fact that you had student comments because
it helped me to relate to the article better. Just like student Shavon
Bates said, “It is very hard to fit sleep into your schedule
with all activities at school.” Thank you very much for the
information because now I will try to get some more sleep.
Maribel Huerta, 11th grade
Message to Muslims Means More Middle East Violence
By Anna Plumlee
Staff Reporter
One side says the War on Terrorism should not be fought and the
other side says it should.
And Pope Benedict XVI may have only been trying to help end the conflict
when he stated that the Muslim religion supported evil.
Perhaps President Bush went into the war for the right reasons. He
was attempting to make things better for the people in Iraq and safer
for our own country.
The way I see it now, though--three years later—is that we
are still at war and it doesn’t look like the situation is
improving. I realize that we can’t just back out now because
we’d risk too much chaos throughout the region.
Ideally, the war should have ended once the Iraqis received their
freedom from Saddam Hussein.
However, after learning about the Muslim radical groups and reading
about the horrible things terrorists are doing, I feel that America’s
presence in Iraq is beneficial.
The Pope said that the Muslim leaders brought “things only
evil and inhuman.” Of course Muslim people would take offense
to that statement. But after the Pope realized how he came across,
he apologized.
Yet in response to the Pope’s apology a group of Muslim terrorists
killed several nuns, which only seems to prove his point.
Some of the people in Iraq are committing terrible acts and the presence
of American soldiers in their country is a necessity.
FEATURE PAGE: Page 3
Millikan Meets Its Matchmaker
Brooke Posen
Front Page Editor
November 15 through 18 Millikan’s drama department will perform ‘The
Matchmaker,’ a farce written by Thorton Wilder. The story is
set in the 1890’s and is about a tyrannical merchant from Yonkers,” said
Mrs. Atwell, director, and coordinator of the drama department.
The story begins when a 60 year old man hires a matchmaker to find
him a wife for his latest marriage. However, the matchmaker has other
ideas and the merchant’s employees run off in the midst of
the chaos and end up face to face with their boss in a hat shop as
the story unfolds.
“Mistaken identities and bizarre circumstances rule the play
as the characters flee from one adventure to the next,” said
Atwell.
Tickets are $6.00 (or $3.00 with an ASB sticker) at the student store
before and after school and at nutrition.
“The largest risk is the play’s setting. Because it is
set in the 1890’s we have to worry about walking, sitting, and
speaking in a different manner,” stated Atwell
Mrs. Atwell has high expectations for ‘The Matchmaker’ and
is confident that it will be a success. “This play is pure
entertainment. We hope the audience will come for an evening of very
light entertainment, some good laughs, and an appreciation for a
time long gone.”
SPORTS PAGE: Page 4
Shallow Waters For the Rams in Moore League
By Mieke Howell
Assistant Page Editor
After an excruciating six-quarter overtime, the Millikan boys water
polo team absorbed their only league loss to rival Poly. Despite
an astounding 8-6 win over the once dominate Wilson team, the Rams
failed to pull out a win to clinch the first non-Bruin league title
in over 20 years.
Millikan’s defense was strong for most of the game, allowing
only two goals in the first half of regulation. With two goals from
junior two-meter set, Santiago Bryan-Zwick, and a lob shot from senior
Ben Koff, the half-time score stood at 3-2 in favor of the Rams.
The third quarter was the highest scoring of the game. Poly netted
three goals, while Bryan-Zwick put away two. Koff, Trevor, Tutolo,
and Scott Butler each added one for the Rams, making the third quarter
score 8-6.
After fighting valiantly, the Rams weren’t able to capitalize
offensively, scoring only once from Byran-Zwick. Trailing for most
of the game, Poly’s Billy Brightenberg capitalized on a man-advantage
to tie the game and send it into overtime.
The overtime quarters continued in stalemate with each team scoring
only once. Butler’s sixth quarter goal tied the game again
moving it to swift round of sudden death.
In the fourth [of the sudden death rounds] another goal by Poly’s
Brightenberg sealed the Jackrabbit’s victory though not without
some controversy.
According to spectators the title-clinching goal made by Poly’s
Brightenberg was shot after a foul, making it illegal. Many watched
in utter disbelief as the goal was counted giving Poly the championship.
Emotions ran high as the final buzzer sounded. “We’ve
been a strong team. Poly would have been perfect [to win Moore League],” says
senior captain Greg Freed.
Despite this upset, the Rams will forge ahead into CIF. Greg Freed
admits, “We’re disappointed of course, but we’ll
move on.
Cross Country Finishes Fourth in Moore League
By Kirk Gale
Staff Reporter
Millikan’s cross country team stands fourth in Moore League,
but strives for a standard of excellence that will propel them forward
in their future meets.
The high morale of the runners is easy to see in their optimistic
opinion of the team.
“We have a young team with many promising underclassmen,” says
senior Michael Thrash. Thrash has four years of cross country experience
under his belt and a good eye for the team’s well-being.
Senior Chris Nixon has also been involved for four years, with consistent
times and devotion to practice. He says, “This year the best
runners are Eric Patton, Ki Seals, and myself.”
Nixon also reported that boys coach Chris Brown leads an intense
regimen and requires a high level of devotion from all his runners.
It’s this kind of devotion that girls coach Pedro Ramirez says
will lead the team to victory.
“The team is young,” he admits “We’ve done
quite well with no seniors.” Among his star runners are seniors
Jeanette Ortiz and Angela Ibarra, team captain. Another runner worth
mentioning is Brooke Poling, the only freshman on girl’s varsity.
Ramirez explained the promise of this young and talented individual: “She’s
a really good runner.”
Senior Anna Naspini says, “I feel really good about the team
because it’s a decent size now. We all work hard and are determined.” As
for the team’s motivation to do well, Naspini quipped, “We
all want to stay on the team so we can fit into our prom dresses.”
The Moore League finals for cross country were on Thursday, November
2. Millikan Varsity placed fourth in boys and girls.
It Takes Confidence to Get to CIF
By Jennifer Pletcher
Assistant Editor in Chief
Popular sports include of baseball, basketball, soccer and football.
One you do not hear very much about it volleyball, especially girls
volleyball.
Millikan High School’s girls volleyball team has had a successful
regular season with a 17-12 standing, which qualifies them for the
CIF playoffs.
The team, led by co-captains Jessica Ranes (senior) and Kelsea Seymour
(junior), is very eager to make it far into the playoffs.
“We’re all excited because last year we didn’t make
it to CIF,” Ranes states. “This year we were like, we have
to make it.”
Since the regular season has ended, the team is becoming closer.
They give each other pep talks, and when they are given advice, they
always follow it. Often times they hang out in their head coach’s
classroom during nutrition and lunch. Other times they play hand
games just to have fun.
“It’s been a fun season. There was a new coach, but we
adapted. We had a lot of injuries. But we did really well under the
circumstances,” says Ranes.
The new head coach didn’t take that much to get used to after
all. Matt Ryan was the junior-varsity coach for girls volleyball
last season so he already knew the team.
At the beginning of the season, the team vaguely thought there was
a chance to make it to CIF. But as the season progressed, they became
more confident.
“I knew we had it in us to make it to finals, “Ranes declares. “We’re
going to make it far. You have to be confident.”
Varsity Girls Tennis Has a Win - Nguyen Season
By Kim Stern
Sports Editor
Sophomore Mimi Nguyen broke the silence of the match by blasting
solid ground strokes to clinch the 2006 Moore League title.
Nguyen faced off against Lakewood rival Stacey Tan on Wednesday,
November 1 at Billie Jean King Tennis Center.
This was nothing short of deja vu, considering Nguyen and Tan battled
it out last year in the finals as well. And once again, Nguyen repeated
history by defending her title with a victory of 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
“Mimi is a smart player,” confessed Coach Barretta. “I
had confidence in her throughout the whole match.”
Nguyen gave a strong performance despite her wrist injury that kept
her out of the first round during the season. In the second round
her record was 15-0, making her undefeated and placing her as the
number one seed going into the Moore League Tournament.
Lasting nearly two hours with the full three sets being played intensely,
the match could have gone either way.
“I was getting kind of nervous,” admitted Nguyen as she
was down in the third set 0-2. Yet she prevailed in the end to claim
the title of the 2006 Moore League Champion and is advancing to CIF.
In addition, the girls varsity tennis team showed one of their stronger
years too, ending the Moore League season in fourth place. With consistent
wins over Jordan and Cabrillo, the team finished with a record of
4-6.
Barretta admits that “the competition is becoming tougher,
but this has got to be one of our strongest years.”
Consisting of twelve players--three singles and three teams of doubles--varsity
will be losing five seniors. Shannon Diaz, Kathy Guerrero, Rachel
Jordan, Ashley Nielsen, and Kim Stern will graduate in June. With
almost half the varsity team departing, next year’s 2007 season
will be a fresh beginning of young talent.
ll three sets being played intensely, the match could have gone
either way.
“I was getting
Updated
December 19, 2007
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