It has been argued that cheerleading is more appropriately labeled a fine art due to the incorporation of music and dancing in the routines. However, the routines usually include strenuous activities such as tumbling, jumps, and stunts. Alisa Wang (11), a cross country athlete, said, “Cheerleading is a sport because it doesn’t require artistic abilities but it requires athleticism.”

Similarly, Vicky Wu (10) stated, “Cheerleading is a sport because you have to be physically fit and it requires a lot of work.” The routines that cheerleaders perform are demanding. They demand much time and energy. Cheerleaders need to be physically fit so that the routine can be performed successfully, similar to athletes in other sports. As Suphasuta Prajamsri (10) said,”…it’s a sport because you get a workout.”

Although, cheerleading is taken lightly in the sports world, it deserves more recognition. Cheerleading is better classified as a sport, because of the vigorous activities involved.

Yapelli has had several injuries throughout the season; yet despite these setbacks, she has persevered as a strong athlete. Her enthusiasm for the sport has kept her motivated through all the struggles. “It’s a lot of fun and we’ve gotten a lot better over the years,” Yapelli stated. As the team prepares for next season, Yapelli confidently feels “we’ll have a stronger team next year.” Yapelli concluding advice is to “enjoy the time while you are here.”

June 9, 2010
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Trophy Winners

Publications:
Advanced Journalism:
Smoke Signals Michelle Cho 12
Annual: Chieftain Mariko Terasaki 12
Arrowheads Kathryn Wu 12

Athletics:
Male Daniel Henggeler 12
Female Shayna Guitare 12
Male Scholar Kevin Behan 12
Female Scholar Amanda Oslund 12

Career Technical Education: Valerie Cordill 12

Dance: Wendy Yorita 12

English: Ashley Jakubczyk 12

Foreign Language: Alex Gaugh 12

Leadership: Stephanie Nakamura 12

Mathematics: Tianyao Xiao 12

Performing Arts:
Theatre Arts Lauren Springer 12
Instrumental Music Tian Wang 12
Vocal Music Su-Young Kim 12

Physical Education: Miguel Aguallo 9

Science: Brett Manning 12

Social Science: Samantha Lusher 12

Support Programs: Hsin-Yu Chen – ELL 10
Taylor Scott – Sp Ed 12

Visual Arts: Karen Radomski 12

Teacher of the Year: Mr. Roulette

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2010 Achievement Awards
Honda Award Winners

Athletics: Daniel Henggeler

Career Tech Education: Valerie Cordill

English: Samantha Lusher

Foreign Language: Alex Gaugh

Mathematics: Tianyao Xiao

Performance Arts: Lauren Springer(Theatre Arts)

Physical Education & Health: Samuel Antell

Science: Rachel Pausch

Social Science: Aaron Sasaki

Support Programs: Lucas Nascimento

Visual Arts: Boaz Shin

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2010 Achievement Awards
Grade Level Medal Winners
By Departments

Career Tech Education: 9th grade Elise Thayer
10th grade Sherry Hsiao
11th grade Michael Suh

English: 9th grade Grant Torre
10th grade Ashley Kawasaki
11th grade Christie Lindsey

Foreign Language: 9th grade Jessica Kim
10th grade Eryn Olson
11th grade Stephanie Mayeda

Performing Arts: Xia Rashid(Vocal Music)
Jacob Nye(Theatre Arts & Vocal Music)
Christie Lindsey(Instrumental and Vocal Music)

Mathematics: 9th grade Matthew Itow
10th grade Jenna Hoover
11th grade Sung Won Han

Physical Education: 9th grade Kiana Schmitt
10th grade Brian Moore

Science: Neil Kalenak(PSE)
Sang Ho Lee(Biology)
Wudhidham Prachumsri (Chemistry)
Aaron Sasaki(Physics)

Social Science: 9th grade Marcus Vicari
10th grade Duy Anh Dang
11th grade Adrian Kimmok

Support Programs: 9th grade Kristina Vindas
10th grade Rumsha Masood
11th grade Matthew Liebl

Visual Arts: 10th grade Madhumita Ganesh(Art 1)
10th grade Hye Jung Park(Art 1)
12th grade Kenneth Wu(Ceramics)

   The rally began as Secretary of Spirit Jimmy Takashima (11) welcomed the students. A routine from the Dance, Cheer, and Drill Team seniors followed; their performance captivated the crowd.

    A tug-of-war match was held between a selected group of seniors and teachers, increasing the senior-faculty rivalry.  Out of three matches, the seniors won the first and last, thus winning the competition.

   The excitement continued as three teachers who had dyed their hair pink for the Pretty in Pink contest moved to the center of the gym underneath a tarp. After a count down, the tarp was lifted and Mr. Evans, Ms. Jensen, and Ms. Yoo revealed their pink hair. Each of the three had collected over five hundred dollars, which will be used for school supplies. 

   After the students settled from the joy of seeing their teachers’ pink hair, the prom court was announced.  Beginning with the junior prom princes and princesses, the nominees were called up in pairs.  Princess candidate, Amy Jung (11), stated that she “didn’t think [she] would be nominated.”   The nominees for prom queen and king were then presented.  An acapella singing of the Alma Mater concluded the rally, and the students were dismissed to their third periods.

With Emma Heeger (11) and Kayleigh Millet (12) acting as hosts throughout the ceremony, students were asked to line up on the east side of the Pavilion to prepare to mount the stage for recognition and to award the trophy, medal, and scholarship winners.  Each student was given a certificate for their accomplishments.  Between categories, seniors who had received scholarships and awards would be called to the stage based upon their counselor, and their accomplishments and college they will be attending were announced.  The 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Roulette, was declared as well to thunderous applause.  Tony Liu (12) believes that the evening “was really good.”

There were a few changes made to this event to create an even more successful night.  One was that a new award given this year.   These were medals, and were presented to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in certain academic categories with exceptional performance.  Another adjustment, according to Principal Egan, was that “This year we looked at trying to make it go smoothly without breaks.  We thought some people might be more entertained if it flowed better.” This modification did increase the general appreciation for the occasion, as stated by many parents and students.

After the ceremony concluded, refreshments supplied by NHS, were offered free to the audience.  Jun Soo Song (10) thought this was the best part of the event, and especially “the cream puffs.”  No matter which piece of the evening is favored, all agree that this ceremony was one of appreciation.

   On and off the field, Girardini consistently challenges himself academically and physically—taking rigorous courses such as Biology AP and Calculus AB AP while juggling demanding sports like football and track. “It’s all about time management. School definitely comes first but whenever I have time I try to squeeze in a gym set. I just prioritize my activities and do what needs to be done.”

   Football is not just a sport to Girardini. It is “a part of you and helps you appreciate aspects of life that were once foreign; it teaches you how to efficiently function in a group and illustrates the importance of team unity.” Throughout the season, his love for the game has grown along with his commitment. “I am going to play [football] as long as I can and I want to play through college.” 

   Although Girardini is only a junior, several colleges have already shown interest in possibly recruiting him for football. “I have [received] recognition from a few Ivy Leagues. Some of the colleges that I am most interested in are Harvard, UCLA, Dartmouth, and Yale so I could receive a good education and hopefully carry out my plans to become an astrophysicist or engineer.”

   As the oldest child of a family of four football-fanatic boys, Girardini tries to “set the example for [his brothers] and affect them in more than just football” by demonstrating self discipline and maintaining a positive attitude. Girardini confidently assures, “Nothing negative can come from trying. It will build your character.”