The 2014-2015 Poly International Ambassadors on stage.
The International Ambassadors listening to the Star-Spangled Banner.
Seniors Christine Rose Nuñez, Meredith Dobson, Kyra Wiant, and Mara Koval proudly show off their bouquets.
Editors-in-Chief Amara Pouv and Samantha Rustia.
Rustia is the co-captain of the Speech and Debate team. She is also the vice president of the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society. In addition, she is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the High Life with Amara Pouv. She is regionally ranked for Congressional Debate and is also a Global Leadership Connection Scholarship recipient. Her project was to put the High Life online in order to make the paper more accessible to a larger audience. “My experience with Journalism has helped me see how important it is to be informed. With the new website, we will able to spread news more easily to Poly students,” said Rustia.
Pouv is a Link Crew leader as well as member of the PanCan and Operation Teddy Bear clubs. She has been involved with the High Life, Poly’s school newspaper, for three years, and is currently in charge of its operations as Co-Editor-in-Chief. Amara has been on the cross-country and long distance track teams, serving as a senior captain for the former. Her joint project with Samantha Rustia was to put the High Life online to reach a wider audience. “It was very challenging for the two of us to create the online format of the newspaper, but seeing it in its completed form is absolutely rewarding for me as Editor-in-Chief,” said Pouv.
Koval is the co-founder and president of the CLIMB club, and is also involved with Model United Nations. She is a four-year runner and team captain for the cross-country and track teams. She volunteers with disabled children at Camp Nugget and represents the PACE program at middle school presentations. Her original project was to paint an inspirational quote on the 200 building, using Mahatma Gandhi’s mantra: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” She believes her project is a great source of inspiration and will evoke a sense of pride within students and faculty members. “I thought the quote spoke to everyone on campus,” said Koval.
Escobar is an active presence in the Poly community. She is at the helm of both the JUSTICE Academy and the Polyettes Color Guard. In addition, she has been a four-year member of the AVID program. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together of Long Beach, 7th Street Church, and Rancho Los Cerritos. For her project, Escobar hosted a lunchtime rally featuring the band, cheer, Polyettes, and the Special Education Department, emphasizing unity and acceptance at Poly.
“It’s such a great experience because I was very shy before, but now I am an International Ambassador,” said Escobar.
Serving as the president of the Poly Book Club, Ball is a former cheerleader and avid runner on the cross-country and track teams. One of her passions is music; she has been a member of the Poly orchestra program for the past four years. Outside of school, she is an elementary school tutor and volunteer at the Aquarium. Her project was to hold a Young Women’s Conference intended to combat gender roles and empower women to aspire for success. “Being chosen for International Ambassadors made me feel ecstatic. I was surprised because there is a lot of competition for these spots, so I was shocked when I was chosen,” said Ball.
Mamnoon is the co-president of the Red Cross and Photography clubs, and she is also a member of Senior Senate. She is in Student Commission, holding many positions before assuming her current role as ASB Vice-President. She volunteers at the Greater Long Beach Red Cross and a local soccer club. Her International Ambassador project was Supplies for Success, which involved fundraising, collecting, and distributing school supplies to Poly students who are unable to afford them. “Poly is so diverse and most are coming from economically diverse backgrounds and I think it is very beneficial for people to get the supplies they need,” said Mamnoon.
Nuñez is a member of the Math and Speech & Debate teams, along with the Ronald McDonald and CSF clubs. She volunteers with VITA Tax Prep and her church youth group. She has received the Superiority Award for Speech and Debate and the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award. For her project, she plans on organizing a community fair that will provide free resources, such as health check ups, tax services, and financial counseling. The fair is scheduled to be held in February 2015. “I wanted to be an International Ambassador because Poly has given me so much and I wanted to be a part of something that gives back to the school,” said Nuñez.
Wiant is a member of the Ronald McDonald, Senior Senate, and CLIMB clubs, on top of her participation in Student Commission and Link Crew. She is also active in the Long Beach community, as she volunteers at St. Mary’s Hospital and was chosen to be represent the 33rd District as a Young Senator. Her project was called “Small Acts, Big Results,” a campaign that involved a kindness week encouraging compassion. “I feel extremely grateful to be chosen, but I don’t feel superior, as there are so many students here at Poly who are doing wonderful things. International Ambassadors are just a select few in the spotlight,” said Wiant.
Gelilio has been involved with the Senior Senate, Hot Pepper, and Best Buddies clubs at Poly. She has been a part of the girls swim team and cheerleading squad. She is also an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia, volunteering at religious camps during the summer. Her project was the “Polympics,” an activity involving students with special needs. Her main goals were to increase awareness about the importance of teamwork and acceptance in a school environment. “My project was somewhat challenging due to time constraints. My team of volunteers and I made the most out of it, and everyone had a great time,” said Gelilio.
Huynh is a member of Key Club, Senior Senate, and the Yearbook staff at Poly, in addition to her positions as an officer for the CIC and Operation Teddy Bear clubs. She serves as the activities director and president for Red Cross and Vietnamese Student Organization, respectively. She has been in Student Commission for three semesters as an appointed officer and the Commissioner of Publicity. Her project is called “Chicken Noodle Soup for the Jackrabbit Soul.” It entailed the distribution of informational booklets about Poly to all incoming freshmen prior to their registration. Huynh hopes to educate new students on the history of Poly.
Ho is heavily involved with student affairs at Poly as a member of Student Commission, Senior Senate, PTSA, and VSA. He has been on the track and cross-country teams since his freshman year, and is now a senior captain for the latter. He is also a team leader in the Buddhist Youth Organization. His original project involved the placement of wooden plaques throughout the campus which highlight the journey of several alumni who have gone on to compete in the Olympics. “I view Poly students who have participated in the Oympics as role models, and seeing them accomplish great things motivates me to try my hardest and excel here at Poly,” said Ho.
Dobson is a member of the Ronald McDonald Club, Model United Nations, and Speech and Debate team, on top of being president for Assisteens, a nonprofit organization that volunteers with Miller’s Children Hospital. In addition, she has been a member of the cheerleading squad since her freshman year. Her legacy project was “Paint-a-Can,” where students were invited to paint trash cans in order to promote their clubs. A continuation of her older sister’s project two years ago, Paint-a-Can’s main objectives are to beautify the campus and foster school spirit. I feel very honored to represent Poly,” said Dobson.
