Category: Uncategorized

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  • Coronavirus a problem, but not at Poly so far

    According to the CDC, the coronavirus is a closely monitored respiratory illness that was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus which has resulted in thousands of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City.
    This illness caused a serious outbreak among people resulting in 3,700 additional cases and 73 new deaths reported on Wednesday alone. China’s total confirmed cases top 28,000 people, more than 3,800 of them are critical.
    In the United States there are three quarantine bases to treat patients who were infected while traveling in China or by someone that returned from China: the Travis Air Force Base, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and March Air Reserve Base.
    People need to be aware about what is happening because this is a serious sickness that is causing innocent lives to leave us early. Not only are patients dying, but some doctors are dying too. Dr. Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist working in Wuhan, died on Friday from the coronavirus weeks after he was hospitalized and treated. Not only was he a doctor, but he was the man who warned his colleagues about this infection going around with the use of a popular Chinese social media platform to inform everyone.
    So far there have been no cases reported at Poly, but exercise caution when interacting with people who have recently returned from traveling out of the country.

  • fUN with Model UN

    fUN with Model UN

    Model United Nations, also known as Model UN, is an elective class here at Poly run by sophomore PACE teacher Patrick Gillogly. In class, students role play as delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees.
    The team had their first conference of the year October 12 at Cerritos High School. Over half of the individuals on the team received awards for excellence.
    October 26, the team also participated in an event at UC San Diego.
    Poly will host a Model UN conference that is a one day simulation on May 16, 2020. Students will play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with policies, keeping in mind the perspective of their countries.

  • 13 Reasons (More or Less) Why Season Three is Different

    The Netflix drama, 13 Reasons Why, was released in late August of this year. Season two ended with the aftermath of Tyler’s school shooting attempt, and season three picked up after the incident eight months later. While the two previous seasons focused on the main character of the show, Hannah, season three focused on the death of one of the most frustrating and hated characters, Bryce.

    The season starts out with Bryce missing after a huge brawl that took place during the homecoming game at Liberty High. Similar to seasons one and three, each episode analyzes one of a few of students at Liberty High and tries to make a connection between them and Bryce’s murder. Within 13 episodes, each of the suspects who were known to have issues with Bryce are interrogated.

    This season was a bit heartbreaking as one of the most hated characters, Bryce (hated for his sexually abusive behaviors, the role he played in Hannah’s suicide and the harm he caused to several girls), is seen trying to right his wrongs and become a better person. The show almost has you rooting for Bryce until you are once again reminded of what horrible acts he has been responsible for. He was seen trying to become a better friend to all the people he once hurt and seeking help to change who he is. As the show unfolds, each character is guilty of his death.

    Personally, I liked this season. I hated Bryce with every fiber of my being, but seeing him trying to get better was a reminder that people do have to ability to own up for their actions and actually want to change for the better. This show talks about real, raw topics such as bullying, rape, murder, and teenage social problems that are hardly addressed in the media nowadays. The show received backlash for some of the negative impacts it had, such as enabling suicidal tendencies in teens and for continuing the show. It is unknown if the show will be cleared for a fourth season but honestly, what would they even have to talk about?

  • Food Fight

    As a student, I recognize the amount of food wasted during lunch and nutrition; some food is just left on school benches. What if the food was better? How much food will be conserved and not thrown away or half-eaten?

    I think we should look into fresh and better meals for students and faculty alike. What makes it bad? I think the biggest reason why it’s so flawed with some students is that some foods that are prepared are non-nutritious or simply unappealing. We come to hear students all the time groan about school food. “Ugh I hate this,” or “I’d rather just starve and eat when I get home,” is what most students say. I think the spicy mozzarella cheese sticks and the “turkey” sandwiches are disgusting somewhat. The worst thing that they do is that they don’t prepare meals fresh, and sometimes they are left soggy and disgusting. We must look into ways for food to be prepared fresh, hot, and ready. Why don’t they hire caterers to deliver food to our school? There must be some restaurants out there willing to cater for students; which consequently will also boost and encourage people to come to their restaurants if their food is good.

  • Ready for the Real World?

    This week, I and many other seniors will be given a diploma and moving on into whatever kind of life we want to live. It is up to us to determine if we will continue education, have jobs, or just do nothing.

    I’ve been waiting for the moment to finally graduate and have my life set. But as that day is approaching closer, I dread it more and more. Why was I so excited for this as a kid and what made me think I would have everything figured out by then?

    If anything I feel more confused and overwhelmed than ever before. What exactly is in store for me? And why does it seem like I’m being pushed out into something I’m not really prepared for? Yup that’s right, adulthood. This has been a long struggle, being in in school, for SO many years. It’s routine and what I’ve been doing the past 13 years. In these 13 years what have I learned? Maybe some social skills and how kids can be cruel sometimes. The basic subjects such as math, history, english, and science. But what about managing my money? That’s only something that I’m really learning and investing in my senior year. Why does everything cost so much anyways? Applying for jobs, it’s a struggle, especially when I’ve been trying for months to get a job. Hello? I’ve been calling for so long now. Please give me a job, please.

    I’ve decided for myself that I will continue to do even more education, all in the favor of trying to have a career that will hopefully keep me stable. Good luck to me and all the other seniors who are going to struggle and try to survive.

  • Swim time for the last time!

    At their final home meet on April 10th, the Poly swim team’s hard work throughout the course of the season has been showcased in their spectacular performance against Wilson. The girls won the varsity and frosh/soph levels, with varsity crushing their competition 112 to 58. The frosh/soph team made Poly history as the second frosh/soph team to ever claim victory over Wilson. The boys team put up a fight, but unfortunately suffered a loss on all levels. The pressure is on as the long awaited Moore League finals draw closer and these two rivals face off once again.
    Captain of the girls team, Allison DeYoung, expressed her triumph and hope about their victory. “Being part of such an amazing team and beating Wilson on such a large scale has us all pumped and ready to continue our winning streak at finals”, she said.
    There were many stunning swims by the girls including Josie Liebzeit’s 1:57.00 200 freetsyle and 5:13.79 freestyle, Victoria Quach’s 1:00.92 100 butterfly and 101.94 backstroke, and Georgia Buffington’s 54.97 100 freestyle- just to name a few highlights. Overall, the varsity girls placed first in 10 out of 11 events- a clean sweep. They hope to retain their title as Moore League champions by continuing last year’s “threepeat” into “4 Moore”.
    Captain of the boys team, Garrett Lundeen said “It’s sad that it was my last home meet, but I don’t think I would’ve wanted to spend it with any other team”, the loss clearly not diminishing the pride he has for his team. Garrett won the 100 freestyle sprint with a 50.11 and tied with Poly junior Chase McPherson in the 50 freestyle for second place with a 22.56. Chase had an impressive meet, beating his personal record in three events by swimming a 22.56 in the aforementioned 50 freestyle, 58.08 in the 100 butterfly, and 50.90 in the 100 freestyle. Another big contributor to Poly’s points was junior Casey Lait who placed first in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke with a 53.82 and 53.36 respectively.
    Coach Kalani Caldwell has primed her girls to their peak performance level and she is ready to dominate the competition. On April 16th , the girls will compete at Moore League prelims at Cabrillo High School and hopefully qualify for finals on the 18th. “So proud of the girls!” she exclaimed. They have worked extremely hard this season and have stayed focus on their number one goal- to win Moore League!”.
    The boys will have their prelims April 15th and their finals on the 17th.
    After Moore League, swimmers who qualified will compete in CIF, an invitational meet determined by meeting a certain time at any point in the season.

  • Helping HotLines

    Dating Abuse & Domestic Violence love is respect: 1-(866)-331-9474

    Depression & Suicide The Trevor Project: 

    1-(866)-488-7386

    Child Abuse Childhelp National: 

    1-(800)-422-4453

    NEDA Anxiety:

    1-(800)-931-2237

    National Alliance on Mental Illness:

    1-(800)-950-6264

    National Domestic Violence:

    1-(800)-799-7233

    National Hotline Network: 

    1-(800)-SUICIDE

    National Runaway Safeline:

    1-800-786-2929

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

    1-(800)-273-8255

    National Youth Crisis: 

    1-(800)-448-4663

    Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network: 

    1-(800)-656-4673

    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:

    1-(800)-662- 4357

    Retrieved from DoSomething.org and MentalHelp.net

  • Girls Soccer Looks Ahead After Loss To Mustangs

    On February 27, 2019, the Poly Girl’s Varsity Soccer Team played the Mira Costa Mustangs away and lost 4-2. Despite starting off with a convincing 1-0 lead in the first half, the Jackrabbits were unable to maintain their lead and allowed the opposition to score twice.
    Senior Allanah Cutler defended well, preventing the Mustangs from scoring a third goal. Fellow senior forward Ella Hiveley said that Cutler “was on fire, you could tell that her heart was in it.” Cutler stopped the potential goal with her head.
    She was not alone in her strong performance. Freshman Olivia D’Anna scored the final goal of the game in an attempt to bring back the game to a tie. With only two minutes left in the game, however, there was no time to tie it up.
    The Mustangs were a strong team, beating out an ambitious team looking to climb the ladder in California soccer. They pulled ahead at the 63rd minute despite a fiery effort by Poly. Forward Brittney Watkins said that they had become “too comfortable” during the first half and let the game slide out of control.
    The Jackrabbits have several strong underclassmen players that could potentially create a leading team years down the line. Even though Poly was unable to win, they’ve succeeded built a progressively better team each year.

  • Girls Swim Anticipating A strong Season

    Girls swim has started its season and just had its first meet on February 21. Our varsity team won 132 to 31.
    The team qualified for CIF for their Medley Relay and the 4 By 50. Their big meet will be on April 10 against Wilson “everything depends on Wilson” said coach Kalani Caldwell.
    Swimmers that are expected to stand out this season are Josie Liebzeit and Kate Cassiano. Liebzeit is a junior this year and has already qualified in CIF for the 200 Free and 100 Back.
    Cassiano is a sophomore who qualifies in CIF for the 100 Breast Strike. Both have said that they’re “really hoping to win Moore League and hope to become better swimmers overall.”
    The end goals for the team are to “become Moore League champions and to make individuals qualified for CIF and state team “ said Caldwell. They’ve already gotten players qualified for CIF so next up the state team. Here’s wishing good luck to all of them.

  • Rebelling Against Valentine’s day

    Thinking about staying home alone in the dark on Valentines? Then this is a perfect guide for you! While your friends are out having fun with their “boo” you could be having fun too! So instead of sulking by yourself, treat yourself to a nice warm bath with a Big Blue Bath Bomb and a Mask of Magnaminty from Lush. Or, be basic and order fast food from Postmates while watching your favorite Netflix show for the “12th” time.

    Thinking about going out? How about a romantic three-course dinner by yourself at your favorite restaurant, plus you only have to pay for yourself. And if you’ve already watched everything on Netflix, go to the movie theater and buy an extra-large bucket of popcorn for yourself, not before stopping at the Dollar Tree and smuggling candy into the movie theater. Just in case you haven’t spoiled yourself enough, go on a huge shopping spree and take advantage of all the Valentine’s sales, you might even get a chance to help a lost boy buy a gift for his girlfriend.

    Lastly, if all else fails, make a mental note to buy all the discounted Valentine’s day candy on the following day, then while your parents are out on their 397th cringy Valentine’s date, you can enjoy a large glass of wine.

  • Timothy Gomez

    There is so much joy to be found in playing on the Poly High School football team. The tension building while waiting for the kickoff. The roar of the crowd cheering you on. The sense of accomplishment when the last quarter has ended, and knowing your team has won. The sound of the band pronouncing your victory. And Timothy Gomez has enjoyed this life for almost a decade.

    Gomez is one of the senior captains for Poly High School’s football team. He is one of their anchors for defense, coach Stephen Barbee said.

    Barbee said that Gomez is a laid-back, carefree person that cares a lot for both his family and his friends. He is very involved in his religion as well.

    Barbee has also said that Gomez is in one of his classes as a teacher’s assistant. Gomez has high character and efficiently helps out the students in the class. He is a high-achieving student, and with a 3.5 GPA, his hard work has put him in an excellent position, Barbee said.

    Gomez first started playing football when he was nine years old. His father was a big inspiration for him, as he used to play, as well.

    One of Gomez’s teammates, Mase Suaava, calls Gomez a leader and a great player on the team that other players look up to because of his disciplined playing style. Gomez is goofy, knows how to have fun and make people laugh, while also being hard-working and dedicated, Suaava said.

    While he thinks he is a good player, Gomez considers all of his teammates to be equally as valuable. “You know… in football, there’s 11 people on the field, so everybody has to do their job,” he said. “So if one person isn’t…holding up their part of the deal, it can go wrong for everybody.”

    Besides sports, Gomez is a part of a Christian club at Poly High School called Cru Club where he participates in Bible studies. He also enjoys working out, going to see movies, and hanging out with his friends.

    Gomez has talked to a few schools about playing football in college, but he is not yet sure where he will end up. He hopes he will know within the next few weeks, and if not, he plans to attend a junior college in the area. He is considering studying either law or business.

    With a new team and new coaches, Gomez said that while this past season didn’t turn out how they would have liked it to, it did go well. “It was good that we, well, just came together and… made it work.”

  • Kira Ybarra

    Kira Ybarra is a student-athlete at Long Beach Poly High School. She is the goalie on the girl’s varsity soccer team. She shows great potential and is seen as a strong leader of the team.

    Ybarra has been playing soccer since she was five years old. Her parents were both athletes in their day so it was an easy decision for them to make to have Ybarra play a sport. She then grew to love and appreciate the sport of soccer. Ybarra began playing for club at the age of seven. They “threw [her] in the goal” and she hated it because she got scored on fourteen times in her first game.

    With proper training, she eventually became good at it and loved it. Now Ybarra currently plays for SoCal Blues ECNL club team, in addition to Poly’s team. Ybarra is able to juggle school work and training, but does not have much free time to herself. When she does find time, she enjoys writing “fictional stories about previous dreams [she’s] had before.”

    Ybarra has made an impact on her teammates and coach this school year. Her coach describes her as a “block wall” for the team and that she is very encouraging to her teammates. She always gives one hundred percent and has a great work ethic. Kelsey Adams is a teammate of Ybarra’s on the Poly team. Adams has been playing soccer with Ybarra for a long time and claims that Ybarra works really well with everyone.

    Ybarra is very “energetic, hardworking, and competitive” in her everyday life outside of practice. She acts like a leader of the team in the eyes of Adams and the other players. Ybarra’s main concern this season would be not getting hurt because after the season at school, she has her regular season with her club, so she’s trying her best to stay fit and healthy.