Tag: long beach

  • 18k Homecoming Dance

    A tradition at high schools all over the country, the big homecoming game and the dance that usually follows is a source of excitement for many students. Despite this, one of the largest schools in the Long Beach school district, Poly High School, has not had a homecoming dance in 10-11 years – that is until Saturday, October 6, when Poly students flocked to the Big Gym to start the tradition up again.

    “It’s just not been something we’ve done in 10 to 11 years. The reason is that there was a low turnout in interest among the students, and I think that’s why we didn’t have one for a very long time,” said Vincent Puth, Poly’s Activities director. There was certainly interest this year.

    The dance theme, “18k Gold”, held a lot of significance for the organizers. “18k stands for eighteen-carat gold, and basically it’s gold and the year twenty eighteen combined,” Senior Senate homecoming dance organizer Dalavy Hak explained. Transforming the gym into the ultimate dance space, Senior Senate was able to snag a DJ, an ice cream truck, food, and of course, tons of people.

    Hak described the challenges of organizing the dance: “As it is our first homecoming dance in a really long time, and it was hard getting everything together. But it’s good preparation for us because the Senior Senate is going organizing prom later on in the year as well.” Hannah Samaniego, another member of Senior Senate, said that the hardest part was making the gym not look like the gym and make it look really pretty.

    “The gym was pitch black with lasers and a loud DJ. They had gold themed decorations such as streamers, gold balloons and a place to take pictures,” Poly freshman Samantha Victoria described.

    While the Senior Senate was preoccupied with planning, the talk around the entire school in the weeks leading up to the event was all about the dance, whether you had

    bought tickets yet, who were you going with, and what you were going to wear. During lunch almost every day leading up to the dance, you could hear the claps and cheers of fellow students as someone held up a poster asking another student to the dance. The line for the banker was long almost every day, as people were trying to buy tickets in advance.

    Samantha Victoria, who went to the dance, said that there were about six hundred or so people in attendance, and added, “Someone said that they sold 700 tickets, but most people showed up later.” Tickets sold out in advance, leaving some students disappointed and unable to attend.

    Poly freshman Sophia Graves said that while she would’ve loved to go because all of her friends went, she was unable. “The tickets sold out before I was able to get one, and I was also swamped with homework on the weekend,” she said, “but from what I heard, it sounded like a blast, and I’m disappointed I missed out.”

    The story was different for those who got their tickets early. Seniors seemed to be especially excited.

    “I was super excited for this years Homecoming Dance, Poly has never had one before so it feels great to be a senior and to experience this for the first time. The theme was also super cute!” Said PACE senior Sandra Berenice Rosas about the dance.

    “I’m happy that Poly finally had a Homecoming dance! I always wondered why we didn’t have one but I’m thrilled to go with my boyfriend. I had fun picking out my dress and getting ready with my friends,” said CIC senior Gladys Salamon Mora.

    “About time! Homecoming was like a breath of fresh air to Poly. It’s exciting to have something new brought to campus. I’ve been to all the dances at Poly and I was super ecstatic to learn that Homecoming was coming to Poly, and it just seems right since all other high schools have one,” said MEDS senior Ashley Salgado.

    It was a new experience for underclassmen, too.

    “I think that HOCO is a great way to bring school spirit, and it [would] probably be a really fun experience. I really liked the HOCO week, so I’m expecting to have fun at the dance too,” said CIC freshman Miya Yasumura before the dance.

    After the dance, Yasamura was somewhat disappointed but still kept a positive spirit. “I was bummed out because I had to pay for the ticket and pay for the food but nevertheless, I still had fun and I’m looking forward to going with my friends next year,” said Yasumura.

    Shafiq Amat, a freshman in PACE described his expectations before the dance: “I thought the HOCO dance was going to be like a regular Hughes dance where you just dance and stand in the corner after you get tired.”

    However, after the dance, he had some advice for those who would go next year. “When I actually went there it was kind of boring because I didn’t have a date. If you want to go to HOCO dance next year, make sure you have a date because you will feel left out. It was kind of fun though, the music was okay,” said Amat.

    Despite some students feeling less enthusiastic, when asked whether she thought the dance was a success, organizer Hannah Samaniego exclaimed with a huge grin on her face, ¨Yes, of course!¨

  • Clubs Sell Goods at Faire

    Clubs Sell Goods at Faire

    Students at Poly High School were dismissed from class 90 minutes early on Wednesday for this year’s Homecoming Faire.

    The faire was a great way for clubs to raise money as well as to boost morale in the students, who were all buzzing in anticipation and excitement for the school-wide event. Many clubs, such as Red Cross, color guard, Gender Sexuality Alliance, German, Chinese, and eSports showed up early to school to set up their booths and prepare for the upcoming event.

    Once the bell rang at 1:10

    Wednesday afternoon, students flooded into the quad, hurrying to get to the front of a line for a booth. A multitude of food, products, and games were offered: cookies, brownies (“sexually liberated brownies,” as the GSA club called them), ice cream, sodas, stickers, sausages, bean bag tosses, etc.

    Some groups had also prepared a dance performance to various rap, hip-hop, and pop songs. There were also two different photo booths available for students to use.

    “This is my 46th faire in a row; I’ve been selling cheesecake for years,” Mr. Brett Alexander, the administrator of the Speech and Debate club, said.

    One club, Model United Nations, had a very unusual service offered. The members had brought in corsages, a white flower bouquet, plastic gold rings, a veil, and fake marriage certificates to

    The event was huge, and many of the clubs were busy with all of the students wanting to participate. Business seemed to get even busier as time went on. The Red Cross club, which proved to serve a very popular booth, was struggling to keep up with

    supply. Team Pink+ reported having waves of students on and off. “It gets…sometimes packed and sometimes not,” Alejandra Nieto said. “I think [the faire is] too short – it’s like 30 minutes away from usual,” said Monse Nieto.

    Some clubs made signs to hold above the large crowd. Gabriel Elal stood next to the color guard booth and danced with a purple flag to advertise and draw in customers. “We’ve seen people have fun,” Yancy Roldan of the STATs club said. “They’re energetic…just having fun by playing the game.”

    “It always beats my expectations as far as, you know, how many people participating and how many people are interested,” said Mr. Puth, Poly’s activities director. “As an adult, you get to see…how creative the clubs are and how creative the students are. But you think you’ve seen it all, you think you’ve heard it all, and then all of a sudden, here they come, and they do something like a green tea boba…I’m excited because I see how the students have come together and put this together.”

    Poly’s commissioner of organization, Senior, Zoey DeYoung, played a huge role in the functionality and organization of the event, Puth says. “I don’t even want to make light of what I’m saying here…she’s spending like hours everyday for the past couple of weeks making sure that, you know, everybody’s needs are met, and then addressing issues that may arise. I’m just guiding her through the whole process.”

  • Behind the Crime Scenes!

    Behind the Crime Scenes!

    When I first thought of this article,  it was because I was     curious to see what our Poly CSO’s do with their lives outside of school. Have you ever been curious as to what your teachers do in their spare time? Surely they have something they like to do aside from all that grading

    The gate worker and security guard Mike Castillo has been working for poly for the past two years. He is someone students often walk past, but seldom ever greet.

    Castillo, when he isn’t keeping poly’s campus beautiful, coaches youth basketball and youth football. “I was a jock in high school, I guess in that way, I still am.” Castillo said, smiling in remembrance of his past self.

    Nowadays, Castillo’s joy and passion comes not from sports alone, but his family. “My kids are my everything. I’m very soon to be a Grandpa, so I have that to look forward to.” he remarked with a small chuckle.

    Jeff Eyanson (the CSO pictured) has been a part of the Jackrabbit family for 28 years. During 8 of which he has been working toward receiving his doctorate. He was able to find the time to study while he worked. “I was able to work in between the cracks of time. I was able to do a lot of research while I’m at the main gate.”

    All that hard work will soon pay off for Eyanson, “I can see the end of the tunnel.” he said with a wide grin. As of now, Eyanson already teaches youth baseball and colleges courses twice a week in San Diego. He plans to remain working at poly as well as teaching online courses, “Is there anywhere else to go? I went here, stood here for 28 years. My son will go to high school here. Once a Jackrabbit, always a Jackrabbit.”

    Looking back to his years as a student here on campus, Eyanson can only remember being one thing: Busy. “I was in all kinds of clubs, student council, I was assistant coach for volleyball my senior year, and I was coach for 13 years after. We won CIF in 2000.”

  • How to Volunteer Locally

    If you’re looking to be more involved within the community and volunteer, there are many opportunities to do so.

    If you’re interested in working with children the YMCA of Greater Long Beach has a variety of volunteer options. Volunteers under 18 have the chance to work in areas like child care, computer rooms, and office work.

    There are ways to help out in thrift stores, food service, and many other fields at the Long Beach Rescue Mission. You can apply online at lbrm.org and wait for a confirmation email on when to attend an orientation.

    Litter Free Long Beach is available for all ages. Their responsibilities include picking up trash and litter from surrounding neighborhoods as well as  beach cleanups. To join meetup at the participating location. To see the schedule go to www.litterfreelb.org

    The Western Museum of Flight has chances to work in restoration, tour guides, office support, and maintenance and upgrades of facility. It’s a great opportunity if you are looking to be in that field of work in the future.

  • Fun Places to Volunteer

    If you are looking for a good way to giving back to your community you can volunteer at multiple places. When you volunteer you can even fall in love with something and find a new hobby.

    One place you can volunteer at is your local animal shelter. Animal shelters are almost always looking for people to volunteer with multiple things you can help out with. If you volunteer at an animal shelter some things you can are answering calls or emails, providing assistance, or walking the dogs. When working with animals you can become connected to them and enjoy helping them find homes with loving owners. It could eventually become a job if you enjoy it and earn money.

    If an animal shelter does not interest you you can volunteer at a national forest. This would be good to volunteer at to get out of the house or if you are a nature lover. Volunteering does not just mean just cleaning up trash if you like it enough you can work at historical sites protected by the National Park Service. You can explore the outdoors and see how beautiful the world truly can be and help protect it.

    A third option is at a local library. You do not have to love books but it is a very quite place and you could eventually love books. Things to do there ar putting books back, organizing shelves, helping people who walk in, or even helping with public events. Some public events could be book fairs or author signings.

    If none of this interests you there are always food pantries and  soup kitchens. If you see a homeless person at times you feel bad and want to help well this is a way to help them. You can hand out hot meals to people who probably have not eaten in days and just by passing out that one meal it could change their mood. Even if it does not seem like a big deal it is because you are giving starving men and women something they need to survive and give them energy. If you enjoy cooking you could be the one who cooks the meal for them to eat and see the smiles on their faces as they eat something you made.

  • Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities in Long Beach

    Help put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season. From late November thru December Poly is hosting holiday project workshops to help students and clubs earn service hours by donating gifts for elementary school children from low income families in the long beach area. After school from December 4 to December 15 in room 105 students meet and wrap said gifts from 3:00-4:45pm. Students that complete at least 6 hours in the volunteer workshop, have an opportunity to actually give out toys to the children during the main event, taking place on December 16. There will be performances, food, and crafts for the children  Visit room 105 for more info.

    The Port of Long Beach are still planting trees to fulfill their goal of planting 6,000 trees by 2020. Many people come out to get their hands dirty and all are welcome. The next meeting location will be in Wrigley on December 9. For more information contact Margaret Madden at margaret.madden@longbeach.gov

  • Tips for Internships

    Internships help gain work experiences to help build up your resume, reach goals, improve team working, engagement, employability, communicating, and interpersonal skills, through trainings.

    First impressions are very important, so keep in mind that to be a professional you must dress like a professional, shake hands, make eye contact, smile, be friendly and confident. Don’t wait for the internships to come to you, besides the thousands on-line internship web sites and books, network through family, friends, friends’ family, and school contacts to find out about possible internships. While being an intern you will have a great opportunity to network with people working in your field.

    Treat your internship like its real job by showing up for work on-time and being prepared. Find a mentor in the same work field that will support you and provide you with advice. Establish good relationships with your coworkers.

    Stay off your phone and social media during shift hours, this will show others you are willing to learn, are motivated and have a genuine interest in your job, also ask questions when possible. Such internship programs, even volunteer opportunities, will provide you with real world experiences, and build a career foundation.

    Research shows that companies recruit about 85 percent of internships and similar experiential education programs participants to become full time workforces.

    So put all your effort in now and before you know it you will go from being an intern to an employee.

  • Raise a Glass to Reza

    Today, Thursday, March 24, is the last day that College Adviser Max Reza will be working at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. He has been working with students at Poly since September 2014, focusing on college applications and financial aid. His departure is a major loss for the Poly community.

     

    Johnny Thai: What made you want to take this position at Poly?

    Max Reza: I am a first- generation college student, and I had no clue what I was doing. I had this friend and his family and they helped me; I’ll never forget that. I’ve always wondered how many other students [are] out there that are unsure and need the same guidance that I needed. After I graduated from USC in 2014, I had a job opportunity that allowed me to advise students in the Long Beach Unified School District.

    JT: When you are not advising students, what is your favorite thing to do at Poly?

    MR: I really like going to the athletic events. I love the Poly pride associated with it; I love the football games and basketball games and other events. I also really enjoy the rallies! I don’t know if that’s really weird. Every single day at lunch, there happens to be music, and the activities

    going on at lunch help me break away from the daily workload.

    JT: So, you are leaving on March 24. What led to this decision?

    MR: I am accepting a position with the LA Clippers. Well, let’s rewind a bit. I have been working for the Clippers for the past five years. I will be a member of their basketball operations staff. Not too many people know that―my sophomore year in college, junior year, senior year, my first year at Poly, and this year. My main focus will be on overseeing the practice facilities. It was an extremely difficult decision.

    JT: How did this connection with the Clippers start?

    MR: I used to work at C&L Custom Varsity Letterman Jackets in Cypress. I worked there during college part-time, and they happened to make the uniforms for the Clippers. I would take orders with the equipment manager, and we developed a friendship. When I was going to enroll at USC, which, coincidentally, is across from the Staples Center, he offered me an internship. That relationship continued building up and it lead to this new position.

    JT: Some students are actually scared of going to you―scared that it is a sign of their weakness because they like doing things independently, or they might be afraid of being behind. What do you think about that?

    MR: That’s fascinating, because I’ve heard that quite a few times this month. The first thing I need to say is that we don’t judge. Some people feel embarrassed for not being where they should be, but we don’t really care about that. If you’re lost, our main goal is to make sure you’re college-ready. I think, hopefully through this interview… they’ll realize that we want all Poly students to succeed and this is a no-judge zone. It doesn’t matter―we’ll meet you wherever you are. That would be my parting advice: seek out anyone at the College and Career Center, because it is more helpful than you probably envisioned.

    JT: Any last words to say about your entire experience at Poly?

    MR: This was my first real professional job. The experience here has been so rewarding. Big thanks to the principals, staff members, teachers, and students for being easy to work with and welcoming. The idea of the Poly family is very real and it is very endearing. I would like to thank everyone at Poly in general for including me. I felt a larger connection to Poly during my year and a half here than I did at my own high school. Thank you to everyone.

  • I’ve Got The Munchies

    I’ve Got The Munchies

    Open Sesame

    5215 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803

    “The restaurant had garlic bread that was really delicious.” – Mia Grayson, Junior

    Of the many delicious restaurants on Second Street, Open Sesame is easily a contender for one of the best.  The restaurant even had to open another location on Second Street to deal with the popular demand for their authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.  The eclectic style of the restaurant and the large portions of lamb and pita they give you makes it feel like you are eating an amazing home-cooked meal.  So, the next time you take a leisurely stroll down Second Street and cannot decide on what to eat, remember that Open Sesame never fails to satisfy your appetite.

    Number Nine

    2118 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA, 90814

    “It had a fun environment and good food. I really liked its hollow halls.” – Theo Lee, Freshman

    If you want to eat great Vietnamese soup in a hip area, check out Number Nine. Located on Fourth Street, the restaurant is a haven for hipsters who are scouting out for another Instagram opportunity. Do not be worried, though; their food lives up to the hype. The most popular dish is their pho, served in a variety of ways. The meat comes to your table raw, and you watch it cook right before your eyes. They are also known for their tofu vermicelli and shrimp spring rolls. After you watch the latest indie at the Art Theatre, walk down the street to taste what Number Nine has to offer.

     

    Portfolio Coffeehouse

    2300 East Fourth Street Long Beach, CA 90814

    “The atmosphere there is really nice and light-hearted; it’s a casual area where workers are very welcoming.” – Lauren Temple, Senior

    If you are looking for another productive place to study for that final, look no further than Portfolio Coffeehouse located on Fourth Street. Though there are appetizing menu options offered daily, the place specializes in coffee provided by Illy, a premier Italian coffee roasting company. If you are feeling decadent, try getting a nice pastry or a scoop of ice cream to go along with your cappuccino. For Poly students, Portfolio is an area of comfort, where students can have a snack and chat with friends, or study in a spacious place.

     

    Viento y Agua

    4007 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

    “The place is really big. Overall, I think it has a cool atmosphere and nice feel to it.”- Kelsey Sry

    Abstract art, open mic nights, and chunky monkeys.  What wouldn’t you love about this coffeehouse?  Not only does Viento y Agua serve some of the best coffee, smoothies, and sandwiches in Long Beach, but it features work by up-and-coming local artists.  If you’re lucky, you can also catch an open-mic night, where talented musicians gather together to share their music and inspire those present. If you are in the mood to have a non-Starbucks frappucino, Viento y Agua is the spot for you.

     

    Berlin Bistro 

    420 E. 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802

    “It was a cute and modern restaurant; how could anyone not love it?” – Fiona O’Leary

    As a neighboring eatery to Fingerprints, the local music mecca of Long Beach, Berlin Coffeehouse offers Fourth Street wanderers a quaint place to sit and sip after a long search for the perfect vinyl album. Berlin serves a variety of coffees and teas, but it is most reputable for its food options. Snack on their sweet potato fries, or if you are willing to splurge, try ordering their Ahi Tuna Burger. It is a perfect place to hang out with friends; get a bite to eat, and then stop by next door to listen to Fingerprints’s in-store concerts. Music lovers still have to eat, don’t they?

     

    Lola’s Mexican Cuisine

    2030 E. 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

    “The food was delicious; I tried the steak burrito there, and it was really good.” – Sam Hale, Junior

    With its blue neon sign and complementary orange exterior, Lola’s Mexican Cuisine puts a unique twist on a traditional Mexican meal.  One of Fourth Street’s most popular restaurants, it’s almost impossible to order something that won’t please your palette.  Whether it’s their perfectly proportioned street tacos, or the signature creamy green avocado dip and chips, Lola’s lives up to their slogan: “Full belly, happy heart.”

     

    The Veggie Grill

    6451 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803

    “It was a nice alternative, being able to have vegetarian food with full meals.” – Madi Alexander, Sophomore

    Vegetarian or not, You will surely enjoy the vegetarian food offered at Veggie Grill, even if you are the most carnivorous person on the planet. The all-time favorite is “All Hail Kale,” which mixes together marinated kale, quinoa, red cabbage slaw, corn salsa, roasted walnuts, and ginger papaya vinaigrette into a delicious salad. Another noteworthy dish is the Bombay Bowl (herb-roasted vegetables, steamed kale, cannelloni beans, green curry, and a variety of freshly cut vegetables), served with sweet potato fries. Doesn’t this make your mouth water? Come visit the Veggie Grill and try the delicious food; it’s tasty and good for you!

     

    At Last Cafe

    204 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA 90812

    If you are looking an amazing place to eat this weekend, check out At Last Cafe. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, At Last Cafe has a wide variety of American comfort food on top of daily specials and delicious desserts. The restaurant is most famous for their brick chicken, which is essentially chicken cooked under a brick and served with smashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. If you are looking for something more saucy, consider getting the creamy three-cheese macaroni topped with seasoned bread crumbs. Is your mouth already salivating? If so, then visit At Last Cafe soon.

     

    Babette’s Bakery

    1404 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813

    When you walk through Poly, it is hard to find someone who hasn’t visited Babette’s Bakery.  Offering many choices of desserts and breakfast items, a Babette’s signature “sunrise croissant” or chocolate chip muffin is the perfect item to eat on your way to school. If you are one of the select few who still have not visited this local institution, be prepared to leave with more than just one sweet treat.

     

    Taqueria Mexicana

    Various locations around Long Beach

    Hungry for tasty tacos and mouthwatering burritos? Make your way down to Taqueria Mexicana for authentic Mexican cuisine. The most popular option is the carne asada burrito served with rice, beans, cilantro, onion and salsa. Tacos are filled with varieties of meat to pick along with beans and rice at a very good price. In addition, the Taqueria serves California specialties, like the legendary “Cali Burrito,” a concussion filled with carne asada, cheese, sour cream and golden-brown fries. Get your burritos today! You won’t regret it.