Tag: poly

  • Long Beach Celebrates Bike Month

    Ab Tudayan
    Senior William Frankenfeld bikes in style to and from school each day.

    “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike,” said the famous John F. Kennedy. Starting May 1st, it is Bike month, an event celebrated in Long Beach for people like John F. Kennedy who cycle for pleasure, fitness, or transportation. With the bike invention dating back to 1817, how did such a simple tool come to be?

    It started with Baron Karl von Davis a servant for the Grand Duke of Germany in 1817. Baron created a fully wooden bicycle sporting iron-shod wheels. Unlike today’s bike it had no wheels and required leg movements to move. In Baron’s first recorded bike ride he accomplish 8 miles in just one hour. Now a days when using a standard road bike and going 13 mph you can ride 26 miles in two hours.

    Ever since then the bicycle has evolved through the age with the addition of wheels, a different frame, and more comfortable seats, but still retaining the two wheel cycle charm it had two centuries ago.

    But what are the benefits? Other than the obvious, bicycling can improve posture and coordination, joint mobil- ity, and better cardiovascular fitness.

    California too celebrates this event by holding a state- wide tour of cycling called, “Tour of California,” allud- ing to the famous tour, “Tour De France.” This tour goes from Sacramento to Pasadena, a total of 771 miles over the span of six days. Professional cyclists each day ride from checkpoint to checkpoint usu- ally biking an average of 128 miles each day. After arriving at the checkpoints they rest un- til the next day repeating this cycle till they reach Pasadena. Levi Leipheimer holds three wins in this tour and is also a US champion and olympic medalists.

    Long Beach was seen at the top 50 cities in the nation that are the most bike friendly plac-es, and there is no better way to celebrate the accomplishments than by hosting various events in the month of may like Ride Your Bike to School and Work as well as World Bicycle Day. Various Organizations in Long Beach came together on May 26 for the “West Long Beach Food Tour.” It was a 16 mile long event with many food stops like Gemmae Bakery, Tepechi Birrieria, and Guanabana. Sophomore extraordi- naire, Addison Pann whose recent achievements would be breaking 6 minutes in the mile during track season participated in this event stating it was a, “refreshing and fulfilling event,” going to several places eating delicious pastries along the way.

  • Auditorium To Be Renamed For Retiring Music Teacher Andy Osman

    Auditorium To Be Renamed For Retiring Music Teacher Andy Osman

    Some people leave an indelible mark on everyone around them. Poly Instrumental Music Teacher Andrew Osman is one of them. Over a month ago, Osman was diagnosed with advanced stage pancreatic cancer and retired immediately to begin treatment. In his absence he left a music program in good order but at a loss for words. To understand his legacy, let’s look at the music department that he inherited and how he transformed it.

    Poly has a long history of musical success since its founding in 1895. From initially rehearsing in downtown churches near 8th and Long Beach Boulevard, the program added orchestras and winning jazz bands through the middle twentieth century. However, by the early 1980s, it was in shambles due to budget cuts. These cuts resulted in a tumultuous time from 1976 to 1982, where the school had five

    band directors in seven years. In the fall of 1983, Osman came, fresh out of UCLA, to a school that Poly music historian Kent Hayworth said was “in a crisis situation.” The instruments were in poor order and the musicians were mostly incapable.

    Osman immediately began demanding excellence from his students and worked hard individually with them to build a strong Poly music pro- gram that lived up to its prior reputation. It is difficult to match the work of one’s predecessors, but Osman managed to do so. He surpassed it in many regards. Piano instructor Julia Gustafson, who has taught at Poly for 24 years, said that Osman is “responsible for creating the current music program.”

    By the early 1990’s, the program was in its element. At a 1990s concert honoring Poly alumna opera singer Marilyn Horne, she suggested that the Poly auditorium needed a music shell. She gave a benefit concert and thus a shell was purchased that is still in use. today. The musicianship at Poly under the baton of Mr. Osman excelled and put seven lackluster years far in the past.

    It was the standard that Osman’s musicians performed to the best of their ability.

    Each rehearsal was expected to be productive. He had lots of well-recognized sayings for his students, including often saying,

    “You all sound like high school musicians.” Mr. Osman had no interest in the tinny sounds of a high school band and worked daily to emulate a collegiate music program.

    His rehearsals were rigorous, but he always supplemented his intensity with humor.

    When his ensembles were playing well, he would often correct a section or individual’s performance with a phrase, such as “Was it good or was it luck?” Or a classic joke about an instrument.

    Despite Osman’s directness, his warmth won over many students who regarded him highly as an educator and also liked him as a person.

    His skill as a director and teacher were recognized in 2010, when he was given the prestigious “Music Educator of the Year Award” for the Long Beach, South Bay, and Orange County region.

    If respect and effort are indicators of a successful career, Osman scores top marks on both accounts.

    Jazz director Chris Stevens, who worked alongside Osman for 23 years, said that the retiring director “is a great friend and colleague at the same time.”

    Principal William Salas said that he built a music program that “draws students from across the district” and is “nationally renowned.”

    Choir director Brian Dokko said the he “put his students first” and is a “fantastic team player.”

    Dokko is also primarily responsible for starting the effort to rename the Poly auditorium to The Andrew Osman Performing Arts Center through a petition with over 3300 signatures.

    Senior Frank Wells described having Mr. Osman as a “privilege” and something that he’ll “cherish for the rest of his life.”

    Current San Diego State University Marching Band member John Berry, Poly class of 2018, said, “You can’t look at the music programs in Long Beach without seeing Osman’s footprint.”

    Alumni and parents of students or former students from across Southern California and beyond have been leaving comments on the auditorium name change petition online.

    Paraskevi June, a student of Osman’s from 1986-1989, wrote that playing under Osman “enriched (her) beyond measure.”

    The Poly Auditorium is set to be renamed The Andrew Osman Performing Arts Center.

    There will be a renaming ceremony on June 23rd at 1-4 p.m. followed by a reception in the Quad.

    Food will be available from a variety of food trucks.

  • Dancing Away our Heart and Soul!

    Dancing Away our Heart and Soul!

  • Senior Wrestler Andres De Los Santos

    Andres De Los Santos has been a part of Poly’s wrestling team since his freshman year and has devoted his more and more of his time into the sport each year. Now in the middle of his senior year, De Los Santos has accumulated numerous awards and levels and has a 17-2 record. “I don’t have a real reason why I started wrestling, I just started, it was cool, still is.” he said when asked why he chose the sport.

    De Los Santos feels as if the sport has taught him many important life lessons that he could not have learned elsewhere, “I’ve learned a lot in leadership, confidence, trust, being able to do things that  I didn’t think I was able to do.” he explains his battle with low self esteem and his personal growth into a man of confidence.

    The wrestling team prides itself as being a strong family-like bond. De Los Santos agrees, seeing as the sport calls for their closeness, “It’s a bit of a personal sport as well as a team effort. Although you are fighting for your team, at the end of the day, it’s all you. If you do something wrong in a match, it’s on you, not on your team.” he and his team members feed off each other’s mistakes and encouragement.

    When asked about what he will miss most about high school wrestling, he answer was simple, practice. “I like practice because it’s fun. It’s pretty much the only reason I come to school. And the coaches, I like them a lot. “ said De Los Santos.

    Being a part of a sport comes with a lot of stress, “There are times where you wanna give up and want to quit, but if you keep grinding, it gets easier. You get better, stronger, it pays off in the long road. “

    Through all the hardships, De Los Santos is never shy to express his gratitude for his team, “I’m proud of my team, and those who have been with me all 4 years. It’s been very tough, I don’t know how I haven’t quit, but I’m glad I haven’t. I’ve had some pretty memorable years.”

    Although his future isn’t completely set in stone, there may be a place for wrestling in his post high school life, “I’m going to college for sure, but wrestling in college, I’m not sure. I’m a bit hesitant because it’s a whole different ball game.”

    At times, he questions whether or not all the work is worth it,“It’s pretty normal for every sport, there’s time when I wonder why I’m doing this, I’m a senior, I could be home already, I could be doing stuff! My love for the sport keeps increasing, so that’s why I can’t quit.” De Los Santos continues to work hard and enjoy his senior year.

  • The King Reigns Over a New Empire

    The King Reigns Over a New Empire

    As the gates open for another National Basketball Association (NBA) season, debatably one of the best basketball players on the earth, LeBron James (LBJ), enters a new team: the Los Angeles Lakers.

    Why is this so important?

    Well it’s LEBRON FREAKING JAMES. The 3× NBA champion, 3× NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, 4× NBA Most Valuable Player, 14× NBA All-Star, 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP player (the list can go on and on). James offers everything the LA Lakers need from leadership for the young potential they have to dominant offensive and defensive presence on the court.

    The thirty-three-year-old, premier basketball player takes over the court against any team and single handedly carried the Cleveland Cavaliers (21W – 45L before LeBron came) to become a four time finalist team, but sadly lost three of those titles against the Golden State Warriors.

    Although, let’s be real, the Cavalier’s roster didn’t have the pure talent that the Lakers have now such as Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and JaVale McGee. The current roster is projected to win the 2018- 2019 NBA Championship and many more after that. If LeBron James can take a below average team to the NBA finals four times, there’s no doubt in my mind LBJ can do even better with the LA Lakers as the team already has a solid foundation as it is.

    The likes of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart all grew up watching LeBron and now they’re playing with him?! They will flourish into extraordinary players as we get deeper into the NBA season with the leadership of LBJ which bodes well for the LA Lakers. Young players such as Lonzo Ball synergizes with LBJ as the player fares well with long distance passes enabling LeBron to cherry pick layups and dunks.

    Lebron James will dawn number twenty-three against the Portland Trail Blazers this Thursday.

    Kind of weird to see Kobe Bryant’s team and Michael Jordan’s number on LeBron James’ back, huh? I hope to see a dominant start to further solidify the superiority the LA Lakers have now.

  • “SLAM”! Lady Jackrabbits Take A W

    “SLAM”! Lady Jackrabbits Take A W

    On Tuesday, October 2, the varsity girls volleyball team,  played against Cabrillo High School.

    The Lady Jackrabbits won all their games: varsity,  junior varsity and frosh/soph. When the varsity team won, the crowd went wild. Although it was an easy win for Poly, the parents in the Cabrillo section tried their best to root on their girls and boost their morale.

    Alexis Duran, varsity player, was excited before the game shouting to her teammates,  “Let’s get this win!”

    Although there was not a huge turnout for the game, the crowd was very energetic, giving off positive vibes and supporting their friends and family who were playing.

    As the game began, the Poly supporters  chanted but not as loudly as they could have so as to be respectful to the Cabrillo players.

    The JV and frosh/soph teams when easily and the Varsity team dominates with a 4-0 win.

    Every round the girls gave no mercy as they spiked the ball repeatedly, giving in to their enemies’ blind; the Cabrillo girls, sadly, had no chance against our powerful team.

    With a powerful strike  from Samoana Poyer, the ball violently hit the floor and the Jaguars frantically try to hit the ball back over the net but fail, bringing lady jackrabbits to their  ultimate victory. “Great Job Ladies!” yelled Billy Heak.“Well done ladies!” the volleyball fathers yelled in unison as the Jackrabbits honored each other’s success.

    The junior varsity girls volleyball team have an away game Saturday, October 13,  at South High School against South High School and  frosh/soph also has a game on October 13, at Lakewood High school against Lakewood.

  • Even Moore League Titles

    Even Moore League Titles

    On October 20th Poly’s Girl’s Tennis defeated Wilson High School 13 to 5. And more recently the Poly’s Girl’s Tennis Team dominated the Moore Leagues, finishing the regular season with an outstanding 19-0, ranking them third in the division 3 playoffs

    As of October 30th Poly’s Girl’s Tennis won the Moore League girls doubles finals, at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. It was no ordinary game, with much adrenaline pumping and the crowd cheering.

    The game was came down to Poly juniors Mey Phy and Sarah Soderburg vs Poly freshman Ava Deguzman and sophomore Kate Johnson, the match was fierce yet a good display of sportsmanship and friendship. The match was won by the youngins Deguzman and Johnson, with the score being 6-3 and 7-6.

    So what’s next in store for the Girls Tennis Team? With the Moore League out of the way the team can focus on the CIF playoffs, whilst keeping the grind centered on winning a  championship.

  • Golf N’ Stuff

    The Long Beach Poly girls golf team had two matches in the past week. The first match took place on Tuesday, September 26 which Poly lost with a score of 213 – 264. The second match was Thursday, September 28 against Lakewood and Poly won with a score of 256 – 269. Both matches took place at Recreation Park.

    The girls prepared for their matches by practicing four days a week. During practice, they use the driving range to learn how to use all the clubs and when to use them. The girls also work on what is called their short game at the pitching green, and finally they go to the putting green to work on their putting. Besides that the girls have also had additional help this year.

    According to co-captain and junior Ellie Andrews, “For practices we also have a professional golfer helping us during our practices. His name is Dave Heinan.” Heinan has been helping the team since the season has started which is about a month ago.

    “Wilson has always been hard for us to beat because they are pretty much the best, but we have been getting better and Dave has really been a big help for becoming better and improving as a team,” Andrews stated.

    When asked about her opinion on how the team could improve other co-captain of the team and sophomore Hannah Vanwagner stated, “It is hard for everyone to have a good day all on the same day, so I think that consistency would help us to improve.”

    When asked about the disparity between their matches this week, Andrews said, “Wilson is the best in Moore league which makes them our toughest competition, but Lakewood we usually tend to beat every year.”

  • 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.

  • IDs? ID Even Necessary?

    IDs? ID Even Necessary?

    It’s 7:27 A.M., I had three hours of sleep, and I’ve faced my inevitable fate that I am about to fail my Calculus quiz. I make my way from the parking lot to the Jackrabbit/Atlantic gate, dragging my feet, half asleep, trying to ignore how happy the kid in front of me sounds. I get to the gate and damn – my ID. I left it somewhere in the depths of the mess that is the backseat of my car. I whip out my sophomore-year ID (that somehow I have managed not to lose) from my backpack’s front pocket and wave it to the person who believes that he is the all-mighty guardian of the wonderful kingdom that is Poly. It has worked before; it is the way I have entered this palace since the beginning of the school year. However, this time it did not go over so well. I was stopped in my tracks and my ID was confiscated and ripped from my too-tired-to-function hands. (I was actually emotionally attached to that ID and am upset that it was forcibly taken.)
    After I was denied entrance into the holy land by the high and mighty ID Police, I was directed to get a temporary ID at the main gate. I did not argue the fact that I pass through that gate every single day, or complain that the girl before me passed through the gate without showing her ID because the guard knew her. Instead, I turned around and walked onto Jackrabbit Lane towards the main entrance only to be greeted by a long line of ID-less criminals waiting to be granted permission into the academic Promised Land.  I stood in the line for a split second, but chose to try my luck at the other gate. I was expecting that gate to be guarded, too, given that the first guy was stricter than Donald Trump at the Mexican-American border. But to my (not so much) surprise, it was not. I was actually more upset than relieved that it was not guarded because I was turned around at the first gate for not having my ID and was then expected to wait in a line to be given a temporary ID by a person who seems to hate this newly-enforced rule as much as students do.
    If students are expected to respect this rule, I suggest Poly does not enforce it merely half way. These temporary IDs are a waste of time and money. If the administration is actually worried with campus security, I expect them to have the gates guarded at all times that they are open, including during zero period and after school. Additionally, if you want me to willingly dig into my backpack to show you my ID, ask everyone for their IDs. The only injustice I hate more than partially enforcing rules is exceptions to the rules. So I argue that these ID checks at the gates are not only unnecessary but absurd and it makes students want to enter school even less than they already do. I once saw a kid leave campus because he was denied entry without his ID and apparently had one too many warnings. So please do not make it harder than it already is for students to go to school. It is seven in the morning, so cut us some slack.

  • New Bunnies to the Bunch

    “I graduated from Poly, and I want to give back to the program that made me who I am.” Thanh Van, AP Physics

    “[I will help] students pass their classes by providing them with good teaching everyday and keeping the students busy.”
    Steven Goodman, Special Education

    “[A] safe haven where everyone feels comfortable and just express themselves for who they are and make it feel like a family in which no one is going to be judged.”

    “I hope to teach my students this year lifelong skills that they can take with them in the future.” Kristina Pfohl, Algebra

    “The great majority of the students are very open to learning. I am very excited to see what Poly has in store for me.”
    Anne Stuyvesant, Geometry

    “[I’m] looking forward to working with highly motivated students and helping them pass the AP exam in May, and will help support them and help them feel confident and ready to take the test.” Stacey Hess, AP Language

    “I plan to have students become active learners by having them research and relate their understanding of in-class materials to their community and current events. I must show students that I value what they do outside of the classroom so that they can value what I do inside the classroom.” Vincent Puth, History

    “I would like to help my senior English students improve their writing, take the High Life to an even higher level, and contribute to a member of the school community.” Daryl Holmlund, English/Journalism

    “I’m really glad to be back here at Poly. Students here and in the district seem a little more aware of what is going on in the outside world.” James Cooperider, English

    “I love Poly. My son is a Poly grad; my daughter is a junior. It’s almost like I am coming home when I teach here.” Steve Perrin, Algebra

    “I want to start a full-on robotics program and get involved in as many engineering projects as possible.” Scott Gaynor, Engineering

    COOPERIDER JAMES cTMl6fvXWlN9Vahj3BMWxjIq2VtE2FttQvQcTLEz1bQ H0kkH4GXBiIGVCJQVgo6ujSVaIqpx3Eu7EacDtYRv_4 HESS STACEY HHlucr5M4lpALanRVfEK5x5FCPxqdZBKriqFAP3o41I WEBB JENNA XAWKNapGu34Ir1vsWVI0Oa__lzwq16GLgBY3fsdokjY tPdO8I5Vt6jFX9Pewo5pGkv9Qio39_jwSygjaNLLuI4 B5nZjaHKom3iuRhHiGbGJNkD9qlb35cV9Bvj5b3XR40 D7QJKp771fTOQfvhdtK-SGkalDfSWTQ-lZpinupKY90 J38H20dwzeCKRt6dOlA72iCfhpQbX4MBTNeSIiTk0K8 VB31v--y_t2THzx2bCytOeHJMsDcCpArVngEC-rFvQA WG_mz8NUphISgUAYVr4sAvUjQW9lS0qubllTsTgm8M4 X_JdMk4-whmqr3pEbg7IcIoGYHXux47b-PfmGvjNWe4 zsamC3pPJk71zuuKWexwzt0EbZ3bRK1UJJJAyDKvuLY CQjah_tn-wmDPobWIVrmiTEBGkiUoU4IAqZC9JuHKDU K-CpJ3YkRuY8AC1Ef6RTngUzxjvZ0HK8gPd5NtriOfM m6VqESixawYBRWnLRAXzgIkoiRFOgcvsSwoY8yFH5vg Wnq_BXjTxa9X6FEXDL27iLZ4-sJrEPPasY6xXRkE5GU

    Photos courtesy of Sanford Studios.

    Photos for Thanh (Aaron) Van and Andrea Wright were unavailable.

  • Poly Royalty

    Poly Royalty

    Since its founding in 1895, Poly has set the standards for sports, academic, and music on a national scale. Built upon a unique history marked by academic achievement and athletic records, Poly has become a kingdom that dominates all other high schools in the nation. Many alumni have gone on to prove that Poly is the best starting point for success. Poly’s reign has lasted for over a century now, and these achievements prove that our empire is not falling any time soon. Add your name to the list of kings, queens, and pharaohs who made the right choice by starting here.

    NIMBLE NOBLES

    Jackrabbits are well-rounded students: with five small learning communities including Justice (law), BEACH (math and science) , MAPS (medical), PAC RIM (business), METS (media), and two college-prep magnet programs, PACE and CIC, Poly utilizes academies as personalized learning curricula for students to model their courses based on their interests. Academies were designed to imitate a more personal learning environment.

    MUSICAL MONARCHS

    Poly’s six-time, Grammy award- winning music program has trained many artists to carry on the legacy of excellence. One alum in particular, Ikey Owens, started off in our notable music program. He went on to become a famous, two- time Grammy-winning pianist , receiving the first in 2011 with his band, Mars Volta. Owens was awarded a second Grammy in 2015 for his work on Jack White’s most recent album, Lazaretto, but unfortunately, he did not live to receive it, as he passed away last October.

    DIVERSE DYNASTY

    According to the Los Angeles Times’ California School’s Guide, Poly has a perfect score of ten for its diversity. Poly has the most even distribution of minorities amongst its student body out of all other high schools in the district. The school consists of 32.2% Latino, 30% Asian, 10.6% Caucasian, and 25.4% black students. Royal Jackrabbits stem from all kinds of ethnic backgrounds, keeping the kingdom varied.

    THE PRINCE OF POWERADE

    Did you know that Poly had its own flavor of Powerade? “The Flavor of Champions” was created for Poly in 2011 in honor of being crowned as #1 on ESPN’s “Fab 50” list, recognizing the most talented high school athletics. It’s not surprising since Poly has sent more football players to the NFL than any other high school over the last century.