On November 7th, Poly’s dance program held their annual winter dance show at the Andrew Osman Performing Arts Center. Featuring choreographies by Cynthia Negrete, the event showcased performances from Poly’s Dance Team as well as Negrete’s dance classes.
Photos by Nick Eismann, Contributing Photographer
Poly pathways, sports, and clubs showed off their accomplishments so far in the year for potential incoming freshman on Wednesday, November 20 at Poly.
Softball began their season with their new coach, Elizabeth Martin-Sanchez, who took over as head coach for the girls. She brought the girls home with many victories and even to the first round of CIF. This was actually the first in years that the girls made it this far. Losing to Grace Brethren, the softball girls kept their heads up and encouraged good vibes for the years to come. Starlynn Ramirez said, “Even though we lost I am glad to have done something that hasn’t be done in a very long time.” All of the team and Coach Sanchez believe that they have done they’re beat and considers the team as family.
Sanchez introduces a softball clinic that allows young softball players to connect with a softball World and Olympic champion, Crystl Bustos, with this program this summer at Poly. This gives the girls an opportunity to see how dreams can be achieved and they could end up like Bustos when it comes to terms with softball. Sanchez has given out flyers that enlists that Bus- tos will be here on August 12th. The program, though, is from August 10-14. The clinic will help softball players condition and practice for their upcoming seasons. This program is free as long as the right documents are turned in and are filled out correctly.
Crystl Bustos is known for being 3 time gold medalist for the USA olympic team in Beijing. She has become a great role model for the soft- ball community. She is originally from Southern California; she lived in San Clarita. Started her softball career in the little league in Canyon Country. When she moved on to higher education she attended Palm Beach Community and that began her fame as a softball player. She played in the Beijing Games in 2008 taking silver and won a gold medal in three international league games. The girls this summer have an opportunity to look up for their future.
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.
