Vol. LXX
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Issue No. V
The Arcadia Quill The official student newspaper of Arcadia High School since 1952
All-School Winter Pep Assembly
ARCADIAQUILL.COM
The Epidemic of Overconsumption Vritti Godani’23 addresses the detrimental consequences of overconsumption and its impact on climate change.
National Poverty in America Awareness Month Annie Jiang’25 covers National Poverty Awareness Month in light of the homelessness situation in Arcadia.
Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year
Juliette Fang’26 reflects on the significance of Viva Magenta 18-750, Pantone Color Institute’s 2023 Color of the Year.
Girls Varsity Water Polo vs. Pasadena By SOFIA PAYAN SIEGRIST Staff Writer On Jan. 27, Arcadia High School students attended the annual Winter Pep Assembly—the first all-student assembly since September 2019. Student led organizations, clubs, and winter sports teams were all introduced in a fun, entertaining procession at Salter stadium. As students filed into their designated seating areas, Pep Band welcomed the crowd with an amazing performance. Then, ASB President senior Benjamin Oh welcomed students on behalf of the ASB committee. Students were encouraged to cheer for their class in a competition between students. Following the introduction, student organizations and clubs were led on the field one by one, where they had an opportunity to say their chant and show off other cool tricks. All
academic teams were featured in the rally. Shortly after, Pep Cheer performed, leaving the audience in awe at their jaw-dropping performance which included several flips, stunts, and synchronized choreography. Afterwards, students participated in a relay race. The tricycle relay game required two students from each grade to run with their ankles tied together, carry their partner, and ride a tricycle to the finish line. 11th graders jumped out of their seats as one of the junior students crossed the finish line. Next, students had the opportunity to see Orchesis’ dazzling performance, which was complete with complex formations and spirited dancers. “I think Orchesis is amazing. Seeing them move and be productive, especially in the heat was incredible. Knowing that they practiced for hours really inspired me as a dancer,” said freshman Annel Garcia, as she recalled the Orchesis performance.
As Orchesis members made their way off the field, the Varsity winter sports teams lined up on the other side of the track. All Varsity winter sports teams, both boys and girls were introduced. To top it all off, Pep Song finished the assembly with their spectacular performance. Then together, as a school, everyone sang the Alma Mater which was performed by Pep Band. One student, sophomore Kristy Tran, recounted her experience at her first all-school assembly. ”The dancers that performed were clearly passionate in what they were doing. And although it was hot outside, I still enjoyed the assembly,” she explained. All in all, this assembly was a great way to start the year and get students excited for all the future activities 2023 has to offer.
psiegrist@arcadiaquill.com Photo by Lorin Teng
Tribute to Mr. Thomas Hernandez By SOPHIA LI
Sports Editor One of our Football Team’s assistant coaches, Mr. Thomas Hernandez, recently passed away. He was a valued member of the staff at Arcadia High School. Coaches and students on the football team called him Coach Tom. The counselors have set up a safe space for the players and students if they need a place to go to talk about their loss. Students and administrators alike share their sentiments in honor of Coach Tom. “Coach Tom and I met when he helped start up the Tri City Saints. He came on to coach at the high school shortly after. He had a great relationship with the kids he coached and really helped build up the program through those relationships. We had more numbers in the freshman class due to his work with the Saints and club trenches. Tom was quiet but was someone who could always be counted on. He was always there, showing up to every practice or offseason workout. He will be missed dearly by the entire Arcadia football family.” - Coach Policky
“He will be missed. He’s the reason we are on the football team in the first place. Coach Tom is the first person that actually gave us an opportunity and believed in us.” - Victoria Kenworthy, kicker on the varsity football team “Coach Hernandez, A man with few words but his dedication to the program and the kids spoke volumes. He will be missed.” - Mr. Keith Kerney, Arcadia High School. Assistant Principal “Coach Hernandez meant so much to the program. The coaching staff and players will miss his presence deeply. He will be remembered as the kind of person you can always count on who put one hundred percent effort into everything he did.” - Dr. Angela Dillman, Arcadia High School Principal. “Simplest things in life brought Tom joy! He was a very polite, calm and patient human being especially when teaching basic skills at football practice. We could always count on him, and his presence was noticeable. His dedication was far and beyond what could have ever been expected of him. He was always present and gave his all to the program. He devoted everyday to helping and mentoring the youth at
Arcadia Football team. There are no words to express how grateful and blessed we are to have him in our lives. Tom will be dearly missed.” Mrs. Milica Protic “Tom was an alumni of Arcadia High School. Coach Tom enjoyed coaching and being a part of the Apache family. Coach Tom’s dedication and contribution to the football program and this community will be missed, but never forgotten. As the football program prepares for the 2023 fall football season we will do so carrying the spirit of Coach Tom with us.” - Varsity Football Head Coach Antyone Sims Coach Tom has inspired and touched the lives of those around him. He was down to earth, infectious, and a dedicated leader in his community. His devotion to coaching and developing athletes to their fullest potential will always resonate with his fellow coaches, students, family members, and friends. Coach Tom will be missed, but his memory will live on in the lives that he has touched.
Clarissa Suryapranata’24 recaps the Girls Varsity Water Polo game vs. Pasadena High School
SMW Blood Drive Follow-Up By MICHELLE HO Staff Writer Starting off the year with an altruistic deed, Seniors of Merit and Work (SMW) hosted the UCLA Blood Drive on Jan. 17. The blood drive was held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Gym, allowing those who are 17-years-old and above to donate their blood as volunteers. Senior Celena Fu, one of the people who volunteered to donate said, “I’ve always wanted to donate blood and possibly help someone, so this was my decision.” Upon entering the gym, students were walked through the procedure to donate blood. Ms. Rita Wilkins, one of the SMW advisors, who ran the blood drive with UCLA, explained this process. “Before [Winter] Break, we started signing people up for the blood drive in the ASB office. [Students] had to turn in packets with their parents’ permission to be able to donate,” said Ms. Wilkins. “Students then get processed through UCLA and do a confidential history alone, and then sit one-on-one with a UCLA staff member who goes over everything and makes sure they are eligible to donate blood.” “Before [the donation] I was nervous,” said junior Nyla Harding. “Afterwards, though, I was calm and pretty chill.” With 12 stations that the phlebotomists worked at, the blood donors usually did not have to wait long to donate.
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