In this first issue of the 2025-2025 school year, The Accolade’s co-Arts & Entertainment editor Yena Oh interviews junior Daniel Martinez about his first year here on the hill. 

Some of the questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Question 1: Where did you move from, and why did you come to Fullerton? 

Answer: I moved from Montclair to Fullerton [because we wanted] to get closer to our church in Downtown Fullerton called Freedom House Church. 

Question 2:  Why did you decide to attend Sunny Hills High School?

A: “I was supposed to go to Fullerton Union High School because it’s my homeschool, but I decided to come to Sunny because I thought it would be better for me academically.”

Question 3: What is your favorite class here at Sunny Hills, and why?

A: “My favorite class here is probably Video Production. I had to take a class that was exclusive to this school [to transfer], and I’ve always been into video, so I decided to take the class.”

Question 4: How has your classroom experience been with your teachers, and what subject do you enjoy the most? 

A: “I think I got a good schedule this year. I like all of my teachers. They’re all understanding, and they all have a passion for teaching. History. I am taking APUSH [Advanced Placement U.S. History] with Mr. [David] Wilde right now, and it’s been very easy to learn in that class. He explains in a way where it’s easy to understand.”

Question 5: Since you’re still adjusting to the new environment, you must sometimes miss your life at Montclair; do you ever miss your friends back at home? What do you hope to gain or learn from being at Sunny Hills?

A: “I miss my friends from school, but I have been coming to church over here, so I have all of my church friends. I hung with them all summer. I hope for more friendships. I want to build new connections in my second half of high school. Since you’re still adjusting to the new environment, you must sometimes miss your life at Montclair. “ 

Question 6: Are you planning on joining any clubs or athletic teams here at Sunny Hills?

A: “I plan on starting a club. It’s called Alive Youth Club, and it’s partnered with my church. It’s a club that’s welcome to everyone, just to build community. I also want to do track and field. I do long jump and triple jump. I joined track and field back at my old school and chose long jump and triple jump because I’m not that fast, but I enjoy jumping .”