Nikko's Burgers
The Student News Site of Sunny Hills High School

The Accolade
Nikko's Burgers
The Student News Site of Sunny Hills High School

The Accolade
Nikko's Burgers
The Student News Site of Sunny Hills High School

The Accolade
Katie Leem

Katie Leem, Photographer

As her first year in The Accolade, junior Katie Leem is eager to serve as one of The Accolade‘s 2024-2025 photographers. Leem is excited to meet new people and capture moments of life on campus.

Outside of The Accolade, Leem takes part in various clubs and community service. She also enjoys taking naps and listening to music.

All content by Katie Leem
Sophomore Hannah Oh jumps over hurdles on the field Monday, March 10, during sixth-period practice.

[Photo] TRACK AND FIELD PREVIEW: Boys, girls look to utilize early training advantage in new league

Justin Pak, Web Managing Editor • March 25, 2025

Freshmen David Kim (left) and Gavin Chung jog on the Sunny Hills track during sixth period on Wednesday, March 12.

Soccer player senior Giselle Vargas (left) receives a Jersey Mike’s coupon for a free sandwich as a reward for being recognized as a Scholar Athlete of the Month during break on Tuesday, March 11, in the quad. Two others were recognized as an Athlete of the Month, while five others got a Scholar Athlete of the Month award for having the highest GPA in their sports program.

Photos of the Week (3/10-3/14)

Katie Leem and Rachel Yoon • March 19, 2025

Social science teacher Greg Del Crognale talks to his third-period Advanced Placement [AP] Macroeconomics class Tuesday, March 4, in his black judicial robe to participate in the Associated Student Body’s [ASB] spirit week in which only teachers were informed of what to wear or do. Del Crognale said he would have aimed to become a Supreme Court justice if he didn’t end up as a social science instructor.

Photos of the Week (3/3-3/7)

Seowon Han, Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • March 15, 2025

Sunny Hills staff, parents and students listen to English teacher Suzanne Boxdorfer who is standing in front of the podium to present accreditation information in Room 33 on Wednesday, March 5.

[Photo] 5-member committee to visit, evaluate Sunny Hills from today to Wednesday, March 12

Rose Park, Cub Reporter • March 10, 2025

Dr. Movie Jhawar, one of the volunteer parent representatives in the WASC focus group, asks a question about one of the items in the handout that lays out the visiting schedule for the WASC committee during...

Fullerton’s BKF Engineers prepare equipment to survey the campus terrain in front of the 70s building at lunch on Monday, Feb. 24. School officials said they needed the team to collect data on Sunny Hills facilities in light of Measure L's approval for upgrades.

Photos of the Week (2/24-2/28)

Seowon Han, Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • March 6, 2025

Sophomore Kyuwon Han holds her phone that displays the Gradekit app during fourth period on Tuesday, March 4, in Room 138.

[Photo] COLUMN: Let’s use A+ Gradekit instead of Aeries

March 19, 2025

Sophomore Kyuwon Han holds her phone that displays the Gradekit app during fourth period on Tuesday, March 4, in Room 138.

Pitcher senior Andre Katayama prepares to swing his bat during a home boys baseball game against Woodbridge High School at the baseball field on Tuesday, Feb. 25, after school. The opposing team won with a score of 6-1 against the Lancers.

[Photo] BASEBALL PREVIEW: Lancers step into North Hills League with a fresh start

March 4, 2025

Pitcher senior Andre Katayama prepares to swing his bat during a home boys baseball game against Woodbridge High School at the baseball field on Tuesday, Feb. 25, after school. The opposing team won with...

Students circle around the fencing to check out the goats during break on Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the quad. The goats came from the agriculture program and were shown to the rest of the campus as part of Future Farmers of America’s [FFA] spirit week to promote what the organization does.

Photos of the Week (2/18-2/21)

Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • February 28, 2025

Senior Ellie Kwak swims the 200 Individual Medley during the team time trials on Wednesday, Feb. 19, after school in the Sunny Hills pool.

[Photo] SWIM AND DIVE PREVIEW: Lancers prepare to continue their win streak in new Freeway League despite no diver

February 25, 2025

Senior Ellie Kwak swims the 200 Individual Medley during the team time trials on Wednesday, Feb. 19, after school in the Sunny Hills pool.

Sophomore Aarav Arora (right) tries on a Jostens senior letter jacket with the help of an employee during lunch on Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the quad. The Minnesota-based company sent its representative to showcase Jostens’ high school memorabilia, which included class rings and other attire for sale. Those visiting the display tent were eligible to spin a wheel to win random prizes ranging from candy to class tassels.

Photos of the Week (2/11-2/14)

Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • February 21, 2025

Senior Mahela Flores looks at a sheet music book as she practices “Benjamin Calypso” after school on Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Room 192.

[Photo] BEHIND THE SEAMS: All about singing rehearsals

Serenity Li, Copy Editor • March 9, 2025

Choir director Aaron Duncan-Schwartz plays the piano in Room 192 as he teaches his choir students how to properly use their jaws when singing on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Girls varsity soccer member sophomore Madelyn Sooter kicks a soccer ball during practice after school on Monday Feb. 3, at the field. (Image taken by Katie Leem)

[Photo] GAMEBALL: A (wo)man for all seasons

Yena Oh, Sports Editor • March 12, 2025

Girls varsity soccer member sophomore Madelyn Sooter kicks a soccer ball during practice after school on Monday Feb. 3, at the field. (Image taken by Katie Leem)

World Language teacher Esther Lee (left) helps junior William Kim with writing his journal project in Room 15 on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in his Korean 3 class. For the 2025-2026 school year, an honors option will be offered.

[Photo] HONORABLE OPTIONS: Returning students can choose more rigorous classes

Ashley Kang, Business Manager & Spotlight Team Reporter • February 13, 2025

World Language teacher Esther Lee (left) helps junior William Kim with writing his journal project in Room 15 on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in his Korean 3 class. For the 2025-2026 school year, an honors option...

Girls soccer team captain senior Lauren Won signs a commitment letter to Massachusetts Institute of Technology during lunch on National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the gym.

[Photo] Photos of the Week (2/3-2/7)

Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • February 13, 2025

Junior Olivia Nguyen hands the pandan waffle in exchange for two IFF tickets, which cost $2, at the Thrifting Club booth by the 100s wing.

Junior Mia Cho (left), sophomore Celeste Lopez-Garduno and freshman Ellie Klausman share a “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” sheet music to use while singing.

[Photo] BEHIND THE SEAMS: A rough start

February 13, 2025

Junior Mia Cho (left), sophomore Celeste Lopez-Garduno and freshman Ellie Klausman share a “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” sheet music to use while singing.

Opposite hitter senior Lucas Saab spikes the ball during the boys volleyball practice on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Sunny Hills gym.

[Photo] BOYS VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW: Lancers aim to dominate new Crestview League

February 19, 2025

Opposite hitter senior Lucas Saab spikes the ball during the boys volleyball practice on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Sunny Hills gym.

Sophomore Hannah Oh participates in a tower building activity during the California Association of Student Councils club meeting in Room 72 during lunch on Friday, Jan. 31. Although Oh’s team did not win the competition to build the tallest tower to win a bag of Hi-Chews candy, the club members learned how to cooperate with each other.

Photos of the Week (1/27-1/31)

Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • February 11, 2025

Associated Student Body [ASB] president senior Sean Lee (right) talks about the program he represents in the gym with a visiting eighth-grader and his parent during the Tuesday, Jan. 21, Open House. All ASB members wore baseball jerseys for identification during the event.

Photos of the Week (1/21-1/24)

Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • February 11, 2025

Spanish teacher Christian Llamas holds up a clipboard with his last name to help students in his second-period class meet in front of his classroom’s designated spot – tennis court No. 6 – during the fire drill on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Photos of the Week (1/13-1/17)

Seowon Han, Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • February 11, 2025

Latinx club member senior Sarah Patino spreads out her skirt while performing the Jalisco dance in the quad on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Patino will be among seven cultural clubs performing in the gym for the first time in front of parents and others on the eve of the Friday, Feb. 7, International Week assembly.

[Photo] For first time, International Week assembly dress rehearsal to become evening performance for parents on Thursday, Feb. 6

February 6, 2025

Latinx club member senior Sarah Patino spreads out her skirt while performing the Jalisco dance in the quad on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Patino will be among seven cultural clubs performing in the gym for the...

Senior Ashlee Byars spray paints an arm of a mannequin outside her fourth period Video Production class Thursday, Jan. 9. Byars plans to dress up the finished project to look like Elphaba from the movie musical, “Wicked,” as part of a classroom display in Room 136.

Photos of the Week (1/6-1/10)

Katie Leem and Rachel Yoon • January 16, 2025

Senior, base Mackenzy Jung dances during cheer practice after school on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, behind the gym in preparation for their first competition on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

[Photo] CHEER PREVIEW: Lady Lancers prepare for their redemption season

Elise Pak, Staff Reporter • January 11, 2025

Senior, base Mackenzy Jung dances during cheer practice after school on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, behind the gym in preparation for their first competition on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

Senior Sebastien Roque shows an eighth-grade visitor how to use the racing simulator during the Parks Junior High preview day on Friday, Jan. 10, in the gym.

[Photo] ROP auto tech students rev up their presentations to visiting Parks eighth-graders during their Friday, Jan. 10, visit

January 11, 2025

Senior Sebastien Roque shows an eighth-grade visitor how to use the racing simulator during the Parks Junior High preview day on Friday, Jan. 10, in the gym.

Students pass by the new auto tech program sign – created by then-senior Cali Watson – that features two car pistons in the shape of an “X” above a black rectangular sign with the text “Sunny Hills High School” on top of “Automotive Laboratory.” A car outlined in gold splits the words “Automotive” and “Laboratory” while the ROP [Regional Occupational Program] logo rounds out the design at the bottom.

[Photo] SUMMER MAKEOVER THE SEQUEL: Program logos return to exterior building walls after they got painted over in 2023

January 10, 2025

Students pass by the new auto tech program sign – created by then-senior Cali Watson – that features two car pistons in the shape of an “X” above a black rectangular sign with the text “Sunny...

Students pass by the new auto tech program sign – created by then-senior Cali Watson – that features two car pistons in the shape of an “X” above a black rectangular sign with the text “Sunny Hills High School” on top of “Automotive Laboratory.” A car outlined in gold splits the words “Automotive” and “Laboratory” while the ROP [Regional Occupational Program] logo rounds out the design at the bottom.

[Photo] SUMMER MAKEOVER THE SEQUEL: Program logos return to exterior building walls after they got painted over in 2023

Alice Chae, Social Media Team & Staff Reporter • January 10, 2025

Students walk past the new video production sign outside Room 136. (Image taken by Katie Leem)

Junior varsity tennis player sophomore Alice Chae takes her racket back as she prepares to hit her opponent’s shot at the Thursday, Oct. 24, match against Villa Park High School.

[Photo] LEVELING UP: Releaguing pushes me to strive my best, adapt to new situations

December 8, 2024

Junior varsity tennis player sophomore Alice Chae takes her racket back as she prepares to hit her opponent’s shot at the Thursday, Oct. 24, match against Villa Park High School.

Junior Kai Liwanag plays an electric guitar during lunch on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Room 191. Liwanag, who played “Santa Tell Me,” was among those auditioning for the choir’s Sounds of the Season concert, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, in the Performing Arts Center.

Photos of the Week (11/12-11/15)

Katie Leem and Rachel Yoon • November 21, 2024

Science teacher Chris Peoples adjusts a wooden bridge in Room 155 on Monday, Nov. 4, during fourth period after attaching a 60-pound weight to test information that he and his class have covered and to prepare students for a boat project later in the school year for extra credit. The bridge, made by seniors Chase Lee and Matthew Mendoza in Peoples’ fourth period physics class, failed to hold the weight because of a lack of construction.

Photos of the Week (11/4-11/8)

Seowon Han, Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • November 18, 2024

In honor of Dia de Los Muertos, senior Savannah Pruitt (right) decorates the door of Spanish teacher Cindy Ruiz’s classroom with symbols and items that represent the Day of the Dead on Wednesday, Oct. 30, during second period.

Photos of the Week (10/28-10/31)

Noah Lee, Katie Leem, Justin Pak, and Rachel Yoon • November 9, 2024

Senior Connor Woolley (center) plays the guitar with junior Christine Choi (left) and senior Katie Handley (right) standing beside her during rehearsals for “The Old Man and the Moon” on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Woolley, Choi and Handley play Matheson; Boatswain two, Solomon and Rebel one; and Llewellyn, respectively.

[Photo] LIGHTING UP THE STAGE: Lancer Theater Department prepares for heartwarming rendition of ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon’

November 4, 2024

Senior Connor Woolley (center) plays the guitar with junior Christine Choi (left) and senior Katie Handley (right) standing beside her during rehearsals for “The Old Man and the Moon” on Wednesday,...

Senior Connor Woolley (center) plays the guitar with junior Christine Choi (left) and senior Katie Handley (right) standing beside her during rehearsals for “The Old Man and the Moon” on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Woolley, Choi and Handley play Matheson; Boatswain two, Solomon and Rebel one; and Llewellyn, respectively.

[Photo] LIGHTING UP THE STAGE: Lancer Theater Department prepares for heartwarming rendition of ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon’

Jenna Kim, Entertainment Editor • November 4, 2024

Junior Elliot Park (left) and senior Katie Handley look up toward the audience seats as they rehearse the new play “The Old Man and the Moon” after school on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Performing Arts...

Junior class president Kevin Hur (right) holds up the Class of 2026 sweatshirt to receive feedback during the first Student Senate meeting of the 2024-2025 school year on Tuesday, Oct. 22, during fourth period in the Lyceum. Meetings are planned to be held on the first Tuesday of every month to discuss past events as well as future ones.

Photos of the Week (10/21-10/25)

Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • November 4, 2024

Seniors Sienna Shah (left) and Anabelle Kim sort through the various compact mirrors with breast cancer awareness stickers in front during break on Monday, Oct. 14, in the quad. Monday’s display table was among the initial set of activities that the Associated Student Body [ASB] organized as part of Breast Cancer Awareness week.

Photos of the Week (10/14-10/18)

Seowon Han, Noah Lee, Katie Leem, and Rachel Yoon • October 22, 2024

New science teacher Aaron Eide helps freshman Osama Ibrahim with opening his Chromebook to access his Biology exam during sixth period on Friday, Oct. 18.

[Photo] NEW SCHOOL, NEW CHALLENGE: Ex-Troy science teacher aims to make biology fun with hands-on activities, labs

Yena Oh, Sports Editor • October 22, 2024

A bulletin board inside the classroom showcases Eide’s ecosystems poster project his Biology Honors classes took part in.

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