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Associated Student Body [ASB] community affairs commissioner senior Madeline Liu greets the less than 1,000 crowd in the gym during the Friday, Oct. 15, homecoming assembly. Liu was dressed as Mrs. Potts in keeping with the Oct. 16 homecoming dance theme related to Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” This was also the first time Sunny Hills ASB organized a triple assembly schedule to meet state COVID-19 guidelines restricting school indoor events to no more than 1,000 in the audience.
More than 1,000 tickets sold for Saturday, Oct. 16, Homecoming ‘Beauty and the Beast’-themed outdoor dance; shatters previous 2016 record of sales for a social
The COVID-19 dashboard provides data on confirmed positive student and staff cases within the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. As of Oct. 7, two students and one staff member from Sunny Hills tested positive compared to La Habra High School, which has the most positive COVID-19 cases among the campuses in the district.
Fullerton Joint Union High School District re-introduces COVID-19 dashboard that reports positive coronavirus cases among students, staff
Of the 1,048 students who decided to take AP tests in the 2020-2021 school year, 233 opted to take them in person on the SH campus. The past year’s tests yielded results that were, overall, lower than those of previous years, and students and teachers agreed that online learning was a main factor for the dip in scores.
Overall AP scores drop in 2021 school year with online learning being the biggest factor for the dip
A screenshot of the Sept. 14 trustees meeting in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District board room. The district’s renewal of its nearly $75,000 contract with Zoom was among the items approved as part of the consent calendar during the meeting.
FJUHSD school board approves one-year Zoom contract renewal for nearly $75,000
Senior Elijah Ramirez demonstrates CPR chest compressions on a pillow on Sept. 30 in his dining room as a replacement for a dummy or a stuffed animal. Ramirez had to video record himself practicing hands-on CPR and submit a video for review/approval by assistant principal Hilda Arredondo to fulfill a state-mandated graduation requirement.
State-mandated CPR certification for graduation assigned during summer school health; 93 seniors still need to complete video assignment
Ella Ongkoputro has been named the new food service lead at Sunny Hills, where she will oversee cafeteria operations during the 2021-2022 school year in which all students are eligible for a free breakfast, lunch and take-home dinner meal.
New cafeteria supervisor has decade-long experience in food service industry
New teacher Christian Penuelas (right) calls up his fifth period theater students, sophomore Isabella Castaneda (middle) and freshman Anabelle Kim (left) for a demonstration of an improvisation performance. All drama levels are in one class period.
And action: new theater teacher aims to stage live performances next spring
Junior Luke Hong (left) checks his answers after senior Lucas Zhuang helps him with math homework in Room 45.
Algebra Center offers free math tutoring after school
New English teacher Thomas Butler goes over his goals for the beginning of the school year with his sixth period sophomore honors English class.
Self-published author joins the English teaching ranks at Sunny Hills
Kathryn Aurelio, Class of 2021, sits in front of her laptop to find application information for her college application editing service @collegeessaygals on Instagram. She runs this business with alumni Anika Madan and Amaya Mitchell.
Stressed about college apps?
In her deep forest green colored dress, senior Minjeong Kim practices curling her hair in front of the mirror before attending the Homecoming dance on Oct. 16 at the Sunny Hills High School quad.
Hey, it’s my first high school dance, and I’ll wear a mask if I have to
Sophomore Irene Sheen eats lunch with her group of fellow 10th grade friends near the math and science wing. Unlike last year’s virtual learning when she typically spent her lunch time in solitude, Sheen appreciates the company of her friends.
Halfway through the fall semester, and I’m so glad as a sophomore to finally get my ‘high school experience’
The recall election of California Gov. Gavin Newsom will be held today on Sept. 14 until 8 p.m. It is expected to cost around $275 million with a total of 46 candidates, including media personality Caitlyn Jenner and conservative radio talk host Larry Elder. However, with many of the candidates inexperienced in politics, the recall election is a waste of time and money for California and Newsom.
Vote No: Newsom’s recall election is wasting everyone’s time and money
A roller coaster train swerves through Goliath’s track at the world’s fastest wooden coaster speed of 72 mph as it nears the record-breaking 180 foot drop. This was one of the many rides in which several park goers remained unmasked, which sparked concerns from those who preferred to strictly adhere to the Center of Disease Control’s COVID-19 regulations.
Buckle up for a glimpse into my daring visit to Magic Mountain
As school returns to an in-person setting, a debate wages on among teachers and students about the merits of technology in education and reverting back to paper.
Head to Head: Paper or Digital?
“BookTok,” a subsection of the popular social networking platform TikTok, leads to an increase in students’ interest in books and reading.
BookTok revives students’ love for reading
Everything about Drake’s Certified Lover Boy from its album cover, to its overdone themes and gaudy lyrics makes it worth throwing it in the trash. Kanye West’s Donda, however, should be given a listen because of its fresh sounds and poignant tribute to his mother.
Critic’s Notebook: Kanye West’s Donda dominates over Drake’s Certified Lover Boy
Dean Williams (left), played by Elisha Williams, and Cory Long (right), played by Amari O’Neil, bond over a fishing trip. The ABC TV series, “The Wonder Years,” will make a grand return to the entertainment industry with its reboot set to premiere Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 8:30 p.m.
1980s-1990s ‘The Wonder Years’ reboot features all African-American cast, brings new perspective to life in the ’60s
Marvel’s latest “Shang-Chi” delights with first-time majority Asian American cast
BTS English releases, Permission to Dance, Butter and Dynamite, all received a lot of spotlight as the group becomes a global sensation.
BTS’ new music becomes ‘too Westernized’ as recent singles are all in English
Who will be the first agents of shield?
Outside hitter sophomore Kayla Taylor spikes the ball to score a point against Fullerton Oct.13 in the Sunny Hills gym. Although the Lady Lancers prevailed in their last Freeway League match of the season, they were unable to qualify for CIF playoffs.
Girls volleyball triumphs over Fullerton in three straight sets to win its final match of the season
Setter junior Jacky Woo gets ready to serve the ball against Buena Park High School’s girls volleyball team in an Oct. 5 home game that the Lady Lancers won in straight sets.
Girls volleyball shuts out Buena Park in three straight sets
Sophomore Esther Kim sprints to the finish line during the Sunny Hills Wayne Walker Invitational Sept. 25 at Fullerton’s Craig Park. Kim placed fifth in the girls sophomore division.
Sunny Hills boys and girls cross country places consistently across age divisions in the Wayne Walker XC Invitational
Utility player junior Jeremy Herrera prepares to shoot the ball against La Habra High School in a Wednesday home game. Herrera scored in the Lancers’ 20-19 victory over La Habra High School in the first Freeway League game of the season.
Boys water polo edges La Habra 20-19 in season debut
This is the (Lancer) Way: Homecoming Dance
This is the (Lancer) Way: Homecoming Dance
This is the (Lancer) Way: Skipping the Line
This is the (Lancer) Way: Skipping the Line
Bayanihan Club president senior Jonah Alagao dances to Tinikling during Club Rush on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the quad.
Photo Gallery: Club Rush 2021
Video: Behind the Scenes of Issue 1
This is the (Lancer) Way: Club Rush
This is the (Lancer) Way: Club Rush
School officials and students agree that the decades-old Sunny Hills High School dress code policy is outdated. Meanwhile, the Fullerton Joint Union High School District’s Student Advisory Council is also reviewing this issue for all campuses, including Sunny Hills.
ADDRESSING THE CODE
A prime example of rape culture and its prevalence in society culminated in the medias coverage of the infamous Steubenville rape case, in which the victim was publically shamed for ruining the careers of her rapists who could have otherwise had such promising futures.
Rape culture plagues society; how can we stop it?
Some faculty and students at Fullerton Community College nearby Sunny Hills High School hold a demonstration outside their campus March 25.
Many Sunny Hills Asian students, alumni not surprised by nationwide and countywide series of hate crimes against their ethnicity though the actions remain hurtful
Four Sunny Hills students share their stories of how they contracted COVID-19 throughout the year since the March quarantine.
Coronavirus Testimonies: Students open up about their COVID-19 experiences
An artists rendering of the South Korean comic book cover, Painter of the Night. The series, which features an artist forced to illustrate erotic scenes, has recently grown in popularity.
Normalized sexual assault in media is poisonous for society
The Student News Site of Sunny Hills High School

The Accolade
The Student News Site of Sunny Hills High School

The Accolade
Kristima Aryal

Kristima Aryal, Web Editor-in-Chief

With three years of journalism under her belt, senior Kristima Aryal is ready to jump into her fourth year serving as the web editor-in-chief for The Accolade.  Previously, Aryal served as the sports editor covering various sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Going forward, Aryal looks forward to enhancing multimedia aspects and creating engaging content for the Sunny Hills student body.

If Aryal isn't working on a story, you can find her listening to music, spending time with friends or attempting to keep her plants alive.

All content by Kristima Aryal
Associated Student Body [ASB] community affairs commissioner senior Madeline Liu greets the less than 1,000 crowd in the gym during the Friday, Oct. 15, homecoming assembly. Liu was dressed as Mrs. Potts in keeping with the Oct. 16 homecoming dance theme related to Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” This was also the first time Sunny Hills ASB organized a triple assembly schedule to meet state COVID-19 guidelines restricting school indoor events to no more than 1,000 in the audience.

More than 1,000 tickets sold for Saturday, Oct. 16, Homecoming ‘Beauty and the Beast’-themed outdoor dance; shatters previous 2016 record of sales for a social

October 15, 2021

The first Sunny Hills dance since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020 has attracted a record shattering number of students even though the Saturday, Oct. 16, “Beauty and the Beast”-themed event...

Utility player sophomore Dylan Loh (right) looks to pass the ball to a teammate while fighting off a Garden Grove High School defender during a Tuesday, Sept. 14, home game.

[Photo] Boys water polo trounces Garden Grove 18-5

September 16, 2021

Utility player sophomore Dylan Loh (right) looks to pass the ball to a teammate while fighting off a Garden Grove High School defender during a Tuesday, Sept. 14, home game.

Opposite hitter senior Sophia Freiboth winds up for a serve during an Aug. 11 practice. The Lady lancers are 2-4 leading up to their first Freeway League season game against La Habra High School at 5:30 p.m. tonight, Sept. 13, in the gym.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW: Lady Lancers ready to ‘spike’ into Freeway League season

September 13, 2021

Coach: Amanda Donaldson (head coach), Katie Pascoe (assistant coach), Madison Rumenap (assistant coach), Jane St. Paul (assistant coach), Allison Wong (assistant coach), Elyse Yoon (assistant coach) Top...

Cross country runner sophomore Jaden Wiggs jogs down the SH parking lot during an Aug. 10 morning cross country practice.

CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW: Second-year cross country coach looks for Freeway League success in the upcoming season

August 31, 2021

Coach: Jacob Holloway (head coach) Top Returning Runners: Noah Flores (12), Zachary Gomez (12), Esther Kim (10), Katelyn Marin (10), Silas Procaccini (10) Top Newcomers: Lauren Angelus (12), Zach...

Video: Students react to first sophomore BBQ

Video: Students react to first sophomore BBQ

August 16, 2021

Guard freshman Taylor Parra drives toward the basket during Wednesdays home game against Sonora. Parra scored six points total.

Girls basketball loses to Sonora 53-36

April 29, 2021

In a hard-fought game against the Raiders, the Sunny Hills girls basketball team lost to Sonora 53-36 Wednesday when the Raiders pulled away late in the second half. “Sonora was just bigger, stronger...

Sunny Hills utility player junior Andrew Lee looks to pass the ball to one of his teammates during a Wednesday, March 3, home game against Fullerton Union High School. The Lancers lost their first game of the season 17-4.

Boys water polo loses its first game of the season against Fullerton on Wednesday, March 3

March 4, 2021

In its first dive into the 2020-2021 season, the Sunny Hills boys water polo team faced a challenging opponent in Fullerton Wednesday, March 3, faltering in the second half when the Lancers’ defense...

Girls basketball shooting guard junior Faith Hong gears up for a shot during a Dec. 9 practice on the SH outdoor sports courts. Tryouts for the girls basketball team are set to be held Thursday, Feb. 25, from 4-5 p.m. on the outdoor sports courts.

Girls basketball tryouts slated for Thursday after school on the sport courts

February 22, 2021

Prospective Lady Lancers will have a chance to vie for a spot on the Sunny Hills’ girls basketball squad Thursday from 4-5 p.m. on the outdoor sport courts.  Head coach Jae Byun said he is looking...

Video: National Signing Day 2021 — Meet the Sunny Hills athletes signing to schools this year

February 3, 2021

New athletic director Paul Jones (right) stands next to members of the Orange Lutheran freshman football team after a game. Jones held the athletic director position at Orange Lutheran for six years before moving to Sunny Hills.

Former Trinity League athletic director takes over at Sunny Hills

December 27, 2020

Every Thursday during sixth period,  junior softball outfielder Lindsay Bridges shuffles into athletic director Paul Jones’ Zoom meeting.  “Mr. Jones seems like such an experienced and understanding...

Athletes deserve support — live or virtual

Athletes deserve support — live or virtual

November 30, 2020

With each day passing, I yearn for a game, a scrimmage or just some sort of return to normalcy. Though I go to my girls water polo practice every day, churning out long swim-sets, passing continuously...

New assistant principal John Oldenburg holds a sign as part of a video clip for students at La Vista and La Sierra continuation schools to encourage them after the coronavirus pandemic closed down classrooms in March. Oldenburg previously worked at La Vista and La Sierra in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District before he was transferred to Sunny Hills this school year.

With more than 30 years of administrative experience, new assistant principal says ‘aloha’ to Sunny Hills

September 16, 2020

This is the second of a series of feature profiles of new, full-time teachers or administrators at Sunny Hills High School for 2020-2021. Having grown up on the island of white sand beaches and palm...

Although girls water polo utility player sophomore Sophia Smith cannot use a ball to pass to any of her teammates, she still winds up to practice her form Aug. 26 at Sunny Hills’ aquatics center. Unlike other sports, those in the pool are permitted to exercise without wearing a mask because they are in the water.

[Photo] Aquatics, football and wrestling resume practices under strict, COVID-19 guidelines

August 29, 2020

Although girls water polo utility player sophomore Sophia Smith cannot use a ball to pass to any of her teammates, she still winds up to practice her form Aug. 26 at Sunny Hills’ aquatics center. Unlike...

Boys tennis player rising sophomore Jaden Han returns the ball to his opponent in a March 3 match against Whitney. With the new CIF bylaw modifications, athletes will have the opportunity to participate in outside club activities and events during the regular school sports season.

Coaches, players react to revised CIF bylaws for 2020-2021 season

August 4, 2020

While the reorganizing of the sports seasons and their delay no sooner than December took center stage in the California high school prep sports world July 20, CIF State and CIF-SS made two unprecedented...

Defensive back rising junior Dane Soaper kneels while stretching following a June 23 practice on the Sunny Hills baseball field. The SH football team had been preparing to defend its 2019 CIF-SS Division 8 title when the Orange County Department of Education opened schools for sports summer workout sessions but now must wait until January 2021 to play under Friday night lights again.

Sunny Hills sports delayed until end of 2020 given spread of COVID-19 cases

July 23, 2020

On March 12, the Sunny Hills boys volleyball team walked out of the SH gym with a 3-0 victory over Artesia, the Lancers’ first best-of-five set win in its inaugural season. It would also be the last...

Moving from Argentina at the age of 14, Freeway League Player of the Year looks back at his 14-year soccer career

Moving from Argentina at the age of 14, Freeway League Player of the Year looks back at his 14-year soccer career

May 28, 2020

Midfielder senior Dylan Lee (center) searches for a teammate to pass to during a 2-1 home victory over Buena Park on Jan. 24. Photo taken by Accolade photographer Paul Yasutake That South American country...

Guard senior Annika Johnson (center) shoots during a 42-35 win at Sonora on January 24. The win was Sunny Hills first against the Raiders since the 2011-2012 season.

Picking up a basketball at age 5, senior reflects on her 12 years of hoops experience — two of them as a starter on the Lady Lancers’ squad

May 20, 2020

Nearly 560 points scored.  Fifth in Sunny Hills High School offensive rebounds in just two seasons. Fourth team All-County by The Orange County [OC] Register. First Team All-Freeway League. As...

McDonald’s new Oreo Shamrock McFlurry can be ordered in two sizes: regular ($3.11) and snack-size ($2.56). The new version of the McFlurry is being offered in conjuction with the Shamrock Shake as part of March’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Photo taken by Accolade staff writer Kristima Aryal

Go green with McDonald’s latest St. Patrick’s Day creation: Oreo Shamrock McFlurry

March 19, 2020

Although St. Patrick’s Day has passed, and Americans are living under the coronvirus threat, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the latest offering from McDonald’s. To celebrate the 50th birthday...

Athletes in Motion instructor Jason Hitchens (right) points junior Joshua Bustamante towards the next training station on Feb. 27 at the SH field. Photo taken by Accolade photographers Paul Yasutake

Athletes in Motion arrives at Sunny Hills

March 6, 2020

For many athletes, off-season is the prime time to grow stronger and gain more agility. Although many athletic teams follow their own off-season routines, in January, athletic director Jon Caffrey implemented...

Running back and defensive back senior Jun Ahn carries the football in the red zone during the season opener against Aliso Niguel Aug. 30 at Buena Park High School stadium. Ahn has committed to playing Division 1 football at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he will major in kinesiology. Photo taken by Accolade photographer Paul Yasutake

Running back commits to D1 program after lighting it up on the gridiron

January 11, 2020

Coming into high school, he knew nothing about football. However, three varsity seasons and a CIF-Southern Section Division 8 championship later, he’s looking forward to his future athletic and academic...

Then-junior Vivian Tran cheers on the Lancer football team at Trabuco Hills High School Nov. 23. It’s unclear if fans will be allowed to watch games this season.

Lancer Nation claims No. 14 ranking for Orange County Register’s end of football season’s OC Varsity Student Section

December 19, 2019

Students lined the stands with their eyes focused on the field beneath them.  The students’ roaring chants echoed throughout the stadium and onto the field. Beneath them, the Sunny Hills football...

Sunny Hills goalie junior Josh Beutter rises out of the water to block a shot by a Buena Park attacker during an Oct. 2 home game in which the Lancers won, 10-4. Photo by Accolade photographer Paul Yasutake

Sunny Hills boys water polo secures first Freeway League win in 10-4 victory over Buena Park

October 6, 2019

Securing its first win over a Freeway League opponent, the Sunny Hills boys water polo team shut down Buena Park High School in a home game Oct. 2 in a 10-4 victory. “My expectations going into this...

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