The Student News Site of Sunny Hills High School

The Accolade

The Student News Site of Sunny Hills High School

The Accolade

The Student News Site of Sunny Hills High School

The Accolade

Asaph Li

Asaph Li, Assistant Photo Editor

After taking Journalism 1 in the 2021-2022 school year, junior Asaph Li joins The Accolade as a photographer. Throughout his year in Journalism 1, he achieved fourth place at the Southern California Journalism Education Association write-offs and third place at the California Press Women High School Communications Contest in photography. Li hopes to continue to hone his skills as a photographer by branching out to a wider range of photography such as sports.

Outside of The Accolade, Li enjoys reading manga, playing video games and chilling in Room 138.

All content by Asaph Li
Running back senior Kaito Inoue attempts tries to break a tackle during a September 2023 game against Sonora High School at Buena Park High School stadium. Because of the CIF-Southern Section releaguing that will start in the 2024-2025 season, the Lancers will no longer compete against the Raiders as the former will play in the Lambda division, while the latter will play in the Iota division.

[Photo] CIF-Southern Section football teams to get their own leagues starting 2024-2025 season

April 16, 2024

Running back senior Kaito Inoue attempts tries to break a tackle during a September 2023 game against Sonora High School at Buena Park High School stadium. Because of the CIF-Southern Section releaguing...

The main cast of “The Addams Family” dances together during the Wednesday, April 3, dress rehearsal in the Performing Arts Center of the musical comedy’s first act intro titled, “When You’re an Addams.”

[Photo] ‘Addams Family’ musical comedy debuts tonight, April 4, in the PAC

Irene Park, Copy Editor April 4, 2024

The main cast of “The Addams Family” dances together during the Wednesday, April 3, dress rehearsal in the Performing Arts Center of the musical comedy’s first act intro titled, “When You’re...

The “PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE” signs outside the school’s west parking lot were removed Wednesday, March 6. Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District seasonal assistants tied the notices Monday, Oct. 23, around posts outside of campus and behind Raytheon Co.

[Photo] OC Vector officials confirm mistake in failing to remove West Nile virus warning signs outside Sunny Hills in December

Justin Pak, News Editor April 1, 2024

The “PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE” signs outside the school’s west parking lot were removed Wednesday, March 6. Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District seasonal assistants tied the notices Monday,...

Pitcher and outfielder senior Rylan Morris pitch the ball during the team’s practice after school on Monday, March 25, after school at the Sunny Hills baseball field.

[Photo] BASEBALL PREVIEW: Through practices during off-season, Lancers look forward to stronger performance

March 27, 2024

Pitcher and outfielder senior Rylan Morris pitch the ball during the team’s practice after school on Monday, March 25, after school at the Sunny Hills baseball field.

Black Student Union [BSU] member junior Dylyn William listens to announcements from club leaders last December in Room 13. Since the Associated Student Body approved a request to make the group official again, BSU has held 20 meetings as of March 27.

[Photo] CLUB CORNER: Black Student Union returns to campus; aims to educate students on African-American history

Ashley Kang, Cub Reporter March 27, 2024

Black Student Union [BSU] member junior Dylyn William listens to announcements from club leaders last December in Room 13. Since the Associated Student Body approved a request to make the group official...

“PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE” signs in English (left) on one side and other languages on the other outside the school’s west parking lot have been removed. The seasonal assistants for the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District had tied them around posts outside of campus and behind Raytheon Co. last October.

[Photo] Public health notice signs about West Nile virus removed from posts near Sunny Hills, Raytheon Co.

Ellen Hwang and Irene Park March 27, 2024

“PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE” signs in English (left) on one side and other languages on the other outside the school’s west parking lot have been removed. The seasonal assistants for the Orange County...

Sophomore Sophia Gentile (left) and junior Maya Kew-Layton practice sprinting uphill on Lancer Way toward the parking lot by the Performing Arts Center during sixth period on Monday, March 4.

[Photo] GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD PREVIEW: Lady Lancers hope to win championship for their last season in the Freeway League

March 13, 2024

Sophomore Sophia Gentile (left) and junior Maya Kew-Layton practice sprinting uphill on Lancer Way toward the parking lot by the Performing Arts Center during sixth period on Monday, March 4.

Junior Alex Rivera (left) and sophomore Ronin Nguyen practice for distance running Friday, Feb. 16, after school on the Sunny Hills track.

[Photo] BOYS TRACK AND FIELD PREVIEW: Lancers focus on improving underclassman runners’ performance

March 13, 2024

Junior Alex Rivera (left) and sophomore Ronin Nguyen practice for distance running Friday, Feb. 16, after school on the Sunny Hills track.

A color-coded map is taped onto the tennis court fence in case students dont know where to go to gather by grade level during the second half of the Thursday, Feb. 15 evacuation drill.

[Photo] SHAPING STANDARDS: FJUHSD contracts with new company, modifies safety regulations

Nicole Park, Copy Editor March 12, 2024

A color-coded map is taped onto the tennis court fence in case students don't know where to go to gather by grade level during the second half of the Thursday, Feb. 15 evacuation drill.

Freshman Dom Tenazas competes in a singles 3 during a home match against Bolsa Grande High School on Tuesday, March 5. Tenazas won 6-8, helping the Lancers to a 14-4 victory.

[Photo] BOYS TENNIS PREVIEW: Coach wants Lancers’ doubles to be team’s ‘shining spot’

March 11, 2024

Freshman Dom Tenazas competes in a singles 3 during a home match against Bolsa Grande High School on Tuesday, March 5. Tenazas won 6-8, helping the Lancers to a 14-4 victory.

Teens2Tots co-presidents sophomores Danielle Kim (left) and Francess Pak show the official Teens2Tots website on their devices in Room 92 on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

[Photo] CLUB CORNER: Teens2Tots members help younger students develop academically

February 29, 2024

Teens2Tots co-presidents sophomores Danielle Kim (left) and Francess Pak show the official Teens2Tots website on their devices in Room 92 on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

An orange bulldozer is parked at the construction site on Wednesday, Jan. 10, during after-school hours for the construction of the new ag building.

[Photo] Nearly $3.8 million building to be constructed on ag farm, replacing 20-year-old portables

Katelyn Ahn, Cub Reporter January 30, 2024

An orange bulldozer is parked at the construction site on Wednesday, Jan. 10, during after-school hours for the construction of the new ag building.

Junior Brendan Barnett (left) and Sophomore Enrique Morales play Magic the Gathering during the club’s lunch meeting in Room 75 on Thursday, Jan. 11. The game involves using a 60-card deck with monsters and spells to reduce the opponent’s life points.

[Photo] CLUB CORNER: Card game enchants players into combative experience

January 24, 2024

Junior Brendan Barnett (left) and Sophomore Enrique Morales play Magic the Gathering during the club’s lunch meeting in Room 75 on Thursday, Jan. 11. The game involves using a 60-card deck with monsters...

Junior Malakai Yun (right), a Board Game Club co-president, holds a Pop Up Pirate interactive activity in his hand as he looks through a plastic bin that Spanish teacher and group adviser Christian Llamas keeps in Room 71 on Thursday, Jan. 11. Members can choose to interact with each other with these screen-free activities, or they can bring their own during their meetings every other Wednesday.

[Photo] CLUB CORNER: Students on ‘board’ with new group’s screenless lunchtime fun

Serenity Li, Cub Reporter January 16, 2024

Junior Malakai Yun (right), a Board Game Club co-president, holds a Pop Up Pirate interactive activity in his hand as he looks through a plastic bin that Spanish teacher and group adviser Christian Llamas...

Sophomore Charlise Tolentino (center) lifts her left leg up as part of the pyramid that her teammates are working on during the Lady Lancers’ period six practice behind the Sunny Hills PE locker rooms on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The team will compete in its first competition on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Agoura High School.

[Photo] CHEER PREVIEW: Lady Lancers compete in CIF for the first time in history

January 12, 2024

Sophomore Charlise Tolentino (center) lifts her left leg up as part of the pyramid that her teammates are working on during the Lady Lancers’ period six practice behind the Sunny Hills PE locker rooms...

Sophomore June Yun uses her portable fan from Temu in Room 138 on Wednesday, Nov. 8, during lunch.

[Photo] IT’S A BREEZE: More students bringing portable fans to school to deal with past and upcoming SoCal heat

January 8, 2024

Sophomore June Yun uses her portable fan from Temu in Room 138 on Wednesday, Nov. 8, during lunch.

New Geometry and Korean 1 and 2 teacher June Lee explains audience etiquette to her sixth period Korean 1 class before beginning Korean presentations in Room 67 on Friday, Dec. 16.

[Photo] BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Increase of students interested in Korean classes brings third Korean teacher – a first

December 22, 2023

New Geometry and Korean 1 and 2 teacher June Lee explains audience etiquette to her sixth period Korean 1 class before beginning Korean presentations in Room 67 on Friday, Dec. 16.

Utility player sophomore Lauren Jacobsen gets ready to throw the ball during the girls water polo practice on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Sunny Hills pool.

[Photo] GIRLS WATER POLO PREVIEW: Lady Lancers look to keep undefeated streak alive in Freeway League play, return to CIF title match

December 13, 2023

Utility player sophomore Lauren Jacobsen gets ready to throw the ball during the girls water polo practice on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Sunny Hills pool.

Sophomore Elly Sweeney reaches for the soccer ball at the Sunny Hills field during an after school practice on Monday, Dec. 4. The Lady Lancers will kick off their Freeway League season at an away game against Sonora High School.

[Photo] GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW: Lady Lancers kick off the season with a strong comeback, aims to progress further into CIF playoffs

December 11, 2023

Sophomore Elly Sweeney reaches for the soccer ball at the Sunny Hills field during an after school practice on Monday, Dec. 4. The Lady Lancers will kick off their Freeway League season at an away game...

The administration has introduced the 5-Star app (left) and physical restroom passes attached to lanyards for the fall semester of the 2023-2024 school year. School officials plan to make the digital app, which limits restroom use to seven minutes twice a day, a schoolwide requirement for teachers and students to use by the start of the spring semester.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: New 5-Star app requires adjustments to hall pass limits

The Accolade Editorial Board December 11, 2023

The administration has introduced the 5-Star app (left) and physical restroom passes attached to lanyards for the fall semester of the 2023-2024 school year. School officials plan to make the digital app,...

Mental health specialist Staci Balliet works on her computer during sixth period on Nov. 13 in Room 20, The Sunny Spot.

[Photo] DARE TO DREAM: New full-time mental health specialist rekindles her childhood ambitions

December 5, 2023

Mental health specialist Staci Balliet works on her computer during sixth period on Nov. 13 in Room 20, The Sunny Spot.

A worker sent by the district shows up during second period to clean up the fallen tree trunk in front of Room 137 Thursday, Oct. 26.

[Photo] NEXT PHASE, LANDSCAPING: Removal of damaged lockers, disease-infested shrubbery provides new opportunities to beautify campus

Irene Park, Copy Editor November 27, 2023

The machine that removed the remains of the tree trunk sits in front of Room 138 Thursday, Oct. 26.

Junior Carlos Pineda walks to the boys restroom in the 40s building last month after activating his restroom pass through the 5-Star app in his fourth period class along with his class’s designated physical hall pass on a lanyard.

[Photo] Restroom passes to go digital – students only allowed two per day using 5-Star app

Jiwoo Han, Opinion Editor November 7, 2023

Junior Carlos Pineda walks to the boys restroom in the 40s building last month after activating his restroom pass through the 5-Star app in his fourth period class along with his class’s designated physical...

Dance Production members perform to will.i.ams Bang Bang during the Friday, Sept. 29, homecoming assembly in the gym. Starting this school year, the team  practices during zero period instead of sixth period after dance teacher Leiana Volen assumed the role of Conservatory of Fine Arts co-director.

[Photo] 2023-2024 school year brings more zero period options

October 25, 2023

Dance Production members perform to will.i.am's "Bang Bang" during the Friday, Sept. 29, homecoming assembly in the gym. Starting this school year, the team practices during zero period instead of sixth...

New science teacher Westley Fairall explains Wednesday, Aug. 23, to his fourth period Advanced Placement Environmental Science class in Room 104 how Mono Lake serves as an example of a terminal body of water. Fairall is one of two new science teachers this school year.

[Photo] STRIKING HOME: Increased student demand brings second ever environmental science teacher to Sunny Hills

October 20, 2023

New science teacher Westley Fairall explains Wednesday, Aug. 23, to his fourth period Advanced Placement Environmental Science class in Room 104 how Mono Lake serves as an example of a terminal body of...

Freshman Eli Anizor puts his belongings into his designated locker between the 20s and 40s buildings during lunch Tuesday, Sept. 26. Over the summer school officials contracted with Color New Co. and spent $390,000 to paint the lockers black and changed the colors on all buildings to a neutral gray-white.

[Photo] $400,000 MAKEOVER: Most students, staff like new look of black lockers, neutral gray-white on all buildings, larger signage

October 20, 2023

Freshman Eli Anizor puts his belongings into his designated locker between the 20s and 40s buildings during lunch Tuesday, Sept. 26. Over the summer school officials contracted with Color New Co. and spent...

Athletic trainer Lauren Wukadinovich, newly hired to serve full time, treats student-athletes in Room 141 during lunch, sixth period and after school. Depending on the sports schedule, she attends games to handle injuries or emergencies with her student interns.

[Photo] WRAP UP: Ex-Regional Occupational Program teacher now Sunny Hills’ new full-time athletic trainer

October 22, 2023

Athletic trainer Lauren Wukadinovich, newly hired to serve full time, treats student-athletes in Room 141 during lunch, sixth period and after school. Depending on the sports schedule, she attends games...

Sophomore Faith Won writes in her notebook during sixth period English class in Room 64.

[Photo] UPHILL JOURNEY: Sophomore with muscular myopathy advocates for herself

Jaimie Chun, Editor-in-Chief October 7, 2023

Sophomore Faith Won munches on a sandwich while talking with her friend sophomore Jessica Yu on Friday, Sept. 15, during lunch in front of the 130s classrooms.

New Spanish teacher Natasha Tricoche gives two thumbs up while asking how the welcome back assembly was in Spanish to her sixth period Spanish 1 class on Friday, Aug.18, in Room 72.

[Photo] ONE VIAJE TO THE NEXT: From Spain, Mexico, Guatemala to Peru, new Spanish teacher settles on the Hills

October 20, 2023

New Spanish teacher Natasha Tricoche gives two thumbs up while asking how the welcome back assembly was in Spanish to her sixth period Spanish 1 class on Friday, Aug.18, in Room 72.

Starting March 2024, the SAT standardized test will become digital only, and students will be able to use their own devices to take the test, which will run for two hours and consist of one section for reading and one for mathematics. Nevertheless, junior Christopher Lee still finds value in traditional SAT prep books.

[Photo] COLUMN: I’m looking forward to be among first in the U.S. to take digital SAT version next year

November 13, 2023

Starting March 2024, the SAT standardized test will become digital only, and students will be able to use their own devices to take the test, which will run for two hours and consist of one section for...

Seniors Dakota Ouzts (left) and Michael Marquez react as they battle against each other in a game of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate during an open tournament on Friday, Sept. 8, after school in Room 111. Marquez won 2-0, proceeding to the winner’s bracket.

[Photo] eSPORTS PREVIEW: League of Legends team aims to stay at top of its game, repeat as CIF champs

October 2, 2023

Seniors Dakota Ouzts (left) and Michael Marquez react as they battle against each other in a game of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate during an open tournament on Friday, Sept. 8, after school in Room 111. Marquez...

Senior Katie Ortega (left) and her mother react to the announcement naming Ortega as the 2023-2024 homecoming queen. The coronation was held during halftime of the Friday, Sept. 29, football game between Sunny Hills and Sonora at Buena Park High School stadium.

[Photo] Great Gatsby 1920s-themed homecoming events full of firsts

Kayla Martinez, Staff Reporter September 30, 2023

Sophomore Kevin Hur accepts the sash and white flowers after being announced as one of the homecoming princesses in the quad during break on Thursday, Sept. 21. Hur is the first boy to run and be nominated...

Several paperback CliffsNotes lay in the center of a school desk in Room 138, immediately recognizable by their black-and-yellow striped design.

[Photo] From CliffsNotes to SparkNotes: Should I join the lot and take the easy way out of doing my reading assignments?

Dareen Hagekhalil, Staff Reporter September 27, 2023

Several paperback CliffsNotes lay in the center of a school desk in Room 138, immediately recognizable by their black-and-yellow striped design.

Regional Occupational Program [ROP] Medical Careers and ROP Sports Medicine and Therapy teacher Paul Linares points out parts of the human skull to his sixth period class in Room 24.

[Photo] BUILDING A NEW LEGACY: Ex-bodybuilder now Regional Occupational Program teacher at Sunny Hills strives to aid students in kinesthetic learning

October 5, 2023

Regional Occupational Program [ROP] Medical Careers and ROP Sports Medicine and Therapy teacher Paul Linares points out parts of the human skull to his sixth period class in Room 24.

Utility player junior Aidan Sarreal throws the ball in the Sunny Hills pool during the team’s practice on Wednesday, Aug. 30. The Lancers will play their first Freeway League match against Sonora High School on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at La Habra High School.

[Photo] BOYS WATER POLO PREVIEW: Lancers aim to qualify for CIF playoffs again

September 16, 2023

Utility player junior Aidan Sarreal throws the ball in the Sunny Hills pool during the team’s practice on Wednesday, Aug. 30. The Lancers will play their first Freeway League match against Sonora High...

Students in the Sunny Hills quad walk to their first period classes during the morning drizzle on Monday, Aug. 21, after Southern California’s second tropical storm since 1939 swept through the region the day prior. Superintendent Steve McLaughlin made the decision the night before that all campuses in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District were safe for students and staff to resume the second week of the school year.

[Photo] Sunny Hills escapes any damage from Tropical Storm Hilary as campus stays open on Monday, Aug. 21

August 22, 2023

Students in the Sunny Hills quad walk to their first period classes during the morning drizzle on Monday, Aug. 21, after Southern California’s second tropical storm since 1939 swept through the region...

Senior Ricardo Gonzalez and his band, ROUNDHOUSE, perform “Hypocrisy” at the Oct. 26 Conservatory of Fine Arts Fall Festival in the quad. The song is one that Gonzalez wrote.

[Photo] MUSICAL VIRTUOSO: Senior Ricardo Gonzalez shares musical journey in forming his band, ROUNDHOUSE

June 1, 2023

Senior Ricardo Gonzalez and his band, ROUNDHOUSE, perform “Hypocrisy” at the Oct. 26 Conservatory of Fine Arts Fall Festival in the quad. The song is one that Gonzalez wrote.

Senior Kaneiya Desai shows a machine learning model he created on his laptop screen that helps classify optical coherence tomography scans. Desai plans on attending the University of California, Berkeley, for bioengineering. (Illustrations by DaHee Kim)

[Photo] 18 Questions for Top of the 2023 Class: Kaneiya Desai aspires to work in the ophthalmic medical field after childhood experience of corneal scarring

May 25, 2023

Senior Kaneiya Desai shows a machine learning model he created on his laptop screen that helps classify optical coherence tomography scans. Desai plans on attending the University of California, Berkeley,...

Senior Emma De Leon looks forward to stepping into a new phase in her life at UCLA, majoring in mathematics, though she feels bittersweet about leaving her memories with the Bayanihan Club and Dance 3. (Illustrations by DaHee Kim)

[Photo] 18 Questions for Top of the 2023 Class: Emma De Leon reminisces about her memories as 4-year Dance 3 member, Bayanihan performer after graduating as valedictorian

May 25, 2023

Senior Emma De Leon looks forward to stepping into a new phase in her life at UCLA, majoring in mathematics, though she feels bittersweet about leaving her memories with the Bayanihan Club and Dance 3....

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