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The Accolade
Students will have the opportunity to win awards and money by submitting their artwork to the PTSA annual reflections contest based on the theme “I Will Change the World By…”
PTSA to host annual Reflections contest Oct. 22 for eligibility to earn awards and scholarships
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
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?
Music to his ears. Accolade business manager senior Daniel Kong got school officials to create a Google Form that allows students to submit school-appropriate songs for playing on the speakers. Before that, assistant principal Melissa Stinson would play songs from iHeartRadio through the school speakers during break and lunch.
Don’t play the radio, let the students DJ!
Use of autocorrect contributes to worsened spelling in addition to the decline of other critical writing skills.
Autocorrect may spell out disaster for post-pandemic students
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
Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae, “Along with the Gods”) brings his dalgona, a honeycomb-like candy, to the light, and discovers a new way to cut out the umbrella shape during ppopgi, the second round of the competition that comprises “Squid Game.”
Though a bit too violent at times, South Korean hit ‘Squid Game’ resonates with all cultures with its accurate portrayals of those in heavy debt
“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
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
The Sunny Hills High School vocal ensemble performs a medley from “Beauty and the Beast” in the gym on Oct. 15 during the annual Homecoming assembly.
Photo Gallery: Homecoming Assembly 2021-22
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
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
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

Minjeong Kim • October 15, 2021

I never expected to attend my first high school homecoming dance with a mask on. I didn’t attend any social functions in my previous three years of high school because I didn’t have the desire to...

Students attending the 2017 homecoming dance take in the Aladdin-themed stage in the quad. While the Associated Student Bodys homecoming assembly Oct. 15 will be held indoors at the gym over three separate periods, the upcoming Oct. 16 homecoming dance will have to be an outdoor event because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols that require no more than 1,000 people in a building for an event.

Upcoming homecoming assembly to be split into three, dance scheduled outdoors

Hannah Lee • September 24, 2021

For the first time, the Associated Student Body [ASB] will host three assemblies next month for its homecoming presentations during second period instead of its usual two as a result of the August California...

Keeping with the campus’ health and safety protocol of remaining six feet apart, principal Allen Whitten (center) leads a ceremony Thursday during break announcing Sunny Hills’ employees of the year.

Dance teacher, guidance technician earn teacher, classified employee of the year award

Lauren Jung • February 19, 2021

Principal Allen Whitten held a ceremony at the quad Thursday during break in honor of the 2020-2021 employees of the year — dance teacher and Dance Production coach Leiana Volen and guidance technician...

During a weekly Thursday Zoom meeting on Sept. 17, the Pep Squad meets to enhance team chemistry and start learning basic choreography movements from a distance. Adding new song techniques to the traditional cheer team, the Pep Squad struts a new look.

New Sunny Hills Pep Squad to cheer on Lancers

Grace Johnson • October 30, 2020

When Dance Production adviser Leiana Volen was presented last spring with taking over the cheer team she had an idea. “I was asked to take on the cheer team with [Dance Production assistant coach]...

Homecoming princess Rachel Kim (left), escorted by Kenji Williams (both Class of 2020), celebrate their walk around the gym during the 2019 ASB-organized assembly. Because football got postponed to the spring semester of 2021, the ASB has decided to move its traditional fall homecoming events to the week of Feb. 9.

Homecoming postponed until February, stag dances canceled

Anthony Keem • September 2, 2020

This story was updated at 1:45 p.m. Sept. 2 with an additional student quote. Despite canceled stag dances and assemblies this semester because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Associated Student Body...

Sophomore Sydnee Tallant records the new Pep Squad routine on video May 6 as part of her audition application to join a combined cheer and song team at Sunny Hills.

Combining cheer, song to create new Pep Squad at Sunny Hills is such a great idea that I even auditioned for the team

Sydnee Tallant • May 30, 2020

The theater lights shine brightly and the music cues. Backstage, the dancers stretch anxiously before their routine. The audience roars with excitement to greet these performers. I have always...

One of the virtual backgrounds used during the May 18 laureate ceremony and held on Zoom honoring the Conservatory of Fine Arts Class of 2020. Image posted with permission from Brian Wall.

The show must go on — virtually for 10-year anniversary of Conservatory of Fine Arts laureate ceremony for Class of 2020

Nevya Patel • May 18, 2020

To celebrate the Conservatory of Fine Arts’ [COFA] 10th year in existence at the Monday, May 18, laureate ceremony honoring the Class of 2020, director Brian Wall had planned for a painted mural on the...

Senior dance co-captain Lauren Kim (far right) and some of her fellow Dance Production [DP] members put on a costume and create a pose Feb. 20 in the dance room. Kim didn’t expect that she would never be able to perform with her senior DP team at the April 9-11 spring dance concert, which was among the campus events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Image used with permission from Leiana Volen.

May 14: Reflecting on how my last spring dance concert went virtual

Lauren Kim • May 14, 2020

LIVING UNDER THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS This is part of a series of columns from The Accolade staff about their various experiences during the school closure because of the coronavirus pandemic. If you...

Members of Dance Production check out photos taken for the spring dance concert program during a Feb. 20 rehearsal in Room 130, the dance room. Though the April 9-11 event was canceled because of COVID-19-related school closure, dance instructor Leiana Volen has posted seven videos on the Dance Departments Instagram and YouTube channels of various video footage of her students rehearsing their routines to showcase their hard work in preparation for the performance. Image posted with permission from Leiana Volen.

Despite canceled spring concert because of the COVID-19 pandemic, dance teacher gives the show’s theme, ‘Beyond,’ new meaning by posting video segments on Instagram, YouTube

Emmaline De Leon • May 5, 2020

When dance teacher Leiana Volen first came up with the “Beyond” theme for the April 9-11 spring dance concert at the Performing Arts Center [PAC], she never thought she would have to take it that literally. Because...

Sunny Hills TikToker racks up nearly a million followers in less than a year

Sunny Hills TikToker racks up nearly a million followers in less than a year

Chloe Lee • March 21, 2020

It all started when he wanted revenge for a heartbreak. TikTok poster Anthony Noh, or “lilants,” has racked up 971,000 followers on the platform with at least 5 million views per week while balancing...

Science teacher Christopher Ghareebo (left) holds his hand out while dancing to Shake It by Metro Station. Ghareebo and English teacher Kady Fibrow are among the instructors who were rehearsing Nov. 13 in Room 130 for Dancing with the Staff. Photo taken by Accolade photographer Paul Yasutake.

Gym to hold Dancing With the Staff in December because of PAC modernization

Nevya Patel • November 19, 2019

For the first time in its eight-year history, the Dancing With the Staff [DWTS] fundraiser sponsored by Dance Department will be held in the gym Dec. 6-7 instead of the Performing Arts Center [PAC], which...

The Sunny Hills Webstore offers Lancers a chance to use a credit card to buy a Stag Dance Package for $25. The purchase includes admission to the school years three dances: Aug. 16, March 6 and May 15.

Charge it! Students can now pay for stag dances with a credit card

Lauren Kim • August 16, 2019

Students interested in going to all three stag dances this school year but don’t have cash on hand can now pay using a credit card. Credit card purchases can be done by going to the Sunny Hills website,...

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