The Magnet

Revisiting freshman year

Ending the year with senior

projects

May 2016 Vol. II Issue 4

Catalina Island:The field trip we’ll always remember

Preparing students for the real world Going back to the

beginning

TABLE OFManaging EditorsFarah AliLauren AlparazTina KeshishianHayk MartirosyanKarin NajarianChelsea SantosNairi SimonyanVache Sarkissian

Staff WritersHimanshi AhirJohn BandekRita BilamejianRyan EllinwoodAnthony FranciscoLilit KrkasharianNanor MartirosianNatella MuradyanChristine OhanyanEunice RamiloLucas RosenEdit SimonyanKarla SolorzanoTenny Vasghanian

Staff PhotographersNatalie DeravanessianAnthony FranciscoTina KeshishianNatella MuradyanEunice RamiloHenry ReedKarla Solorzano

Website EditorsArgeen GhazarianKarin NajarianVache Sarkissian

Business ManagersRita BilamejianArgeen GhazarianThor Hauerbach

AdviserChristopher Davis

The Magnet, an open forum, is published by the Clark Magnet High School Publications class (4747 New York Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214, 818.248.8324), which is solely responsible for all copy, designs and ideas contained herein. The Magnet has the right to edit any letter for purposes of clarification, length and grammar. The expressed opinions are not that of Clark Magnet High School nor of the Administration. Layouts completed on-site. This magazine was printed by aPrintis Inc., 4695 Chabot Dr, Site 200 Pleasanton, CA.

THE MAGNET BEGINNINGClass collage, part ILetters from your teachers

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FRESHMAN YEARPancake BreakfastOne of the earliest events seniors remember in Clark.PACA fun way for freshmen to get connected with Clark.Mr. Wyatt/Tech LitSounds like a personal problem — seniors remember Mr. Wyatt.First Day of SchoolOn August 13, 2013, the class of 2016 entered Clark with different emotions concerning friends, academics, and the school.

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SOPHOMORE YEARDavis’ Picture BookMemories of making a children’s book.Vardanyan Singing ProjectHumanities singing project creates a worthwhile studying experience for students.LicensesPermits and licenses — memories from the DMV.Sweet 16sSweet Sixteen celebrations leave Clark students with great memories.

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JUNIOR YEARAP TestsSeniors give advice to future AP students based on their experiences.Junior DanceThe junior winter formal carries memories that’ll never be forgotten.Mrs. WittRetired history teacher’s students remember her charismatic and witty persona.Scarlet LetterStudents discover their inner strengths and weaknesses by means of a simple letter.

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CONTENTSSENIOR YEAR

Senior ProjectsSeniors show off a year’s worth of work.Senior BBQTaking a bite out of senior year — Class of 2016 celebrate senior year with the annual Senior Barbeque.Catalina TripSeniors reminisce about the highlights of their Catalina trip.PromposalsHow seniors got asked to prom, and what they’re looking forward to the most.

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TIMETop 10 Percent of the Senior ClassTime CapsuleMs. Tatevosian’s students reflect on their time capsule project.10 Year ReunionStudents describe what they expect of themselves and their peers ten years from now.Seniors Ponder Life Beyond ClarkMusic of the Years/Movies5 Things We Will (Not) MissEvery student has something they’re really going to miss about their high school and something they will be glad to miss.CollegesRetirementsSaying one last farewell to Mr. Dall and Mr. TiffanyMr. DallA tribute to our principal.Class collage, part II

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Class of 2016

you (well, most of you anyway….haha!)

((hugs)) — Miss Thomsen

To all my Architectural CADD Seniors: Levon, Hayk, McGarah, Tristan, Narek, Harout, Irnes and Johan-

It has been a privilege having you guys in my class this school year. Thank you for all of the tireless efforts you made, the enthusiasm, and the positive attitude you each brought with you to my class. It’s my hope that as you graduate from this great institution (CMHS) you will now use any of the valuable tools you gained in the process to continue building and mending the many “bridges” in your individual lives. You never know when and how badly you may need to cross them again. Best wishes in your future endeavors!

— Joseph Okeyo, Architectural CADD Instructor of

Students

Dear Class of 2016,In a short time you will begin a

new chapter in your lives. You will begin college. Along with college comes many challenges. The college years are a great time in your lives. Not only will you be pursuing your dreams academically, you will be discovering what it is like to be independent...something you’ve dreamed of for a while now. You will need to make more decisions on your behalf, be better managers of your time, and learn how to balance different activities in your lives. You will not only need to find time to study for your classes, you will need to worry about meals, laundry, bills, your social life and much, much more. Learn from all these challenges. (By the way, learning never stops….not even when you graduate from college!)

Hopefully Clark has taught you many things. Among these are a good work ethic, how to be respectful of the differences in people, and how to manage your time. As you have been told by teachers, parents and society, grades are important. However, you need to learn for the sake of learning.

Select a career in an area that you are passionate about. Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. If you make a career out of what you love to do, then working hard to make it happen will come naturally to you. Working is not all about money….it’s about helping people, making a difference, loving what you are doing.

College can be hectic….life can be hectic. Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life: a stroll in the park, an ice cream cone…whatever makes you feel happy and relaxed. You never know what tomorrow will

Dear Class of 2016,You are off to do great things!

A special farewell to the dedicated bike club seniors! Robert, Josh and Lauren, you have, quite literally, come a long way! Many miles, a few crashes, and lots of fun. Happy Trails!

— Ms. Pettegrew

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” It all starts with dropping out of Intramurals, haha!! Remember as you move on and choose your path in life, college, career, don’t forget to choose LIFE! Grab your friends and get out and hike, play some volleyball at the beach, or just go for a walk (gasp!). Keep fit, as it’s the best health insurance you can have. Congratulations! I’m so proud of

FROM THE DESK OF...

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me off balance. Or, it could just be that you are a group of people who are simultaneously delightful and vexing.

When people my age look at people your age, we see unfulfilled promise (and lots of it). It scares me (just a little) that so many of you seem so indifferent to your own gifts. On the other hand, it brings me a lot of joy and satisfaction to see so many of you seriously exploring your capabilities. When you all leave here, I hope you will all come to see that you need to seize every opportunity to do the latter because time is short.

Our principal is graduating with you and nearly as often as you hear him urging you to measure twice, he will quote Gandhi and say, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

Be that change.Affectionately,Fred Blattner

Dear Class of 2016 – I have so enjoyed being your

advisor these four years. Some of you I knew from my daughter Miranda’s time at Wilson Middle School, and some of you I got to know through having you as a

bring, so make the best of today. When you started as freshmen, I was a math/Spanish teacher. You are the last class that will graduate from Clark that had me as a teacher, even if for a short while. When you entered Clark as freshmen, I had no clue that I would soon be your counselor. Things change unexpectedly. Remember to take advantage of opportunities that will come your way. However, make sure to keep in touch with family and friends; they can be your lifelines when things get a little crazy.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Class of 2016, believe in yourself and dream on!

— Mrs. Howe

Dear Class of 2016,I have never been so

simultaneously delighted and vexed by a graduating class as I have been by yours. Perhaps it is a sign that the toll that three decades in the classroom has taken on me has been a steep one. Or, it could be that the perfect storm surrounding the implementation of these new academic standards has knocked

freshman, or as a sophomore, or as both!

I will especially remember the wonderful class officers with whom I have worked these four years. I remember the team building activities that your class officers would lead in the auditeria during enrichment, the planning meetings for your successful Junior Dance, and of course, the amazing, well attended Catalina trip! Alas, we have no class photo of that trip, but not because Timothy didn’t try! I was so hot and tired and in my grouchy mode that I said “no picture!”

Now, in May, we have Prom, and then graduation, and then these halls will be absent of your laughter. And I will miss you. Whether I had you in sophomore Humanities (where I know I could be quite sassy) or whether I got to know you in a more relaxed way through your involvement in your class’s activities, Clark is better for you having been here.

Use your mind for worthwhile endeavors, and live long and prosper.

Best wishes always,Mrs. Davis

(The Lady Davis, or the lady Davis)

YOUR TEACHERS

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Older students at Clark don’t often get to know the younger classes very well due to the inevitable hierarchy that exists in any high school. PAC is a program that joins — or attempts to join — the upperclassmen to the freshmen to provide a sense of unity among the student body, though some students argue that it isn’t very helpful after all.

When asked to recall his PAC ex-perience, Mikia Zohrabian described it as “useless and anxiety inducing.” The only benefit, he said, was that PAC improved communication skills

Known for its mouth-watering pancakes and sausage, the pancake breakfast served as a welcome party for incoming freshmen to Clark and an opportunity to meet new people while indulging in pancakes provid-ed by the school. Making roughly 500 pancakes, teacher Randy Tiffany ar-rived on campus at 6 a.m. in order to prepare the batter. “The food was re-ally good,” Tanchian said. “And it was great way to jumpstart and meet new people.”

The breakfast was at 8 and start-ed with faculty members welcoming the students, after which time the students were released to line up to get their pancakes.

Pupils act as coachesBuilding a school community one meeting at a timeBy Karin Najarian

Pancake breakfast By Rita Bilamejian

by forcing people to talk to others. “But the cons greatly outweigh the pros,” he said.

Other seniors said that while they didn’t remember their PAC experiences as the high point of their freshman year, they understood the positive intentions of those PAC leaders. Christopher Haklar remembers that the PAC leaders of 2012-2013 tried too hard. “They would be very enthusiastic and in your face and the freshmen would just stare back at them.” He’s glad that the PAC leaders today are doing a better job.

Sipan Nazaryan thought that the time could have been used more efficiently, but nevertheless the experience was interesting, he said. “It was interesting because I made it interesting.”

Nataly Vardanyan and her classmates participate in their first PAC meeting.

Bryce Dennison gets served pancakes.

Tony Petrossian and Andrew Aslanyan enjoy some fine pancakes.

Clark students are interviewed during the breakfast.

Preny Alaverdian tries to get used to the new school during the breakfast.

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Cierra Serrano: “Making friends on the first day of school was really tough because I knew nobody at first. I made a couple of acquaintances in some of my classes. But the way I met my closest friends was through their similar tastes in art and interesting texts on their sweater.”

Mr. Wyatt. The name carries some hefty weight for juniors and seniors. Wyatt was the animation and Tech Lit teacher until 2015, when John Over came to Clark in his place. Technology Literacy, the four-teacher course that every freshman is required to take, is only offered here at Clark. The class covers different aspects of tech, from learning how a computer works to programming robots. Wyatt taught students about the history of computers and the basics of web design, which is useful knowledge for anyone who wants to create their own website.

Almost everyone took his class in their freshman year, and everyone who had him as a teacher had several memorable moments. “He told us about how drones will take over the world and kill everyone,” said

Sounds like a personal problemBy Lucas Rosen

The first moments of ClarkBy Anthony Francisco Karlo Bernardino: “Meeting

new people on the first day was pretty fun. Starting conversations and interacting with other freshmen from other middle schools was probably one of the best moments I had in Clark. I was really happy when I got to talk to Mr. Tiffany. He gave me tips around school and was generally a cool dude.”

Paul Kellogg: “I was a little bit nervous knowing that this school was a magnet school, because this school was held in higher regard and I was unsure what the expectations would be. Also, I was kind of worried how much classwork and homework I would get because I was a slacker in eighth grade.”

Omar Perez: “Coming into Clark on my first day was not as bad. I knew a lot of friends that I hung out with from my old school, so making friends wasn’t an issue. Getting used to the block schedule was pretty challenging.”

Christine Sarkhoshyan: “On the first day I remember I would get anxiety going into Mrs. Arstakis’ class for the first time. Some people that were older than me told me she was pretty scary and that a lot of people failed her class.”

Tristan Mouradian. Believe it or not, Wyatt said something like this every period. He was infamous for going off on tangents in the middle of class. He could be teaching a lesson and then start telling a random story, amusing his students. One of his most unforgettable digressions was about his commute to and from work.

“He always complained about his back hurting and mentioned his motorcycle,” Vanuhi Nadimyan said. Wyatt lived in Palmdale, an hour’s drive away, and he made sure that his students knew this. “He showed us a 30-minute long video of him going from his house to Clark,” Mouradian said. This was not just something that Wyatt showed Mouradian’s class, either. For the Class of 2016, every incoming freshman knew to expect this video. It was a tradition in Tech Lit class.

But anyone who remembers

Wyatt remembers his catchphrase. “No matter what you said he would always say ‘sounds like a personal problem,’” Nadimyan said. “Like if you were to say, ‘Mr. Wyatt, my computer stopped working,’ that would be his response.”

While most freshmen who had Wyatt as a teacher went on to experience Clark for three more years, there will always be a spot in the back of their minds that is reserved for stories about him.

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Diana Jamal (far right) and her fellow students try to find their new classes on the first day of school.

Tech Lit teacher Frank Wyatt.

when he was 16 years old. “I only made two mistakes and I almost had a perfect test,” Mughnestyan said.

Cynthia Babakhanian recalled a mistake that she made after her instructor asked her to parallel park. “She told me to go back to the DMV, so I put my blinker on and pressed the gas, but I forgot that the gear was still in reverse,” Babakhanian said. “We went back and then I was like ‘Sorry!’ At this point I accepted the fact that I probably didn’t pass. But

Arguably the most liberating freedom that a teenager can acquire is their driver’s license. From the ages of 16 until 18, teens are allowed to get their provisional license, allowing them to drive by themselves with a few restrictions. Starting from their sophomore year, many teens practice driving with their permit until they are eligible to take their license test.

Narek Mughnestyan got his license in as a junior,

Sweet sixteen celebrations

By Natella Muradyan “I definitely knew that I wanted my birthday to be special,” said Tina Asa-tryan. “But I didn’t want a sweet sixteen party with all the party shenanigans.” Asatryan asked her par-ents for advice on how she could celebrate her birth-day. “My dad came up with a brilliant idea,” Asatryan said. The plan was to hire a photographer to take pictures while her fam-ily went along with her to spend a wonderful day in a

“I had an amazing time at my sweet sixteen party, and I would not change anything even if I got the chance,” said Syuzi Sargsyan. According to seniors, their tenth grade year was full of joy, laughter and celebrations. Most celebrated their sixteenth birthdays during tenth grade or at least did something special to make their birthdays memorable.

Permits and licensesBy Lucas Rosen

when we parked she said, ‘Just don’t forget to put the gear in drive next time.’”

To adults who have had their driver’s license for years, driving might seem mundane. But for most new-to-the-road teens, it

is a joyous experience. “My favorite part about driving is driving long distances and the feeling of being in control,” Mughnestyan said. “My favorite part is not having to rely on anyone,” Babakhanian said.

beautiful location. Even when people cel-

ebrate their birthdays by throwing parties, they still make sure to get as many pictures as they can. Ac-cording to some Clark stu-dents, they even hired pro-fessional photographers and camera crew to make sure that they will be able to look back and reminisce about the event. “I had a professional camera crew,” Sargsyan said. “Perfection Video took all the pictures and captured every single moment of my party.”

Others don’t hire pho-tographers because of the extra cost, though friends and family members still

take plenty of photos. “I loved the atmosphere be-cause I was surrounded by my closest friends and family,” said Cynthia Shamerzian. “I didn’t have a camera crew. It was just an extra cost and I didn’t really need it.”

“It was a day that I will never forget. It took a lot of work but it was all worth it,” Sargsyan said. “After all, a girl only turns 16 once.”

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Tina Asatryan poses for a photo shoot.

Syuzi Sargsyan poses before her Sweet 16 celebration.

Syuzi Sargsyan’s centerpieces were a basket of bouquets

and pearls.

Cynthia Shamerzian’s photo collage documents her party.

assignment asked students to make a children’s book that would capture political events in the 20th century in a fun way that would be appealing to a child.

The project, consisting of both writing and original pictures, would take over a month to complete.

What seemed to be a difficult project turned out to be both fun and, at times, challenging, said Marine Tahmazyan. “It was fun but hard to come up with what kind of story to write in order for the book to flow,” Tahmazyan said.

“I had to work with a major procrastinator and had to think in the mind of a child to know what they would like,” said Natasha Vartanian. One of the challenges students faced

The time had come for the legendary children’s book project to be assigned to the sophomore class of 2014 by Mr. and Mrs. Davis in their Humanities class. The picture book

at the same time. In the end, Bernardino

thought that the project was unnecessary because it was a source of enter-tainment rather than a source of learning. How-ever, he said that the best part of the project was see-ing the creative sides of his classmates.

Soyoung Yoon, along with Aria Maducdoc and Sarlina Nazarian, created a parody of Jessie J’s song “Price Tag” to explain the importance of historical figures such as Queen

Vardanyan’s “singing project” was one of those unforgettable projects. Students had to create a parody of a song that in-cluded a significant his-torical moment. After-wards, they were required to film and play the song in front of the class. Karlo Bernardino did his pro-ject on King Louis XIII. Bernardino and his group composed a blend of rap and acoustic music while successfully incorporating the historical components

By Eunice Ramilo

Sophs go vocal with history

By Rita Bilamejian

Children’s bookproject

was to avoid leaving it to the last minute.

However, this opportu-nity sparked new interests for students as they had to learn how to design the book.

Because the book would have eventually been read to students of Dunsmore and Lincoln Elementary Schools, the books had to capture the attention of elementary students.

While the children’s book was a challenge at the time, looking back, many viewed this as a major accomplishment.

Marie Antoinette. Although it wasn’t mandatory, Yoon said that her group performed their song live for a twist to their presentation.

Yoon said that she thought of the project as a waste of time at first. But later on, she realized that combining history and songwriting was actually helpful. “I enjoyed writing new lyrics to an existing song that I really liked,” Yoon said. “Singing helped me memorize key historical events more.”

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Aden Mahmoudi William Hunter

Lauren Eby-Mckenzie

Marine Tahmazyan andLilit Apikyan

Natasha Vartanian andSridevi Kanduri

Jared Ortaliza

Narek Mughnetsyan andAndre Babakhanyan

Narek Shahbandarian

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they took their junior year, according to data collected by Clark counselor Susan Howe.

Derek Petrosian said that the difficulty of the AP exams is worth it in the end. “Studying for AP tests is very time-consuming and nerve-wracking, but very rewarding,” Petrosian said. “I would advise future AP students to not procrastinate studying for them. Give yourself at least a month in advance to prepare for your doom.”

On the other hand, William

By the end of senior year, some Clark students become experts in all things AP. They rigorously study all year long for the dreaded AP exam for each of their AP classes, and consequently develop a clear understanding of what it means to be an AP student.

Despite the challenging nature of the AP exams, the majority of the seniors who took the tests succeeded, with 56.5 percent of the 250 participants passing each exam

Ovasapyan said that the strain of the AP exams is widely overexaggerated. “I took the English and history exams and both were relatively easy for me,” he said.

Similarly, Mathew Hartounian said that he thinks students worry too much about the test. “People should stop worrying so much about the test and enjoy what they’re learning in their AP classes.”

“I had such a great time at the junior formal last year,” Cynthia Babakhanian said. “I don’t think I have ever had such a fun night with my friends.”

Last year, the junior winter

formal took place in the Clark auditeria. The auditeria transformed into a dance floor, with many black and white themed decorations. The theme of the junior winter formal turned out to be Midnight in Paris.

“I loved how everyone was dressed ac-cording to the black and white theme,” Arpi Sa-faryan said. “It was very simple, but it ended up looking so beau-tiful.” Many black and white bal-loons covered

the auditeria. Along with the decora-tions, the auditeria included a large screen which projected multiple pic-tures in a slide show form.

Students enjoyed a photo booth which had props to go along with it. Many lined up to take pictures with their friends. “I still have the pictures that my friends and I took at the junior formal last year,” Preny Alaverdian said. “It was the most memorable night of my junior year.”

The dance featured a very distinct DJ named Shabang, who made sure that the students enjoyed the music. According to many students, he did a great job with playing different types of music. “My friends and I had a great time dancing to the music, even to the slow dances,” Sintia Babakhani said.

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Rita Tanchian and Preny Alaverdian slow dance together.

Gagik Etibaryan, Monte Abramyan and William Jacob

Seniors look back at AP Tests

The Unnecessarily Dreaded

Midnight in Paris Formal By Edit Simonian

By Christine Ohanian

ASB members planned an unforgettable night

One of the most memorable experiences for many of the 2016 graduates is having Nancy Witt as a history teacher, whose retirement some were greatly disheartened by. Seniors who had her as a teach-er remember her by her gentle and motherly nature, but also by her passion towards educating her students in U.S. history while mak-ing the class enjoyable for them.

A n d re w A s l a n i a n said that he will always r e m e m b e r Witt’s total helpfulness in preparing for the AP U.S. History exam. “I loved her; she was a very pleasing teacher and she made sure everyone knew what she was talking about,” Aslanian said. “She could always make us laugh with her classic phrases like ‘They’re not like us in funny clothes’ which refers to anyone in history. That’s just one one example of how she made the class very pleasurable for us.”

Witt is widely adored by her former students because of her personality. Like Aslanian, Inessa Navasardyan said that getting to know Witt as a person made her class much more gratifying because of her pleasant personality.

“Honestly, she was one of

those teachers that came off strict at first, but when you get to know her, she is the sweetest person ever,” Navasardyan said. “I talked to her any time I was having problems, and she genuinely cared about her students. I’m so glad to have had her last year. The other kids really missed out!”

Many former students feel that what made Witt stand out as a teacher was her ability to incorpo-

rate her per-sonality into her lessons. Luke Burbidge said that he distinctly re-members her h u m o r o u s comment ar y during class time. “What is most memora-ble about her class was how

she’d make witty, pardon the pun, and somewhat funny remarks to make history not as dull,” Burbidge said.

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. The Scarlet Letter project assigned in Stephanie Sajjadieh’s AP English Literature and Composition class highlights those flaws and beauties. The letter has to be visually appealing and its elements must reflect the meaning of their chosen flaw. Sajjadieh assigns this project every year because she has gotten positive feedback from her students.

“I chose the letter ‘I’ for Introvert. I chose it because it’s a weakness because people think I don’t want to talk to them. But it’s also a strength because I can be productive when I’m alone.”

— Andre Pascual

“I chose the letter ‘T’ for trusting because I find myself to be too trusting sometimes, which people tend to take advantage of.” — Inesa Hovakimyan

“I’m a very simple guy, so I chose the letter ‘A’ for my name; it’s who I am.” — Armman Baghoomian

The witty and adored history teacher

Letters of infamy and abilityWhat doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

She’s not like us in funny clothing

Mrs. Witt’s period 5 gather for a group photo on the last day of APUSH.

By Christine Ohanian

By Karin Najarian

Photo by Russell Catalena

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Senior Projects

Leo BoghozianProject: EngineeringFinal Product: Wireless prosthetic robotic handField Work: Learned about the kinesiology of hands. “Engineering programs help and they are important. We should promote the classes so that students start participating and become familiar with engineering.”

Iren Harutyunyan Project: Working at Horace Mann elementary school.Final Product: Website for the school mannbulldogs.weebly.com/mannbulldogs.com.Field Work: Volunteering at the school and working with a graphic design teacher. “I wanted to make a website that would help ELD students. I found out that the school didn’t have a website at all, so I decided to make one for them.”

Arpi Safaryan Project: Aerial SilksFinal Product: Compilation video of various dances performed in a dance studioField Work: Practiced at a dance studio. “I chose aerial silks as my project because I’ve always been fascinated by aerialists, and I thought the senior project was a good opportunity to learn something unique and different.”

Selin HartoonyProject: BakingFinal Product: Mr. Dall’s retirement cake to be presented on his last day. Field Work: Worked in Roobina’s Cakes. “Even though the process of making the cake was easy, I had couple of problems here and there with finding a mentor and coming up with a design that best represented Mr. Dall.”

Students have fun with their interests

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James Rivera Espinoza Project: Videogame designFinal Product: A 2 floored maze video game.Field Work: Took an Intro to Game Development class at GCC. “People think it is really simple to create a video game, but in reality there is a lot more coding that goes into making a game.”

Dianna Khudoyan Project: DirectingFinal Products: Student play, capstone film and script for a pilot television show.Field Work: Coached middle school students, revised capstone script, storyboarding, casting calls, and shot on set for five days (pre- and post-production). “It was difficult to work with the different types of people and manage a huge project like this on such a time stretch.”

Babken ZohrabyanProject: Brazilian Jiu-JitsuFinal Product: Certification to teach classesField Work: Went to classes and worked up the belt color ladder. “The reason I chose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for my senior project is because it’s something I have a passion for, and being able to do my project on it made it very enjoyable.”

Amalia ArzunyanProject: Creating a graphic novelFinal Product: Graphic novelField Work: Working with a graphic artist. “Creating a graphic novel is more than just drawing pictures, you have to put various images together that can tell a story.”

Other students’ projects: Kendra McKee: Crafting with her Girl Scout troop Cierra Serrano: Sewing, took sewing classes Michael Chuvanjian: Creating a dentureWilliam Hunter: Story Boarding, Pre-Production Shakeh Aslanyan: Animation of a dancer

Tropical Fun with Your Favorites

Upon graduating, many seniors partake in one of the most enjoyable and aesthetically beautiful experi-ences that senior year at Clark has to offer, the trip to Catalina Island. This trip allows for seniors to bond all together with their peers one last time in a completely stress-free en-vironment surrounded by nature, enjoying such festivities as boat-riding, bicycling, ziplining, canoeing and shopping.

Reni Sahakyan said that Catalina was a completely new and fun experience for him. “The trip was especially fun for me because it was my first time going to Catalina Island. What made it even better was that I got to go parasailing with my friends; it was not my first time parasailing, but the fact that it was with friends was new for me.” Sahakyan said. “We also walked around the beach, swam and had a lot of fun riding in a boat away from the shore.”

Many seniors said that the Catalina trip will stay with them far after graduation. Marina Khechumian said that she still vividly recalls her favorite aspects of the trip. “I’ll always remember

the boat ride,” she said. “It was so fun and hilarious. We went on the top deck and we were listening to music, singing really loud. If i could, I would go back and relive it all again. It was such a joyous time for everyone there.”

Like Khechumian, Nanar Asdourian said that she feels this trip is a highlight of her final year at Clark. “The Catalina trip was one of the definitive aspects of everyone’s

senior year, including mine.” Asadourian said. “I had a really good time and experienced things I might not have had the chance to do again with some of my closest friends.”

Seniors take a trip to Catalina IslandBy Christine Ohanian

Many seniors, including Biayna Ghahramanians, view this trip as one of the few times during the year that they could unwind from their worries while enjoying the company of their classmates. “We were all enjoying ourselves and each others’ company, walking around the island with our friends, riding bicycles and swimming in the water,” Ghahramanians said. “It was fun because everyone was laughing together carefree of all our responsibilities for a change.”

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Mary Minasyan and Gagik Etibaryan

Mr. Dall and Mr. Tiffany barbeque burgers.

Mateen Hassa, Michael Tufenkchian, Hakop Ter-Panosyan

Denara Aghajani, Tina Keshishian, Talish Babaian and Ani Shabanbian

Seniors use Mr. Pruitt’s grammar gang semi-colon symbol at senior barbeque.

Timothy Cruz and William Hunter

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“He asked me in front of my house. It was a total surprise. I was speechless, it was a very cute promposal. I’m really looking forward to getting glammed up and partying all night.” — Iren HarutyunyanAsked by: Ejmin Ebrahemian

1.1.

3. “I got asked in the student parking lot. I kept saying, ‘No way!’ over and over again and when he handed me the flowers and the Oreos, my sister called me at that moment and I picked up the phone and said, ‘Hold on I’m getting asked to prom,’ and hung up. ” — Rubina Mashadyan Asked by: Narek Mughnetsyan

Promposals

“The day I was going to ask, I was 40 minutes late. I was trying to buy the flowers, but my card was declining. I barely made it to her house ten minutes before sunset and asked her to prom a minute before the sun went down, so it all came together in the end.” — Arman AloyanAsked: Tatevik Abrahamyan

3.

2.2.

Getting asked- exciting or terrifying?

17

Top Ten Percent Cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher, through first semester

Aurora Elena AlparazAndrew Aslanian

Talish BabaianCynthia Babakhanian

Russell CaletenaMichael Chuvanjyan

Timothy Cruz

Henri GurgenyanHayk HakopianMateen Hassan

Emmili HovhannisyanDustin Hunt

Natalie IsayanJada Javier

Tina Keshishian Mayumia Lometillo

Pablo Martinez GutierrezTirary Melikjanyan

Anush MinasyanInesa Navasardyan

Jared Ortaliza

William OvasapyanAndre Pascual

Derek PetrosianPreny Riganian

Pete SheurpukdiNickolas YedgarianMeghedia Zagarian

18

Present fears, future victories“I think this will be a very

beneficial and interesting experience for the students,” said English teacher Narine Tatevosian about her time capsule project, in which her senior students create poems about what they fear, write letters to other students, collect pictures and CDs of their favorite songs, compile a 150-item bucket list, and put it all in a box kept in Tatevosian’s filing cabinet, only to be opened at the ten-year reunion for the Class of 2016.

Arthur Ovasapyan said that although he doubts he will even remember this project in ten years, he appreciates the idea of it. “It’s a cool idea because there aren’t many records of your thought process from the past, so it’s nice that your work from ten years ago would serve as one,” he said. The poetry aspect of the time capsule is perhaps most popular for this very reason.

Annie Aschian said that she thinks reading about her fears when

she was younger will allow her to see how much she’s grown as a person. “I think it’s a really cool idea to come back in ten years and see what my thoughts and fears were in my teenage years.” said Aschian. “Hopefully it would let me see how much I’ve progressed in life.”

Arpine Ogumtsyan also said that the time capsule will allow for the seniors to view the progression of their mindsets. “Our beliefs about life will be different and feelings towards certain things. Hopefully in 10 years I’ll be reading my poems and laughing because of how much my

life has changed, and my frustrations and fears won’t matter anymore because I overcame them,” she said.

Some seniors believe that this project is assisting their present selves as well as their future selves. Natasha Vartanian said that it has propelled her to search her own personality in the process of writing about herself. “I am currently benefiting from this project by being forced to examine how I think, for example what my fears are,” she said. “I hope my future self will see my work as a summary of who I currently am.”

A vision of the future “In ten years, I think I will still be in

school. My classmates will probably be married by then. The reunion will be fun because we can connect with our old friends again, the ones we’ve lost touch with.”

~ Natalie Bazikyan

“In terms of my career, I see myself working at an architectural firm and living on my own. I would probably still keep contact with friends from Clark, but I would make new friends, too, like people from college.”

~ Patrick Castro

“I’d assume my classmates would probably be beginning their careers, and maybe some of them would have families. I would like to be in the same situation by having a stable career and knowing what I am doing in life.”

~ Armand Minassian

What seniors expect at their 10-year reunion

By Christine Ohanyan

The time capsule box that holds all of the students’ poems. Ms.Tatevosian’s example survey.

Present fears, future victories19What are you looking forward

to about leaving high school?

“Block schedule messes with my studies. I look forward to having consistent classes every day as it makes everything easier for me. Plus, no more 90-minute classes for me.”

—Tarik Rajper

“I am looking forward to more freedom in my schedule. I won’t be waking up early, so that’s nice.”

—Farzana Rashid

“I am not gonna miss the overbearing rules in Clark. I look forward to being able to make my own choices in the future.”

—Gevorg Gevorgyan

“I am so happy to be done with my senior project. I am looking forward to not having to stay long hours after classes are over on campus to do my work.” —Marcelo Marta

“I want to see a shift in attitude. I don’t really like the general attitude of the students in Clark and am looking forward to a change in it.”

—Jacob Chong

“I feel very restricted in this school, and that makes me sorta unhappy when I come here. I’m looking forward to being more free with my actions.”

—Bryce Dennison

“I am not a huge fan of the education system as it forces students to pick classes they do not want. I am looking forward to being more free to choose my classes.”

—Hayk Hakopian

“Sharing a dorm with friends is the one thing I look forward to. I plan to move out of the life of a high schooler and become a full fledged adult.”

—Mary Galstyan

By Hayk MartirosyanHigh School is the place where

students officially enter adulthood. With this transition there are many good memories, but there are also a fair share of bad ones. Many students are happy to have this period behind them. With the belief that after high school, students will have fewer rules to follow, more freedom and more choices, many look back at Clark and recount the things they are most happy to leave behind, while others look ahead to their futures.

20

By Tenny Vasghanian

The most popular movies through high school

Billboard’s list of most popular music By Tenny Vasghanian

InsurgentInside Out

Kingsman: Secret ServicePitch Perfect 2

Star Wars: Episode VII-The Force AwakensThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2

The MartianThe Revenant

American SniperBirdmanDivergentGone Girl

Guardians of the GalaxyInterstellar

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 1The Maze Runner

AllegiantBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

DeadpoolMy Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

Suicide SquadZootopia

Man Of SteelFrozenGravity

HerThe Great Gatsby

The Hunger Games: Catching FireThe Wolf of Wall Street

12 Years a Slave

ArgoPtich Perfect

The Amazing Spider ManThe Avengers

The Dark Knight RisesThe Hunger Games

21 Jump Street

2012“Somebody That I Used To Know” Gotye feat.

Kimbra“Call Me Maybe” Carly

Rae Jepsen“We Are Young”fun. feat Janelle

“Payphone” Maroon 5 feat. Wiz

Khalifa

2013“Get Lucky”Daft Punk

“Thrif Shop”Macklemore and Ryan

Lewis“Royals” Lorde

“Hold On, We’re Going Home” Drake“Suit & Tie”

Justin Timberlake

2014“Happy”

Pharrell Williams“Dark Horse”

Katy Perry“All of Me”

John Legend“Fancy”

Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX

2015“Can’t Feel My Face”

The Weekend“Hello” Adele

“What Do You Mean?”Justin Bieber

“See You Again” Charlie Puth feat. Wiz

Khalifa“Hotline Bling”

Drake

2016“Pillowtalk”

Zayn“Work”

Rihanna feat. Drake

21

“It’s going to feel good to not have to be told what to wear and what not to, like a new sense of freedom.”

— Ines Navasardyan

“I will miss the Catalina trip we took. It was one of those memories you wouldn’t want to forget about.”

—Preny Riganian

Pros and ConsO F L E A V I N G C L A R K

By Himanshi Ahir

“The teachers were my favorite part. I’ll miss Ms. Sajjadieh most of all!”

— Natalie Isayan

“I am definitely going to miss access to Clark’s 3D printers and other technology we used.”

— Shay Sackett

“I’m going to miss the people and the small atmosphere that we have created.”

—Cynthia Babakhanian

“I think the best part about Clark is its block schedule. That’s the reason we didn’t have the same classes every day.”

— Gor Zalyan

“I won’t miss the heat—how our assemblies are always in the uncovered amphitheater.”

— Dalare Bodagian

“I will not miss AP tests and the stress that went into studying for them.”

— Madeline Bejanian

“I will not miss taking mandatory classes and the typical cafeteria food.”

— Marine Tahmazyan

“I definitely won’t miss waking up at 6 in the morning… or the senior project.”

— Argishti Nazaryan

T h e P r o s

T h e C o n s

All i

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prov

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Next steps...

Next steps...

and making the school appealing for students who were not in the traditional attendance area for a school that did not yet exist. In the 18 years that Dall has led the school, it was titled a two-time National Blue Ribbon School, a two-time California Distinguished School, a seven-time Title I Achieving School, among many more honors. Ultimately, all these achievements boiled down to Dall’s strong vision for the school and, as Dall said, “the Clark staff, students, parents, GUSD staff and board members who [...] have made this high level of school success possible.”

When interviewing teacher

Conrad Pruitt, Dall sat down and asked him questions about his kickboxing career. “I found this very funny and in a way comforting,” Pruitt said. When teacher Dominique Evans-Bye began her diving trips, Dall aided her in many of the field trips and taught the students how to dive at Sports Chalet, where he worked as a scuba instructor.

This isn’t the only time Dall worked directly with his students. When teacher John Over showed Dall an art project done by senior Cierra Serrano, Dall proceeded to leave the class quietly and return with a drill to put Serrano’s art piece on the wall. “She felt very touched by that moment,” Over said.

Dall did all of this because he had a vision for a school with a project-based education, one that accommo-dated all students and encouraged its staff to work their hardest. “Dall designed most of the building back when it was being remodeled,” said teacher Randy Tiffany. “He expanded the entire science wing just to focus more on education.”

Ultimately, Over said, Dall will be remembered for his “vision of a project-based education and his ability to be in touch with his students.”

Ask anyone on campus about Principal Doug Dall and you will hear one thing in common: “Mr. Dall has a vision for our school.”

“During my interview for the job of library media teacher, when the Clark office was a trailer, he took me on a tour of [Clark] that was un-der construction,” recalled library / media teacher Susan Newcomer. Ac-cording to Newcomer, Dall had “the vision and courage to create Clark Magnet High School.” She praised him for bringing together eager stu-dents and, above all else, for caring for his talented staff.

On this matter Newcomer is not alone. Counseling Clerk Becky Bondy recalled when she was hired. “Mr. Dall called me personally and asked me if I may come for an in-terview,” she said. “And when I did come here, I remember he asked me one thing, ‘How can you make this school better?’”

Dall began his career in education 36 years ago, working as a teacher at Wilson Junior High School. In 1997, Dall was given the task of erecting a high school out of nothing, hiring the proper staff,

After 36 years, Mr. Dall announces retirementFarewell, Mr. Dall!24

Mr. and Mrs. Dall at the 2015 prom.

By Hayk Martirosyan By Hayk Martirosyan

25

removal from many other schools. Throughout the 36 years

Tiffany worked for the Glendale Unified School Distict, he held seven different jopb titles at five different schools.

Yet good teachers aren’t just good at their job, they are also present to aid students at any given time. This is the main element that Tiffany has dedicated himself to. “He is always there for all the students,”

Thomsen said. “His actual classes are more of a way for him to tell the students that he is there for them, to help them with anything they need.”

To many students, Tiffany is helping hand, an aid, a metaphorical parent who is always ready to help. Former students of Tiffany’s can attest to this. “He taught what was useful and mixed the academics with his personal experiences,” said Robert Herrin.

There are few students on campus who do not know the name of teacher Randy Tiffany. A prominent figure on Clark staff, Tiffany’s career has spanned across all of GUSD. His connection to Clark started even before the school existed, as Tiffany attended Clark Junior High School.

After taking the job of a pedagogue, Tiffany went to Hoover High School, where he was a PE teacher. Here he developed his coaching skills, which he put to use in Clark. “In the earlier years when he came to Clark,” said Tiffany’s long time colleague, teacher Judy Thomsen, “the two of us worked very hard on developing sports teams.” While Tiffany was on the PE bench, he popularized the Intramural competitions in Clark, successfully encouraging students from all classes to participate.

However, duty must call, and Tiffany was needed to occupy a new position as the Health and Career teacher along with being the Work Permits and School to Career administrator. This job Tiffany did most heartily, so much so that he fought for the College Career Preparation class to stay in the Clark educational curriculum, despite its

Mr. Tiffany set to retire with Class of 2016Farewell, Mr. Tiffany!

By Hayk Martirosyan

Dr. Landisi, Mr. Axelgard and Mr. Tiffany make pancakes for freshmen at the start of the 2015-2016 school year.

Ms. Thomsen and Mr. Tiffany at the Senior Class BBQ

\

CongratsClass of

2016

28

Letter From the Editors

Our last issue is here and we are about to pass the magazine’s editorial

positions to the new editors for the coming school year. We are all feeling nostalgic with the seniors leaving. This issue celebrates the seniors throughout their years of high school. Looking back on our accomplishments with the second volume, there is a great sense of pride. Through the student work section we gave light to a broader range of students’ artwork and creativity, and we had Mr. Zamlich’s photography

students do the calander, which was something new. We played around with new stylistic ideas and we made sure we used material that the students would find most interesting to read and enjoy the most. We came up with new story ideas revolving around holidays and tried to make the magazine fun to read.We send the best wishes to the seniors who are graduating and hope all the best for their bright futures. Congratulations Class of 2016!

Sincerely, Alec Badalian Lilia Lamas Monika Petrosyan

Monika Petrosyan

Alec Badalian

Lilia Lamas

From Alec: As we all know from the 2001 French film Amélie,

pictures tend to talk to us when we sleep. Each and every picture you posted on the Chronicle website

heightened the words of our students in the most breathtaking of fashion. Our confidence in your

abilities reaches the brink of space and beyond and we are sure you will

make the universe proud.

From Alec: You are as sweet as delicious hazelnut spread that is associated with your name.

Your snazzy cardigans and lavish glasses make a tremendous fashion

statement wherever you go. Seniors who are leaving will all have the

people they miss, and you are certainly high up on that list of people. Stay beautiful,

which I’m sure you will.

From Alec: Never has there been such a bright ray of

sunshine to have graced the earth, especially one that has come in the

shape of a human. You’re incredibly reliable, beautiful and an all-around

perfect person. The future will surely be bright due to your

radiance alone, and we can only hope that babies

will grow up to be like you.

From Lilia: Rita! I loved covering the Clark Expo with you. You are such a kind- hearted

person and a great addition to the class. Your

organization skills and time management made

you a great treasurer.

Publications Colophon From Monika: Your voice

is the most angelic thing I have ever heard. You’re so incredible and sweet and

your overall presence in pubs is much appreciated by all of us. I adore

your cute sweater with the little alien head stitched onto it as much as I adore

you. Thank you for being you. From Monika: I have never

heard of any other person who would voluntarily watch a 14

minute long chiropractor video. You’re a strange tall man who

uses his large hands only to search for some dank memes on the internet.

Though we’ve only known each other for a year, I don’t think that I could ever

forget you, even if I tried.

From Monika: Hey Argeen, I heard this rumor

that you work at Tesla? That can’t be true, can it? Because if it is, It actually

would make sense. You are extremely reliable and kind

and you put in as much effort into your work as you do with your hair,

and that says a lot. Your strange obsession with chickens and El Sauz

are some of the things that make you unforgetful. Keep doing you.

From Monika: Don’t take this the wrong way, but I

don’t understand how someone could be as funny

and as incredible as you. You make everyone so happy just by being

around and your kind-hearted and warm personality are what make you so lovable. We’ll miss your trust falls,

your comebacks (particularly the time you shut Alec down while defending

Costco) and your jokes. Jus Reign would be proud, I know I am.

From Monika: Auroraa!!! If Mary Poppins

was your nanny, I think that she would have given you a spoonful of salt, and

I mean that in the best way possible. Lauren Elena Alparaz,

I don’t think that I will ever meet anyone like you, which is a shame

because you’re going all the way to Santa Cruz!! Congratulations on

being the baddest person I know.

29From Lilia: It was very clear how overwhelmed you were throughout the

year and despite the stress, you were an amazing addition to the class. You

really showed what it meant to be a Publications student and persevere, despite your

heavy schedule. Natalie, your great work will definitely be

worth it for your bright future. From Hayk:It is always a joy to work with you. All

your work is always done on time and with

flawless precision. Your organization skills are

unmatched and your sense of humor is an inspiration to us all. Despite

your allegiance to Robotics (traitor) we still love having you as a part of

our team. I couldn’t imagine working without hearing your hilarious

stories, especially ones about your grandma.

From Lilia: Where do I begin! I love that I can tell you everything and I love

how I learn a lot from you every day! You are amazing, beautiful

and definitely someone I bonded with the most this

year! You are amazing at everything you do and will

reach amazing places in life.

From Himanshi: You are really sweet and the person

to talk to when something needs to get done. You are

someone who would stand by what she believes in. You are the

person to go to for advice and any help possible because of your strong

will.

From Lilia: You are always getting work in on time and always have a positive attitude for

the class. We are so grateful to have you in this class

because you always have a smile on your face.

From Lilia: Hey table buddy! Loved seeing you come into class

every day and our mini side conversations during class. You are a risk taker and an

astonishing writer.

From Teni: You are a math wizard, you amazing creature of math. Your

intelligence overcapacities my thoughts beyond words.

You are a sibling of Susan who contributed greatly to Publications, and we know

you will continue the legacy of the Krkasharians.

From Alec: If anyone ever needs some sort of real estate assistance, they know who to go to, and his name is Mr. Tenny.

In a vast world of Tenny’s and even Teni’s, you know how to set yourself

apart from the crowd and enlighten everyone around you. From your work ethic

to your general personality, admiring you is irresistible.

From Alec: Your bloodstream is packed with memes, which makes

you a menace to society. Never has there been such a massive nuisance in this class, yet in a relatively pleasant way. Children in

China can hear your screams and feel your footsteps, as you never fail to be the center of attention. The real world uneasily anticipates your arrival.

From Alec: In the words of Jane Austen, “Pictures of

perfection make me sick and wicked.” You were about as

perfect as peanut butter and jelly for anyone who has an allergy

to nuts. The Soviet Union stands tall with you at the helm, comrade. Your

terrific photography and editing prowess is largely appreciated.

From Monika: Your gracious nature is incredible, as you always

offer those around you some exquisite French

pastries, particularly in a crescent shape. Whenever

people are around you, they have so much happiness crawling in

their skin. It will literally be impossible to forget about you, and if someone does,

then that’s their loss.

From Lilia: Although a very quiet person, you are a great addition to

Publications. Your fashion sense inpires me greatly even though I am a mess every day. I admire your

close friendships with some of the other publications

students and how sweet of a person you are.

From Alec: Hey, you’re going to UCLA, right? Apparently Woodbury

is better. Anyway, you’ve been pretty great at teaching how to be cool like

you. Although you’re not as great as the members of #vapenation, you’re still a

pretty dank individual. Have fun with your

left-brained studies and hopefully one day you can bioengineer a sick

banana pepper farm.

From Monika: You are, quite honestly the coolest person I have

ever met. I love your style: your jackets, backpacks and your shoes.

You always ask me how I wear heels

and, to be honest, you’re just so

awesome that you shouldn’t worry about that.

Congratulations on being one of the few students who take pubs for three

years, your legacy will live on.

From Monika: Johnathan! You are such a gentelman, more

guys need to be like you. You are so smart and ambitious

that I expect nothing but greatness from you. I hope

that our paths cross again in the future because it would be a great loss for

anyone to not have you in their lives. Though you won’t be in in pubs next

year, I’m sure you’ll be off doing equally incredible things.

From Monika: The amount of times I heard

people say “It’s always the quiet ones” around

you reminds me of how funny your quiet side

comments actually are. You’re reliable and clever, and greatly appreciated.

Ad’s Thank you, class of 2016 for a wonderful four years! We did it!

The hidden gem of the Jewel City