Category Archives: News

Presidential Visit Brings World’s Attention to Sunnylands

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By Santina Ristaino

Today and tomorrow, President Barack Obama will meet with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands. This will be the first presidential meeting for both presidents at Sunnylands.

The two presidents will meet privately, although a brief news conference for the White House Press Corps is expected. The leaders will review progress and challenges in U.S-China relations over the past four years and discuss ways to enhance cooperation. They will also discuss everything from cyber attacks and espionage to North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s burgeoning trade relations with Mexico.

Both presidents will be accompanied by roughly 500 people between their two delegations and the media. While Obama will spend the night at Sunnylands, Xi and his delegation will not. They are set to stay at an undisclosed Coachella Valley site.

Late owners of Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Sunnylands, the location of the Annenberg Estate was constructed in the mid-1960′s as a winter home for Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Over the years, Sunnylands has hosted seven U.S presidents, world leaders from around the globe, and even British royalty.

Part of the Annenberg’s dream for Sunnylands was to have the location serve as a forum for world leaders to engage in conversations that will lead to meaningful impacts. Mary Perry, Deputy Director of Media Relations for Sunnylands said that with this visit, the Annenberg’s dream is being realized and that the conversations taking place “will truly change the world.”

Sunnylands and DATA

Sunnylands has been a longtime partner and supporter of the DATA program at Cathedral City High School. These are a few samples of student work done in collaboration with Sunnylands over the 2012-2013 school year:

Saying Goodbye to High School

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By Courtney Stump and Kaylin Murphy

2013

Photo by CCHS Yearbook Staff

Four years ago, a class of freshmen enrolled into Cathedral City High School and now they are preparing to graduate and venture off into the adult world. These past years have been filled with irreplaceable memories and experiences. Over the duration of high school, the class of 2013 has gone through times of sorrow, laughter, and enjoyment.

Now that they are graduating, the senior class is going to be faced with many tough decisions. They will now need to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Many students will be asking themselves if they should go to college and further their education, or find a job and enter into the work force.

Everyone will be going off in their own directions after high school. Senior Yesenia Diaz will be attending UCLA in the fall to major in nursing. “I’m looking forward to becoming independent and creating my own life,” said Diaz.

Although high school has taught the seniors responsibility and punctuality, there are some things that will not be missed. “I will definitely not miss waking up early in the morning to be on time to school,” said Diaz. “Or the school bells.” Senior Fatima Salcedo said she will not miss the “gross” school lunches. “I don’t think anyone really likes the food, they just eat it because there’s nothing else,” said Salcedo.

There are many things that the seniors will all miss. Whether staying in the valley or moving away, just about all seniors can agree that they will miss having something to do during the day, having little responsibilities, and seeing their friends every day. “I will miss the friendships that I have created in high school,” said Diaz.

Seniors will be leaving high school with many memories that will last a lifetime. “I will always remember Mr. Lew and the way he welcomed us into class,” said Diaz. Some special occasions stand out more than others. Senior Jared Oates said he will always remember winning The Golden Lion award and getting a street named after him. This is a prestigious honor given to one student annually who has demonstrated exceptional achievement over his or her high school career.

Principal Guillermo Chavez  has watched the class of 2013 grow and evolve through the years. Chavez has many great memories from the class of 2013. “I’ll remember all of the different personalities the most,” said Chavez. Although this is an exciting time for the senior class, it is also a sad time. “It’s not ever the same when people graduate. It’s like a part of the family is leaving. Be committed to your choices in life and make the best of your youth because you don’t realize at this age how quickly life changes and how quickly your life will go by.” said Chavez.

As they say their goodbyes, the class of 2013 leaves the class of 2014 with a few words of wisdom:

“Enjoy your last year because before you know it you’ll be graduating and wondering where all the time went,” said Jared Oates. “Finish hard and don’t let senioritis affect you,” said Fatima Salcedo. “Also don’t miss any senior events because they are meant for you to enjoy.”

The class of 2013 is no longer a little lion cub, but now a full grown lion ready to leap into the crazy jungle we like to call life.

Cat City Catapults

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By Anthony Ramirez

IMG_9535The cornerstone of Mr. Russell’s Physics class is the climactic launching of the catapults constructed from scratchy students. On May 31st, Mr. Russell’s students took to the football field to demonstrate their creations.

“I was watching the catapults and I realized we have a lot to thank Russel for,” said Jacob Janes. “He taught us to make freaking catapults!”

Catapult construction applied knowledge to a real working piece of technology. The students used their catapults to launch water balloons and were graded based on how far the balloon traveled. As an added bonus, Mr. Russell sat on the far end of the firing range, offering extra credit to students who could successfully hit him with a water balloon. Only few lucky students have ever scored a hit.

Kenneth Gillingham’s catapult took home the winning title during 4th period. “I believe my catapult was efficient in its simplicity,” said Gillingham.

“Some people tried to make complex ones and it didn’t work out,” said Nicholas Diliberto, whose catapult was the victor in 5th period.

The construction and firing of the Catapult is a test of mastery for the physics class and this year continued the projects legacy of being both fun and educational.

Spring Sports Awards

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By Anthony Ramirez

IMG_8739For every season of sports there is a night of sports awards. On Wednesday May 29, the most recent incarnation of the sports awards was held for the spring season of CCHS (Cathedral City High School), including boys and girls swim, the boys golf team, the boys tennis team, the girls softball team, and the girls and boys track team.

Sports Awards Night began with a large reception in the gym, where the head coaches presented their team’s individual MVP (Most Valuable Player) award.

The MVPs for each team are named as follows:

Track and Field: James Rodriguez

Track and Field: Shannon Beard

Swim: Camille Krier

Tennis: Juan De La Cruz

Golf: Jesus De La Torre

Softball: Ashley Carillo, Marisol Gallegos

The Academics Award for the team and individual with the highest GPA followed the MVP awards. This year’s team winner was the swim team, and the student who had the highest GPA out of all the athletes was junior Crystal Escobar, who participated in Track.

Afterwards, each different sport retired to their own separate venues where further awards were presented based upon the preferences of each team. Some teams have awards like Most Improved, while others had awards unique to their specific group. Whatever the award may be, they follow in a long tradition of honoring young athletes for the effort required to successfully juggle sports and academics.

Junior Chris Gutierrez (Boys Tennis) said, “As one year closes I believe that instead of an end it’s more of a new beginning. The underclassmen get to go out there again and I’m planning to leave it all on the court my senior year.”

 

 

A Golden Evening for Golden Lions

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By Kaylin Murphy

Cathedral City High School hosted the annual Golden Lion Awards night to recognize students from all high school grade levels for their academic achievement.

On May 22 at the Westin Mission Hills Resort, over 150 students were awarded certificates, golden medallions, and/or were announced as graduating with top honors through the California Scholarship Federation (CSF).

The certificates of achievement and golden medallions were presented to students who have proven excellence in various academic areas. As the ceremony came to an end, the Golden Lion Award, the highest honor any CCHS can receive, was awarded to Jared Oates. Jared represented excellence in academic classes, outstanding community service, and above all Lions Pride.

HEAL Sponsored Salton Sea Forum Aims to Save CA’s Largest Lake

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By Kelvin Valenzuela

HEAL students take the stage after the Salton Sea Forum. Photo by Kelvin Valenzuela

HEAL students take the stage after the Salton Sea Forum. Photo by Kelvin Valenzuela

Cathedral City High School’s sophomore HEAL class hosted a Salton Sea Forum in the theatre on Thursday, MAy 23. Members from the community and district filled the high school theater to hear and discuss plans for saving the Salton Sea, which is at the center of a “water war” between the Imperial Valley and San Diego County.

San Diego County seeks to take control of irrigation runoff, which currently flows into the Salton Sea, California’s largest lake. Without the constant flow of new water, the Salton Sea’s size will be greatly reduced, exposing the lakebed and running the risk of sending toxins and dust into the Coachella Valley air, leading to disastrous local consequences.

The Salton Sea Forum discussed the water war with San Diego County, sought out plans for averting what could be an impending disaster.

Seniors’ Final Days

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By Santina Ristaino and Bernadette Fuentez

It’s getting down to the wire for seniors, who are wrapping up their final days of high school. The emotions are building for the class of 2013. Many seniors find themselves being constantly bombarded with questions such as “What college are you going to attend? Are you excited? How do you feel?”

“I feel pretty nervous honestly,” said senior Bee Hurtado. It’s really scary, but there’s more to life coming so that’s exciting.” Hurtado will miss the many things unique Cathedral City High and her favorite teacher Ms. Mac. One of Hurtado’s favorite senior memories was being a Homecoming Queen candidate. Even though she didn’t win, she will always be known as “Queen Bee” amongst her friends. After high school, Hurtado plans on attending College of the Desert and hopes that it will help take her further in life. “I want to plan parties all over the world,” Hurtado said, referring to her career goal of becoming an event planner. Wise words from Bee: “If you have drama throughout high school, just wave it off with a smile.”

“It’s bittersweet, but more exciting than anything,” said senior Andrew Morales, who transferred his sophomore year from Palm Desert High School to Cathedral City High School. “I’m going to miss our school pride that we have. I love how the school, staff, and all the students are very outgoing.” Morales plans to work and attend a junior college in San Diego to major in physical therapy.

The Class of 2013 will be missed greatly. They have made some great memories and will continue to make more as they embark on a new journey. We wish them all luck and congratulate them for finishing such a long chapter in life. Class of 2014, get excited because your senior year is just around the corner.

Senior Scholarship Awards Night

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By Kaylin Murphy

Last fall, many seniors applied for local business and non-profit organization scholarships. On May 15 at the Doral Resort, 74 seniors were awarded scholarships for outstanding community service, excellence in school, and/or exceptional personal achievements. In total, more than one million dollars were awarded to high school seniors.

Photo slideshow by Kaylin Murphy and Margarita Arechiga

4th Quarter Blood Drive

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By Courtney Stump

Prom Queen Lenny Gerardo puts on a brave face while donating blood. Photo by Courtney Stump.

Prom Queen Lenny Gerardo puts on a brave face while donating blood. Photo by Courtney Stump.

On Thursday May 16, Cathedral City High School hosted the final blood drive of the school year. The blood drive gives students the opportunity to donate to people who are in need. More than one hundred people signed up to give blood today.

According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Donated blood goes to a variety of people, including accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders.

There is not a specific reason why people donate blood. Some feel as if it is just a nice thing to do. “I like feeling like I made a difference in someones life,” says CCHS junior Jeffrey Salas.

Blood centers struggle to keep up with the demand of blood, so every donation helps.