Falcons Take Flight

Nearly every adult you come in contact with will tell you, "Oh, don't worry, your senior year will be fun and simple. It'll be a laid back year." I hate to say that our fellow falcons can prove them wrong. Our school keeps us busy from start to finish, and the college process doesn't make high school life any easier. Most of us Falcons have not had a "break" since the end of last summer. However, the college process was an exciting experience no falcon can ever forget. We decided to ask three ardent students how they've dealt with the stress and what they hope is in store for them.

Which college are you going to attend? What made you decide on attending?
Elizabeth Murillo: I'm going to attend Wellesley College next year in Wellesley, Massachusetts. What called me to apply was it's great curriculum and close friendship between many of the girls there, since it's an all-girls school.
Juan Gonzalez: I'm going to attend UC Irvine. Irvine has always been my dream school ever since I was in middle school, so selecting Irvine was a no-brainer.
Andrew Segura: I will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) this fall. One of the major factors that affected my decision on attending UCLA was the level of academic rigor that UCLA is know for as well as the prestige that goes along with it. There are also many research opportunities available at UCLA which are vital when you are majoring in any science or engineering.

How do you imagine your life in college?
Elizabeth: I think I'm going to be one of those girls that stays in the dorms and doesn't do much besides work hard. I really get a kick out of intellectually pursuing my goals in the academic area, but I also want to make lots of new friends.
Juan: I imagine college life fun and exciting, yet filled with a lot of work. However, the experience will be unforgettable.
Andrew: I imagine college life as the best and worst four years of my life. The rigor of college classes are sure to be strenuous. Apart from this, college provides a new found feel of freedom which is sure to make my college experience that much more exciting.

What was the most difficult part of the college process?
Elizabeth: I think the most difficult part was waiting for the colleges to answer back. Everything else is pretty difficult, but once you've got it done, it's like "Was I good enough? Will I get in?" and it would be around a 4-5 month wait, so that anxiety just gets to you and you wonder if you didn't get into any college, what would you do after that, so it's pretty nerve-wracking.
Juan: The most difficult part of the college process would have been writing the personal statements. It takes a lot of time revising them over and over and over again.
Andrew: The most difficult part of the college process hands down is the application itself. The college application comes with many parts, including a couple of essays to convince the school why it is that you are the ideal student for their institution and why they should choose you over thousands of other applicants.

How do you feel about dorming with people you haven’t met before?
Elizabeth: I've actually already met my roommate. If I hadn't met her before I would probably feel really anxious and probably feel like I wouldn't get along with her maybe.
Juan: I'm personally excited to dorm with people I never met, but a part of me is scared because my roommate might be a serial killer. No, but serious, we don't know the person so it's exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
Andrew: I am actually quite excited about dorming with someone I have never met before. It will be an excellent experience to be exposed to new people and be able to learn about their culture and customs. Being a resident of Lynwood for most of my life, we do not see much diversity in our city. Dorming with an individual you have not met yet can help expose you to the world. You never know, that random person might just end up being one of your greatest friends.

Do you worry about living away from your family and friends?
Elizabeth: Not really, I think you have to learn to be on your own. There are times when I get a bit anxious about it, but overall I'm very excited about moving to Massachusetts for the next four years.
Juan: I don't worry about leaving my family and friends since it's something that happens eventually in life. However, I will miss them very much and I know in the long run we'll see each other again.
Andrew: Since UCLA is not that far away from home, I can easily come back to visit my family whenever I am homesick.

What kinds of activities do you plan on being involved in?
Elizabeth: I'm planning to join the fencing team, and I'm also planning to do archery. I really want to get into sports because I know in high school I wasn't really the sporty kind of girl, but I really do want to get into lots of activities.
Juan: I plan getting involved on whatever I can. I'm going to make sure I enjoy my life to the fullest and do everything I can with it.

What are you most excited for about college?
Elizabeth: Just experiencing new things and growing as a person.
Juan: Well, Irvine is known for the Asian population and I'm not gonna lie, I'm excited to have an Asian girlfriend hopefully. Exploring their culture also seems fun.
Andrew: One of the things I am most excited about in college is that I can finally study what interests me.

What will you miss the most about high school?
Elizabeth: I think I'll miss the kind of relaxing atmosphere. In high school there's not so much at stake I suppose.
Juan: What I'll miss most from high school are my friends that I met over my four years here. They've truly impacted my life and I'll never forget each and every moment we've spent together watching each other grow as a person and as an individual.
Andrew: I am surely going to miss all of the incredible individuals I have met at Firebaugh High School. I met my best friend Jose Sandoval here. I was graced with the honor to have been friends with the great Maritsa Negrete! I also met some of the greatest and most dedicated teachers I have had to date! They include but are not limited to: Mr. Nguyen, Mr. Ude, Ms. Thomas Ms. Rojas, Ms. Rascon, Ms. Parkhill, and many others. You have all done an amazing job, and I truly appreciate all you have all done for me throughout my high school years.

What are you hoping to get out of this experience? (What are your goals for the future?)
Juan: In the long run, I'm just hoping I make something of myself and prove to all those who never believed in me that anything's possible with determination. I want to let everyone know that you can achieve anything if you set your mind and goals. Just like I will some day become a neurologist and live a rich and well-rounded life.
Andrew: My goals for the future are to finish my studies and find a well paying job. I would then use that money to open a research laboratory with Maritsa Negrete in which we would use our knowledge of Astrobiology, Astrophysics, and Astrochemistry to attempt to discover intelligent life outside of the planet earth.

FHS Goes For A Swim

           
           On the weekend of the seniors memorable prom, the art classrooms were flooded by water, but if it wasn't rain, what was it?! We The Falcon Flame have an exclusive interview with a person affected by the water, with details about what admin is doing and how he has to cope during school hours.

How did the flood affect your teachings?


"It affected my class a lot because we had to move to the lecture hall,
then half the room did not have electricity, but luckily we have
assignments that are on going so hopefully they used their time
productively."

How would you categorize the flood?


"I would categorize it as not a prank but an act of vandalism where
they just turned on the water for no reason because i do not think
they were imagining all this damage."

Do you think the flood could have been prevented?


(chuckles) "All I am going to say is that i wish are video cameras
would work because that seems to be a big deterrent as to someone is
always watching you. If they are there might as well take advantage of
them. Well i dont think it could of been prevented, if some one wants
to get it they will find a way."

What did the flood damage?


"A bunch of art work by students and a bunch of boxes. I am trying my
best to dry their work and save as much as i can. For the most part,
our wireless internet got wet and seemed to have caused a shortage so
that does not work. Other than that, it was just a bunch of stuff on
the floor."

What do you think the administration should do to prevent an event
like this again?


"Good question. I would say use their resources to try to find out and
investigate anything they can. Only they can say they tried their best
to find out. It is what it is."

There has been break-ins before, why didnt they prevent this one?


"Thats a good question as individuals, when do we intervene. I totally
respect admin and you have to assume good will because they have a
difficult job too so its not like they can drop everything. They have
to worry about seniors activities, detention,testing, next year and
all that other stuff. You have to trust people around you to have a
good enviornment. We have to assume that they are going to take care
of whatever they got to take care of."

Yearbook Wants You!

Attention Firebaugh Falcons, are you ready to join an elite corp of outstanding individuals? Are you interested in a once in a life time opportunity? Well your chance has arrived, Mr. Wilson is looking for new talented hard working students to take part in the Yearbook staff for the 2012-2013 school year. Again this is a ONCE IN A LIFE TIME OPPORTUNITY. In the Yearbook staff you will take pictures, interview fellow students, and even design the actual Yearbook. This however is no easy A. You will have to work hard, which is why only the best of the best will do. By becoming part of the yearbook staff you will join some of the other talents at Firebaugh. Together you will form a strong team that will be given the responsibility of capturing every moment of the 2012-2013 school year. If you think you have what it takes to be part of this elite team there will be an informational meeting on Wednesday May 23 after school in Mr, Wilson's class room 3102. Prepare to assemble.

Senior Splash Is Right Around the Corner!

Here we come Raging Waters!
Seniors are you ready for a day of excitement?

As most of you seniors may know Senior Splash is coming up! (June 1,2012)
I bet most of you didn't know that Raging waters San Dimas was ranked #3 nationally by the Travel Channel in its top 10 rankings of U.S water parks. There's over 50 beautifully landscaped acres and 36 slides and attractions, plus a sand beach. There's outRAGEous fun for all ages. Thats not all we will have, there's also going to be a picnic area for us Seniors, two volleyball nets and catering.

 There are some SAFETY RULES!!
There will be height restrictions for all attractions and it will be enforced, and proper swimwear must be worn OR ELSE!
Street clothes and bathing attire with buckles, belts, rivets, metals and cut off jeans will not be allowed.For other safety reasons masks, snorkles and swim fins are not allowed in the park.
So seniors make sure you have the appropriate attire because this is something you don't want to miss!

Just another reminder SENIORS DONT FORGET TO TURN IN YOUR PERMISSION SLIPS!!
Remember if you want to sit on the bus with your friends you have to turn in your permission slips TOGETHER. Today is the last day to turn in permission slips if you plan on sitting with friends.

So Friday June 1st make sure your well prepared to have lots of fun with your fellow classmates!
                  TIME TO MAKE MEMORIES !! get your triple S ready
                                     SWIM, SUN, SANDALS (:

Goodbye class of 12 Hello class of 13

So as we all know ,we have finally reached the last 3 weeks of school. With the end of school so near ,we are all anxious to start our summer adventures. Yet as the year comes to a close, there will be tears mixed with smiles. Its time to say goodbye to class of 12 and say hello to a fresh batch of 12th graders. Although we all will sincerely miss each and every one of these seniors, many of us are awaiting the moment when we are no longer juniors and ascend to the title of " Class of '13"! 

 Some advice seniors would like to give the upcoming class is ....

"Stay focused, Don't mess up, Don't get "Senioritis" too early "- Tania Garcia & Analuisa Macias

 "Dont fall behind in your classes. Be organized and do not Procrastinate"-Mireya Ocegueda.& Wendy Siguenza.

 "Stay in school ,dont ditch & be cool like MAC"-Antaniece Johnson ,Melissa Sanchez,Crystal Wilson.

"Grow Up!"-Treveion Whitaker

"Try to be absent as least as possible."- Eva Nunez

"Make sure you are caught up in classes, and talk to your counselor" - Shalon French

"Start thinking about colleges now." - Felicitas nunez

"Join as much sports and clubs, participate in school life." - Alua Attapkhanova

2012 Prom Reviews

Prom, an amazing night for the seniors of 2012. Let's see what our senior class thought about this spectacular night.

Jose Mota: The music was horrible half the music was hard to dance too, but what I loved about prom was the after party.

Jose Ramirez: My plans for prom did not come out how I expected it to be. The music wasn't good and RHE venue wasn't all that great.

Javier Nunez: Music at prom wasn't good, the food was good I ate a lot, what I could of changed about prom was getting a Banda or a grupo. I had a chill night with my date though. At the end of the night it was a good night.

Javier Navarro: Prom was fun the food was bomb and it wasn't what I expected it was even better.

Rebeca Campos, Yvette Salas, Ariadne Mata: Prom was awesome it was much more from what I expected prom would be like, the food was delicious and prom queen and king was no surprise. Music was amazing they played all type of music. Prom could of been longer though. Prom was stressing getting ready we had fun with our dates as well. Prom was amazing !

Jose Gutierrez: Prom was tight, pretty legit, I expected more from prom the food was pretty good. Prom queen and king was no surprise. My plans for prom weren't what I expected but I can't complain because I had lots of fun.

David Saldivar: Prom was what I expected it was a great time with all my friends I has a wonderful time with my date as well. Preparing for prom was stressing it was a tight schedule what I liked most about prom is getting to spend one last dance with the people I grew up with in high school.

Mr.Hua: my expectation for prom were great it was a success to see all the seniors having fun everyone showed up.I thought they did a very good job with prom what I would of liked to see is a disco ball. Other then that it was a great night for the seniors of 2012.

Mr.Mazon: Food was passible, the venue was marvelous and spectacular it had great choice's for the students to experience and have fun. Prom suggestions are to have prom on a Saturday night so students could have more time getting ready and wouldn't have to ditch school. Mr.Martinez did a fantastic job with all the details.

So basically, our class of 2012 had many different views and experiences of their 2012 PROM!

The Year Book Lite Coming Soon!

Attention Falcons, are you some of the many students at Firebaugh who wish to see Prom pictures in the yearbook? Well now you can, The Falcon Flame is glad to give all you students with a sneak peek at this years Yearbook Lite. With Yearbook Lite students will be able to see pictures not included in the yearbook. We had a chance to sit down with Rick Rodriguez (creator of Yearbook Lite) to have an exclusive interview that you will only be able to see here on the Falcon Flame.

What is Yearbook Lite?
It use to be something that was sold to students that didn't buy the yearbook but now its opened to all the students.

What will it contain?
It will contain pictures that were not included in the yearbook. It will contain pictures of friends doing everyday things and off course Prom, also star test week.

When will it be ready?
It will be ready hopefully by the time the yearbook comes out. We will try to keep the price low and try to incorporate it with the yearbook.

What kind of book will it be?
It will be a thin book,  the inside will be more like a collage of pictures with our seniors. The goal is to have the most amount of pictures, with the least amount of space. The cover well be the sky with the first names of all the seniors, it well also have our grad year with balloons. We can guarantee it won't be more than 5 dollars.