When Edison High School first came to the Huntington Beach School District in 1969, transfer students poured in from FVHS and HBHS. Transfer students at both schools were early-on informed if they were to transfer to Edison in a few weeks. While Huntington kept the soon-to-be transfer students in the football program until they officially left, Fountain Valley dropped the transfers on the football team from the program roster, believing that they were weren\’t going to be playing as Barons anytime in the future. According to first football Edison coach, Bill Vain, this was a plot Fountain Valley had developed from the very beginning to defeat the EDH football team. So the Chargers pushed their limits to challenge the Barons. In the very first year, the unseasoned varsity football players from Edison beat the CIF-bound Barons in a devastating 21-20 score, a Baron loss. And so the Bell Game originated from the rivalry, a game to prove which team has got it all.

In the first six years of the rivalry (FV lost four games, won once, and tied once) the annual football game that drew crowds in the thousands offered a prize of pride and the feeling of being undefeated. However, in 1975, Dave Hagen, FVHS activities coordinator and Ben Garrett of Edison High decided to find a prize to initiate more hype and enthusiasm for the Bell Game. The first winning prize was proposed to be an animal, but that was shot down quickly because of complications and responsibility. The next idea was  a World War II Howitzer cannon that actually fired, but principals from both high schools shot down the idea in fear that the prize would be used in violent or negative ways and situations. So instead, the reward was a bell tucked away in the Mission Viejo antique shop for sale at an alleged $600. And so, since 1975, the bell has been brought to the game by the previous year\’s winning team, and brought back by the present year\’s winning varsity team. (You can see the bell in the winning team\’s Administration Office each year.) The list of the 42 years of games can be viewed on both schools\’ websites. (Through those four decades, there has been a tie only once, on October 4, 1974, with a stunning score of 0-0.)

This year, Barons have proved to push their limits and give their all. Good luck out there Barons, and bring back our Bell!

Walters family accepting check raised by FVHS Barons

Most people on the FVHS campus knew Mr. Walters as the Career Specialist whom they never really talked to. (Personally, I didn’t know Mr. Walters.) In fact, many only saw him when he dropped by a California Scholarship Federation (CSF) meeting.

If they ever did catch a glimpse of this proud Baron, they would’ve formed an image in my head of a tall, jovial man, who was always laughing. The second was at the flash mob last Sunday, the 9th.

Last July, Mr. Walters was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic cells of the immune system. Since his battle against this cancer started, his days have had its highs and lows.

The Walters family and their friends had a stroke of genius when they made a request to Flash Mob America (FMA) for a collaboration as a surprise for Mr. Walters.

FVHS students were invited to participate as information. Instructions and set-up dates were relayed to them through the daily announcements.

After repeating the dance over and over for hours at weekend practices, the Barons were ready to paste a nonchalant smirk on our faces and surreptitiously stroll to the Pier Garden. This was where the Long Beach Marathon had just ended and people were hanging around for a drink or small snack.

The flash mobbers spread around the Pier Garden, with the friends and family of Mr. Walters standing closest to the stage. The crowd made unsuspicious small talk with one another before a marathon host took the stage to cue the mobbers to prepare to “bust a move” right then and there.

“You\’re not alone Clint,” the host shouted as Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory began to play, “We\’re all fighting with you.”

Onlookers and Sunday marathon goers were surprised and quickly whipped out their video cameras to record the event. All the while, Mr. Walters was there in a speechless state of shock. By the dances end, FVHS’ former career counselor was called to the stage to say a few words. Everywhere in the audience, tissues began appearing as people quietly dabbed their eyes.

“No one person can ask for this much,” Mr. Walters said, looking out to the enormous horde of FVHS Barons who came to celebrate him. Students, faculty members, and teachers alike had all congregated for the event.

Staci, one of the directors of FMA, added, “It is amazing what people can do when they come together for a cause.” The flash mob for Mr. Walters gathered more than 1074 people, shattering the previous record of 300 flash mobbers.

The entire experience was extremely empowering as people from all backgrounds and talents on the FVHS campus gathered for a single purpose. People who never knew each other before, but who all knew Mr. Walters, all came together in dance to give back to a beloved Baron.

The Sunset League was proud to announce the invitation of our Boy’s Varsity Baseball Team to CIF Playoffs on May 17th, 2011.

Varsity Baseball has had a phenomenal season, holding a record of 15 wins and 11 losses. The Baron’s first CIF match will be today against Saint John Bosco High School, a formidable opponent with a record of 19-0-8.

FVHS students and parents are encouraged to attend and support our hard-working team. The match began at 3:00 pm and is currently in session at St. John Bosco High School.

The drive ends this Wednesday, the 8th. Please place your donations in the decorated boxes in your English classes. Books, stuffed animals and anything containing violence or religious symbolism are not allowed and all toys must be packaged and unopened. FVHS is known for donating in the most toys every holiday season. Here’s to hoping that
the tradition stands.

Emerging as one of the top teams of Orange County early in their season, Girl\’s Varsity Golf showed great promise. Match after match, the Barons came out undefeated against the most formidable schools in the Sunset League. Newport Harbor, Estancia, Los Alamitos, and even our rival Edison all fell to our ladies during the early matches of the year. The Baron\’s early lead however was cut short by a series of heavy losses to Marina and Esparanza. To make matters worse, our ladies were also defeated in rematches against Los Alamitos and Edison.

Amidst the mid-season crisis, the Barons were able to turn the tides toward victory with a stunning breakthrough win against Huntington Beach on Thursday, October 14th. Our ladies defeated the Oiliers 226 to 233, a significant 7 stroke difference.

Sally Kim (\’13) medaled with the top score of 33. Captain Jennifer Tsai (\’11) followed with 46 strokes and Katherine Tengan (\’13) with 47.

“It was an amazing and invigorating game. This year, our team is great and is still working really hard,” said Captain Tsai.

Making up for their mid-season losses, Fountain Valley overcame Huntington Beach shot by shot. Across the course, our Barons kept a strong pace against the Oilers, denying them any chance to over take them.

Jasmine Lieu (\’12) commented, “We messed up pretty badly for the past couple of weeks. Our putting, irons, and shot accuracy was lacking. But we pulled through. This was a good day.”

“I\’m happy we beat Huntington Beach, exclaimed Sally Kim, “the last few weeks we just couldn\’t get ourselves together, but we finally did it.”

Even with the past setbacks, our Girl\’s Varsity team is living up to its promises: to have a more competitive, challenging season that delivers real results and real victories against the toughest teams of Southern California. With a record of 4-0-5 compared with last season 1-1-10, the Barons have done just that.

Captain Tsai, excited for the end of the season, said, “Next week is our last game of the year against Newport Harbor. We hope we can win and get to place in the CIF playoffs.”

It is now 2010 for Girl\’s Varsity Golf. The players are refreshed and the spirit is anew as our Barons begin a new season in the quest to rise within the ranks of the Sunset League. “I\’m expecting to be more competitive during the year and greatly improve from last season, where we only won one of our league matches,” said Coach Keyser as the team assembled for the first practice of the year.

Durkee (\’11), Jasmine Lieu (\’12), Sally Kim (\’13), and Katherine Tengan (\’13), Tyler Ratzlaff (‘13), Jessie Giese (‘13), Taylor Oliver (‘13), Cassidy Johnson (\’14), and Gina Christiansen (\’14) will be joining the Varsity Team this year. With former captains Nina Kwak, Monique Vallier, and Ashley Trinh gone, Coach Keyser expects only the best out of the 2010 season\’s new recruits.

Captain Jennifer Tsai is extremely confident in the team\’s ability to raise the bar this season, stating, “I\’m really excited to begin this season. I can\’t wait for start winning some matches. I plan to lead the team through setting a good example for my team players, playing fair, practicing often, and keeping a good attitude.”

Returning player and #1 ranked on the team, Sally Kim feels extremely confident as well. “I\’m excited, I have a lot of goals to do better this year. Lower scores, better games, fun bus rides (laughs),” she exclaimed. Her partner, Jasmine Lieu believes, “as a team, we will kick some major butt.”

But, as ready as the team seems, their first pre-season match against Canyon High School at Mile Square Golf Course on August 31st ended in disarray. With the Barons earning a major defeat at the hands of the Comanche\’s. Even more treacherous will be the difficult matches against top teams such as Newport Harbor and Los Alamitos. Nevertheless, it is only the beginning of the season, with league matches weeks away. Anything is possible with a little practice and resolve. With much time to prepare, the Girl\’s Varsity Team will surely rise to the challenges of the 2010 Season.

By Sarah Kari, Staff writer

On Friday, September 11, 2009 at OCC. Barons defeated Tesoro by 35-14. This game was one of the most anticipated Baron football games and sure enough the wait was worth it. The players and the audience were tensed not knowing what would happen, but were relieved to claim the final victory.

The first touchdown was made by senior, Dominic Ragland. At the end of the first quarter the score was 6-0, Barons in the lead. By halftime Tesoro was in the lead by 14- 13. Barons were just waiting for the halftime to show Tesoro what the Barons were made of. And they completely did.

The game was turned around and by the end of third quarter with senior, Ryan Steadman’s touchdown, the Barons lead 21-14. With full determination and goal of winning the game, senior, Kyle Middlebrooks didn\’t make not only one but two touchdowns within 10 minutes. But credit does not only go to the recievers, but to the whole football team.

Sadly, Tesoros\’ audience started leaving with 5 min left on the clock seeing no hope of their win that day.

This year The Varsity Football Team is showing everybody that this year they are going to be tough and nothing is bringing them down. This was their game into the season with no losses yet. This year the football games are going to be exciting and regretful if missed.

GO BARONS!!!!!

On July 14, a group of 24 Baron students and three English teachers prepared themselves for a twelve-day trip to England, France, and Spain.

After a ten-hour flight, the group of jet-lagged students made their way to London, England. For the next three days, they explored many of London\’s renowned sites including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, the Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abby.

The group also visited Oxford University and the well-known market town, Stratford-upon-Avon. They were able to roam the prestigious campus as well as visit the home of William Shakespeare.

The Barons\’ next stop was Paris, France. They left London through the Chunnel, the underground train running between the two countries. Once in Paris, the students were lucky enough to take the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tour and a special boat tour of Parisian sights by night.

“The [boat] tour was very fun. Though, it was very cold, we didn\’t notice much because the sights were so distracting – in a good way. The worst part about Paris was that we actually had to pay to use the bathroom, it was ridiculous!” says senior Jessica Herman.

Among many other favored tourist sites, the tourists saw Notre Dame, Arc du Triumph, the Louvre, and the Champs d\’Elysses. Another day was spent at the palace of Versailles, and a smaller area outside of Paris known as Monte-Martre.

Perhaps the most exciting form of transportation was the overnight train from Paris to Madrid, Spain, a first experience for the entire group. The train made its stop in Madrid, where the students immediately began a tour of the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor, through the hot and crowded streets.

After visiting the hilltop city of Toledo, many students also participated in an optional evening of flamenco dancing, Tapas, and enjoyed a live Mariachi band. Other possible activities during the students\’ free time were touring museums and the Sofia Reina, shopping, and dining at endless restaurants and cafes.

The group arrived at their final stop in Barcelona, Spain, after a quick plane flight. Gaudi Park, the Royal Family (“Unfinished Cathedral”), and a bus tour were among some of the activities the teachers and students alike had the benefit of seeing first hand.

“Spain was the most spirited, free country we visited. The best part was going to the beach and relaxing in the Mediterranean,” comments senior Andrew Neal.

Everyone enjoyed the days of free time they were given in Barcelona to relax and immerse themselves in Spanish culture. While many female students preferred shopping the main boulevard, Las Ramblas, and the small boutiques and alleys surrounding it, others headed straight for the sunny beaches of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. A couple students also explored the Picasso museum, or tasted various foods from the local street vendors.

As their trip concluded, the exhausted group of 28 reflected over the highlights of the trip, the sights they witnessed, and the cultures they experienced. Many students completed their first overseas trip, while others found themselves among people speaking a completely foreign language. They rode the Underground, ate exotic foods, and most importantly, broke out of their shells in order to take advantage of obtain the full experience of twelve surreal days and nights in Europe.

“It was the most amazing experience of my life. I had so much fun and it\’s a trip I\’ll never forget,” exclaims senior Sydnee Wickstrom

Concert Choir and Troubadours flew to New Orleans on Thursday, April 2, for a weeklong tour of Louisiana and Texas.

They began their Southern trip with a haunted tour of the New Orleans\’ swamps and then a scenic tour of life in the French Quarter.

On Saturday, April 4, both choir groups performed three songs each at the Heritage Festival in New Orleans.

Concert Choir sang “Verbum Caro Factum Est” (“The Word Was Made Flesh”), “Come To Me, My Love,” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Jordan Reynolds of Concert Choir won the coveted Maestro Award for his solo in “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” The Troubadours sang “Lighthearted Lovers,” “La Cruda Mia Nemica” (“Oh Love So Cruel”), and “Surely He Died On Calvary.”

The choirs delivered equally magnificent performances on a steamboat ride down the Mississippi River and won first place in the chamber choir and large choir divisions. Troubadours were also awarded the Adjudicator Award and Outstanding Choral Group, and Mr. Tison, Choir Director, won the best director award.

“It felt really good to come home with every possible trophy,” says second year Troubadour Noelle Carney (\’11).

Concert Choir and Troubadours continued their winning streak when they were invited to the Heritage Festival of Gold after receiving high marks from all judges. The competition will be held in Chicago, New York City, or Washington, D.C.

“It\’s the best of the best,” says Mr. Tison of the prestigious event. “When we go there, we\’re treated like royalty.”

The singers took a drive to Pineville, Louisiana, the following day to visit their director\’s birthplace and church where he began playing music. The group performed at First Baptist Church and stayed overnight in church members\’ homes.

“Louisiana is a totally different lifestyle; it is a much smaller town than Fountain Valley,” says junior Kevin Le.

The next day, the singers drove from Pineville to Natchitoches for a fun day on the Tison family ranch for a barbeque lunch, tractor rides, and reunion of Tison\’s old family and friends.

Mr. Tison says, “The trip to Natchitoches was my favorite part. Having the students meet my family, and having all my friends really understand what I do means so much to me.”

Mr. Tison wasn\’t the only one to enjoy the day at his family\’s ranch. Senior Cory Kobel agreed that the highlight of the trip was “being where Mr. Tison grew up and meeting his family.”

Troubadour Kelsey Stewart (\’09) says the best part of their side trip to Pineville and Natchitoches was “getting to spend time in a place where Mr. Tison spent most of his life learning about music.”

The relaxing day on the ranch was followed by a performance with the Northwestern University Chamber Choir. Both choirs received praise for their performance.

Afterward, choir members traveled to Dallas, Texas, and had another homestay, this time with students from Keller High School and their families. The following day the two schools took turns singing for each other.

Concert Choir and Troubadours made their way to the airport for their 6:30 flight home to Orange County on Thursday, April 9.

Mr. Tison proudly comments, “The trip was the success I dreamed it to be and possibly even more.”

On Wednesday, April 22, the Esperanza Aztecs outran the Fountain Valley Barons Track Team.

Varsity members Carmille Garcia (‘11) and Lauren Erickson (‘09) battled Esperanza\’s infamous Teeny Adams, one of Sunset League\’s fastest runners, in some of the longest races. Garcia placed fourth, running a 5:34 mile, with the first three places taken by the Aztecs.

However, Marissa Nickels (‘12) won first place in her level, setting a personal record of 5:47 in the mile, and Madyson Ward (‘11) won by a landslide, with a 2:35 half mile.

Collin Niselman (‘10) and Joel Gilbert (‘10) also surprised their team in their half mile races, achieving times of 2:10 and 2:03 respectively claiming first and third place wins in each level.

The girls\’ distance coach Jenny Sears demonstrated her support and belief in her runners when she said, “They competed really hard and showed a lot of heart. We also set many personal records.”

Unfortunately, the sprinters didn\’t fare quite as well. For them, the meet began with a disqualification due to a dropped baton in the 4×100 boy\’s JV race. The boy\’s Varsity 4×100, which usually dominates, ended with defeat.

Fortunately, the girl\’s lower level 4×100 races claimed victories for FVHS. Krissy Knowles (‘09) won the 100-meter dash in a quick 13 seconds and also came in first in the 100-meter hurdles race. Paige Grigus (‘11) also stood out with a lower level 100-meter hurdles win.

The jumpers were some of the biggest contributors to the Barons\’ points with a dominating 9-0 pole vaulting score. Jeff Tran (‘09) and Josh Alvaro(‘10) displayed their pole-vaulting skills with impressive 11-foot vaults.

Runner Stefanie Delgado (‘11) expressed her high spirits and determination, saying, “We are a much better team than what was displayed today. We will surely beat Esperanza in Sunset League Prelims!”