By Andrea Liu, Staff Editor

On Friday and Saturday May 27th and 28th, the FVHS Choir held their annual Broadway Under the Stars event. This year’s event was hosted in our very own FVHS bowl.

Prior to the event, many students saw the curtains and huge lights being set up during lunch in the week leading up to the event.

Audience members purchased seats in the bowl or brought blankets and sat on the grass. Hot chocolate, popcorn, and candy were available for purchase before the show and during the intermission.

Choir opened with the harmonious ‘Seasons of Love\’ from the musical RENT. The middle school choir, FVMSS, was also featured in the show, singing ‘We Go Together’ from Grease. The Baron Choir also sang a song from Glee, as well as numbers by Jersey Boys and Damn Yankees. Other numbers included ‘Stepsister’s Lament’ from Cinderella, ‘Pinball Wizard’ by The Who, and ‘Hard to Say Goodbye, My Love’ from the film Dreamgirls.

During the second half of the show, the Troubadours presented pieces from the musical Into the Woods by Steven Sondheim, a story that intertwines the classic plots of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella.

The performance was recorded digitally and rendered into a DVD, which is now available for order on the FVHS Choir website.

Here’s what some of the students of FVHS have to say about their upcoming Winter Break plans:

Jordan Marc Diamond ’13 says: I probably will be eating a lot, getting fat, sleeping. So getting fat. More eating and watching TV; so activities that will get me fat.

Left to right: Angela Nguyen ’13 & Julie Dang ’13

Angela says: I am going to go Christmas shopping and spend time with my family and friends

Julie says: I am hanging out with my family and I am hanging out with friends and going shopping.  Oh and tumblr!

Left to right: Thao Pham ’12 & Jenny Huynh ’12

Thao says: I am going to Disneyland and hanging out with my family!

Jenny says: I am probably going to Disneyland with my friends and getting my license so I’ll be free to drive anywhere!

Angeline Tran ’11 says: I am going to the Harry Potter theme park in Florida and the Walt Disney park.

Left to right: Irving Nguyen ’14 & Christine ’14

Irving says: I am going to… I don’t know!  Probably sleep.

Christine says: I haven’t really decided yet.  I don’t know.  I’ll probably stay at home all day.

by William Talbert, Staff Writer
Photograph by Jeffrey Nguyen, Visual Arts Editor

Upset at not being able to purchase Bell Game tickets, Fountain Valley High School students rushed to the bowl on Thursday to voice their disappointment. And to eat lunch.

Word spread like wildfire over Facebook and text messages as Fountain Valley students quickly organized what they hoped would be a massive lunch time protest.

“My friend Bethany texted me during biology,” reported senior Kevin T. “My teacher caught me, but it was worth it.”

The tools of their protest took many forms. Sophomore student Michael B. participated by going hungry during lunch.

“I accidentally grabbed my little sister’s lunch this morning,” Michael said. “I’m supposed to get the Extra Cheesy Lunchable. There’s no way I’m eating the ham and cheddar.”

“My mom was so mad I couldn’t get tickets to the bell game that she forgot to pack my lunch, so I had to borrow money to buy a bag of Gardetto’s,” said freshman Andrew M. “The little sesame seed sticks are my favorite.”

Armed with backpacks, textbooks and lunch sacks students remained mostly peaceful during their show of civil disobedience.

“I usually eat in the shade across from the choir room, but I’m pretty peeved and I want everyone to know it, so I’m happy to sit in the sun.”

One student, Junior Kimberly L., sat thumbing through flashcards. “I wanna support the students who didn’t get tickets, but I have a Spanish test fifth period and I really need a good grade.”

Student organizers, who wanted to remain anonymous, seemed pleased with the turn out and hinted at additional sit-ins.

“Hey, Obama started as a community organizer. Who knows what this could led to for me. I could use another couple events to pad my college app.”

When a change of venue was announced at the Newport Harbor game, students were elated.

“See what happens when students join together to show their outrage,” said senior Cami R. “I was late to the protest because I was buying Taco Bell for my cousin. I’ll be there next year. Wait, no I won’t.”

On Thursday, April 2, students against the G20 Summit called for a “walk out” during fourth period to sign a petition in the bowl area. They called for President Obama to stop spending time on the crises abroad and instead focus on education.

The G20 Summit is an economic forum of 19 of the world\’s largest economies along with the European Union. They gathered in London from April 1-2 to discuss how to solve the global economic situation.

President Obama\’s attendance at the G20 sparked some frustration at FVHS. Some students hoped he would spend more of his time focusing on the school budget.

“I think it\’s important to keep the students at FVHS in mind during these budget cuts because we\’re being seriously impacted by a lack of funding. Obama needs to pay more attention to our education since we are the future of our nation,” says sophomore Sarah Haydock.

A flier, which promoted the walk out, was distributed to persuade students to join the cause by walking out during 4^th period to sign a petition at the bowl. The flyer said that leaving class “is protected free speech that is immune from consequences.” However, Administration found out about the plan and announced via the school speakers at the end of 3^rd period that students leaving fourth period would be marked truant, and that an opportunity to sign the petition could take place at lunch.

“We need to tell leaders what we want—that\’s democracy. They can\’t just decide what they want to do,” says junior Josh Alvaro at the G20 gathering at lunch. “We can\’t just go along with corporations. Capitalism in decline is facism.”

“It especially makes me angry that the demonstration had to be rescheduled. President Obama\’s decision to attend the G20 Summit is probably going to have a huge impact on our already impacted school budget. Instead of going there, he could have been trying to solve problems in his own nation. By walking out of 4^th period, we could have had a more direct and dramatic impact,” says junior Brandi Lucey, one of the organizers of the walk-out.

Although the G20 protest was rescheduled to lunch, organizers of the protest are pleased to report a significant amount of signatures.

“Maybe we couldn\’t practice ‘free speech\’ today during fourth period, but we were able to give an example of democracy through the petition signing at lunch,” Lucey says.

Friday, March 27^th marked the second annual Staff and Alumni football game. Teachers and coaches shared the gridiron with graduating players from the Varsity football team for an energetic match-up.

Last year, the Staff won. “We are the defending champs,” explained Principal Herzfeld, “We have our pride at stake.”

The competition was intense. Neither side gained headway until senior Nyko Gonzales broke the ice with the first touchdown, thrown by quarterback Steven Santana.

The Students maintained the lead into the second half, with Santana shooting another scoring pass to Dylan Itkoff. Itkoff shared his thoughts on the competition, laughing that, “The old guys try.”

The Staff rallied with a score by soccer coach and teacher Jason Smith, passed by Football\’s Head Coach Shipp. Girls\’ soccer coach and teacher Alyson Spencer tied the game scoring a second touchdown in the final minute.

The tie led to a strong finish by the Students in Overtime. Coach Shipp threw an interception, and it was caught by Steven Santana and returned for a score. Santana quickly followed his goal on the next drive with a touchdown pass to senior Hayden Toney.

The Students won 4 touchdowns to 2, despite the valiant efforts of the FVHS Staff. 

On Thursday, March 5, a select number of sophomores from FVHS chaperoned by English teacher Ms. Ziegler gathered at the Huntington Beach High School gymnasium to attend the annual program “HB Reads One” hosted by the Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force.

This year, the program\’s guest speaker was the author of The Kids from Nowhere, George Guthridge. His book is his unique experience teaching indigenous children on St. Laurence Island, a sparsely populated island off the west coast of Alaska.

Professor Guthridge talked to the attendees about the various social problems and challenges faced by the natives of Alaska, such as their subsistence lifestyle and lack of basic amenities because of their remote location. He also explained that the rest of the world, especially developing countries, faces the same problems caused by poverty and poor infrastructure. Guthridge claimed the key to solving both problems is education.

Sophomore Norman Chung says, “I think the presentation’s theme of ‘the poor get one door\’ is meaningful and true because in an area that doesn\’t offer much opportunity, education is the only way to rise above your current status.”

Guthridge was accompanied by Merle, a former student who led his local high school team to Saint Lawrence Island to win Future Problem Solving International. These students overcame language barriers and had to change their way of thinking to adapt to the western education system.

The indigenous was of thinking could be best described as situational and deliberate, as it analyzes the situation as a whole thoroughly before carefully coming with ways to circumvent the problem. Western thinking can be represented by the phrase “try, try again.” But in the dangerous Alaskan tundra, one has to be very careful which promotes the careful indigenous way of thinking.

The program ended with students from the Art Institute of California offering a variation of traditional Yupik ice cream. There was also a sample exhibition of Yupik art, ranging from ivory sculptures to various wood carvings and tools, as well as animal materials used by natives as decorations.

Sophomore Christopher Allen says, “It was a fantastic educational experience. However, it lacked enough information and commentary on the actual book, as 75% of the lecture was jargon about diversity and tolerance, absorbed from training sessions and regurgitated onto us by the Human Relations.”

By Rachel McMillen, Sports editor

The Fountain Valley\’s Lady Barons Water Polo team has been doing well this season. With a record of 20 wins and 9 losses, they made it to CIF Playoffs for the first time in five years.   

And while the team has strength and speed in the field, one of their strongest points this year is goalie Amanda Young (‘09). Young has worked her way to the top and is currently the team captain and ranked the second best goalie in southern California. How she got there is a little like a modern Cinderella story though. Going into high school, Young had dreams of playing soccer. It wasn\’t until after she didn\’t make the cut at try-outs her freshman year that she thought to join the water polo team. 

“I was sad (about soccer) at first, but I love water polo and I can\’t imagine my life without it right now,” Young says. 

During Young\’s freshman year, the ladies\’ water polo team was in need of a JV goalie. Although Young had had no prior goalkeeping or water polo experience, she had strong legs and the position came to her easily. By the time the team\’s varsity goalie graduated that year, Young had exceeded everyone\’s expectations, and Young has been Varsity\’s starting goalie ever since. 

With over 250 saves just this season, Young has stunned everyone by shattering the water polo goalkeeping records, the record for total saves in a season; and the record for total saves in a career. Despite all these broken records, Young continues to maintain a down to earth personality and credits her success to the support from her teammates, including her younger sister, Marisa Young (‘11) who is the Lady Baron\’s top scorer this year. 

“I work really hard, but a big part of my success is the environment,” Amanda Young says. “Everyone is really nice and plays an important role on the team.” 

Due to her outstanding success in high school, Young has already signed to play with Arizona State University\’s water polo team next fall. Already at the level of their current goalie, she has a good chance at becoming the Sun Devil\’s starting goalie next school year. There are few college scholarships available for women water polo players, so being awarded one is an honor. 

Young hopes ASU will only be just another stop on her road to success. Her ultimate goal is to play in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and from the looks of it, this Baron is well on her way.

Junior Dorothy Dang listens intently as Hurley representatives speak about the upcoming event.

By Connie Nguyen, Staff writer

On December 17, 2008, Fountain Valley High school was given the opportunity to participate in Hurley\’s annual “Walk the Walk,” a runway fashion show competition between select Orange County high schools. This year, Fountain Valley will be competing against Gahr, Orange, and Newport Harbor for a $5,000 prize for the school\’s art department. 

Junior art student Michael Huynh says, “I think it is really cool that FVHS was given this opportunity and I\’ll do what I can to make it worthwhile.” 

Hurley asked participants to create a theme for the fashion show while recreating latest summer\’s line using clothing, swimwear, and shoes provided by Hurley and Nike. In addition to creating their own interpretation of the contemporary fashion line, designers were challenged to create two original head-to-toe outfits from scratch.

“I think the head-to-toe challenge is the part in the competition because it allows people who have a passion for fashion showcase their skills to stand out amongst other designers,” says Dorothy Dang (‘10), a head-to-toe designer. 

Aside from the opportunity of winning a generous prize of $5,000 and bragging rights, “Walk the Walk” provides students with a creative outlet and a chance to show school spirit. Participants can demonstrate their creative abilities in fashion design, make-up art, hair styling, and back drop design. Many students have already seized this opportunity by attending lunch and after-school meetings, as well by working on designs and ideas in their free time.

Vivian Ngo (‘09) says, “It\’s time consuming, but I\’m not complaining. This is what I like to do when I have free time.” 

Designer Vivian Ngo ('09) works to finish a pair of boardshorts as a Hurley representative documents her work.

Students not involved in the fashion show can still show school spirit by attending the fashion show and providing strong crowd support, which the judges will also take into account.

Junior Josephine Tran says, “I think it\’s great that FVHS was given a project the entire student body could participate in—not just ASB.” 

Besides crowd support, the show will also be judged on flow, creativity, styling, energy, overall feel, promotional strategy, and Hurley brand representation. The panel of judges include celebrities, Hurley designers, model Bar Refaeli of Sports Illustrated, and founder (and FVHS alum) Bob Hurley. 

Support the Barons on Wednesday, February 18 for a fundraiser night at Macy\’s located in Westminster mall and on Tuesday, February 24 for the “Walk the Walk” fashion show at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Tickets will go on sale for $5 with a limited number of tickets available on a first come, first serve basis.

Public Notices: LOVE LETTERS

Thank you to those who purchased “Love Letters” from the Baron Banner. Your contribution makes our publication possible!

Cindylamchopper <3  Binh the Bunny

Miss Taylor: You are, and always will be The One. –Dr. Poff

Courtney Garrity, I think you are scrumpdiddlyumptious and you are a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious friend. I love you! Mari

All to of my “kids”: Have a great Valentine\’s Day! Make good choices. Mama M.

To Bert without a mustache. I love you so much. You\’re amazing. I can\’t wait until Valentine\’s Day. Love Raychl

To Bert with a mustache— I like you. I\’m so glad I met you, hun. Happy Valentine\’s Day. -Love Anonymous.

Albert Nguyen, age is but a number to me. Swim your way to your heart! –Your most ardent admirer

Trevor & Niles Marquez,
Happy Valentine\’s Day! I love you! –Mom

Madame Jones— Nous vous aimons! Merci beaucoup. Vous êtes très chouette ! – Love votre AP classe, period 3

Rachel Lynn London White: You\’re just amazing. –Andre P.S: I love you more.

I would write you a letter,
But I\’ve got something better.
Love. Happy Valentine\’s Day, Brina.

Mrs. Henderson! Woof Woof (I love you!) Happy Valentine\’s Day! –Love Scout

Boo! Happy Valentine\’s Day, Joseph Pham! Jennie\’s cool. You\’re not. Just kidding. I love you babe. 101107 <3 -Love always, Jennie

Well, I don\’t have a Valentine, so I\’m celebrating S.A.D. – Singles\’ Awareness Day. :] But I guess I\’ll take this opportunity to give a shout out to my cat—I love you!

H.T.H. – you are purely AMAZING! I will never forget “Warner & Magnolia,” cleaning the janitor\’s closet, and almost getting arrested with you. I\’ve had the time of my life with you. <3 L.L

Dearest Ellen Akashi,
You warm my heart.
You\’re as cool as Sweettarts.
I like Sweettarts. *hint hint*
–Love, Casey Odd

I miss you all Baron Banner kids! Hope to be back soon! Love, Amanda

Kara, el amor de mi vida. Tu piel es porcelana. Pero cuando no estás conmigo, siempre pienso en ti. –Tu admirador secreto

Happy Valentine\’s Day from your favorite librarian.

Annette, these past months have made me realize that I love you and hope to never lose you. –Your BF, David

Claudia, Nesli, Annie, and Sophia, we\’ve been through so much together since Masuda. I hope we stay friends Forever. Love ya!

Dear Valerie: You make my life miserable, but I would not have it any other way. Love, Kara

From one lover to another, keep me in your heart. I love you, Tiffy! –Vinson

Dearest Kimmie,
So, we wanted to give a secret something away, but I got this ‘cuz I felt bad. -Ellen

Chikapoo! Too many more good times and adventures! -Dustin Vu

Ian Leo, you\’re sooo sweet!
Going out with you would be a treat!
Love your Secret Admirer

Ms. LaFramboise, thanks for everything. Your class was challenging, but very fun. Thanks for all your support and enthusiasm.

Kyle Sugitan, this is for you:
My heart to you is given:
Oh, do give yours to me;
We\’ll lock them up together,
& throw away the key.
- Your Opposite

To the sweetie whom I love so much (don\’t deny it). I haven\’t felt happy like this in awhile. ~ Cutie <3

Aarushi—I\’ll be waiting in New York City!
— J.F.

Good luck in college, Ricky! You were great, and Mock Trial will miss you! And…the Game. — Matthew

Wendy, you are the epitome of the female persona, all in a petite package!
Love, Alan

Valerie, I owe you so much for the things you have done for me, and I will make up the debts. I promise.
— Anonymous

Dear Jaime,
I have twenty words to express my feelings. So, here it is. I love you, always and forever.

Happy Valentine\’s Day Beckaffanayah! I love you! — Sarah Yoo

Julie, I simply cannot put into words how I feel for you. There\’s just not enough words…

NECAS= the best group EVER! All the laughs, sleepover(s), hangouts — it\’s impossible to erase the memories…thru thick & thin — love you guys <3 C.

Hey Kyle, even though I scare you, I hope this Valentine’s Day gives you enough courage to stop running away.

Tim: Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you.
Love, Rick

Ms. Ziller, I didn\’t enjoy the subject you taught, but I definitely enjoyed the class and way you taught it. — former student

Peter Nguyen & Sean Goebel,
Hope this brings a smile to your faces. Study hard; don\’t let the squirrels beat ya!

Señor Yarton. No me gusta usted mucho. ¿¿Por qué tocómi ipod?? Usted es loco y no quiero estar en su clase.

El mensaje de arriba no es serio y pensamos que Señor Yarnton es un maestro magnífico. = )

To Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Penhall, admit it already: you guys are like two peas in a pod! = ]

Miles part, I\’ll remember how your random twitching made me smile,a nd your sleeptalking made me laugh. I love you.

Aboo, I hope your Valentine\’s Day is as sweet as you are, because you\’re my sweetheart. –Honey bee