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Seniors defeat “Senior Citizens”

victoria — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:01:15 +0000

By Brian Larzlere, Staff writer

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.

No Rams Here

rachel — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:38:49 +0000

By Mallory Trott, Staff writer

The Fountain Valley Barons volleyball team was victorious against Millikan High School Wednesday night.

The Barons won the first match 29-27 against the Rams. Junior Raffi Contreras-Geck, playing in for senior Matt McCoy, did wonders for the team. Constantly running, Contreras-Geck sent everything directly to the hitters. Captain Dillon Emery (‘09) had four kills, and senior Chris Gierhart had two kills.

Match two was brutal for the Rams. The boys won with a final score of 25-12. Gierhart was amazing with five kills, one block, two aces, and a five serve streak. Emery was also jumping high and had three kills and a block that went back straight down to the Rams. Middle player Aleq Doull (‘10) had two kills as well as great defense at the net. Junior Dylan Tompkins was a big help with two kills and a three serve streak.

The score of the third and final match was 25-20, giving the Barons won giving them the victory of the overall game. Tompkins kept his game up with four kills and a two serve streak. Gierhart also had two kills while senior Adam Lander had three kills, a three serve streak, and an ace. The score was close throughout the match, but the boys pulled through in the end with a point sequence. The game was sealed when senior Brian Huffman earned the game point on a kill.

“Pink Friday” Protest Gallery

victoria — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:17:38 +0000

On Friday, March 13, the local community gather to protest California’s deep budget cuts in public education by holding a rally that started at Ocean View High School at 3:30 p.m. Fountain Valley High school teachers, parents, and students participated in the protest.

OCJEA Baron Banner Journalism Competition

Photographer- Tyler Rose — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 06:22:20 +0000

The FVHS Baron Banner attended the Orange County Journalism Education Association On-the-Spot Write-off Journalism Competition at Fullerton College this Saturday, February 21st, 2009. The competition included a variety of categories from newspaper layout, critical review, to photography.

The Baron Banner received many accolades, overall taking 3rd in Division 2 Newspaper Sweepstakes.

Michelle Doan: 1st in Newspaper layout
Rachel McMillen: 3rd in Sports
Jennifer Schultz: 8th in Sports
Rachel Meads: 3rd in Editorial Cartoon
Thomas Panaccione: 5th in Editorial Cartoon
Neslihan Yilmaz: 6th in Critical Review

The Baron Banner is now eligible to qualify to the Southern California Journalism Competition, which takes place on May 2.

Click on the pictures to view what really took place at the competition, as well as how much fun Baron Banner had behind the scenes…

Love Letters

victoria — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:57:36 +0000

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

Super Fountain Valley Bros.

amanda — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:09:37 +0000

Super Fountain Valley Bros.

photo credit: Claudia Cheffs

This year\’s Edison Assembly takes a hint from a couple of successful entertainers

By: Alex Chiang and Misael Galdamez, staff writers

Hostage football captains, Edison nerds, dancing Shy Guys, and Mario and Luigi live. These characters could only mean one thing: the 2008 Edison Game assembly.

On November 7th, students gathered in the gym for the annual assembly dedicated to the elevation of Fountain Valley and the degradation of Edison. Playing on the Mario Brothers theme, ASB used a clever story plot to move a story line across. Peach (Kazlen Christy) and the Baron football captains are kidnapped by Bowser (Kevin Chen), and the Edison nerds. Mario and Luigi (Joe Nguyen and Matt Trujillo) embark upon a mission to rescue them.

There are levels and obstacles that Nguyen and Trujillo must cross to save Christy and the Baron football captains. There is dancing and cheering intersecting the rescue, but ultimately, the Fountain Valley Bros. team is successful.

“The Mario theme was tight,” says junior George Tran . From the creativity of the moving coin blocks to the ridiculousness of the Bowser costume, the assembly demonstrated a lot of effort from its producers. Although the humor seemed a bit forced at times, Nguyen and Trujillo dominated the auditorium, and Luigi\’s ongoing jealousy for Mario was an amusing touch.

The assembly was chock full of “Marioisms.” When the brothers claimed a star, the Super Mario 64 clip of “Here we gooo!” was played. In one instance in the 3B assembly when it was not broadcast, the two provided their own rendition.

“I like how the two guys playing Mario and Luigi improvised,” says junior Timmy Huynh, “but the assembly eventually became repetitive.”

There were two assemblies during 3^rd period that used both sides of the gym. Despite this effort to provide space for everyone, there were still people who had to sit on the bleacher steps. And although few could deny that the production wasn\’t entertaining, some had a few complaints or comparisons.

“[The assembly] was entertaining and funny,” says senior Paula Nguyen, “but I also felt that the assembly was pointless. I didn\’t feel any more inspired or excited.”

“No assembly has topped freshman year\’s [‘06],” says Senate member Carlos Xitumul, junior. “Everyone was hyped for that assembly, and it was more like a pep rally. It brought the school together, which is what [Fountain Valley] really needs.”

Ask Kiley: Bell Game version

victoria — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:21:50 +0000

Dear Kiley,

Who do you predict will win the Bell game?

-Curious George

Now George,

I\’ve been researching and investigating this topic for quite some time now. It seems as though Edison has been beating us for, oh just the last *cough* three*cough* years.

However, my crystal ball tells me that there\’s going to be a positive change. I\’m just not too clear on whether it\’s going to be them or us.

-Kiley

Dear Kiley,

What the heck is a Charger anyway?

-Mr. Baron

Dear Mr. Baron,

A Charger, according to Wikipedia, is: a device used to put energy into a secondary cell or rechargable battery by forcing an electric current through it.

-Kiley

Dear Kiley,

How did this whole rivalry start anyway?

- Iwannaknowmyhistory

Well Iwannaknow,

It goes a little something like this:

Once upon a time in Fountain Valley the Mighty Barons were the rulers in the land. But on one gloomy day in 1969 a group of savage monsters came tromping into the “nice place to live.” They were known as the Edison Chargers.

Ugly, booger green, and terrifically smelly, the Chargers challenged the Noble Barons in a Football Game for a train bell. The Barons did not want to fight, but felt it that if their neighbors wanted a nice game of football, they might as well give it to them. They also decided to let the Chargers win the first game just for courtesy\’s sake.

But the smelly savages took advantage.

“We won!” the Chargers cheered after the short game.

“But we let you win.”

“No, we won!”

The Barons were deep in their sorrow and full of rage. From then made a pact to never let the unfriendly Chargers win another game again.

Thus began the greatest rivalry in history.

-Kiley

Disclaimer: “Ask Kiley” columns have the accuracy of a magic 8 ball.

Media 101

victoria — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:49:42 +0000

by Misael Galdamez, Staff writer

Let\’s face it. We\’ve got a rather sticky situation on our hands. The mainstream media has downright given up on objective reporting. They\’d rather be brainwashing the masses and beat around the bush than put real effort into their reporting.But what is the mainstream media? Kelley Beaucar Vlahos, a news columnist, defines the mainstream media is as “an unpopular place where the media is maligned by both ends of the political spectrum as biased, lazy, and agenda-driven. This reference invariably includes major newspapers and broadcast media.”

Let\’s take a current example: Barack Obama. Everyone, everywhere is enamored with Obama. Obama, Obama, Obama. His T-shirts are everywhere, his slogans are everywhere, yet no one seems to know why they back him. Most of his supporters believe and follow what the media tells them to, no questions asked.

The mainstream media has favored Obama since day one, even since the caucuses. MSNBC began nudging that, “Obama was the candidate for change,” though other more experienced democratic candidates had been campaigning for “change”. MSNBC reporter and Hardball host Chris Matthews stated while on air, that watching an Obama speech made, “thrills” run up his leg, regardless of the fact that his news program was meant to be objective.

After Obama had won the nomination, the issue of his pastor Jeremiah Wright surfaced. Wright had been known to preach anti-American rhetoric from the pulpit, including one particularly well-known remark: “Not God bless America, God D*mn America”. But did the media probe Obama on how he could have sat through 20 years worth of sermons from the same pastor without believing any of it? Instead of reporting, the media just brushed Rev. Wright under the mat. By the time the mainstream media reported on Wright\’s sermons, 42 out of 50 states had already voted in the primaries.*

Obama has also been known for his shady friends and acquaintances, like Tony Rezko and William Ayers. In the late 60\’s, Ayers was part of a radical organization that bombed federal buildings, including the Pentagon. Up until the last week, no one had questioned Obama\’s relationship with William Ayers and today\’s issue of The Washington Post went so far as to call Ayers “A former radical”.

But it doesn\’t stop there. What about Obama\’s sexist comment to a female reporter, saying, “Hold on sweetie. we\’ll hold a Press avail” in reference to her question about helping American auto workers? What about Obama referring to Palin as a “pig with lipstick”? What about a misinformed Obama who said that there was no Al-Quadea in Iraq pre-invasion?

What about his running mate, Joe Biden, telling the paraplegic governor of Missouri to “Stand Up Chuck”? What about Biden\’s remark that “Obama is not ready and the presidency doesn\’t lend itself on-the-job training”? The media trivializes Biden\’s “gaffes”, but not McCain\’s or Palin\’s. Why is this so?

Will the media ever cover these issues? Simply put, not likely because it doesn\’t fit into their new approach to journalism, or rather their “agenda”.

On the other hand, the media has been scrutinizing the Republican VP candidate, Sarah Palin. They have delved into her religion. They have dissected everything she has said. They have probed her “Bridge to nowhere” comment. They\’ve analyzed anything and everything to dig dirt on Palin. Why is this true about her and McCain but not about Biden and Obama? Could it be that they have a hidden agenda?

Could it be that the mainstream media has created a fantasy world based on rhetoric, devoid of any objectivity? Perhaps they would rather settle for “thrills” running up their legs than put some real effort into quality journalism.

*According to a report published by the Media Research Center in August 2008

This is from the Baron Banner Blogs, and not edited by the Baron Banner staff.

A Spin on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: Debate

amanda — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:04:55 +0000

By: Kim Ngai, News Editor

First Presidential Debate Fails to Change Many Minds

The key turning points and cautiously awaited rise in poll numbers never took place during the first presidential debate on Friday, September 26.

No candidate came out of the debate with a clear win, although Obama did seem to finish with the same lead he claimed before the debate started. You should look at two things to identify the winner of a debate: style and substance.

Obama had two audiences when he was speaking- the moderator and the viewers. It gave the viewers a more personal feeling, unlike the tone they got from John McCain, who seemed to have a conversation with the moderator. I\’m not planning on a psychology major, but I contribute Obama\’s almost constant lead in the polls to his ability to “seem” to be able to relate with the public- a quality which is sought after in every president.

While Obama “won” for his tone, neither he nor McCain\’s answers and rebuttals seemed to contain much substance. They discussed our nation\’s dire financial state in extremely general terms. What was most surprising was that both decided they wouldn\’t change much- if anything- in their presidential agenda to correspond with our economic crisis. The moderator appeared more concerned with the failure of financial institutions than the candidates were.

One obvious difference between the candidates, however, was the level on which McCain and Obama gauged each other on. Obama replied that McCain was correct on several instances, while McCain never directly responded to Obama with a positive remark. While many Americans will see this as congeniality on Obama\’s part, some will most likely be swayed by the negative ads coming from the McCain Camp on Obama\’s “indecisiveness.”

While this first presidential debate did have some key moments, it was, for the most part, a restatement of their past principles in a more aggressive tone. I didn\’t see or learn anything from the candidates that I wasn\’t aware of before.

All eyes will be centered on the vice-presidential debate which will take place on October 2. Palin\’s last clash with the media took place in Katie Couric\’s interview, when bloggers, pundits, and journalists alike confirmed the obvious- that Palin is definitely not fit for the presidency. I can\’t wait to see an inexperienced governor of Alaska argue with the most experienced candidate within the federal government. I know an epic failure when I see one.