loma linda academy mirror '13-'14 i4

Volume 81 Issue 4January/February 2014 rorThe mIr 1

In ThIs Issue

An inside look at what went on at Bible Camp

Find out what it really takes for Chapel to happen every Friday

An overview of the recent Winter Olympics

Another Contest!

Spring Fashion Advice by the Fashion Club

2 Volume 81 Issue 4 February/ march 2014rorThe mIr

The Student Association carries out numerous noon-time activities throughout the year. This gives the opportunity for classes to earn class points. By: Elijah Hickman

Juniors introduced the location of the April 6 JR/SR Banquet with a Cinderella style performance that dazzled the audience. By: Danelle Taylor JohnstonJr./Sr. Banquet Announcement

Noon Time Activities


*Publisher*Robert Skoretz*Sponsor*

Danelle Taylor Johnston

*Contact*Loma Linda Academy

10656 Anderson St. Loma Linda, CA 92354

[email protected]*2nd

Semester Staff*

Shawn WeerawardanaElijah Hickman

Dominique TownsendTahira Ashley

Jason FriasAdanna Okwandu

Victoria Ico

The Student Association carries out numerous noon-time activities throughout the year. This gives the opportunity for classes to earn class points. By: Elijah Hickman

Table of ConTenTs

Back From The Mountaintop pg.4Dominique TownsendStudent Feature: Areli Merodio pg. 6Adanna OkwanduNow You Know pg. 7A Week Of Prayer; A week Of Revival pg. 8 Adanna OkwanduTesting 1,2,3! pg. 10Jason FriasTeacher Profile: Erica Rantung pg. 12Elijah HickmanBeep Beep! pg. 13Battles, Heroes, And Figure Skaters pg. 14Tahira AshleyMuffin Top Bakery pg. 16Dominique TownsendCrossword Puzzle pg. 17A Night In Candyland pg. 18Victoria IcoFr./Soph. Banquet Pictures pg. 19Fashion pg. 20Fashion Club President, Sydney Gilbert

Find 10 of these hidden leprechauns

throughout the Mirror (not including

the one on this page) to win a prize.

Submit pages and locations of

leprechauns at llamirror.org.


baCk from The mounTaInTop

Whether an intense spiritual experience or a short, but much needed, vacation from school work, Bible Camp is an experience that many Loma Linda Academy students look forward to.

From January 30 through

February 1, juniors and seniors

throughout the Southeastern

California Conference (SECC)

traveled to Camp Cedar Falls for three

days of Alpine fun and inspiration.

The theme for this year was “The

Image,” and Pastor Tim Gillespie

spoke on what

the image of

God is, and

about what it

means for us to

be made in the

image of God,

and how to live

this way. Malik

Mayne (12)

said, “If we are the image of God,

then we have to act like it.”

Gillespie delivered an

enthralling message, in fact, Andrew

Kim (11) said, “He mixed jokes

with insightful points,” and this

helped participants to internalize

and understand his message.

Family Groups, the small groups

that the participants split into several

times a day for discussion, are also

a major part of Bible Camp. They

were often said to have been one of

the students’ favorite parts. Family

group participants were split up into

smaller groups for discussions on the

topic of The Image and Gillespie’s

sermons, and often Family groups

became very close. Many participants

formed new friendships with the

people in their family group, and

are still in touch with them. “I liked

being a leader because I got to know

the other leaders, drama, praise band

and prayer warriors ahead of time,”

says Brooke Villegas (12) from La

Sierra Academy.

For the first

time this year,

Bible Camp was

held at Camp

Cedar Falls

rather than Pine

Springs Ranch

(PSR), because

of the fire that

devastated PSR last summer. PSR is

currently still undergoing repairs.

Because of the shift to Camp

Cedar Falls, Bible Camp had to be

restricted to a smaller location, so the

guys slept in the cabins and allowed

the girls to stay in the lodge. Some

of the boys did not mind sleeping

in cabins, in fact, Kim said, “It was

warm, while outside it was freezing!”

Still, general sessions particularly

were, “cramped,” often with more

than one person per chair. The

overall experience seemed good,

however. Many agreed with Mayne,

who said, “It was awesome!”

The time also allowed Loma

Linda students to interact with

“If we are the image of God, then we have to act like it.”


some of the other academies in the

conference, including the La Sierra,

Redlands, Glendale, Escondido,

San Diego, Mesa Grande, Calexico,

Los Angeles, and Newbury Park

academies. In their spare time,

participants often just mingled,

meeting new people, or organized

impromptu sports

games. Bible Camp

seemed to inspire

unity among the

different schools,

a characteristic

many hoped to

bring back home.

However,

some

upperclassmen did not attend Bible

Camp this year because of the

expense or difficulty signing up. It

costs over $100 to participate, and

sign-ups were

conducted on a

first-come-first-

serve basis this

year, beginning

at seven in the

morning on the

day of sign-ups.

The night

before Bible

Camp officially

began, the Family Group leaders,

Drama and Praise band who were

already up at Cedar Falls early that

Wednesday received the news of

the passing of Gordon Day, the late

junior high principal. Throughout

the years, Day was instrumental to

Bible Camp.

“He was often

the first there and

the last to leave,”

says Jason Calvert,

Campus Chaplain.

He was very hands-

on, and he liked

to just do things.

He saw a need and

took take of it, most people agree. He

was in charge of separating out family

groups and other very important jobs.

Villegas, a family group leader,

says, “It would

be difficult to

receive such tragic

news regarding an

amazing individual

like Mr. Gordon

Day, but it was

especially hard to

cope with heart-

broken strangers…

Although it

seemed like an impossible obstacle

to get around, God turned it

into something of a blessing… I

“He was often the first there and the last to leave.”

believe it helped each and every

one of us to grow spiritually.”

Despite these tragic events, Bible

Camp was an enriching experience

for many who attended. Though

inclusive of only upperclassmen, Bible

Camp seems to have a far reaching

influence. Jazmin Alfaro (9) plans

to experience Bible Camp when

she can, saying, “I like the music

and I’ve heard that it’s really fun.”

When it was time to depart,

many were sad to leave the incredible

music, amazing drama, inspiring

messages, and fun new friends

they’d experienced at Bible Camp.

However, for the juniors and

sophomores, there’s always next year.

“Although it seemed like an impossible obstacle to get around, God turned it into something of a blessing… I believe it helped each and every one of us to grow spiritually.”

by: DomInIque TownsenDPhotos by: Jason Frias


sTuDenT feaTure: arelI meroDIo

Areli Merodio (10) was born

in Mexico and lived there

until she turned fourteen. She

then came to the United States.

“I think one of the factors that

influenced our [decision to] move

was the violence now existing,”

she said. “It has been sad watching

my beloved state fall apart, and I

think that God definitely placed

our thinking in going to another

place where we could be safe.”

Areli’s parents had also been

looking for a good Christian

education for her and her younger

brother, Haaziel, and when they

found Loma Linda Academy

(LLA), they felt that their

prayers had been answered.

Areli admits that she misses

her homeland, with its beautiful

landscapes and wonderful relaxation

spots. The thing she says she misses

the most however, is her family.

“I miss the feeling that I used to

have being with my [extended]

family and friends.” Although, she

has made many new friends and

memories while being as LLA that

have made her feel welcome here.

“There are so many differences

between my old school and here,” said

Areli, “[but] I am glad to say that they

have been better differences.” At her

old school, Areli had been the only

Seventh-day Adventist in her class,

so she took on a personal mission as

a missionary to her school friends.

She witnessed to them whenever

the opportunity arose, whatever the

situation was, and enjoyed doing so.

When she began attending

LLA, Areli was pleased to find

that the school was so Christ-

centered. “I really appreciate how

we pray before starting [each]

class,” she said “because it shows

me that everyone looks for the

wisdom that only God can give.”

Areli has really adapted to

this new milieu, and is glad

that she got to experience this

change. She sees it as another

opportunity to witness for God.

“God has been a very big part

of my life,” she said “and I can see

Him working throughout it all.”

Having had the privilege of attending

a bilingual school in Mexico, Areli

feels that God was preparing her

for her for the move to America.

She has been eager to get

involved with any and all forms of

ministry ever since, “but day by day

God is telling me that I just need

to wait and see the plans that He

has for me,” said Areli “and I would

not change that for anything.”

Photo by:Danelle Taylor Johnston

“Everyone looks for the wisdom that only God can give.”

by: aDanna okwanDu


now you know

And Je

sus g

rew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with G

od and man.

And Je

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od and man.

And Je

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od and man.

And Je

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od and man.

Luis Rengifo won the La Sierra

University $10,000 writing competition

for his essay “In The Grey and Black.”

To claim his scholarship he must

register as an English major or minor in

the fall of 2014 at La Sierra University.

And Je

sus g


od and man.

David Stone, English teacher and resident poet laureate, recently had two of

his poems published in Inlandia: A Literary Journal also at InlandiaJournal.org. The

two poems are named “Creosote” and “A Rare Night Air.” This is not the first time his poems have been published. Last year,

Inlandia published five other poems in their anthology, “2013 Writing From Inlandia.”

You can read his works here: inlandiajournal.org

Go to llamirror.org for news

updates and all things LLA!

SA Upcoming Events

March 18, 19: Talent Show Auditions

March 19: Brain Bowl (POSTPONED)

April 4: Talent Show

April 7: Volleyball Class Games

April 24: Drill Competition


a week of prayer; a week of revIvalA week of

prayer and revival, and a week for the students by the students of Loma Linda Academy (LLA).

This school year, from the third

to the seventh of February,

the LLA high school students held

a series of chapel meetings called

Week of Prayer. This happens only

three times during the school year,

once during first semester, and twice

during second semester. Two of these

are run by the Campus Ministries,

but one of them is run by the Student

Association (SA). The SA week of

prayer is usually the most popular

among the students because the

sermons are given by their peers.

This year, the student

week of prayer was based

on a very important aspect

of students’ lives: “Thesis,”

which is why they do what

they do. “I was a little

confused [by the topic]

at first,” admits Miranda

Roberts (12), the senior

speaker for week of prayer. “But

after Pastor J [Jason Calvert, campus

pastor] explained it to me I thought it

was a really cool topic.” Many other

students agreed, also calling week

of prayer “original” and “creative.”

Each grade was given their

own day to have a speaker present

about thesis. On the first day of

week of prayer, the SA led out.

Marissa Wright (11) and Karyn

Clayton (10) sang for special music

shortly before Scotty Webber (11),

the SA religious vice president,

gave a short, but informative

address to introduce the topic. Denice Piedra (9), Janna Que (9), and Angelo Simorangkir (9)

Malik Mayne (12), Irel Idrisalman (12), Kayla Niere (12), Kurt Dritlein (12), Jozef Wright (12)


The sophomore class took

charge on the second day, with

Amalia Goulbourne (10) speaking

about how to discover your thesis.

Eric Kim (9) the freshman class

speaker for the third day of week

of prayer, spoke about the reasons

why we need a thesis. It was his first

time doing public speaking, and

this was also the first time that the

freshman praise band performed for

the rest of the student body. “I was

really nervous when we started,”

said Denice Piedra (9), one of the

members of the praise band “but it

got better, and I really enjoyed it.”

On the second to last day, Gerald

Cheng (11)

spoke for the

junior class

about the

actions we

should take

to achieve

our thesis.

Then,

the seniors

brought the

final meeting

for week of prayer to a close, with a

spoken word presentation by Malik

Mayne (12) and an address from

Miranda Roberts (12). Roberts spoke

about letting God write our thesis.

“Miranda’s sermon brought me to

tears,” said Karmyn Clayton, mother

of Karyn Clayton (10). “It reminded

me that everyone has a story to tell.”

An important issue regarding the

class praise bands was also brought

to attention. There seems to be

some form of ongoing competition

between them, although the band

members claim that they are not

trying to outdo one another.

Freshman praise band member

Dara Salamante (9) mentioned that

she had not noticed anything herself,

but said, “Our goal as a praise band

is to praise God, and we should help

each other to

do the best

that we can.”

Others

said that

they have

seen rivalry

between

the classes

and that it

“shouldn’t

be there.” “We aren’t there to

represent our class.” said Alyssa

Cosejo (10), one of the sophomore

praise band members. “We are

there to represent God.”

A lot of people felt spiritually

uplifted by this student week of

prayer in particular. Sue Peterson,

one of the school’s physical education

teachers, felt extremely touched by

it all. “I’d be extremely surprised

and worried if there were a single

student who was not inspired

by this week of prayer,” she said,

“because it was really touching.”

“It really spoke to me,” said

Jonielle Belonio (10). “And it had

perfect timing for me, [because]

it could have happened last week

or next week, but it happened this

week, when I needed it most.”

Amalia Goulbourne (10), said

that the whole week “made me say

to myself, ‘Amalia, you really need

to think about what your thesis is

in life.’” Goulbourne hoped the

whole student body did the same.

Amalia Goulbourne (10)

by: aDanna okwanDuPhotos by: Diane Bradley


TesTIng 1,2,3!Students pack

into Chan Auditorium every Friday for chapel, yet many don’t know about the sheer dedication and hard work that goes into making the experience truly special.

Friday chapel has always been

considered very important

by many students and

teachers alike. It is a time to come

closer to God through music,

drama and the speakers’ message.

What many of them don’t know,

however, is what happens behind

the scenes. They usually don’t see

the controlled frenzy that takes place

on the Thursday evenings before

Chan Auditorium opens its doors

to the high school student body.

There are many faces behind

the scenes. The first, and probably

most notable being Campus

Chaplain, Jason Calvert. He is the

“ringleader” of chapel and is in

charge of everything that happens.

He is also in charge of inviting guest

speakers, scheduling praise bands,

and deciding themes. “We plan

ahead for chapel anywhere from

six months to a year,” he says.

Another big role behind the

scenes are the Ministry Directors,

particularly chapel ministries.

They are the ones who set up

the stage, and decorations. They

also have input in choosing the

themes. The praise bands and the

drama team, Reality Check, also

have a part behind the scenes.

The main force behind the

scenes are tech coordinators. They

are the theoretical backbone and

play a huge role in chapel. “Tech is

a big part. They control what the

audience is seeing and hearing,” says

David Siahaan (10), a member of

the sophomore praise team. “They

play a big part in the overall sound.”

Tech coordinators are usually the

first to arrive at sound check, and the

last to leave. This is due to the many

jobs that they do, which includes

setting up cables and microphones,

operating the sound board, manning

the spot and house lights, and

creating the slides on the projector

screen. Jonathan Thomas (12), a tech

coordinator works hard to make the

best sounding environment possible.

“We usually get to sound check

earlier than the rest. We get to Chan

Auditorium on Thursdays about an

hour early to set up the instruments,

cables, and lights. We also leave an

hour later than everybody else.”

Depending on the situation, it

could be over in an instant, or last

all the way through the night. “I stay

there anywhere from 8:00 P.M. to as


late as 1:30 A.M. in the morning!”

says Calvert. If everyone joins

forces and works together, however,

everything can get done faster.

The freshman praise band

experienced this for the first time

during student week of prayer. “Since

it was our first time doing sound

check, it was a little messy,” says praise

band member, Denise Piedra (9), “

we got it together eventually, though.”

Praise band takes up a lot of the

time for sound check. They usually

run through their song list and fix

any last minute mistakes. This is

also where tech’s main job comes

to play. During the practice, all the

instruments are fine tuned sound-

wise to blend together harmoniously.

“We’re there to make it sound

good. We want to make praise and

chapel in general something that

everyone can enjoy.” Says Thomas.

Tech also operates the lights to go

in time with the music to create

an appropriate atmosphere.

Chapel has grown over the years

into an experience that is simply too

good to miss. “I think everyone has

gotten better with their job. I think

each praise band has gotten better

because they’re practicing, tech has

gotten smoother because we know

what we’re doing.” Says Thomas.

The main goal and the reason

why so many people work hard to

make chapel incredible is not to

glorify themselves, but to glorify

God. The whole reason for chapel

is for students to to take time out

of their busy, homework-packed

schedules and to have time to

worship their Lord and Savior.

“When it’s all said and done,

our main goal is for someone to

experience Jesus, whether it be for

the first time, or the thousandth

time,” says Calvert “When a student

experiences Jesus whether it be

through the music, the bumper

videos, drama, or the message,

that’s what makes all the work

worth it. We aren’t there to have

a nice performance. If it doesn’t

point to God, then it’s pointless.”

Chapel wouldn’t be possible

if it weren’t for the dedicated

few behind the scenes. They are

the ones who help make chapel

an incredible, God-centered

experience. So remember when you

see a group of students walking to

Chan Auditorium on Thursday

afternoon, be sure to thank them.

By: Jason FriasPhotos By: Jason Frias and Shawn Weerawardana

Go check out

the new video

on our website

at llamirror.org

And Je

sus g


od and man.

And Je

sus g


od and man.

And Je

sus g


od and man.


Erica Rantung has only

taught at Loma Linda

Academy (LLA) for

two years, but she has become

an integral part of LLA.

Rantung’s current course

load includes: freshmen Bible and

geography, English as a second

language (ESL), and Introduction

to Christianity. She is also a

sophomore class sponsor.

Prior to teaching at LLA,

Rantung taught for three years in

Taiwan, her home country. Two of

those years she taught Mandarin

at Adventist American school

Chinese to grades K-8 at Taipei

American School, and one year she

taught ESL to local international

students in grades 9-12 at Taipei

Adventist Preparatory Academy.

Along with speaking

Taiwanese, Cantonese, Mandarin,

and English, she can read

Biblical Greek and Hebrew.

Rantung moved to the United

States from Taiwan in 2009 because

she got married to roy Rantung

She said, “God knew I would need

English, so he opened the door for

me to learn English in Taiwan.”

She holds an MA in Religious

Education from Andrews University.

Rantung enjoys teaching at

LLA and working with the faculty,

staff and students. Rantung also

enjoys being a sophomore sponsor.

“I am glad I can spend time with

the students I taught last year,” she

said. “I am also glad to be able to

join other class activities to get to

know other students as well.”

Rantung said it was a little hard

at first teaching in a new country.

The biggest difference Rantung sees

between teaching in The United

States from teaching in Taiwan,

are the attitudes of students in the

United States. “Quote needed”

In her spare time she likes to

watch Asian dramas and listen to

sermons, which she has been doing

since she was a teenager. She is also

involved in children’s ministries at

the Palm Springs Adventist church,

where her husband Roy pastors.

“My favorite part about

working at LLA is that I get

to interact with the students

and share Jesus with them.”

TeaCher feaTure: erICa ranTung

By: Elijah Hickman

Erica Rantung and her husband Roy on their wedding day at Pine Springs Ranch


wInTer sporTs news

Boys Varsity: Wins-17, Losses-9

Boys Jr. Varsity: Wins-6, Losses-1

Girls Varsity: Wins-23, Losses-5

Girls Jr. Varsity: Wins-6, Losses-6

Girls Frosh: Information unavailable

Soccer Scores(Overall)Boys Varsity: Wins-6,

Ties-9, Losses-3

Boys Jr. Varsity: Information

unavailable

Girls Varsity: Wins-4, Losses-19

Girls Jr. Varsity: Wins-1, Losses-15

Winter sports at Loma

Linda Academy include

two of the most intense sports all

year: basketball and soccer. As the

winter season is now over, each

athlete has his or her own memory

to take away from the season.

Tania Barnov(12) says that

within the girls junior varsity soccer

team, she saw that each girl was

“determined to get better at the sport”

and admired their efforts in doing

so. As a senior, Barnov left advice

for anyone who would want to try

out for a sport in high school. “Stay

positive and try your best. Don’t be

offended by help. And above all else,

find a sport that you will love.”

For Garrison Augustines(11),

he says that he enjoyed playing on

the boys varsity basketball team

as it was “a getaway from school

and stress.” Each year, basketball

teams are different. This year was

no exception as Augustines pointed

out that the basketball team was

skilled in different areas than years

before. “We had to adjust to what

we had,” he states. New areas of

skill did not hinder the team one bit

as their 17 wins included a Pacific

Union College Championship.

Andy Sandiford is a familiar face

when it comes to sports. He had

coached softball, baseball, and more

recently soccer. He was to be the

head soccer coach for this year, but

stepped in for JV girls as their coach

moved to San Francisco for a new

job. When asked about any preferred

changes in sports, he said that he

would like to see more students

and faculty at games for support.

“A great idea would be a student

game night,” suggests Sandiford,

“Teachers wouldn’t assign much

homework, lots of people will be

in attendance, and we would have

a great opportunity to show our

school spirit by being at our games.”

Basketball Scores(Overall)


baTTles, heroes &fIgure skaTers When the

Ancient Greeks thought about the Olympic Games and the athletes that competed in them they did not have figure skaters in mind.

Still ancient and modern

Olympians have a common

trait that binds them through

the centuries—their determination.

The Ancient Olympic Games

were a religious and athletic festival.

It showcased the strength, agility,

and ability to do more than the

average man. If an athlete won a

sport he would bring honor to the

gods, as well as his city-state and

would be considered a hero.

According to History.com, the

website for The History Channel,

one of the definitions of a hero in

Ancient Greece was “Someone who

in the face of danger, adversity, or

from a position of weakness, displays

courage” That aspect of the Olympics

has not changed, every athlete that

wins a medal makes

their country proud.

They become a hero

to someone, regardless

of their place on the

podium. The 2014 Sochi

Winter Olympics Games

on the other hand had

a few changes. It started

on February 7th and

ended on the 23rd.

Twelve new

sports were added: ski

half pipe - men and

women, ski slopestyle

- men and women,

snowboard slopestyle

- men and women,

snowboard parallel

slalom, women’s ski jumping,

biathlon mixed relay, figure skating

team event, and luge team relay.

It was the first time that the

majority of the sports have been

inclusive to women. Danielle

Hamilton (12) said, “These are great

additions to the Olympics because

they allow women to be able to

compete in the same stuff as guys.”

The new sports were uncharted

territory which made it more difficult

for the athletes to train. The new

sports also brought a new set of

fears for many, and reasonably so.

Jessica Williams, religion teacher

had this to say about the athletes

dedication to training. “I personally

admire them... I mean they train six

days a week at least, and for hours!”

Many of the new courses were

also dangerous. Edward Colon

(9) said that he would be afraid to


try the halfpipe at the

Olympics because of the

risk of injury. “It’s like

skateboarding but on

ice, skateboarding is hard

enough on wheels on the

ground.”, said Colon.

USA athlete Shaun

White competed in the

men’s half pipe at

the Olympics and

ranked 4th place. In the Qualification

Round he dropped out of the Men’s

Snowboarding Slopestyle out of fear

of the course being too dangerous.

According to Business Insider.

com he talked to the TODAY

SHOW about his decision, “With

the practice runs I have taken, even

after course modifications and

watching fellow athletes get hurt,

the potential risk of injury is a bit

too much for me to gamble

my other Olympics goals on.”

At the qualifying finals

on February 9th, Czech

snowboarder Sarka Pancochova

crashed and her helmet was

split virtually down the middle.

Pancochova talked to the

Journal Sentinel about her

experience. “Yeah, it’s

broken. But I guess

that’s what they’re there for.”

The Olympians have to battle

against not only other athletes, but

themselves. They have to determine

that the reward is

greater than the risk.

Their determination to

succeed had to override

their fears, because

they believed their goal

was worth the fight.

That is a

characteristic of

Olympians that is noted

but hardly discussed.

Their mental fortitude

and focus is something

that many should strive

to have. They would

probably agree that it is

harder fighting the battle

in your own mind, than

it is to compete against other amazing

athletes from around the world.

The Olympians demonstrate

extraordinary determination and

courage that all should want to

emulate. Courage, not just to battle

against others, but the courage

to battle their own fears and

reservations. They are determined to

compete with anyone and anything

to achieve their goal, and because of

that they all walk away as Olympians.

www.Olympic.org

by: TahIra ashley


muffIn Top bakeryOn the corner

of State street and Spruce street in downtown Redlands, there sits a little shop called Muffin Top Bakery.

Known for their revolutionary idea of selling only the more desirable tops to muffins

(hence the name); this quickly growing, but still homey feeling, chain store sells a variety of usually unavailable foods, such as vegan and gluten-free desserts and sandwiches.

The first thing one notices when he/she steps inside the shop is the inviting atmosphere. The small tables, low lighting and enticing smell of freshly baked breads and desserts create a homey feeling in the restaurant. The chefs and cashiers greet each entering visitor with a warm, heartfelt hello, and are always ready to serve their customers.

The Mirror staff reviewed a selection of desserts from the bakery, including: a vegan cinnamon roll, a gluten-free lemon square, a cannoli, vegan baklava, a gluten-free brownie, a vegan napoleon, and a vegan Mona Lisa.

The vegan cinnamon rolls was a favorite among all the staff, despite being a bit cold by the time it reached the lips of the staff members. The staff described it as, “sweet, but not too sweet,” according to Elijah Hickman

(10). And also with a “good amount of frosting,” said Victoria Ico (10). Although it was vegan, the staff members expressed surprise at how normal it tasted. Another comment was that it had an interesting spice, identified as nutmeg, which gave the roll a special and unexpected kick.

According to Danelle Taylor Johnston, sponsor of The Mirror,

the lemon square was “soft and fluffy,” and “not too sweet.” Since the square was not sickly sweet, one would expect its citrus to overpower, but Ico said it was “not too citrusy,” either. A hint of cinnamon could be detected in the dessert, as well.

The only non-vegan dessert sampled, the cannoli was also a crowd favorite. It was described using a variety of adjectives, such as “lemony,” “light,” “flaky,” and “smooth.” The cannoli included a surprise inside the filling, small chocolate chips added their flavor to the mix.

The only dessert with a more negative review was the vegan napoleon. Staff members described it as “dry,” and lacking flavor, according to Ico. “The bread wasn’t too good, but the whipped cream and chocolate was a good combination,” said Hickman.

Finally, the dessert no one had heard of, the vegan Mona Lisa, got great reviews. Its flavor was, in the crust, “like a graham cracker,” and with a “cherry filling,” said Jason Frias (12). The cake-like dessert was drizzled with

chocolate (vegan, of course), and seemed to be appreciated by all.

Overall, the consensus on Muffin Top Bakery was that even the most exotic desserts were quite tasty, and would be recommended for anyone willing to experience something new. The service is friendly, the atmosphere inviting, and the sweets? Well, the sweets are sweet indeed.

Vegan Cinnemon Roll

Cannoli

Mona Lisa

by: DomInIque TownsenDPhotos by Elijah Hickman


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Down1) The teacher feature in this issue.2) The guy from Chi-Town. Go Cubs!3) Hay un chico que se llama Pablo. The teacher famous for teaching his students this phrase. 4) Students go there almost every Friday.5) “Before Anything Else”6) The walk to and from this building to the new building causes a lot of tardies. 7) Our SA President 8) Girl you wanna go to Starbucks *clicks* or _ _ _!?9) The first name of the guy who loves the Dodgers.

Across 1) Wiley has never caught this 2) It came tumbling down a couple of months ago. (no space)3) The teacher who is at the end of the yellow brick road. 4) “Fix your life!”5) This person ran 13 marathons in the year 20136) It’s what a hamburger is all about!7) She came in like a wrecking ball, with J’s on her feet,

and she couldn’t stop.8) Starting center for the Boy’s Varsity Basketball team, also the team’s MVP. (Last name)9) The Junior class sells this on Thursdays from time to time. 10) The answer to any question you could ever have. 11) The city at 34.0483degrees North and 117.2506 degrees West

All answers on the mirror website,

llamirror.org


a nIghT In CanDylanDA sweet dinner for sweet children.

On the night of February

9, 2014, a majority of the

freshmen class of 2017

and the sophomore class of 2016

entered the Azure Hills Fellowship

hall in awe. They had just entered a

sweet Candyland. As students took

their seats, some took notice of the

candy centerpieces made of either

M&M’s or gumdrops. The walls

were adorned with bright colors and

more candy. Students were delighted

with the wonderful decorations

and even a bright photo booth to

take pictures with friend, and the

officers took a step back to smile at

the appreciation of their hard work.

For the last month leading up to

the event, a select group of student

officers from the freshmen and

sophomore classes, sponsors, and

parents worked very hard to plan this

dinner of tradition, which was started

back in the early 1990’s. Sarah Farris

(10), one of the Sophomore senators

on the project, said that the Freshmen

and Sophomore officers began by

choosing the theme for this year by

throwing out ideas and finally voting

on the perfect one: Candyland.

At the dinner, Michael

Pappas(10) was described as

the perfect emcee for the night,

according to Zach Evangelista(10).

He greeted them with a corny

joke and set the bright and happy

mood for the evening. After the

prayer, the students were released

to the buffet table to get food to

eat. “The [Italian] food was not

meant to match the theme. It was

a general safe food,” says Farris.

The night continued with the

opening of the candy bar, and the

reactions of the kids being what

Corbin Edelbach (10) describes as

“chaotic.” It did not take long for

the candy to run out as the kids were

literally climbing over each other

to reach the much desired candy.

Sometime in the middle of the

dinner, a hilarious round of “The

Newly Met Game” brought everyone

much laughter. The game was to see if

the partner of each pair of contestants

could answer the questions for the

other person. Much laughter was

stirred up by the contestants answers

and Pappas’ comments during the

game. The winners were Janaya

Luna (10) and Hunter Lazar (9)

and they were awarded a Panera gift

card where “They must go together!

On a date!” A joke said by Pappas.

The first entertainment of the

night was a duet of the song This

“Ain’t the Way” written by Jeremy

Passion and Tori Kelly and performed

by the freshmen Janna Que (9) and

Angelo Simorangkir (9). Joni Belonio

(10) and David Siahaan (10) provided

the last musical number of the night

with the song “L.O.V.E.” by Frank

Sinatra. A closing prayer was given by

Corinne Atiga (10) and afterwards the

finale of the night was announced.

ALL


A candy piñata was waiting for

the students at the church’s tennis

court and was ready to be broken

open, although it only took three

people, Jake Tsai (10), Brandon

Larsen (10), and Dylan Behseresht

(9), to break it open and spill its sweet

contents for the kids to fight over.

When all was said and done

the Valentine’s Dinner could not

have been as wonderful as it was

without the hard work of the parents

and officers who made it so great.

Lin Adams, Alex Arrnot’s mother

(10), said that “It was fabulous.

But the kids did a lot.” And they

sure did because this sweet dinner

won’t be forgotten anytime soon.by: vICTorIa ICoPhotos By: Elijah Hickman and Kate Lewis


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1) Vintage inspired

crystal earrings

2) White and

floral prints are always

in for spring.

3) Nothinng is more

versetile than a nude shoe.

Wedges scream spring!

4) Dress up any

outfit with a statement

cocktail ring.

1) Solid tees are a staple

in any man’s wardrobe.

2) Protect your

eyes with style with

a pair of shades.

3) Fitted khakis are a

classic versatile piece to go

with any spring outfit.

4) Spring breeze can

be chilly, don’t forget

a light cardigan.

5) Go anywhere

and be comfortable in

a pair of slip ons.

Fashion advice and

photo assistance was

given by Fashion Club

President Sydney Gilbert.

Sophia Goyne

Kevin Leeper

loma linda academy mirror '13-'14 i4

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