Varun Roperia

By Dolph Adomian

It was a remarkable day on September 24, 1992; a day that will be remembered.  It was on this day that the sun arose from the chains of darkness differently and with more grandeur than usual.  Santosh and Jitender Roperia witnessed the birth of their first child Varun, and would always bear sight to his continuous accomplishments throughout his life.  Born at Cedar Sinai Hospital, the life of Varun Roperia, a man so great he needs no middle name, has always been full of excitement and vigor. 
In his early years, his mother, a kindergarten teacher, and his father, a Chevron Dealer, enrolled him at School in Santa Monica while living there.  Later, his family moved to their current abode in Culver City where he attended La Tijera K8 School for two years, then Pilgrim Private School for one year, the 6th grade. After this, he entered the El Segundo school system, eventually bringing his brother Vidyut as well, and immediately began making friends. From his young days on Varun has been involved in honor roll and gifted and talented programs. 
            He has been at the vanguard of great endeavors of academics such as the various science fairs and technological projects he has been involved with.  While at El Segundo High he has made the point of always challenging himself as much as he can, although there has never been a challenge that he has not ripped at the throat.  He boasts holding the most advanced classes of anyone in his class at a total number of 11 including AP Calculus, Biology, Spanish, Composition, Literature, SMC US History, Physics, Macroeconomics, Political Science, LMU Calc 2, and Calc 3. 
            Through his monumental adversities he has managed to earn the honor roll on a local, state, and national level all four years of high school.  He has earned the Golden State Seal Award for his performance on standardized tests.  There has been no limit so far of what this man can accomplish. 
            But is the man only brilliant in a book sense?  Of course not, his magnanimous rays of wit infiltrate the thickest of skulls and command excellence in his extracurricular activities.  Varun has been in Journalism for three years and is now the chief editor.  In Academic Decathlon, he has risen to the rank of captain through his three years of service.  He has also had adequate participation in Yearbook and Photography; sealing his mind’s depth of the arts.  And would you believe Varun has done all this and is graduating at the age of 16?  Few have accomplished so much as this man, and even fewer within the same time frame as him. 
            He has visited India, the land of his ancestors, where he has ridden an Elephant and a camel.  Immediately he thought of the strategic value of these beasts, but decided modern vessels were more practical.  He hopes to one day own a castle in Germany with his good friend Alex Konow and also make ridiculous movies for no reason such as "Midget Zombies 4".  Varun is an expert with computer and programming and can be efficient in any environment involving technology.  Yet, rather than empowering computer development, he prefers to help mankind by searching for the cure for cancer.  Miles Baker claims “Varun is going to be the guy to cure cancer.”  Varun humbly accepts the praise, but never let’s his head swell with arrogance, as so many of the intelligentsia have. 
            Varun will be attending UCLA this fall where he will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering, although he is considering switching to majoring in biology and minoring in mathematics.  His capable and gung-ho attitude will only yield him success in any path he chooses.  Although Varun’s fame is infinitesimal in comparison to the World at this moment, his name will be remembered for many centuries as the pioneer in whatever field he carves out of the depths of the unknown, which Americans will follow for generations to come. 

Andrew Gen

By Dolph Adomian

Andrew Jungmun Gen:  an inspiration to us all.  Who can argue with this?  When this man was in 3rd grade, his teacher urged his parents to place him into remedial classes for special education.  However, this teacher did not understand that Andrew was not slow but genius.  This is a man who is only scared of Halloween because it is “really scary”.  Besides this, his fears are withheld by his passion for discovery and innovation.
On April 16, 1991 Dr. Ray Gen and Joanne Gen were blessed with a child who illuminated their lives and widened smiles wherever he goes. Andrew was born in Santa Monica and lived in Culver City up to 5th grade.  He went to El Segundo pre-schools but then attended Culver City schools until 4th grade.  The skies were grey over El Segundo until his return.  He officially moved to El Segundo in 5th grade; and it was reported the least overcast year in California history. 
Although his enthusiasm for baseball was overturned when he ran the wrong way on the bases, his desire for success in other sports was never killed.  He found amusement in soccer during his elementary school years and basketball from kindergarten to 8th grade but then stopped because of his claim that he “sucked”.  In high school he played football for two years and found his calling in Tennis where he was captain for two years.  Although the Tennis team has been marked with defeats in past years, Andrew led his team to break a no-CIF streak of 6 years.  For his achievements he has won the career improvement award and MVP for Tennis. 
His academic victories have been paved with painful struggles that he has overcome with shining glory.  He has taken rigorous courses such as AP Calc, Comp, Art, El Camino courses: US history, World history, physics, and astronomy.  This has not hindered his success in anyway; he has made the Honor roll on the local, state, and national level.  He served as Vice President for the CSF club. 
In addition to his academic and physical triumphs, he has made grand accomplishments as a well rounded student in as many extracurricular activities that one could barely begin to perceive in the mind.  He has been in Journalism for all four years of high school and has risen to Chief Sports Editor.  For his verbose writings with the most intricate and exquisite of words he has won several awards such as an honorable mention in the National Journalism Association Editorial Cartooning contest and a 3rd place award in a regional journalism competition.  His writing skills are not limited to editorials; he has won a Mason’s essay contest as well. 
He has also been involved in the Marching Band for four years where he has become the Drum Captain and the Drum Major.  He plays six instruments excellently, with tunes that dance into one’s ears with harmony and bliss.  He was also elected to Boy’s State, but declined to become the procession leader at the graduation of the class of 2008; an act of humility that no great politician could ever avoid the temptation of, yet Andrew refused to take the apple. 
But behind it all Andrew Gen is one of the friendliest people anyone could ever meet.  His close friends describe him as creative, funny, reliable, and innovative.  However almost everyone can describe him as this.  His best friend since 6th grade has been Ryan Marcelis, who has remained friends with Andrew even after moving out of California.  His girlfriend, Christy Crigler, has been dating him for 10 months now and relays the message that he is indeed a warm-hearted and open person.  His supposed arch nemesis is Sarah Pandhiani, and the reason for this rivalry was justified with a response of “just ‘cause”. 
With all that he has accomplished, he still has room for experiences of all sorts around the World.  He has caught a wild turtle in the wilderness; an experience he claims has taught him much about nature.  His favorite food is beef tongue, something that most would not even imagine eating.  He won a hamburger eating contest at some point.  He saw President Obama’s inauguration.  He has ventured across Spain and plans to do the same in Southern Australia where he hopes to witness Penguin hatchings.  The experiences he has observed are broad across the horizons of exuberance.
Andrew will be attending Oregon State University where he will study graphic design and also play the tenor drums in the marching band.  Although he is not too certain in his desired career choice, he wants to work for Google.  From here he wants to own a house and mansion and perhaps a McDonald’s franchise simply “for fun”.  He also hopes to live at least 109 years so that he can bear witness to two centuries.  He is a very particular man; and whatever his tastes dictate he must grasp he will have, and he will conquer whatever challenge attacks his integrity.

Garrison "Dolph" Adomian

By Varun Roperia

What name do you think of when you question what a big, strong and brawny man? Maximus Aurelius. Now, what name do you think of when you think of Maximus Aurelius? Garrison Randolph Adomian. A pinnacle of perfection among the large, husky men of our time, we are blessed to have such a titan roaming around our school hallways. Dolph was born in Westchester on May 8, 1991 to Suwannee and Haig Adomian, as the fourth and youngest of four brothers, the others being James, David and Daniel.
For the first eight years of his life, Dolph lived in Westchester though he first began attending El Segundo Schools when he was seven. Before the fourth grade, he moved to Georgia for one year, but then subsequently returned to El Segundo and has been here since.
In school, Dolph has risen in popularity among his peers and was nominated both for Prom King and Homecoming King. In addition, he focused on honing his athleticism, in particular for football, in which he was the ESHS Scholar Athlete, was awarded as the Football Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete, 2 time football lineman of the year, All-CIF center, and played in the Lion All-Star Game. On the field, Dolph has eleven years of experience with the football, both from Pop Warner and High School football. In addition, Dolph has succeeded in wresting where in his freshman year he was awarded the rookie of the year, and is the founder and president of the Wrestling Club.
 Academically, Dolph has thrived here at ESHS. He has been granted the Gold State Seal Award, as well as Principal’s Honor Roll, CSF, and National Honor Roll. Dolph has excelled in his public speaking and has been awarded several times due to his achievements as a JSA Club Assemblymen and was awarded the 3 time best speaker award. Dolph is also part of AP Bio Club and AP Econ Club; he was a Lions Club Speech Contest Participant and a Former Volunteer for Carrie-On Day Care.
College plans include attending Claremont McKenna University in the Fall; his major is currently undecided, but he hopes to pursue PPE (Philosophy, Politics, & Economics), Finance, or Political Science. As far as a career is concerned, Dolph hopes to work on Wall St. as a stock broker or trader, or work as an investment banker or financier; He hopes for something in which he can find a great fortune, to finance his dream of becoming a Venture Capitalist (which will require outside money simply to begin). Politics is also a future path Mr. Adomian may consider dabbling in, and he muses that “there always should indee be an Adomian in the White House.”
Dolph is more than simply an accomplished student, however; he has focused on improving the nuances in his personality and repertoire of skills that he finds important. Take for instance that day by day, Dolph has been training to be able to drink a gallon of milk in an hour. Likewise, being a Tobasco master, he has taken six shots of Tobasco in one sitting. He is the undisputed king of Superhero and 80s day, with memorable costumes including being Dr. Manhatten.   Favorite books include 48 Laws of Power and 33 Strategies of War by Robert Green and he “does and will use what he has learned, mwahahahaha.”  Has no living heroes besides Ron Paul (Alexander the Great, Alcibiades of Athens, Belisarius of Byzantium, Wallace, Richard the Lionhearted, Hannibal,  Arnold Von Winkelreid, and many many more.) Furthermore, Dolph Plans on opening a water park with rides so ridiculous that they are borderline illegal (being a venture capitalist will make this, and starting other endeavors, easy). His peers call him the funniest person on the planet, although he is reserved with his humor.  He also has THE BEST costumes and wants to travel the world and live for a year in the wild. Wherever his journeys take him, Garrison Randolph Adomian will be an asset to all who meet him, and the Eagles should be proud to have such an accomplished alumnus fly the coop.

By Cora Chong

Band: A Conclusion to a Great Year!

By Jack Li

  As the school year comes to a close, the band students at El Segundo High have much to reminisce about. Overall, this year has been a huge success, with the band earning top honors in both marching and concert season. It has been a year of raising standards and achieving new heights which the band topped off with one final concert which took place on Friday, May 28th.
            This concert, which was the climax to an excellent year, surpassed expectations and really showed how much the students have grown. They played a variety of pieces including “Mars” and “Jupiter” from Gustav Holst's "Planets" suite, "Belle of the Ball", "Heaven’s Light", and many others. Although the music given to them was significantly more challenging than it has been in previous years, the band rose to the occasion and performed the pieces admirably. “Mars” and “Jupiter” were definitely the highlights of the evening, as they were both the most difficult and had the most time spent on them. At the end of the concert, Mr. Fox announced the two new drum majors for next year’s marching season: Andrew Thompson as Drum Major and Stefan Takamura as Asst. Drum Major. ”I’m proud of the band because of the level of music that we played, and I can’t wait until next year,” says Junior Josh Footlik. The band could not be more proud to showcase music such as this.
A few days after the concert, the band held an Awards Night, in which they remembered the past year and honored the seniors who were leaving. Students Matt Lim and Josh Footlik both gave moving speeches that summarized the feeling about the season. Several students in the band were presented with prestigious awards, such as Matt Lim with the Band Director’s Award, Andrew Gen with the Gilmore Award, and Jenimarie Dahl with the John Philip Sousa Award. According to band director Mr. Fox, these students exhibit qualities that make them truly exceptional members of the band.
            The students are definitely proud of how the year has gone. “This year has been truly excellent,” said band director Steven Fox. During marching season, the band achieved first and second place at competitions, except for finals, in which they still placed in the top among the best bands in their division. They achieved 6th in state championships, a reputation certain to be revered. During concert season, at an invitational festival in Anaheim, El Segundo High received both first and second place with both bands that entered. Band students this year really have an honor to be proud of.

By Cora Chong

What to look forward to this sumer

By Kim Keener

As the school year comes to a close, seniors breathe a sigh of relief, juniors relax and swell with anticipation, sophomores prepare for the challenging year ahead and freshmen are just happy they are not freshman anymore.  A whole two months of freedom lay ahead and for many it is to be considered the best time of the year.  But what is there all to look forward to in terms of entertainment for those two months?  Because after a while, repetitions are made and sleeping in until noon and watching movies all day can get quite monotonous.  However, solutions to this monotony can be found in going to concerts, listening to new music and watching the latest movies.

Upcoming movies that are building anticipation are: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, My Sister’s Keeper, Year One, Public Enemies, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.  Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen comes out June twenty-fourth and is the sequel to the action packed Transformers with new attractive stars as Shia La’Beouf, and Megan Fox.  In the sequel, the couple joins again with the autobots to fight off the enemies in the previous movie.  My Sister’s Keeper comes out on June twenty-sixth and looks like a tear-jerker involving a couple who has a daughter with leukemia, then in an attempt to save their daughter they conceive another child who can provide a donor match.  The younger, healthy sibling then sues her family to the rights to her own body after years of surgeries and medical procedures.  Year One comes out on June nineteenth and depicts the story of two lazy hunter gatherers who are banished from their village and set off on an adventure through the ancient world.  Year One stars funny men Jack Black and Michael Cera and should give audiences a good laugh.  Public Enemies is the infamous tale of John Dillinger and his gang and how Dillinger (played by Johnny Depp) seems to out wit every cop and get himself out of jail.  Edgar J. Hoover, of the FBI then makes John Dillinger public enemy number one.  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is based on the sixth book of the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling coming out July fifteent h.  In the sixth movie of the Harry Potter series, Voldemort increases his power within both worlds of the muggles and the magic world, making Hogwarts no longer safe.  Dumbledore and Harry work together in preparing for the approaching showdown between Voldemort and Harry.  Plus, as hormones arise, unexpected feelings of jealousy and love fill the hearts of the students at Hogwarts.

As far as music goes there are many bands which are coming out with albums in summer: Jordan Sparks, The Flaming Lips, The Jonas Brothers, Incubus and Brad Paisley.  Two recently released albums which just came out are Taking Back Sunday and Elvis Costello.  With all of these artists putting out new music, it is all the more reason to check out an artist whom is different from what you already listen to.  Remember one thing though upon doing so: don’t knock it until you try it.  Concerts to look forward to this summer are also Warped Tour, where bands such as: 3OH!3, All Time Low, Bad Religion, Breathe Carolina, Brokencyde, Chiodos, Escape the Fate, Every Avenue, Flogging Mo lly, Forever the Sickest Kids, Jeffree Star, Less than Jake, Meg & Dia, NeverShoutNever!, Saosin, Senses Fail, The Atraris, The Maine, and The White Tie Affair.  As well as this summer both Tokio Hotel and Cinema Bizarre are also going to be coming to L.A this summer for some performances.

Nonetheless, there is a lot to do this summer instead of sitting in front of the tube.  So it is only more the reason to get up, get out and try something new and have a good time. 

By Cora Chong

Summer Reading

By Emma Smith

Many people at our school know about the competitions and numerous successes of the ESHS Eagle Marching Band. However, marching season has been over for a while, and the band has faded into the background in regards to school headlines. After marching band, the program reverts to a formal, stationary practice and performance setting. It has been concert season for more than 4 months already. So what has the band been up to lately?
                On Saturday, April 17th, the band took a trip to Fullerton for the Forum Festival, a competition for musical ensembles all around Southern California. Some of the ensembles included choirs, orchestras, and symphonic bands. Our high school band is split up into three groups: Symphonic Band (which includes all the players), Concert Band (which is for the less experienced players), and Wind Ensemble (for the more experienced players). Only the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble were entered for this competition. Both groups performed pieces that they had been practicing for several months. The band arrived at the competition ready to play and earn an impressive score.
                 The Symphonic Band performed three ensemble pieces entitled “Fanfare and Celebration,” “An Evening in the Village,” and “The Big Cage”. The smaller Wind Ensemble performed “Festive Centennial” and two movements of “English Folk Song Suite.” These widely varied pieces created diversity in the music, which appealed to the judge's interest. Most of the students left the stage feeling confident about their performance. Junior Josh Footlik stated triumphantly, "The band rose to the occasion, and I'm really proud of it.”
                After they performed, the band went to Disneyland for a day of fun. Students greatly enjoyed this experience. During the awards ceremony held at Disneyland, they discovered that the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band had earned first and second place, respectively. The success of the ESHS band is something that our school can be just as proud of as our marching season.