Ashton DeLano – Editor in Chief

Joining the staff of The Californian in my freshman year was perhaps the greatest decision of my four years at this school.

A single semester as a TA to adviser Brian Barr working on this amazing newspaper had me hooked on the publication forever.

From then on, all I wanted was to be more involved on the staff and incorporate news writing into my life.

I’m so proud of the staff and the amazing work they did this year. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication and hard work.

I’m glad I had the chance to write so many interesting stories, be witness in some astounding events, but most importantly, be a part of something much greater than myself.

I learned many things in this class that I would never have had the chance to learn anywhere else.

I’ll miss The Californian, this year’s staff, and Mr. Barr very much, and there is no way to express how thankful I am for everything they gave me through the years.

It was a great year everyone, good luck to us all.

Mohammed Syed – Editor in Chief

In a See It Now broadcast, Edward R. Murrow once said, “I began by saying that our history will be what we make it. If we go on as we are, then history will take its revenge, and retribution will not limp in catching up with us.

“This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference.”

Newspaper has instilled in the value of upholding public responsibility.

It has been the utmost honor to be in lead of the staff this year with my partners Ashton DeLano and Amir Sagafi. This paper has the blood, sweat, and ink of more than 40 students, all with the intention of reporting truthful and interesting news.

These dreamers work day to day to write the stories which remain untold and unheard from our viewpoints. It’s been a gorgeous ride.

Maddy Pisio – Staff Artist

Back when I was a freshmen I was recommended to sign up for the class as an illustrator. After spending my sophomore and junior years getting through required classes, I finally got around to actually joining newspaper this year.

It was worth the wait.

Looking back, it was great to have the opportunity to draw for The Californian. My only regret is not writing for A&E earlier in the year.

I couldn’t have asked for better people to spend the past year with. At times the class felt more like a group of friends rather than a collection of people that just happened to be lumped together into the same class period.

I’ll miss them all immensely as well as Mr. Barr, by far one of the coolest teachers ever.

Stay phresh, stay clean, newspaper Class of 2014.

Erica Drake – News Editor

Writing is really hard.  Do you have any idea how long it takes to write something? Sitting there, staring at a blank Word document as it mocks you with its emptiness.

It’s terrible and cruel and one of the worst feelings in the world.

Just one of the many things I will miss being part of The Californian staff.

I’ll miss being with all these wonderful people that I have tormented with my seniority. I’ll miss the stress that comes when a deadline looms over me and then slaps me in the face with a brick. I’ll miss having a teacher that knows my name.

All the good things, all the busy times, all the juniors I made fun of.

Moving on from high school into the unknown world of being broke, student debt, and Netflix, I will always hold my time as a member of The Californian very close to my heart.

But really?

It’s sno’(w) big deal.

Tim Hoffman – Staff Writer

There are no words that can describe the greatness that is newspaper.  Never have I ever felt more compelled to work harder at a class that I loved so much and to make the most out of every moment of it.

I joined The Californian after taking a journalism class at my old middle school back in 2010, and when I joined the staff in 2012 I was so glad to be back. I spent every class doing the two things I loved to do most – writing stories for others to read and interacting with tons of people.

I know that I will continue to do work with journalism in college and the future, and I hope to one day see myself published like my sister Joalien, who was also a dedicated journalist.

Eric Yee – Sports Editor

Since joining The Californian three years ago, I have nothing but positive memories. Over the years, I enjoyed writing for sports, and will miss it a lot.

I’m proud of all the work the staff has done this year, and I hope the returning staff can continue to produce award-winning newspapers.

I’ve met so many great people over the years that I know I will keep in contact with for years to come. Thank you Mr. Barr for giving me the tools to be a great journalist for years to come.

Katie Clark – Ad Manager

When I first came to newspaper, I really didn’t know what to expect. I thought I was solely going to learn how to manage advertising in the paper. But what I certainly didn’t expect were the skills I gained and the amazing people I met along the way.

I can honestly say that newspaper has given me business skills that I will take with me for the rest of my life. It taught me how to stay organized, sell and most importantly, communicate with customers.

As for the people in newspaper, they are some of the most awesome people I have met at Cal High.  I can always count on them to make me laugh and brighten up my day.

Thank you newspaper for the last two years #itsbeenreal.

Alex Farley – Staff Writer

I never exactly wanted to be apart of the newspaper staff here at Cal High. Initially, I signed up for the journalism class as I loved writing and wanted to explore this interest before I went to college.

As it turns out, not enough people signed up for journalism and those who did were automatically put into newspaper. I contemplated dropping the class, and now looking back, I am grateful for the decision I made, which was to stay.

I will thoroughly miss everything about this class and what is has taught me.

Amir Sagafi – Managing Editor

I joined The Californian three years ago with the goal of getting an easy A, but soon found myself attached to the class and interested in journalism.

Throughout the years, I have formed lasting friendships and learned a lot under the guidance of Mr. Barr.

I am proud of everything our award-winning newspaper has accomplished and how much it has grown during my time here. I look forward to continuing to read The Californian when I go off to college and hope it thrives.

Even though I don’t see a career in journalism in my future, I appreciate the opportunity and all the experience I gained from it.

Sam Canter – Features Editor

Whelp, that’s it. High school is over. We can turn off the lights and go home, our job is done at this godforsaken place.

But I will never forget being on the staff of The Californian. Both as a writer and as an editor, being on staff is one of my fondest memories of Cal High.

Originally, I was hesitant to take the class, but Ashton DeLano finally convinced me to join. What I got was the last thing I expected. I made good friends, had a good time, and did good work.

No matter what I go on to do, The Californian will always hold a special place in my heart.