Senior Countdown

Goodbye SOH!
By Elma Gonzalez

The school year's end is approaching. The countdown toward graduation has begun. However, there are some things seniors have to take care of before they leave:

1. Library/Cafeteria fines: Remember to submit all library and cafeteria due payments before graduation. Otherwise you will not be able to participate at the event.
2. Community Service: Complete and submit your community service hours by April 23. Otherwise you will not be able to participate at the event.
3. College Responses: May 1st is the date when most colleges expect a response of whether or not you will attend their university.
4. AP Tests: AP testing begins May 3rd. Use the next three weeks to get ready!
5. Finals: Seniors will have their finals on the last week of May, while the rest of the students will have them the first week of June.
6. Prom: Begin all preparations now, because Prom Night is May 8!
7. Grad Nite: It will take place May 23!
8. Seniors!!! Enjoy the last weeks of High School. Your last day is May 27.

A melancholic feeling may be forming in a lot of the hearts of our seniors-- after all, an important phase of our life is over. Now, all that remains is to prove ourselves as adults and leave our mark in this world.

SOH Aquatics

Raider Swimmers Like to Get Wet!

by Bob Chan

The SOH swim team is made up of about two dozen swimmers; each one tirelessly and continously swimming their breath out to reach the finish line first!

Literally, these swimmers work hard in their demanding conditions such as their proper form needed and their physical condition required to perform at their best! These Raiders compete in 4 different strokes which include the freestyle which is almost universally used since as this style is generally the fastest. Another method the backstroke which is the only regulated style swum on the back. This has the advantage of easy breathing, but the disadvantage of swimmers not being able to see where they are going and is also the only competition swimming style that starts in the water.Breaststroke is a swimming style in which the swimmer is on their chest and the torso does not rotate. The last is the butterfly which is a swimming stroke swum on the chest, with both arms moving simultaneously.

At their current record 3-3 these Raiders have not failed in disappointing us in showing just how much the hard work is needed to assume these victories. As stated by sophomore swimmer Aldair Serrano, "Swimming is great because it helps you get in physical shape, challenges you with the dynamics of water, and also because there's nothing more thrilling then the sensation of competition". Led by Coach Carson these swimmers are sure to cool your day off in the pool.

DUCK and COVER

San Diego Faces Earthquake Alert

by Omar Arce

According to the County of San Diego official website, "every year approximately 500 earthquakes occur in the state of California that are large enough to be felt. San Diego County, in comparison to other southern California areas, has sparse seismicity. However, since 1984, earthquake activity in San Diego County has doubled over that of the preceding 50 years."

This fact were exemplified by the 7.2 magnitude that shook San Diego on April 4 at 3:40 PM, and the cluster of milder earthquakes that have followed it for a week has cost $100 million in damages.
Are you prepared for the next big earthquake? Here are some tips on what to do and before and during earthquake.

Before the Earthquake:
-Establish all the possible ways to exit your house. Keep those areas clear.
-Know the locations of the nearest fire and police stations.
-Conduct Earthquake: Duck, Cover & Hold drills every six months with your family.
-Know the safest place in each room because it will be difficult to move from one room to another during a quake.
-Locate the shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity. Learn how to shut off the valves before a quake.

During the Earthquake:
-Stay away from heavy furniture, appliances, large glass panes, shelves holding objects, and large decorative masonry, brick or plaster such as fireplaces.
-Keep your hallway clear. It is usually one of the safest places to be during an earthquake.
-Stay away from kitchens and garages, which tend to be the most dangerous places because of the many items kept there.