Doctors at SOH

Students Interact with MD

by Elma Gonzalez

“People who are interested in the fields of medicine and science should get involved in the programs offered here,” says Brenda Pitago, a senior who attended the first Bio-Medical Pathway/Cyberbridge round robin on April 17th. This event was the result of a unique partnership between Southwest High and Scripps Hospital, which also supports our campus clinic.

The event was attended by over 30 students who were mentored by 14 doctors from Scripps Family Practice. Students were divided into groups, and during two hours, each group met with a doctor, who answered questions about his/her field. “It was like speed dating,” describes Grisele Gonzalez, a senior who will be attending UCSD’s School of Medicine in the fall. The students moved from table to table asking for advice and about the physician’s experiences. At each station students learned to suture, check eyes, blood pressure, and reflexes. All while eating healthy snacks brought by the guests.

The greatest numbers came from the 11th grade Bio-Medical classes, but for seniors like Grisele and Brenda this event convinced them medicine is the field they wish to pursue in college. “They should continue to have workshops like this one,” says Grisele, “getting to meet real doctors is a great experience.” According to Ms. Stretcher, it was a unique experience for the teachers who were present as well. “Ms. Sandoval and I spent those hours in awe - watching our students truly engaged in learning about the medical field. We also learned a lot!”

This event was organized by the Ms. Stretcher and Ms. Sandoval, advisors for the Bio-Medical Pathway/Cyberbridge programs. However, they wish to thank the science teachers at our campus for encouraging the students to attend; Mr. Youngblood, Mr. Orin, and Mr. Buse did a great job in recruiting students for the event. Furthermore, a huge thank you to Dr. Armstrong, who “came and brought some of our visitors,” Ms. Stretcher points out.

We hope these opportunities continue to be offered at our school. Thank you, Ms. Stretcher and Ms. Sandoval for making this event possible and to all 14 doctors who encouraged our students to follow their dreams. To the attendees, thank you for representing our school in such a positive way.

Student Attendees:
Rebeca Arias
Jorge Beltran
Emilia Camargo
Francisco Castaneda
Valeria Corona
Amy Cruz
Elaine Dancel
Maverick Dykstra
Gaby Florian
Yasmin Garcia
Camilo Gonzales
Grisele Gonzales
Alejandro Gonzalez
Vanya Hernandez
Osiris Hernandez
Jonathan Hurtado
Aide Macias
Homero Magana
Elizabeth Maher
Samantha Marroquin
Juan Morales
Thuy Duong Nguyen
Alice Nguyen
Shanisa Pendgrath
Kassandra Perez
Brenda Pitago
Melissa Ramirez
Roberto Reyna
Ana Robles
Naomi Rodriguez
Azael Rodriguez
Uriel Rodriguez
Monica Ruiz
Daniela Ruiz
Oleida Torno
Sergio Vera
Cindy Yoquigua

Prom Slideshow

Send Your Pics In

by Enrique Galindo

Hey Seniors!! I want your picture to be shown in a slide show at the Prom? Then send it to soh@yahoo.com so it can be displayed in the slide show. Take a picture with your friends, or a picture of yourself and e-mail it to us. Remember it will be the Prom so you'd like to make it the best by showing your pictures to the rest of the school.

Farewell to Calderon & Youngblood

By: Nia Marshall

As we get closer to the end of the school year, we get closer to losing two amazing teachers, Mr Calderon and Mr.Youngblood. Both being science teachers, they’ve provided our school with the skills and knowledge we need to succeed.

Not only have they supported us students inside the classroom, but outside the classroom as well. Youngblood was one of the many teachers we would see at the football, volleyball, and even our basketball games. Whether he was controlling the scoreboard or cheering on his Raiders, he was there. Calderon was also a teacher known to attend our school activities. Not only did Calderon help with the girls' basketball team, but he also attended their weekly open gym provided here on campus. Both Calderon and Youngblood were so involved at our school, it will be difficult not to see their proud faces in the stands anymore.

In addition to Youngblood and Calderon supporting our school activities, they’ve managed to provide students with tutoring on their own time, whether it was before school, during lunch, or even after school. Rooms 303 and 905 were always open to all students; whether you were enrolled in one of their classes or not, you were always welcome there. Calderon and Youngblood never felt the need to have tutoring a requirement in order for them to provide it. If they know a student needs help, they want they student to know they’re always there if the student needs it.

All in all, Calderon and Youngblood have given so much towards the school; they’re leaving us with much to remember them by. We would like to thank Calderon and Youngblood for having such a positive impact on us students and even the teachers these past years. Calderon and Youngblood will be missed by us Raiders. Farewell to Mr. Calderon and Mr. Youngblood. We wish you two the best of luck.

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.

Running Safety Tips

Be Safe, Run Safe
by Omar Arce

It was not long ago when it was safe for a young girl to walk alone on the streets, or for that matter, jog. Perhaps it was never really safe but it felt like it. The deaths of Chelsea King, a High school senior at Poway High, and Amber Dubois of Escondido High school have slapped everyone in San Diego county with reality. Insecurity has plagued not only the county but the mind of its inhabitants. This does not mean that young ladies can't go out for a jog. There are certain precautions that can be taken to avoid any unpleasant experience.

-Run with a partner.
-Tell someone where you are going, and your ETA.
-Run during day.
-Avoid running in deserted paces.