Haiti's Call for Help

It's Never Too Late to Help
by Omar Arce

It has been almost three weeks since disaster struck Haiti. As days pass, more help arrives to the Caribbean country, but it is not enough. At Southwest High School efforts to aid in the reconstruction of Haiti are shaping up.

There are two ways to help. The first is to donate canned food or clothes. These are being collected at every classroom. The organizers of this drive are Mr. Roncoroni's third period Geography class. This group of Freshmen will collect the donations all week during step

The other way to help trough money donations. Junior Stephanie Meza has tried to organized a collection that will be fruitful enough to create an impact. " The idea came to me when I was watching disturbing clips of the Haiti victims on television, and what was even more disturbing was that no one that I knew was trying to help. It made no sense to me how someone can just be okay with themselves, while someone else in the world is suffering like that," said Meza. Her plan is to "...open an acount for Haiti relief through video tech club, so people can donate money through there. My goal is to collect as much money as possible and send it to the Hope for Haiti Now Foundation..." Donation cans will be provided during the week.

SUHSD Chicanos

MEChA Holds Leadership Conference
by Elma Gonzalez

Last Saturday, the SOH MEChA club hosted the 12th annual "Leadership Conference". The goal of the event was to allow MEChA students from several high schools in the district to bond and share their experiences with other MEChA students, while learning leadership skills.

The day began with a a breakfast of Mexican bread and coffee followed by a welcoming speech given by Mr. Leiva and the two MEChA presidents at SOH. At 10:05am, different workshops were opened to the students. MEChA 101, Time Management, Overcoming High School Obstacles, and ASB 101 were some of the workshops offered at the conference. Delicious Mexican food was offered for lunch, and the Mariachi performed at the event. The most memorable part of the event came towards the end, when Mr. Rodriguez, SOH MEChA adviser, inspired the students continue their education and set high goals for themselves.

Overall, the conference was a success; more than 80 students participated. In the end, Ms. Flores' and the MEChA students' hard work to organize the event paid off.

Night at the Cafe

Spaghetti Night a Success
by Bob Chan

This past Friday the 29^th Southwest high school hosted a spaghetti night to which students and their families came to eat and have fun. It started at 5:30pm with great entertainment provided by the Band, Mariachi, Folklorico, and Sayaw. Around fifty people attended the event that was held in the cafeteria, and Mrs. Armstrong presented a power point that ranged from the school test scores to getting the parents more involved. Finally after the presentation and delicious spaghetti the event had ended at 7:00pm with a standing ovation.

Banner battles

Raiders B-Ball Upsets Cougars
by Marlo Villanueva

Last week the SOH Men's Varsity Basketball team did an outstanding performance against the San Ysidro Cougars and the Olympian Eagles. This was an important week for the Raiders because it led them to climb up to first place, tied with the Olympian Eagles. It was also two great wins against the leading teams of the South Bay League.


The Raiders gave the San Ysidro Cougars a challenge for the banner as they were neck and neck the entire game. The one advantage the Raiders played was the 6'2 Junior, Lamar Weston as he has a height advantage over the defender by 4 inches. He took over the paint on fastbreaks as Maris Boldridge passes him the ball from the half court line


In the last 35 seconds of the game, Captain Jay Santos shoots a 3 to break the tie and take the lead by 3. The Raider defense closed the game with outstanding pressure from Alex Villegas. The Raiders took the ball back as Aspher Morris and Alex Villegas got fouled and shot from the free throw line to close the game. The final score was 59-54.


Congratulations to the Raiders for their victory. They are on the run for the banner so come out to support your Men's Varsity Basketball team when thy play on Wednesday and Friday nights !

New Cafeteria?

SOH Cafeteria to Get Makeover
By Elma Gonzalez


Yes! The day is finally here. Our cafeteria will be redesigned! This school year has seen the beginning of many reconstructions. But, like me, I am sure many students believe the cafeteria to be one of the most important ones. For this reason the school administrators believe it would be best for students to take part in the process. Mr. Carpizo and Dr. Armstrong chose a panel of about forty students to give their opinion on the renovation. These forty students are there to represent the whole student body. However, don't think these students are designing it themselves. A company was hired to create a design of the "soon-to-be new" cafeteria. Students only give their opinion on what should stay or definitely GO! Plus, teachers also have a say on the design.


In the last meeting the company presented various changes. Tall tables, booths, artwork, and brand new lamps are among some of the propositions. Although, students and teachers have already discussed these suggestions with company representatives, the principal has the final say. Let's hope all points of view are taken in consideration for this decision, and Dr. Armstrong makes the best choice. Either way, SOH students will soon have a brand new cafeteria.

RUN SOH! RUN!!

SOH Starts Running Club

by Omar Arce



It's the last week of January. The new year feeling is almost gone. And along with this feeling, are the new year resolutions. Obviously, the most popular resolution is to lose a few pounds. There are only two ways to accomplish this goal: a good diet and a well-planned exercise regimen. Luckily there is a club at Southwest High School that will help you with the latter.



The SOH Running Club, a club that was primarily designated to keep the SOH long distance runners in shape, now aims to promote a healthy lifestyle trough running. Senior, Sergio Vargas is member of the running club. "I joined the running club primarily to get in shape after the holidays...but, I mainly joined because I truthfully enjoy the thrill of running...I might be overdoing it, but running makes me feel alive." Explains Vargas.



Everyone is invited to join the club. "I like the feeling of being with people who enjoy running as much as me, and I overall love the atmosphere the running club exerts," says Vargas about the atmosphere of the club. The club meets every Thursday and Tuesday right after school at Room 907. The only things needed, are a pair of running shoes, work out clothes, water, and plenty of energy

Get Your RUN Sweaters

Running Club Sells Gear

by Omar Arce

The RUN SOH hoodies have become an increasingly popular item at Southwest High. But, what exactly do they mean? They do not represent a tribute band to Hip Hop legends RUN DMC, they were this year's logo for the Cross Country team. The idea was so successful that the remaining sweaters sold out in a few weeks after they were given to the Cross Country team. A new shipment has been ordered. There are two ways to get one. Joining the running club and selling a box of chocolates or paying 10 dollars. Get one - they will be gone soon.