The CdM campus saw the return of the highly recognized “Food-a-Palooza” break activity this weak with a competition to see who could eat a can of yams the quickest. The competition was reasonably well attended, and offered a great deal of entertainment to the audience.

Senior AJ Rading finished first, triumphantly showing off his victory with a number of fist pumps and confidant gesturing. When asked what he felt after winning, AJ said, “It was a moving experience. Speechless. Similar to when a mother gives birth and looks at her child for the first time. I will never forget that moment.”

Junior Gaby DiChiro, the only female participant in a group of six, volunteered at the last minute to fill a void in the list of competitors.

The canned yams were described as “Gooey and creamy, but not in a good way,” by a participant who wishes to remain anonymous. From the audience’s perspective, the yams looked flat out gross, which explains why many of those eating the yams gagged throughout the competition.

Students generally enjoyed the spectacle, many citing the dramatic actions of the volunteers as entertaining and funny. Junior Don Ghazi said, “AJ was pretty funny at the ending, when he shoved the last bits of yam into his mouth.” AJ’s move proved effective, he was able to beat out Ashton Meginnis, who finished in second place only a few moments later.

The great food-eating extravaganza was created by the masterminds over in ASB, Parker Seaman and Benny Townsend.

Students buzzing with anticipation, awaiting the final confrontation between the two rivals. Long lines to buy tickets a week in advance. Designing T-shirts symbolizing each student’s school spirit and confidence in the Sea King Pride.

The forty-eigth annual Battle of the Bay football game stirs the competitiveness between Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor while also allows heightened spirit to spread throughout the school.

From teachers assigning minimum homework on the night of the game to football players having longer practices, Battle of the Bay is a tradition that is embedded in the culture of our school and is therefore, an event that can be recognized as a union of students, faculty members, parents, and community members who enjoy a sports game between rival schools.

“Seniors are definitely excited because it’s their last time to participate in Battle of the Bay,” stated senior Madeline Mains.

Students in general are excited for the annual rivalry game. If anyone need proof of this, he or she could just glance at the ticket lines the week of the game.

Student buzz surrounding Battle of the Bay has been phenomenal. Daily announcements, posters, newspaper articles documenting the event, teachers promoting attendance, the hype regarding Battle of the Bay models increased school spirit, school unity, and school pride.

On Thursday, September 24, the day of the game, the Battle of the Bay rally brings together freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors to demonstrate school spirit and support our hardworking football players.

Enthusiastic students in ASB at the Battle of the Bay rally (from left to right), Anara Askar, Emma Kaye, Sarah Hostetller, and Ariana Naaseh. (Picture taken by Melanie De Arakal)

The rally was kicked off by Chloe Harder, Benny Townsend, and Parker Seaman, clearly displaying their CdM school spirit. A video illustrating CdM’s confidence in beating Newport Harbor was shown while our football team performed a rap to the student body.

CdM’s new principal, Tim Bryan, made a debut in playing a game with Mr. Selby and later giving words of confidence and wisdom to the students.

The Battle of the Bay rally was a monumental display of school and spirit and pride in what CdM can accomplish as a school and a unified student body.

The excitement displayed around school this week and at the rally indicate increased levels of Sea King Pride and confidence in our students.

Written by Donna Etemadi

As with any high school cliques and stereotypical groups of students fill the halls of Corona Del Mar High school. But most would argue CdM is not any high school. With a new principal, and a new outlook, this year ASB seems to hold the power to unite our school more than ever as an entire family. With a reputation as excelling in academics as well as athletics, it seems campus life would continue excellence. And while it does remain a positive environment, there is room for improvement.

ASB member Jessica Smith states, “We’re trying to bridge the gap between groups, cliques, and grades.” One way ASB expects to accomplish this goal by bringing back the Sadie Hawkins dance, a tradition long forgotten until this year.

Many look forward to seeing the energy new CdM principal Tim Bryan will bring to the table. “We have a new principal, so hopefully he’ll be working with us so we can make big changes around campus,” said ASB member Zach Haber. Echoing Haber’s thoughts was another ASB member, Chloe Harder who said “ We want to completely change the atmosphere on campus and make a major difference.”

With the help of the eccentric “dynasty” of 2010 seniors, changes are beginning to take place on campus , as well as traditions kept, like food-a-palooza.

Zach Haber diminished any doubts held about ASB 09’-10’ stating “This group of kids in ASB is so amazing; they will forever change the meaning of Associated Student Body.” Back with a new mission to bring together all CdM’s students in style and school spirit, ASB will prove to be a uniting force of the 09’-10’ year.

-Hannah Hagemann and Ali Halford

Last year’s ASB election was certainly a memorable one. For the first time, students cast their ballots in the same electronic voting booths used in real elections. Ajwang Rading and Jared Crowley were both running for ASB president. Rading gained much of his support from the lowerclassmen, while the majority of ASB students supported Crowley. Rading won the election and became the 2009-2010 ASB President, and Zoe Salaam, who ran unopposed, became the ASB Vice President.

After the election and throughout the summer, incidents occurred and the permanence of Rading’s position as President fluctuated. Mr. Bryan, CdM’s new principal, requested that Rading would take up a newly created position, President of Student Affairs.

“The President of Student Affairs would be responsible for leading the Student Leadership Council, including PAL, NHS, HRC, and ASB. I would also be responsible for mediating moral issues that might arise between these groups,” said Rading of his new leadership position.

Rading looks forward to working with Mr. Bryan and the Student Leadership Council.

“[Mr. Bryan] is a really humble, down to earth guy. I am excited to meet with [PAL, NHS, HRC, and ASB] and talk about their goals and agendas for the year.”

According to the ASB constitution, which few have seen, but has been reported to be on Mr. Olilia’s computer, Salaam is to officially become the ASB President for 2009-2010 school year this Wednesday September 15.

“We’re really excited to have her be the new face of ASB, [Salaam] is organized and really creative so she will bring a lot to the table,” said ASB’s new Vice President, Courtney Davidson.

Though it may have seemed that such great controversy would have put tensions on high, things have worked themselves out, and both Rading and Salaam are enthusiastic about their leadership roles at Corona del Mar High School.