Issue of June 7, 2002
Special Senior Class of 2002 Farewell Edition
Vol. 85, No. 6
Click on the links in the table of contents to view the story
Table of ContentsAdvice to Underclassmen
After High School plans
Are you ready to leave?
Most memorable moments of 01-02
Pepperbough staff says their goodbyes
Seniors raise funds for Hamburger House
Senior pranks...a long tradition
Senior last will and testaments
Senior predictions
What would you change about high school?
Advice to Underclassmen
Andrew Quiroz
June 7, 2002
As the seniors of 2002 leave to pursue their career in the 'real world', they have some last bit of advice for all of the underclassmen. It is to the best of your ability to follow up on what they have to say and only you control your life, not anyone else. You have the power to do anything you put your mind to, even if you have to work hard at doing it or getting there, YOU HAVE THE POWER. The seniors believe in you, and you should believe in yourselves too. You only get one chance to graduate on time, with all of the people that you have been friends with for the past 12-13 years. From Head Start to kindergarten, to middle school, and now high school, you have made it this far, why give up now. We as seniors see a future for all of the underclassmen, as we do for ourselves as well. After high school for some, comes college, or a part-time job too. Whatever you will do, we are sure that you made that choice through long, hard thinking. May the POWER be with you all, now and always! Keep you head up high as you too have a life of your own. Here is some advice to be taken wisely from the people that have been through it all.
"No matter how much pressure you may feel to achieve in high school, and to assure your huge 'success' in the future, high school is not simply a time where you should dedicate you whole existence to getting good grades and SAT scores. Of course, it is very important to do your best in order to get the best education ' after all, what are you here for if not that? However, balance is important. Try to balance good study habits, with other interests and activities with your friends and family. This way, you can experience in fulfillment in many areas of your life. Long terms goals and dreams for the future are great to motivate and help give direction to your life. It is also helpful, however, to set short range goals for yourself, so that you remember that all of the little steps towards the goal are how you get there." Senior Jennifer Goodward
"First of all, don't slack off because it's not worth risking graduation. Have fun and don't ditch too much your senior year." Senior Adam Archuleta
"Be the best person that you can be. Do the best you can and get the best grades that you can. Have as much fun as you can in high school because it goes by fast. Don't let life pass you by, and enjoy every minute of high school. Never settle for less than your best. Play sports and get involved in school. I think that you should make as many friends as possible. Friends make life much sweeter and they make school and all of the memories worthwhile. I like this personal quote from Dean Romero, 'Life is a journey, the destination and who travels it with you is up to you.' Live life to the fullest and do as many things as you can and that is all I have to say about that." Senior Apryl Thompson
"Always try your best. If you mess up, catch up while you can. Don't wait and don't mess up at the last minute because you have always done well and because you think you can. Remember that it is possible to get good grades and pass all of your classes all through high school, but if you decide to give up at the last quarter of your senior year, and fail one of your classes, you will not graduate." Senior Melissa Jaramillo
"Pass all of the classes and take some extra ones, so you can chill your senior year." Senior Vanessa Elevazo
"Don't take your senior year for granted. It will go by so fast and you have to remember, you cannot take graduation for granted. Just do your school work and it'll go well." Senior Frankie Ortiz
"If you want to walk the walk, you must not talk the talk, just do your work." Senior Patricia Robertson
"Don't mess up in school and do you best because your senior year is a lot of fun and you do not want to be struggling to graduate." Senior Yessenia Galicia
"Be good to your teachers, make as many friends as you can, and do the best to be the best." Senior Jonathan Ramirez
"Be confident in yourself. Don't worry so much about what others think of you. High School is an important stepping-stone to college and a productive career so don't blow it off. Do your best and remember: the fun only lasts so long, but grades effect your future." Senior Stephanie Flynn
"Pay your dues as soon as possible so you can party and have fun at the end of the year. You'll never get this year back so make it good." Senior Kate Heidner"Work your tail off first and third quarter so second and especially fourth quarter you can just chill, stress free. Oh yeah, there really is a pool on top of the Hubbs Gym." Senior John Martinez
And last but not least, a word from me, Andrew Quiroz.
"As you start you illustrious journey down the halls of high school, have one thing in mind, never give up. You are supposed to make the correct decisions in life and they are not to be taken for granted. I am at risk of not graduating because I slacked off. I thought that taking a home period was the best solution for good grades and an easy junior year. Little did I know, it would soon change my life forever! I now have many friends who have been there with me since elementary school. To name a few, Faiga Taliloa, Henry Estrada, Michael Castro, and the list goes on and on. They were there from day one to this present time. And I am sure that they will still be there for the rest of my life as well. Take care and God Bless each one of you. Remember, there is always someone looking over your shoulder giving you that extra push. Who knows, it could help you in the long run. And always keep in mind, if you think you do not have anyone to turn to, you will always have your family." Senior Andrew Quiroz
Take Care and Good Luck!
After High School Plans
April Lewis
June 7, 2002
Graduation is coming and the year is almost over. It is almost time for all of us seniors to decide what are we going to do with the rest of our lives. After Thursday we will not be in high school anymore we will be taking the first step into the "real world" and the decisions we make from that day forward will shape each and everyone of our futures. Here is what seniors around campus had to say about their lives after high school.
"I am going to get breast implants and marry Hugh Hefner." - Shelly Carnero
"I am going to become a Raiderette." - Marlaena Roman
"I am going to go to college and I want to work on the Sound Effects that they have in the movies" -Jennifer Gonzalez
"I want to attend RCC and become a correction officer" - Betty Moreno
"I am going to become a make-up artist and become rich" -Brianna Martinez
"After high school I plan to attend CSUSB and major in law then go to law school become a lawyer and marry Joseph Nichy" - Kelsey Mezzanatto
"After high school I am going to go to CSUSB and major in communications I will also be missing my love Brandon" -Erin Rendleman
"I am going to kick back and relax at home and the maybe I will go to RCC in the fall" -Malina Gomez
"After high school I plan to party like there is no towmorrow" -Raquel Ramos
"After high school I plan to go to Cal Baptist and major in psycology and marry Steven" -Sandra Pearson
Are you ready to leave?
Renee Negrete
June 7, 2002
No more school, no more books, no more teachers/students dirty looks. Many of the seniors here at Colton High are definitely ready to leave. On the other hand some see leaving as a step to the future, although they always have the fear of losing something on the way. Over the four years many have gained some of the best memories, and some of our life long friends, while others have lost some as well. Many feel that over the four years spent here at Colton High, they would change something if they had the opportunity. Although there are always those who have many regrets, some feel that the four years of their high school careers will be the most treasured years of their lives. Are you ready to leave?
Yes
83%
"I am so happy that school is finally over, but I going to miss all my friends that aren't seniors."- Angelica Miranda
"I just want to leave."- Aysar Aldaoud
No
17%
"I just want to congratulate everyone who is graduating because I'm not"- Mike Duran
Most Memorable Moments
Jennifer Montgomery
June 7, 2002
Four years ago, everyone was just entering the big Colton High School, with schedules in our hands, searching shyly for our classes. We were the ones that sat in the freshman section of the assemblies and year after year made our way towards the senior one. We saw faces fade away over the years and new ones come along. We are the ones that went though what everyone else is complaining about today. It was all the beginning of our teen years that is now almost coming to an end. Now that we look back we can see and smile about all those memorable moments that we have had.
All those projects, term papers, essays, tests, etc. that we had to work on over the years and complain and moan about have now finally come to an end. We don't have to worry about walking to the gym everyday and wear those nasty P.E. clothes that have been in our lockers for weeks. We don't have to deal with teachers that we never got along with, yet we have to say good-bye to teachers that we love and will miss. But we can look back at all of that and find it a moment to remember, because we have all learned something out of it.
Whether it was good or bad.We can look back at these times we sat at lunch with our friends, screamed, yelled and attempt exploit acts at the assemblies and the excitements we enjoyed attending all those dances over the years. Every moment we had ever had in high school will now come to an end. I wish the best of luck to all of you seniors, and hopefully get to see you all at our next school reunion.
Pepperbough Goodbyes
Compiled by Amy Carrillo
June 7, 2002
For the past four years, we here at the Pepperbough have been slaving away thinking of story ideas, headlines, and laying out these pages. But at last, our hard work has come to an end as we approach the end of the school year…or should we say our high school careers. We all had a few last words to say before we leave, and here it goes.
I, Renee Negrete, leave to my little brother Anthony Negrete, all my cheat sheets to help him through the next three years. Good Luck in whatever you do, be careful, and don't get caught! j/k I LOVE YOU! To my friends, you know who you are, I just want to say thank you for making my years here at Colton High School memorable.
I, Kristi Trinidad, leave all the tests that we've ever had to take and more to all the underclassmen. Have fun! I will miss all of the friends that I've made that unfortunately still have years of high school ahead of them. To my friends, I just want to say that I will miss you a lot and I will never forget all the good times.
I, Amy Carrillo, leave behind my crappy Toyota Tercel to my little sister Kari. I hope it brings you as many memories as it brought me. I would also like to leave behind my position as Editor-In-Chief of the Pepperbough to Priscilla Montgomery and Lisa Namneth. It's a lot of work, but I know that you guys will do a great job! To my friends, you guys have always been there for me and I will never forget all of the good times that we've had together. It is sad to think that everyone will be in different places next year, but there will always be a special place in my heart for all of you. I love you guys!
I, Napa Utrapiromsuk, leave waking up early to all the people that stay behind at Colton...I am never wake up at 6:45 in the morning ever again. To all my friends, I will miss you guys so much, and I leave Amy Carrillo the other half of the stick of gum!
I, Jennifer Montgomery, leave behind the rest of the high school years that my brother will have to take and scoring position on the girls varsity soccer team for my little sister. To my friends, I just want to say goodbye and that I will miss you next year. Good luck in everything you do!
I, Veronica Sanchez, leave all the fun that we had in the Pepperbough class to Leticha and Ryan! You guys have made this year fun and I hope you guys have fun next year. Josh Cole (white boy) I leave all my struggles that I went through but still managed to come out of on top. I wish you the best of luck through high school and have as much fun as you possibly can. The only advice that I leave you, is to stay out of trouble. To the rest of the underclassmen, enjoy your time here at Colton High School. To all my buddies (you know who you are) you guys are the best and I'll miss every one of you, and I wish all of you guys the best in the future, and goodbye to all!
Seniors raise big bucks for Ronald McDonald
Amy Carrillo
June 7, 2002Twelve Colton High seniors put a team together named 'The Graduates' and raised over four hundred dollars for the seventh annual Ronald McDonald House 'Relay for Kids'. The event was held on Sunday, May 19, at Cal State San Bernardino,. You have probably seen them around campus with a bucket collecting money for the relay. The team consisted of Kelly Teeter, Napa Utrapiromsuk, Ashley Hall, Nicole Toth, Leslie Kuri, Harmony McMillin, Alex Villalobos, Amy Carrillo, Carlos Morales, Katrina Rodriguez, Mark Vingua and Jenna Goodward.
The 'Relay for Kids' was an event in which teams participated in contests and games all day long in hopes of raising money for the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, which provides homes to families of children admitted to the Loma Linda University Medical Center. While the one mile relay was going on, there were softball, volleyball, and basketball games going on as well as judging for the best team t-shirt, costumes, and campsite. 'The Graduates' swept the competition by taking third place in the costume contest, second place in the banner contest, second place in the team dance contest, and first place for being the best newcomer at the event.
Senior Pranks
Ashley Jay
June 7, 2002
Ever since I was a freshman, at the end of the year, someone has managed to pull off some kind of senior prank. No matter how damaging, harmless, or childish…it has to be done. The key to it is not getting caugh. Campus supervisors cringe at the thought of cleaning up the highly organized plots to leave a mark on Colton High School, and I'm sure that all faculty keep their eyes and ears open for any sign of unruly behavior, but none the less, it will be done.
In the past, creative ideas have been conjured up for this end of the year performance. Things like, the famous tree demolition by the lunch benches that left the future Colton students with a lack of shade and the many tree lovers with a sour face. Turned over benches, toilet paper, toothpaste, different locks on gates, and super glue in the keyholes, and 2001 bleached into the football field. Ha Ha…real funny guys!
Of course, some senior pranks…far from funny. Let's try to keep away from the pranks that cost the school any of the little money that it has. Like tagging!
The class of 2002 shares some of their own ideas for this year….
"That would be cool if someone put Oscar Meyer Wieners all over the place! And then let Lamas run through the school!"- Ernie DeLaRosa
"Go to a farm, get a lotta chickens, and throw them all over the place and then like throw the chickens in the trees, get pickles and smash them and throw them on the tables…that would be the perfects."- Brandon Jacobson
"Feed a bunch of stray dogs and let them poop everywhere."-Amy Vasquez
"Throw raw meat and pigs guts everywhere."-Art Alamilla
"If we had a water fountain, I would put bubbles in it."-Lauren Bjornstad (left)
"It would be so funny if we walked into a faculty meeting and started throwing water balloons. Hee Hee Hee!"
-Hiedi Schmidt
"Let the chickens that are behind the football bleachers loose!"-Malina Gomez
"I would saran wrap everything. Mr. Almadarez' office, the classroom doors…everything!"-Carla Rivera (right)
"What ya do is this…sneak in and switch the office furniture. I used to have a couple of prankster roommates, so we always thought it was funny to move each other's mattresses into the bathroom when they came home late."-English and Avid teacher, Mrs. Salvadore
"Let's hide the new golf carts and replace them with exercise machines!"-Unknown
"For my senior prank, I would have put shaving cream on cars in the parking lot…caused more damage than I expected…got caught…paid for the damage…and come very close to not graduating because of it. But…. some dumb #*@ already did it!" - Tim Fitch
When asked what he would do if he was expected to pull off a senior prank Colton High School Physics teacher, Mr. Pearce, had no mad scientist ideas for me, but did say this… "I used to hate high school so much that I was willing to go to war to get out! Who would have thought that I'd be a high school teacher? Now that I'm back, not one thing has changed. The teachers are the same, the students are the same, and it's all the same."
Although I'm itching to break out of here, I think that Pearce's comment (said with a smile) was in a positive light. As long as they let this crazy thing called high school go on, it will all be the same. They are makeshift experiences designed to prepare us for the "real world" in a fun way. We're going to look back and remember things like getting away with senior pranks and want to go back. Some of us will.
Senior Predictions
Napa Utrapiromsuk
June 7, 2002
I predict that men will be able to have babies and live up to the stereotypical standards that women have to live by. -Victoria Villarreal.
I predict that 'Oy' with the poodles already' will become the new cool thing to say. -Daisy Mungia
I predict that Napa Utrapiromsuk will eventually own TCBY and follow in the footsteps of the TCBY Nazi. -Amy Carrillo
I predict that damn dirty apes will rule the world. - Anonymous
I predict that the trendy will be unpopular and the nerds popular, but not by choice. Hey, it could happen. - Anonymous
I strongly affirm that the student body of CHS will unite, hold hands, and sing "Ring Around The Rosies…" -Lucy Sanchez
I predict that Amy Carrillo will work at Hooters to raise money so UCR will keep her. -Carla Rivera
I predict that Colton High School will go downhill after we leave. -Valerie Williams
I predict that whatever happened, happens. -Kari Fisher.
I predict that Colton will be the next land filled site for California and they will move the high school to Grand Terrace! Whooo!- Ashley Jay
I predict that Carla Rivera will marry Nick, and in a fight over who's "on top", she strangles him to death, takes his money, and runs off with the gardener named Paco. But she still talks to Nick's family. -Leslie Kuri
I predict that Ashley Hall will become the first white, red-haired rapper named Raggedy Anne, and is heard to be dating Lil' Bow-Wow and is seeing the Famous Jett Jackson on the side. -Nicole Morgan
I predict that Leslie Kuri will become a physical therapist for the UCLA Bruins while dating their star quarterback. -Ashley Hall
I predict that Jennifer Gonzalez will be the manager of Stater Brothers and will take Danny under her wing. -Frankie Ortiz
I predict that Heather Reynosa will become a talk show host for a Jerry Springer-like talk show called, on "Nobody Likes Me TV". -Ishmael Diaz
I predict that Amy Carrillo will grow up to be a reporter for CNN, and Frankie Ortiz will tour with Linkin Park and hold their hands. -Abrahim Robbin
I predict that Abrahim Robbin will join the Al Queda and will read this and bomb me. So I just signed my death wish. -Frankie Ortiz
I predict that Steve Jones will become a famous Rock Star and girls will want him to sign their boobs. -Melissa Zendejas
I predict that I will marry Britney Spears, have 10 kids, then divorce her, move to Las Vegas, and watch Jeopardy all day everydays, day by day. -Adam Botello.
I predict that Frankie Ortiz will go to Russia and try to bring back Communism. -Abrahim Robbin
I think that Frankie Ortiz will become a roadie for Linkin Park . Vanessa will becomes a CHP and arrests me for possession of illegal narcotics. -Gerald Bonilla.
I predict that Shannon Garcia will end up getting married to Jeff and by the time we see her at our next school reunion she will have fourteen kids, a beer belly, tattoos all over her legs and piercings coming out both noses. -Jennifer Montgomery
There you have it class of 2002, only at the next reunion will we find out if these predictions came true. Till then I'm just glad I'm finally leaving this place and not having to wake up so early in the morning! Good Bye Colton High.
Senior Wills
Compiled by Renee Negrete and Kristi Trinidad
June 7, 2002
I, Jenna Goodward, would like to leave all my encouragement and confidence to the Student Leadership Team members, because I know you guys are going to continue doing a great job in your efforts to make our school even better!
I, Brianna Martinez, leave my courage and strength to my sista Amber Martinez because it will teach you to stick up for yourself and be freely spoken.
I, Marina Barajas, leave all my nice high school memories behind to get out to the world because I am now an adult.
I, Alicia Trujillo, will miss my bud Eileen but I know we will always be best friends. Goodbye school, goodbye to all my friends, and goodbye haters.
We, Eileen Delgado and Alicia Trujillo, will miss having fun with all of our true friends.
A message to everyone we are leaving behind: WATCH YOUR PURSES!!! Oh and, We love you Tim Fitch!
We, Cristina Garcia and Josephine Guisa, will miss all of our fun times, fun memories and all the laughs we had these past four years. See ya! Class of 2002 forever!
I, Josephine Guisa, will miss my bestest cuz Melissa!
I, Mario Santiago, want to leave my parking space in the student parking lot to Caprice's Kia Sophia. Take good care of my spot, unless I come back next year, if so, then I want it back!
I, Melissa Zendejas, will miss all the fun times and good memories that I have shared with all my friends. I'll miss all of you guys and will always treasure our memories. And I'll miss my bestest cuz Josephine! Class of 2002!!!
We, Erica Navarro and Anita Arroyo, will miss all the party snapshots taken by haters. But will miss all of the true friends we found at the end. We love you guys and take care. God Bless.
I, Katherine Reed, promise to continue my education by never coming back to this school for anything. Thanks for everything though.
I, Edward Marquez, have had a lot of growing done here and am proud of all I have accomplished at this school and I know that I still have that special someone but in the end I know there will always be me and my homie. The life of an out law and I want my cousin to know I love her very much.
I, Mike Duran, would like to say "Hello" to everybody who is graduating because I'm not. Congratulations class of 2002.
We, Erin Rendleman and Lorena Amador, will miss chillen with all of you senior friends and Alicia and Eileen because there is too many haters and fake people, you know who you are!
I, Lorena Amador, will miss my homies, you know who you are: Booty, my brother, Erin, Sam, Brando, Liz, Brandi, Steph, and if I forgot you…I love you!
I, Jacob Garcia, just want to say to Colton High School…Free at last, free at last thank God all mighty I'm free at last!
We, Alan Conrad, Billy Elias, Jonathon Ramirez, and Diego Calderon, want to tell all underclassmen to live high school up and to have the most fun, like we did.
I, Harmony McMillin, will my sister Melody...her own identity. I leave Stevie Siebert my Academic Competition legacy. I leave Ryan responsibility of Crystal... and to Crystal, I leave my special spot at lunch.
I, Katie Scott, won't miss anything about this school.
I, Lamar Leflore, will miss my best friend Audrie, the most out of anyone at this school. I will also miss steaming up the windows with her. Oh and by the way…my real name is Habeeb.
I, Heather Reynosa, leave all the petty joys of high school to my little sister Ashton. I also leave all my love! Good luck through the next three years.
I, Joseph Schmitt, will miss getting blamed for messing up peoples cars and getting thrown out of school activities.
I, Carla Rivera, want to leave my litter brother Carlos Rivera all my love and wish him good luck in the rest of high school! I love you boy!
I, Audrie Wiscowiche, will miss my beloved friends. I want to let Anita Arroyo know that I love her very very much. I want to let my "party" friends know that I guess now the party's over, but to all my true friends, It's only begun!
I, Melodi Ponce, will miss going to lunch with Tiffany Herrera everyday (4th per.) and cutting our wrists from jumping back over the fence.
I, Carlos Morales, would like to leave behind my bars of gold underneath the science wing, and a fully built Civic type-R engine hidden in the metal shop. Peace out!
We, Katie Duron and Katrina Rodriguez, leave our "sauciness" behind! Please don't touch.
I, Katrina Rodriguez, would like to leave. Just kidding! Have fun next year Anthony and DJ! Get Mullets!!!
We, Alicia Vega and Raquel Martus, would like to leave the school $100. If you would like to get this money contact us at 1-800-YEAH-RIGHT! He, He.
I, Denice Delacruz, will miss the teachers yelling at me to listen to what they were saying.
I, Ashley Willis, leave all school work and senior dues to next years seniors because I hope you have as much fun as me.
I, Aysar Aldaoud, just want to leave.
What would you change?
Veronica Sanchez
June 7, 2002
Years from now when you look back on your high school days, some of your memories will be filled with fond recollections, while others will be filled with regrets. From the many football games, pep assemblies, failed tests, to the grades you so desperately wanted but never obtained - all of these and more will forever live on in the hearts of the class of 2002. As we stand on the brink of graduation, we look back on our four years at Colton High. Whether the memories fond, or regretful, they were the years that made us the people we are today. If these seniors were able to begin high school as freshmen all over again, here is what they would have done differently:
"If I could change anything from 9th grade until now I don't think I would change anything. I've had a lot of fun these past four years and now I can't wait to graduate. But I'm going to miss everyone." - Josephine Gusia
"Of all my four crappy years here at CHS, I wouldn't change anything I've done. Everything I've done, whether right or wrong, nice or mean has made me the person I am today. And although I've been rude to many I've still come out on top with great friends." - Veronica Lopez
"We honestly would not change a thing. This experience has changed the way we look at life as well as friendships. Friends aren't friends if they're "rude and mean" so through these four years we've learned who our true friends really are." - Kristi Trinidad & Renee Negrete
"If I could start over, I wouldn't slack off my freshmen and sophomore year. I would go to more dances and go out more. I would have played softball, and had a lot more fun." -Irene Silva
" If I could change something from my four years at CHS, I would have not missed all the school I did especially this semester. Other then that I had a lot of fun." - Cristina Garcia
"Well I would have been more aggressive and not let the teachers and counselors steer me wrong. I would have listened more to my friends' great advice. I would have done what my best cousin did and not give a………you know!" - Audrie Wiscowiche
"I would do my work and come to school. I would have more fun and go out more. And I would got into school activities."- Claudia Alba" I would have done my work in class, stayed awake more and talked a little bit more" - Sarah Leon
"I would come to school everyday and do all my work in all my classes. Especially I would never ditch." - Adriana Gonzales
"If I could change anything from 9th grade, I think I would participate in all the school activities and gotten better grades. But aside from that I wouldn't change anything else. I've enjoyed High School and will be sad to leave." - Melissa Zendejas
"I would stayed more on task, so that I would not have to struggle so hard later on." - Anthony DeCastro
"I would do my work in class and get better grades."- Heather Jacobson
" I would study more, have a lot more fun, than I did these last four years. I would be a lot more involved in school. And I would not care about what people say." - Michelle AspiazuWhether the regrets of these seniors were not being as involved in school, not getting the better grade, not going to that dance, or not attending school as often as they should have, few are leaving with their regrets at zero like Senior Veronica Lopez. Some seniors would gladly trade places with an incoming freshmen, but in my opinion I wouldn't want to begin the long enduring struggle all over again.