Golden Warrior Nominee- Cyril Sapitula

Cyril Sapitula

Matriculated from: Oak Grove Middle School

Future Path Plans: I want to go to a four year school and study Biology or Environmental Engineering. While studying, I want to support myself and help out my family as much as I can. 

Favorite Subject: English and Art. English lets me apply my expertise verbally, allowing me to escape my comfort zone and achieve confidence as an individual. As an artist, I am able to adapt to new environments while using the resources around me. 

Most Challenging Subject: ROP Biotech

Something she has always wanted: I want to become a doctor and help out as many people as I can. I want to bring hope and put smiles on people's faces while saving lives. 

What she likes most about being a Warrior: "I like how welcoming it is here. At first, it was daunting since everybody had a clique. But as I got comfortable and grew in the school's environment, the more I realized that everyone is actually accepting."

Favorite Weekend Activity: Hiking. I love the feeling of excitement and rush of adrenaline I get if I slip off a steep cliff.

In five years she hopes to: Study biology or environmental engineering. 

One thing she wants to improve for herself: to control my emotions further, especially in the heat of the moment. 

One skill she could teach anyone: How to juggle

Favorite place to eat: In the Philippines, there is a restaurant called Jollibee. They prepare sweet spaghetti and fried chicken. Their mascot is also a red and yellow bee that's really cute. He is my best friend.

If she could do high school all over again, the one thing she would change would be... I'd take the initiative more. I would take more risks and make use of the opportunities given to me. I would challenge myself and force myself to get out of my comfort zone. 

Best tip for success to Underclassmen: Don't be afraid to be different. Be weird and be unique. The most beautiful thing you can show off is the bright and creative voice inside your head. 

Her Top Contributions to the School and Community: 

• Designed a shirt design for HOSA freshman year and thousands of students wore the design all over California
• Supervised the creation of the yearbook in my first year of class 
• Top 10% of class
• Volleyball captain 2 years

What she feels makes a great leader: A leader doesn't have to be the smartest, strongest, or most attractive. A leader just has to be open minded, take initiative, and compassionate. Someone that is selfless, can lead without dictating and someone that isn't afraid to be different.   

Someone who embodies these qualities: Mr. Alvarico, since he is the one that taught me how to be a leader myself.

Something that YVHS does really well: It is very welcoming. Since YV is composed of different students with different races and cultures, everyone has a chance to show themselves off without feeling like there's a major population dominating the school. There are different clubs, classes, and volunteering jobs that every student can get into. The school makes it easy to join those activities as well without any intimidation.  

Something YV could do even better: There should be more academies. There are other subjects out of the STEM system and there are also a lot of students that are into Performing and Visual Arts. 
Also, there should be more use of technologies. The chromebooks are extremely useful if they were used in more classrooms. It would be more efficient and every student would get the chance to learn how to use a computer. 

One Staff Member she will never forget: Mr. Alvarico has always been the closest teacher to me. I have known him since 7th grade and he's helped me through tough times and has always given me good advice. He treats everyone as a special person and encourages everyone to be the best they can be. He also goes out of his way to help out students as much as he possibly can. 

Quote of the Moment: "No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying." ~Tony Robbins

Golden Warrior Nominee- Pedro Garcia

Pedro Garcia

Matriculated from: Oak Grove Middle School

Favorite Subject: Math- it challenges me to continue to work hard

Most Challenging Class this Year: IB Math Studies

Future Path Plans: Go to a 4 year college and study criminal justice or political science

Favorite place to vacation: I like going to LA because I spend time with family members I don't always see

What he likes most about being a Warrior: I like how everyone treats each other like family and everyone helps out one another

In five years he hopes to: I hope to be going to law school and being an immigration lawyer so I can help others out

Favorite Weekend Activity: I enjoy playing soccer and spending time with my family

Favorite place to eat: La Costa in Oakley

Inspirational Figure: Ms. Hopper and Ms. Cooper are both inspirational figures because both are there for their students whenever they need them and they care about everyone. 

Best tip for success to Underclassmen: Never give up in what you put your mind to. Challenge yourself by taking advanced classes and never tell yourself that you can't. Don't be scared to try something new and don't have regrets later on. 

His Top Contributions to the School and Community: 

• Interact
• Volunteer at church for food distribution to the needs
• First NCS soccer championship in school history
• Varsity soccer since 9th grade
• AVID 

One Staff Member he will never forget: Ms Hopper is someone I will never forget because she has always been there for me. I have known her since my freshman year and she's one of the most caring teachers I have ever had. She has helped me so much all four years. 

What he feels makes a great leader: Great leaders try to bring out the best in others. They don't strive to gain followers, they strive to create new leaders. 

Someone who embodies these qualities: Ms. Cooper embodies these qualities

Something that YVHS does really well: Making everyone feel safe and creating an environment where everyone cares about each other

Something YV could do even better: We could host more events like a movie night or a new type of dance

One thing he wants to improve for himself: My work ethic so that I procrastinate less and get my work done earlier. 

Something he has always wanted: A full ride scholarship to play soccer at a good college

One skill he could teach anyone: How to be there for the people you care about. I try my best to be there for everyone

If he could do high school all over again, the one thing he would change would be... I would try to get more involved in clubs and activities from my freshman year

Quote of the Moment: "Even if nobody believes in me, I'll keep going."  

Golden Warrior Nominee- Leonardo Quezada

Leonardo Quezada

Matriculated from: Oak Grove Middle School

Favorite Subject: Math- because numbers are simple and easy to handle

Most Challenging Class this Year: Economics

Future Path Plans: Stanford or UC Davis

Favorite place to vacation: Mexico

What he likes most about being a Warrior: Being able to represent and show my pride

In five years he hopes to: Studying to be a neurologist

Favorite Weekend Activity: Sleeping or hanging with friends

Favorite place to eat: Denny's or Taco Bell

Inspirational Figure: Rock Lee (Naruto) never gave up and always persevered

Best tip for success to Underclassmen: Try new things and expose yourself to learning and experiences

His Top Contributions to the School and Community: 

• Football Player
• Sports Medicine Intern
• Link Crew Leader
• Interact Club
• Track runner

One Staff Member he will never forget: Ms Cooper because she always had enthusiasm and expressed her Warrior pride

What he feels makes a great leader: Courage, teamwork, and being able to act

Someone who embodies these qualities: Alex Lopez

Something that YVHS does really well: Give opportunities and offer help  

Something YV could do even better: Having more connections for volunteer hours and being more interactive at lunch

One thing he wants to improve for himself: Speaking in Spanish

Something he has always wanted: Love

One skill he could teach anyone: Math

If he could do high school all over again, the one thing he would change would be... I would do more community service hours

Quote of the Moment: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." 

Golden Warrior Nominee- Fabiola Yessenia Donado

Fabiola Yessenia Donado

Matriculated from: Oak Grove Middle School

Future Path Plans: Go to a 4 year and major in zoology and philosophy

Favorite Subject: Algebra- I love being able to solve equations and finding the answer to harder problems

Most Challenging Class this Year: Chemistry

Something she has always wanted: I've always wanted to learn all religions

What she likes most about being a Warrior: "I like the fact that we are one tribe. One family. But as a Warrior I like that fact that we are strong."

Favorite Weekend Activity: Sleeping! Or just chilling with friends and family.

In five years she hopes to: I hope to be studying veterinary care- to become a vet for a zoo!

One thing she wants to improve for herself: My attentiveness to my surroundings.

One skill she could teach anyone: To be compassionate or to work hard.

Favorite place to eat: Skipolini's pizza

If she could do high school all over again, the one thing she would change would be... I would work on myself and not stress over other people. 

Best tip for success to Underclassmen: Stop caring what other people think. It's really only about what you think about yourself. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. 

Her Top Contributions to the School and Community: 

• Link Crew Leader
• Volunteer for After School Program for Oak Grove Middle
• Captain of the VB team
• Lacrosse player

What she feels makes a great leader: To be able to follow and not always lead. Not to dictate, but to lead by example.  

Someone who embodies these qualities: Jordan Slocum

Something that YVHS does really well: The diversity is great and we have that family vibe 

Something YV could do even better: Try to get everyone more involved and more academies

Inspirational Figure: My mom and dad because they come from nothing and are now able to provide for my siblings and I.

One Staff Member she will never forget: Mr. Sacco- he is always making sure I am on track with everything, and he genuinely cares.  

Quote of the Moment: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Marianne Williamson

Golden Warrior Nominee- Adonis Thomas

Adonis Thomas

Matriculated from: Montera Middle School

Favorite Subject: History- because I enjoy learning about the past and the events that have led to the present. 

Most Challenging Class this Year: IB Math has been my most difficult because I haven't been very organized. 

Future Path Plans: To swim at the collegiate level and further my education

Favorite place to vacation: Arizona in February, because the weather and the colors the sky makes at night is beautiful

What he likes most about being a Warrior: I love the feeling of family and the welcoming spirit. When I transferred my sophomore year, I was welcomed in with open arms. I also love the sense of pride in being a Warrior and the pride in representing our school on and off campus. 

In five years he hopes to: Graduated from a 4 year university or going to graduate school. 

Favorite Weekend Activity: Hanging out with friends and going thrift store shopping

Favorite place to eat: In N Out

Inspirational Figure: Kobe Bryant because he always wanted to be the best and did everything he could to become the best. He sacrificed a lot to be where he is now. 

Best tip for success to Underclassmen: Sacrifice now and enjoy the fruits of your labor later. High school is a small part of your life but it is also very important. Keep your head down and grind. 

His Top Contributions to the School and Community: 

• Volunteer for food shelters
• Swim instructor to countless youth!
• Coached young kids and hopefully instilled a great work ethic
• Sports Medicine Intern
• Varsity Swim captain 

One Staff Member he will never forget: Ms Lamb has helped me a lot academically and emotionally. She has helped me grow as a person and a student and I will always be grateful for the help. 

What he feels makes a great leader: Some qualities of a great leader is leading by example and consistency. If a leader doesn't do what they preach, they have no credibility. A leader can never be inconsistent, that is a very important thing. 

Someone who embodies these qualities: Kalina Campos

Something that YVHS does really well: The student body always supports each other and makes the best out of a bad situation. 

One thing he wants to improve for himself: I want to become more organized with my life in general and be more disciplined as a student and an athlete. 

Something he has always wanted: Economic, social and political equality

One skill he could teach anyone: How to swim

If he could do high school all over again, the one thing he would change would be... I would dedicate more time to doing homework and less time to my phone. 

Quote of the Moment: "Do what is right, not what is easy or popular." 

Golden Warrior Nominee- Danielle Benoit

Danielle Benoit

Matriculated from: Oak Grove Middle School

Future Path Plans: Go to a four year university

Favorite Subject: Engineering, because it challenges me to open up my mind to new solutions, and solve bigger problems. 

Something she has always wanted: To be successful

What she likes most about being a Warrior: "The amount of school spirit I get to have, and being in such a diverse community with great people."

Favorite Weekend Activity: Drawing

In five years she hopes to: Studying environmental science/Engineering

One thing she wants to improve for herself: Time management

One skill she could teach anyone: Writing

Favorite place to eat: Ike's Sandwiches

If she could do high school all over again, the one thing she would change would be... Focus more in my trigonometry class

Best tip for success to Underclassmen: Keep your grades up. Hanging out with friends shouldn't always be your priority. Grades can go from an A to an F within a couple of days if you don't do your work. 

Her Top Contributions to the School and Community: 

• Education Academy Leader
• Captain of YV's First Competitive Robotics team
• Performed and represented the school at Hamilton
• Played multiple sports over the years
• Organized our engineering and robotics club

What she feels makes a great leader: Understanding that not everyone is the same, or perfect, as well as being able to communicate clearly and confidently to others. Being a leader is not something people are born with, but have gained through experience.   

Someone who embodies these qualities: My sister

Something that YVHS does really well: Reaching out to the community and getting involved, and understanding what others are going through  

Something YV could do even better: Bringing the community in through learning strategies, and trying to get all students involved in community service

Inspirational Figure: My brother and sister because they have both taught me to be strong and pursue whatever I want.

One Staff Member she will never forget: Mr. Alvarico because I have known him since I went to Oak Grove and he has mentored me and helped me grow over the years, as well as being there as support whenever I needed. 

Quote of the Moment: "Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow know what you truly want to become." ~Steve Jobs

Golden Warrior Nominee- Ana Carabez

Ana Carabez

Matriculated from: Sequoia Middle School

Favorite Subject: Dance because it's active and I have fun

Most Challenging Class this Year: Economics 

Future Path Plans: Go to a 4 year university and major either in Kinesiology, Spanish, or become an Xray Technician. 

Favorite place to vacation: Michoacan, Mexico

What she likes most about being a Warrior: I like how there are so many activities on campus that it lets me get involved and explore new things. 

In five years she hopes to: Attending a university and doing something where I am helping others. 

Favorite Weekend Activity: Spending time with my family

Favorite place to eat: Pavlo's Restaurant

Inspirational Figure: My Abuelita because she has unconditional love towards everyone. She did whatever it took to be there for her children. 

Best tip for success to Underclassmen: To be as involved as you can throughout your high school career. It will allow you to explore new things and meet people. 

Her Top Contributions to the School and Community: 

• Competed in 5 Varsity sports through high school
• Captain Girls Soccer
• CSF Secretary 
• High score on AP Spanish test!
• Sports Medicine Intern

One Staff Member she will never forget: Ms Cooper- she is always so energetic and so random.  

What she feels makes a great leader: Listening to others' voices and to do the right thing even though someone might not be looking. 

Someone who embodies these qualities: Mother Teresa

Something that YVHS does really well: Recognizing academic achievements as well as having many activities, sports and clubs to join. 

Something YV could do even better: To have bonding days just to connect and get to know the rest of the school better. It would also be ideal if we had more music in the quad more often. That way, the school feels more connected at lunch. 

One thing she wants to improve for herself: I want to improve on not procrastinating as much. 

Something she has always wanted: To go star gazing somewhere where the sky is filled with stars. 

One skill she could teach anyone: To teach anyone to be positive. 

If she could do high school all over again, the one thing she would change would be... I would have taken my AP Spanish test my sophomore year and perhaps that would have allowed me to take another language

Quote of the Moment: "People will forget what you said or did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel." ~Maya Angelou